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Where to swim in Quebec and Ontario: dive into adventure with these 10 exceptional spots
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There’s nothing better than jumping into a pristine lake or a wild river to cool off during the hot days of summer. What a great way to bring back childhood memories and create new ones! What’s more, the lure of water is a great reason to organize a road trip to magnificent new locations to swim, sunbathe or explore. So if municipal pools aren’t enough for you this summer, here are ten swimming spots amid glorious nature to discover!
Oka National Park – Quebec
In the Laurentians, less than an hour from Montreal, Oka National Park is perfect for a quick getaway from the city. Find a spot on this sand beach on the Lake of Two Mountains (Lac des Deux Montagnes) and wade into shallow waters that are ideal for relaxing. You’ll find a quiet, family atmosphere and great sunsets. Plus, you can pair your dip with a hike in the national park! Bonus: kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented onsite.
Lake Philippe, Gatineau – Quebec
Close to Ottawa in Gatineau Park, Lake Philippe combines a peaceful beach, luxuriant nature and great hiking opportunities. Lay down your towel, jump in the water, enjoy a picnic in the shade under the trees and spend a complete day in nature before finishing up in prison – at our Saintlo Ottawa Jail hostel.
Meech Lake –Quebec
Not far from Lake Philippe, Meech is a local gem. The water is clear, the shores calm and woodsy. A great place for a relaxing swim, some stand-up paddleboarding or simply to drift on an air mattress and chat with your pals. Here’s a little tip: get there early to find a place because it’s quite popular in the summertime.
Sandbanks Provincial Park – Ontario
Welcome to Ontario’s “little Caribbean”! Sandbanks Provincial Park is famous for its long white sand beaches and turquoise water that’s also shallow and warm – great for splashing around all day. The pride of Prince Edward County, people come from all over to experience Sandbanks!
Elora Quarry – Ontario
A former quarry transformed into a pool, Elora Quarry’s blue-green water is spectacular. The surrounding cliffs make it a one-of-a-kind find, and the beach is well monitored. Eminently Instagrammable, it can also get quite crowded, so get there early as the number of entries is limited each day.
The Sea Shack – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Gaspésie
Much more than a place to swim, the Sea Shack is a complete experience for your trip to Gaspésie. This party-friendly hostel is on the Saint-Lawrence, so you can brave a dip in the cold river, then settle in with a local beer at the Tiki Bar and finish up with some dancing on the beach. The vibe is great and the music is live, as you watch the sun go down with your bare feet in the sand.
The Chutes du Moulin waterfall – Outaouais, Québec
If you prefer to get off the beaten path, the Chutes du Moulin waterfall in the heart of Parc national de Plaisance offers quite a unique experience. A few kilometres west of Montebello, you can swim in natural pools in the middle of nature. It’s wild, refreshing and perfect for more adventurous travellers. Bring good walking shoes to explore the other waterfalls.
Jean-Doré Beach, Parc Jean-Drapeau – Montreal, Quebec
Right in the heart of Quebec’s metropolis, you’ll find a little corner of paradise. Located on Île Sainte-Helène, Jean-Doré beach in Parc Jean-Drapeau is clean, well designed, and well-monitored for guaranteed safety and security. You can rent a stand-up paddleboard, play beach volleyball or take a break from the water to grab a snack at a food truck. Afterward, get a little shopping done at our favourite shops before crashing at our Montreal hostel.
L’Anse aux Griffons – Gaspésie, Québec
Just a little walk from the Griffon Adventure Hostel, this tranquil cove is ideal for getting away from it all. The water is calm and the view of the cliffs is fantastic. It’s perfect for a little dip after a hike in Forillon National Park or before hopping in a kayak to catch the sunset.
Lake Superior Provincial Park- Ontario
Breathtakingly huge, Lake Superior is basically a freshwater ocean. The water is fresh, but cold, while the landscape will blow you away. For nature lovers, the beaches at Agawa Bay or Katherine Cove offer incredible panoramas.
Whether you’re into city beaches, isolated lakes or wild adventures, you can literally dive into Quebec and Ontario. The above selection is just the tip of the iceberg of the vast selection of places to swim in the two provinces.
Get out your bathing suit, grab your towel and hit the beach, for the summer is short.
Pamela MacNaughtan
Marie-Noël Ouimet
Nomad Junkies