Quebec is pretty damn beautiful. To the point where it sometimes looks like a work of art. It makes you think, "How is all of this beauty even possible?" Especially when it comes to Quebec's lakes and rivers. These spots are not only a great way to cool off in the summer heat but are so breathtakingly spectacular that they don't even look real. Editor's Choice: 7 Stunning Waterfront Airbnbs You Can Rent For Cheap In Quebec This Summer Since they are so magical-looking, you'll no doubt want to dive right in. And you should! Between swimming, kayaking, canoeing and so much more, there are so many ways to enjoy the water. Or you can do my favourite activity on the water, kick back and take in the views. Because as much as we love art here in Montreal, the real work of art is in nature's greatest masterpieces. And some of them make for amazing road trips from Montreal, that'll let you take in all of the sites and nature as you make your way to the main attraction. So pack your camera and your bathing suit and get ready for the world's greatest exhibit... Lac Pink Distance from Montreal: 2 hours and 40 minutes View this post on Instagram swipe to see me and my crush (comment that we’re cute together so she’ll finally date me thx) A post shared by macknz (@mackenzie.k.m) on May 25, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT Now, I know what you may be thinking: that lake isn't pink. You're right. It's actually named after the Pink family, but the glistening green is just as breathtaking. Website Rivière-Bonaventure Distance from Montreal: 9 hours and 10 minutes View this post on Instagram Dronie set free 🕊 ••• @djispark_official @cimeaventures #whatifwetry #cimeaventures #paddling #canoe #bonaventure #rivierebonaventure #quebec #roadtrip #canada #canadalife #qc #canada🇨🇦 #canadatravel #sparkdrone #canadianlife #quebecoriginal #djispark #narcityquebec #explorequebec #quebecshot #quebecenphotos #pvtcanada #visitquebec #tourismequebec A post shared by Tristana (@tristanakunz) on Jan 6, 2018 at 8:03pm PST This river is seriously so clear that you'll feel like you're floating through the air more than floating down the river. One of the most beautiful spots in Gaspé, it's definitely worth the drive. Website Rivière Aux Émeraudes Distance from Montreal: 10 hours and 20 minutes View this post on Instagram A post shared by Estelle Brown (@estellebrown03) on Jul 22, 2018 at 4:59pm PDT Another wonder right in Gaspé, this gorgeous river is the colour of emeralds that you have to see to believe. This spot has become rather touristy, according to locals. So, if you choose to visit, please remember to respect the environment you find yourself in. Website Lac des Sables Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes View this post on Instagram I envy what you can do to yourself; You respond to touch like no other; You give no room for a scar to stay; Your ripples tell the story of all that you go through; all that you had to take on you; Yet, in no time you have it in you to shake it all off. You find your balance with effortless elegance. If only, I was half as good as you. #water #poetry #philosophy #blue #reflection #ripples #canada #quebec #quebeccity #travel #boatride #beauty #breathtaking #travelblogger #autumn #lacdessables #laurentianmountains #peace Lac des Sables, the most picturesque lake the Laurentians has to offer! A post shared by Nisha (@bnisha) on May 21, 2018 at 3:36pm PDT Up in Saint-Agathe is this gorgeous lake that makes you think you're dreaming. But pinch yourself, because it really is this beautiful. Website Plage Havre-Aubert Distance from Montreal: 19 hours View this post on Instagram L’île Boudreau d’Est en Ouest #ilesdelamadeleine #fousdesiles #etsilesiles A post shared by Luc Miousse (@jazzlamer) on Jul 5, 2020 at 2:37pm PDT Definitely the farthest drive on the list, but just take a look! Havre-Aubert is everything that you want from the east coast of Canada: naturally beautiful, wild and free. Website Lac Magog Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes