Even if you've forgotten what it means to travel, you can still discover places that will change your life without leaving the province. Quebec is home to many stunning lakes and rivers with turquoise waters so beautiful you'll think you're on a trip abroad.
Whether you prefer to swim, kayak or simply admire the view from a far-off lookout point, you'll definitely want to add these beautiful bodies of water to your summer bucket list.
Lake Saint-François
Access Info: Swimming is allowed in designated areas, such as at the supervised beach
Address: Saint-Anicet Beach in Jules-Léger Park - 1582, 61e Rue, Saint-Anicet, QC
Why You Need To Go: An hour southwest of Montreal in Saint-Anicet, Quebec, is a little beach where the waters are so clear you'll feel like you've left the country. Enjoy the beach, picnic area and gorgeous views. There are also some really cute Airbnbs nearby.
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Pink Lake
Access Info: Swimming and watercraft are not permitted
Address: Gatineau Park - 33, ch. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: Even though it's green and not actually pink, as the name suggests, Pink Lake is known as one of Gatineau Park's most breathtaking sights. Hike the 2.3-kilometre loop around the lake to catch it from all angles.
Morrison's Quarry
Access Info: Swimming is not permitted right now. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates
Address: 1780 Route 105, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: A must-see in Quebec, the Morrison Quarry is known for its amazing scenery, dreamy turquoise water, scuba diving and bungee jumping.
Lac Sacacomie
Access Info: Swimming is not permitted at Parc Riverain Sacacomie right now, but you can boat! You could also stay at a hotel, Airbnb or cottage where swimming is permitted.
Address: 3011, ch. Yvon-Plante, Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, QC
Why You Need To Go: "Explore the majestic Lac Sacacomie whose shore extends over 42 km," reads the Hotel Sacacomie website. Whether you take a canoe, kayak, pedal boat or motorboat, the magnificent landscapes will not disappoint.
Bonaventure River
Access Info: Swimming and watercraft allowed
Address: 144, route du Club, Bonaventure, QC
Why You Need To Go: It may not be a lake, but we couldn't leave a body of dazzling crystal-clear water off the list. Bonaventure River is a must-see in the Gaspe. You can canoe, kayak, standup paddleboard (SUP), snorkel, or tube.
Paradise Lake (Lac Mandjoci)
Access Info: The lake is public, but it is unsupervised and there are no boat ramps.
Address: On Route 109, about halfway between Amos and Matagami, in James Bay
Why You Need To Go: Known as both Paradise Lake and Lac Mandjoci, the green-blue water makes this an impressive roadside stop when driving up to James Bay.
Pointe-Taillon National Park
Access Info: Swimming and watercraft allowed as of June 23
Address: 835, 3e Rang O., Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, QC
Why You Need To Go: Not only will you be able to swim in the warm water of the famous Lac-Saint-Jean, but you will also be able to enjoy sandy beaches and incredible sunsets.
Nautical Centre to the Thetford Mines
Access Info: Swimming and watercraft allowed
Address: 755, 9e rue Sud, Thetford Mines, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, you can swim or do other aquatic activities in the "nautical basin," next to the Domaine hotel, which includes a 15,000-square-foot beach.
Belvédère de la Mine British Canadian (Black Lake sector)
Access Info: No swimming or access to water — just an observation platform meant as a lookout.
Address: 4233, rue du Lac-Noir, Thetford Mines, QC
Why You Need To Go: This lookout is accessible free of charge during the summer and offers an exceptional view of the pit of a former asbestos mine, which has been filled with deep blue water.
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.
