Summer when we were kids meant vacation, sand between our toes, and building sandcastles by the lake. But since we no longer have the three months of summer break we had in elementary school (except for teachers, who probably deserve it more than we do), we can’t afford to go away for a week every time we feel like dipping our toes in the water.
To spend the day by a lake like we did when we were kids and to take the kids to a beach close to Montreal, we recommend taking a 45-minute drive from downtown Montreal to cool off at the beach in the Îles-de-Saint-Timothée Regional Park.
The beach at Îles-de-Saint-Timothée Regional Park
The air is mild and nostalgic on the little beach at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Starting at noon, you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, beach toys, and pedal boats right on the beach. There’s also a snack bar, a small zip line, walking trails, and a volleyball court.
Swimming is supervised and the beach is sandy—perfect for building sandcastles. We head out in the morning with sandwiches, sunscreen, and colorful buckets and shovels—because summer is meant for spending time with your feet in the water, enjoying the cool breeze and the sunshine.
Practical Information
Where? The beach at Îles-de-Saint-Timothée Regional Park, in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC / parking at 240 Saint-Laurent Street, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
When? The 2026 season opens on June 13, 2026 / open daily from June 13 to August 16, and on the weekends of August 22–23, August 29–30, and September 5–7, 2026 / from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How? Non-residents of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield can purchase admission online here
Ages 0–4 / Free
Ages 5–15 / $12
Ages 16–65 / $16
65+ / $13
*Parking is paid
*Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, but they’re allowed on a leash for walks along the trails
