Best lakes around Montréal offer diverse natural and recreational experiences within and near the city. Montréal, an island city in Quebec, Canada, is situated on the Saint Lawrence River, providing access to various waterways. The surrounding region features a mix of urban recreational lakes and larger natural bodies of water, catering to different outdoor activities. This area is characterized by its blend of urban development and accessible natural landscapes.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Montréal.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Montréal
Canada by train – hikes from Central Eastern stations
Exploring Québec – Véloroute Gourmande & Le P'tit Train du Nord
Around the St. Lawrence River – cycling in Quebec
Bikepacking Quebec — from Montreal to Quebec City
Hiking around Montréal
Road Cycling Routes around Montréal

Running Trails around Montréal
Cycling around Montréal
MTB Trails around Montréal
Oka National Park forms a beautiful natural haven on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains. It combines fine sandy beaches, forests, marshes, and scenic trails within a protected area. It is also known for its large beach offering swimming, relaxation, and water sports, as well as for its diverse plant and animal species.
0
0
Nice trail and nice restaurant right in front of the ferry
0
0
Nice park. Good to linger for a while. Otherwise nothing spectacular
1
1
The ferry dock offers a magnificent view of the church and Lake of Two Mountains.
0
0
Forested natural area with jogging paths, fitness stations, a pond & community events
0
0
Artificially created, shallow, with aquatic plants and fish. It is possible to rent a rowing boat and go a little on the lake.
4
0
Beautiful environment, picnic tables etc.
1
0
Nice to take a break along the way. Nice place to take a break during a ride
1
0
Yes, several lakes around Montréal are excellent for families and swimming. Oka National Park, located on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains, features fine sandy beaches perfect for swimming and water sports. Jean-Doré Beach on Notre Dame Island is an artificial lake with a 600-meter beach, swimming areas, and an Aquazilla water park. Parc de la Cité, Saint-Hubert also offers a pleasant environment with open spaces suitable for family breaks.
The lakes around Montréal offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing on lakes like Lake of Two Mountains, Lake Saint-Louis, and Lake Massawippi. Many areas also feature hiking and cycling trails. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including Road Cycling Routes around Montréal, Gravel biking around Montréal, and MTB Trails around Montréal.
Absolutely. Oka National Park offers scenic trails through forests and marshes. Mount Royal Park, surrounding Beaver Lake, provides beautiful paths for walks and jogging. Further afield, Lake Tremblant, located within a national park, has well-preserved trails for hiking. Bernard Landry Park also features forested natural areas with jogging paths.
For stunning scenery, Lake Massawippi is considered one of Quebec's most beautiful lakes, known for its cinematic views and picturesque villages. Lake Memphremagog and Lake Tremblant also boast impressive mountain backdrops and lush greenery. Closer to the city, the Oka Ferry Dock and Church View offers a magnificent vista of the church and Lake of Two Mountains.
Yes, Montréal has a few notable lakes within its urban core. Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) is an artificial, shallow lake located in Mount Royal Park, perfect for serene boat rentals. Jean-Doré Beach, on Notre Dame Island, is another urban recreational lake with a sandy beach and water activities.
Lake of Two Mountains is a haven for water sports, offering sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. Lake Saint-Louis is also very popular for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Jean-Doré Beach provides opportunities for boat, kayak, and pedal boat rentals, along with an inflatable water park.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several lakes near Montréal. Lake Saint-Louis is known for bass, walleye, and pike. Lake Massawippi also offers various fish species, including bass, pickerel, and pike. Lake Memphremagog is a major hub for ice fishing in winter.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural and recreational experiences. Many enjoy the fine sandy beaches and water sports at Oka National Park. The peaceful atmosphere and boat rentals at Beaver Lake are also highly rated for a relaxing urban escape. The beautiful environments and picnic spots at places like Parc de la Cité, Saint-Hubert are also frequently mentioned.
Lake Saint-Louis, located at the end of the Lachine Canal, has been a hub for water sports for decades and holds historical significance as a waterway. Notre Dame Island, home to Jean-Doré Beach, was built from rock excavated during the construction of the Montreal Metro and hosts events like the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
For a relaxing getaway, Lake Massawippi is highly recommended for its beautiful scenery and charming lakeside villages like Ayer's Cliff and North Hatley. Lake Tremblant, with its well-preserved nature and surrounding mountains, also offers a serene environment for canoeing and swimming. Parc de la Cité, Saint-Hubert provides a pleasant environment for breaks and outdoor activities closer to the city.
Yes, Lake Saint-Louis is an excellent location for birdwatching due to its diverse avian population. The natural areas around Lake of Two Mountains, particularly within Oka National Park, also support a variety of bird species in its forests and marshes.


Still not found your perfect lake around Montréal? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.