This summer, we’re looking to cool off—it’s already very hot in Montreal, not to mention the humidex—and the tons of ice cream we plan to eat to get through the long, sweltering afternoons of the coming months is a good start. But what we really want is to go for a swim in the cool water of a lake not too far from the city.
The water has to be cool, the beach has to be shaded, and it has to be a pristine, semi-wild lake. What we want is to go swimming at the very pretty beach at Lake Fraser, in Mont Orford National Park.
FRASER LAKE BEACH, WITH ITS COOL WATER AND THE SHADE OF TALL TREES
Fraser Lake Beach is located at the entrance to the Fraser Lake sector of the vast Mont Orford National Park.
There’s a large visitor center, and you can also rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards there. Rental rates are available on the Mont Orford National Park website here.
The swimming area is supervised, and the beach is perfect for spending the afternoon with your feet in the water, your eyes on the forest, and your mind on vacation. You can lie down in the grass, have a picnic, play in the chocolate-colored sand, and—finally!—breathe.
We could also start with a long walk in the forest and finish with a dip in Lake Fraser.
Don’t forget your sunscreen, insect repellent, and racquets or volleyball to spend the day by the water. And for those who want to spend the whole weekend at the lake, you can do so by staying overnight at Camping du Lac Stukely.
PRACTICAL INFO
Where? Fraser Lake Beach, Mont Orford National Park, at 6075 Route 220
When? Fraser Lake Beach is supervised and open on these dates this summer;
- June 13 through August 23, 2026
- August 24 through September 6, 2026
- Monday, September 7, 2026 (Labor Day)
What?
parking / $12.40 – to reserve a spot in advance (recommended), click here
Daily access to Mont Orford National Park / $10.30 for adults, free for children
*Dogs are not allowed on the beach
