Experience Québec
Family
It's swimsuit time!
Looking forward to a family vacation? Here’s your chance: the sandman is here to take you through an overview of Quebec’s loveliest beaches. Whether you’re interested in nautical sports or simply sunning on the sand, this summer promises to be a hot one!
Quebec’s beaches have a charm of their own. The incredible diversity of landscapes means there’s something for every taste, starting with the hidden treasure of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago, where the powerful swells will immerse you in pleasure. Need to stay active? Build sand castles, hunt for shells and molluscs or take long, invigorating walks. And while you’re in the eastern part of Quebec, take a dip in the warm waters of Baie des Chaleurs, in Carleton and in Bonaventure. The sunsets there are glorious.The many faces of natures
Quebec’s national parks are magnificent places when it comes to combining beaches and scenic views. Natural attractions abound: the 15 kilometres of white sand at Pointe-Taillon, the lush green forests of Orford and Yamaska or the sheer size of Lac Saint-François in Frontenac... And what can we say about the rich natural heritage of Oka National Park? On the shores of Lake des Deux Montagnes, the beach even has a section for nudists called "OKApulco." (Although authorities say nudism is not actually permitted, they have turned a blind eye to the practice for close to 20 years.) If you feel like it, continue toward the upper Laurentians, where the beaches are renowned for their white sand. That’s the case at lakes Nominingue, des Sables and Tremblant.Wild beaches
With no lifeguards - or services - wild beaches offer the appeal of unspoiled nature and absolute tranquility. The St. Lawrence River has a 3,500 km coastline with innumerable little oases tucked away here and there. The same goes for Quebec’s parks and wildlife reserves, which have thousands of lakes concealed in their forests.
The sporting life
Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboating, wind surfing and water skiing are some of the many activities that can be combined with the pleasures of swimming. Discover the family beaches in the Outaouais region, including the ones at Gatineau Park and Lake Simon: oases of peace with fine white sand and summer fun in the waters around the islands. If water quality is important to you, the Floribell resort and Lake Massawippi have beautiful beaches rated "A" by Quebec’s environment department.Lastly, for folks who don’t want to venture too far afield, the beach on Île Notre-Dame in Montreal, and the Récré-O-Parc at Sainte-Catherine (on the south shore) are excellent and refreshing spots to while away a hot summer afternoon.
Guillaume Rivard
Photos: 2. Tourisme Îles-de-la-Madeleine; 3. Sépaq; 4. Renée Martineau, Sépaq.
2009-05-28
