Depending on the traffic situation around Montreal (getting on the island, getting off the island, circling the island), you can get just far enough away to find yourself in total, untouched nature with a 1-hour drive – at most, 1h30.
And to forget the dust, the half-mad construction noise, the humidity and the chaos of the city, we know exactly where we’re going…
We swap the tote bag for a backpack (or a large basket), the leather sandals with soles that melt on the asphalt for gougounes or walking shoes, the phone for an instant kodak to detox from digital. And we’re off to the Réservoir Choinière beach in the Parc de la Yamaska.
Parc de la Yamaska
Parc de la Yamaska is a forested valley, typical of the Appalachian lowlands. It lies on the banks of the Yamaska River, one of the region’s most important rivers, which flows along the south shore of Montreal, supplying drinking water to 5 municipalities. This is one of the reasons why its conservation is so important.
Parc National de la Yamaska was established in 1983, and has a super-rich biodiversity (fish, birds, forest animals) thanks to its topology – half forest, half swamp. The river’s name, Yamaska, may be derived from the Algonquin hia muskeg: “river of muddy waters”.
Choinière reservoir
The reservoir, an artificial lake, was created in 1977, on the Yamaska River, with two dams.
It is very large: 4.7km2. Herons, reeds, frogs, fish – this is the heart of the park and its biodiversity, and it’s a sublime (and very clean) lake for swimming.
In summer, the Choinière reservoir is transformed into a beach. It’s the perfect place to relax in the sun, swim in the cool water or read a good book by the water.
A day at the lake
Spending the day at the Parc National de la Yamaska or just at the reservoir (sometimes you just want to hang out, feet in the water, to cool off), you can do a whole host of activities offered by the park, in addition to swimming.
You can fish, because there are 19 species of fish in the reservoir, including the very popular (for those who fish) yellow perch and smallmouth carp. Of course, a fishing license is required.
You can go boating by renting a pedalo, rowboat, kayak or canoe (between $18 and $25/hour).
Paddleboarding is also available, and can be rented for $19/hour.
What’s more, in the park, you can bike and hike through the forest… for those who want to work up a sweat before plunging into the cool waters of the reservoir.
Practical info
Where? 1780, boulevard David-Bouchard, Roxton Pond
When is the beach open? The beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 14 to September 1, 2025.
How to get there
We recommend reserving your day at Parc National de la Yamaska in advance, online, on the Sépaq website, which is here: Parc National de la Yamaska.
Day admission to the Park is $10.10 for adults, free for children.
You can also buy a parking permit online before you go, to be guaranteed a spot; here.