15 Laurentians beaches & lake swimming spots (2026) · Reserver.ca

The Laurentians (Laurentides) region north of Montreal has sandy municipal beaches on Lac des Sables (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts), Lac Tremblant, Lac Simon and Oka National Park, plus dozens of supervised lake-access points. Most are 45–90 minutes from Montreal. Reserver.ca manages 80+ CITQ-registered chalets in the region, many with private lakefront or beach-club access.

Version française · Updated for the 2026 season (hours and lifeguard schedules vary — confirm on each municipality's site before you go).

Quick picks by drive time from Montreal

• Under 1 h: Oka National Park, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts (Plage Major), Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
• 1–1 h 30: Mont-Tremblant (Lac Tremblant), Val-David (Lac Raymond), Saint-Sauveur sector
• 1 h 30–2 h: Lac Simon (Duhamel), Lac Supérieur, Rivière-Rouge (Plage Tessier)

15 Laurentians beaches & swimming spots

1. Oka National Park — Plage d'Oka

The region's largest sandy beach sits on Lac des Deux Montagnes at Parc national d'Oka. Long shallow shoreline, picnic areas, bike paths and SEPAQ day passes. Ideal for families coming from Montreal's West Island (≈ 45 min).

2. Plage Major — Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

The municipal beach on Lac des Sables is the Laurentians' best-known supervised swimming beach. Lifeguards in peak season, changerooms, playground nearby. Parking fills fast on July weekends — arrive before 10 a.m.

3. Plage du Lac Tremblant — Mont-Tremblant

A compact public beach at the base of Mont-Tremblant resort, on the lake that shares the village name. Calm mornings; afternoon boat traffic picks up. Pair with a Mont-Tremblant chalet if you want private dock access instead of the public strip.

4. Plage municipale Jean-Guy Caron — Saint-Joseph-du-Lac

Small municipal beach on the Ottawa River corridor, west of the core Laurentians but still in the MRC. Quiet weekday option; check Ville de Saint-Joseph-du-Lac for seasonal opening dates.

5. Plage du Lac Simon — Duhamel

Warm-water Lac Simon draws Montrealers for a full beach day. The main municipal sector has shallow entry and a lively summer crowd. Combine with a chalet rental on the lake for early-morning swims before day-trippers arrive.

6. Lac Raymond — Val-David

Val-David's village beach on Lac Raymond is compact but charming — walking distance from cafés and the P'tit Train du Nord trailhead. See our P'tit Train du Nord guide if you're biking the rail-trail the same weekend.

7. Saint-Sauveur sector — Lac des Pays

No large public sandy beach in the village core, but several paid lake-access points and resort beaches open to day visitors. Ask at the tourist office for the current list — operators change year to year.

8. Plage Lac Raynaud — Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs

A local favourite for residents of the Lower Laurentians: small municipal beach, picnic tables, limited parking. Low-key alternative when Plage Major is at capacity.

9. Plage Gratton — Lac Supérieur

Near the Mont-Tremblant national park gateway, this lake-access point serves the Lac Supérieur community. Mountain views, cooler water than Lac Simon. Many Reserver chalets in this sector include private lake access — browse Laurentians chalets.

10. Plage Tessier — Rivière-Rouge

Municipal beach on a forest lake north of Mont-Tremblant village. Farther drive, fewer crowds. Good base if you're exploring the Upper Laurentians toward Labelle and Mont-Laurier.

11. Plage de Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive — Charlevoix border

Technically Charlevoix, but many Laurentians itineraries loop here for a St. Lawrence River swim (cold water — know what you're getting into). Stunning views of the escarpment; pebble/sand mix.

12. Plage municipale — Mont-Laurier

At the northern end of Le P'tit Train du Nord, a modest municipal beach rewards cyclists who rode the full trail. Services (food, bike repair) are better in town than at the water's edge.

13. Domaine Saint-Bernard — Mont-Tremblant

Not a classic beach, but the nature park's lake-access trails and quiet swimming coves are worth listing for visitors who prefer wildlife over lifeguard chairs. Day fee applies.

14. Resort & hotel beaches (day passes)

Several Tremblant-area hotels sell day beach passes to non-guests in summer — pool + lake combos. Prices and availability change; call ahead. Often the easiest option if public parking at Plage Major is full.

15. Private lakefront from a chalet rental

The most reliable "beach" in the Laurentians is often the dock at your rental. Filter our catalog for waterfront chalets or cottages for rent in the Laurentians — many include kayaks, paddleboards and a private swim spot steps from the deck.

Seven tips before you go

1. Check water quality. Municipalities post weekly E. coli results in summer — search "baignade" + the town name on Quebec.ca.
2. Arrive early on Saturdays. Plage Major and Oka fill parking by mid-morning in July.
3. Bring cash for day fees. Some municipal beaches still prefer cash; SEPAQ accepts cards online.
4. Water temperature varies. Lac Simon warms faster than Lac Tremblant or the St. Lawrence.
5. No glass on public beaches. Fines are enforced; use plastic or cans.
6. Dogs: Most municipal beaches ban pets in summer — confirm signage.
7. Book lodging early. Beach weekends sell out 6–8 weeks ahead — see our Laurentians catalog.

Frequently asked questions

Are there beaches in Mont-Tremblant?

Yes — the public Plage du Lac Tremblant sits at the resort base, and many chalets offer private lake access nearby. There is no ocean beach; all swimming is in freshwater lakes.

What is the best beach near Montreal?

Oka National Park (≈ 45 min) and Plage Major in Sainte-Agathe (≈ 75 min) are the two most popular sandy options. For a quieter day, try Lac Raynaud or a waterfront chalet on Lac Supérieur.

Are Laurentians beaches free?

Municipal beaches charge a small day fee ($5–$15/adult typical). SEPAQ parks require a day pass or annual card. Resort day passes cost more but include amenities.

When do Laurentians beaches open?

Most supervised beaches run mid-June through Labour Day, weather permitting. Shoulder-season swimming is at your own risk where lifeguards are off duty.