View this post on Instagram I followed my heart and it led me here A post shared by Victoria Leblanc (@viclebl) on Jul 9, 2019 at 2:18pm PDT Over in the Eastern Townships is Lac Memphrémagog, but as cool kids know it as Lac Magog. A favourite of Montrealers, it's not only breathtakingly stunning, but it also spreads over 100 kilometres. Website Rivière Saguenay Distance from Montreal: 5 hours and 30 minutes View this post on Instagram Quoi de mieux qu'une bonne soupe chaude pour terminer la journée devant le majestueux Saguenay!? Un gros Merci à @getcairn pour cet utile petite tasse isotherme ainsi que plusieurs autres cadeaux surprises qu'ils envoient à chaque mois grâce à un abonnement mensuel! Allez jeter un coup d'œil via le lien dans ma bio si, tout comme moi, vous êtes amateur de plein air!! 🌲#getcairn ——————— What's better than a warm and delicious noodle soup after a big hike?? A huge thanks to @getcairn for this useful thermal mug received with this month's outdoor subscription box! Check out there website via the link in my bio to see what other GREAT outdoor product they included in the box! If you are an outdoors enthusiast like me, this is for you!!😃🌲 #cairnrocks A post shared by Donavan Tremblay (@vagabond.moments) on Jul 10, 2017 at 2:39pm PDT A city, a river and a fjord all in one, Saguenay is unlike anywhere else in the province. It's so majestic that it makes you feel like you're exploring a literal work of art. Website Sept-Îles Distance from Montreal: 10 hours and 30 minutes View this post on Instagram Une si belle journée...en bonne compagnie💪🏾🤟🏾 #kayak #lacrapides #sept-îles #thursdayvibes #fire A post shared by Philippe Lacombe (@philiplacombe15) on Jul 3, 2020 at 12:52pm PDT The water here is so blue, doesn't it look like the kayak is part of the water? And as I'm sure you can guess, there are seven islands to explore, meaning your day on the water is about to get seven times more fun. Website Lac Rond Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 10 minutes View this post on Instagram My happy place A post shared by Pascale (@wishihaddadog) on Jun 12, 2020 at 2:16pm PDT Lac Rond honestly looks like a postcard. It's so dreamy that you'll never want to leave. But the best part is that it's so close to Montreal that you can go again and again. Website Lac Édouard Distance from Montreal: 4 hours and 10 minutes View this post on Instagram Otentik en Mauricie. Fin de semaine nature avec une rencontre surprise. Bientôt sur le blog 🌲🐻🌲#mauricie #parcnational #parcnationaldelamauricie #spring #camp #camping #rando #canot #Québec #canada #igersmontreal #nature #lacedouard A post shared by Audrey (@goodmorningmontreal) on May 18, 2015 at 12:52pm PDT Out in Mauricie is Lac Édouard, a gorgeous lake that will transport you to another world, yet ground you and make you feel at one with your surroundings. Website Rivière Franquelin Distance from Montreal: 8 hours and 20 minutes View this post on Instagram Rivière Franquelin #franquelin #cotenord #nature #drone #dronephotography #mavic2pro A post shared by Sébastien St-Jean (@sebastienstjean) on Oct 2, 2019 at 11:11am PDT If you drive along the coast, you'll be heading towards Rivière Franquelin, which stems off of the St. Lawrence. It cuts through the trees in a way that makes it look like it's glowing and although it may be a lesser-known river, it's definitely one of the most magnificent Website Baie Saint-Marguerite Distance from Montreal: 6 hours View this post on Instagram Notre dernier coucher de soleil @reseausepaq @campingquebec #fjorddusaguenay #sepaq #sunset #coucherdesoleil #mareebasse #camping #vacancesauquebec #vacances #quebec #nofilter A post shared by Rose-Line (@roseline.theriault) on Jun 22, 2020 at 1:59pm PDT The only thing more amazing than a lake or river during the day is a lake or river at sunset. And Baie Saint-Marguerite does not disappoint. Website Keep those views flowing and flowing... We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
