This 2 km beach near Montreal is a hidden oasis with 'crystal-clear waters and fine warm sand'

If you're dreaming of a beach day with soft sand and clear water, you don't have to leave the country to get it — you don't even have to leave the province.

Just a short road trip from Montreal, you can visit a pleasant beach with golden sand that deserves a spot on your summer bucket list.

This family-friendly resort is a summer oasis where you can soak up the sun, swim and relax on the sand. Located in the heart of the Outaouais region, just over 2 hours from Montreal, the Centre touristique du Lac‑Simon is loaded with activities, from hiking to biking and fishing and more.

The main draw here has to be the beach — the resort is home to a 2-kilometre-long beach that's been described as having "crystal-clear waters and fine warm sand," and has been called "one of the most beautiful in Quebec."

Located on the serene Lac Simon, the beach offers soft golden sand, gentle waves lapping at the shore, and a perfect mix of sun and shade thanks to the surrounding pine tree forest.

Visitors have described the beach as clean, with some even comparing it to well-known spots like Sandbanks Beach in Ontario, and say that the waters are quite warm if you visit in July and August.

The beach makes for the perfect place to unwind for a day. Bring your towel (don't forget the sunscreen) and something to read, and get ready to relax.

Or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard from the Information Centre (or bring your own floatie) and spend the day on the water.

Pack a picnic lunch that you can enjoy right on the sand or take advantage of one of the picnic tables and charcoal barbecues that are available for use.

If you need something sweet, the resort has a perfect little ice cream shop serving up slushies, soft-serve ice cream and more.

Besides the beach, the resort also offers hiking opportunities, with a number of scenic trails that run through the woods and around the two lakes found here. The area is also said to be a "fishing paradise" for anglers.

The resort is open for daily visits, but also has a number of camping options if you'd prefer to extend your stay, including cottages, yurts, and ready-to-camp sites. There are 289 sites in total, as well as an RV park, and dogs are also welcome at certain campsites.

Daily visits cost $13.48 per adult, and rates for campsites start at $19.65 per night. Although it isn't a national park, the annual Quebec National Parks card gets you free day access to the tourist centre.

The Centre touristique du Lac‑Simon is open until October 13, 2025, with its winter season starting in December. The tourist centre is located in Duhamel, with exact GPS coordinates available online.

Nearby, you'll also find the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve and beautiful Plaisance National Park.

Whether you stay the night or visit for the day, the Centre touristique du Lac‑Simon is a summer vacation spot you won't want to miss.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.