Water sports Quebec

Imagine being able to enjoy a beach and a watering hole just a few minutes from downtown! In addition to swimming, including an open-water course, beach volleyball courts are available. Many services and activities are offered on site: watercraft rental (canoe, kayak, pedal boat), water obstacle course (Aquazilla), paddle surfing lessons and board rental (SUP yoga and SUP fitness classes as well), lifeguards on duty all day, changing rooms, lockers, terrace bar and snack bar.

Located 10 minutes from downtown, in the direction of Percé, is a superb sandy beach considered among the most beautiful in Quebec (supervised from late June to late August). There are several services such as a snack bar, picnic areas, a playground for children, showers and toilets. You can also go fishing or play a game of beach volleyball. And with a little luck, you can even admire the ephemeral works of art created during the annual sand castle contest organized by a citizens' committee.

The Grande Échouerie beach is an immense stretch of sand bordered by dunes and red sandstone cliffs, accessed by an interesting interpretive trail, which leads from a stunted forest of balsam fir and white spruce to the dune held back by short-liguled ammophilia. The beach follows the southern shoreline of this reserve which juts out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, northeast of the archipelago. Good place to observe the grey seal.

It is accessed via Chemin du Sable in Havre-Aubert, and is one of the most famous beaches in the Islands. Miles of sand as far as the eye can see to the tip of the Bout du Banc, where the view of the sea and Entrée Island is simply magnificent (plan a 3-hour round trip to reach the tip). At the foot of the dune, the clear waters of the sea invite you to swim. Sandy Hook is the venue for the famous annual Sandy Hook Sand Castle Competition in August. A really great event where creativity and excesses are on the agenda.

The Plage de la Dune du Sud is a superb beach, bordered by red sandstone cliffs with caves and frequented by seabirds, notably herring gulls and terns. It is 22 kilometres long and is ideal for leisurely strolls, especially for watching the sunrise. It also serves as a launching site for kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing, provided you have the necessary skills. In high season, it becomes very busy, let's face it. Bonus: the Breton creperie Le Gaboteux is just around the corner.