Hidden gem: There's a gorgeous sandy beach less than 45 minutes from Montreal (PHOTOS)

Jul 10 2023, 7:00 pm

If you want to spend the rest of the summer by a beach but don’t feel like making a long trek out of Montreal, Village des Écluses has got you covered.

Located on the picturesque Lac St-Louis on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, the beach resort offers sand between your toes, paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing  — all an easy 40-minute drive from Montreal.

Village des Écluses is free to attend, has a beachfront terrace that dishes out craft beer from a local microbrewery (Le Castor), and hosts live bands every Thursday.

The beach also offers water equipment rentals (paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks) and there’s also a nearby hiking and cycling path for the non-swimmers.

And if that’s not enough, if you feel like making a few days out of it, there are even camping options available.

For more information, visit the Village des Écluses, which opened last July for the first time in three summers.

Happy beaching!

Village des Écluses

When: Every day until mid-September
Time: Thursday to Sunday, 9 am to 11 pm; Monday to Wednesday, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: 2 Chem. du Canal, Pointe-des-Cascades
Price: Free admission

DH Montreal StaffDH Montreal Staff

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