Map of swimming potential in Montreal and Laval
Where to swim in Montreal and Laval?
Il n’existe que deux accès publics à la baignade sans frais sur le territoire de Montréal : à la Verdun beach and at the Parc-nature du Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard. Le Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques est aussi accessible, mais les droits d’entrée varient entre 4,75$ et 6,50$. Le parc Jean-Drapeau offre aussi un parcours de 300 m de nage en eau libre au coût de 6,15$. Il faut toutefois être muni d’une bouée et bien savoir nager en eau profonde sur une longue distance.
Les trois projets d’ouverture de zones de baignade dans le fleuve par la Ville ont tous été abandonnés : au futur Parc riverain de Lachine, au parc de la Promenade Bellerive and East Beach (compromised by the potential presence of the endangered copper redhorse).
In Laval, the only public access to swimming is at the plage de la Berge aux Quatre-Vents.
Swimming in Montreal and Laval: Interactive map of water quality
Sites with potential for swimming
Hover over a blue dot (without clicking) to discover the water quality there.
57 places where the water is of good quality for swimming in Montreal
et trois à Laval...
What affects water quality?
The map above reveals that there are 57 places accessible from the shores of the island of Montreal where at least 90 % of samples from the Aquatic environment monitoring network (RSMA) show good water quality for swimming in dry weather. Please note: water flow and security of access installations are not taken into consideration.
Swimming in urban areas is often impossible after heavy rains, which are accompanied by sewage overflows. This affects the quality of the water.
Water contamination during dry weather (when it has not rained for a certain period of time; in the case of our study, 48 hours) is generally caused by cross-connections, i.e., residential or commercial sewer lines connected to the stormwater system. This results in wastewater being discharged into waterways without treatment. The City of Montreal is aware of this problem and is working to address it. Bird droppings can also be a significant source of contamination in some areas.
Methodology and details
- Selon les données du RSMA de la Ville de Montréal, prélevées de 2003 à 2025 et les données de la Ville de Laval de 2001 à 2025.
- Only sites with a minimum of five consecutive years of sampling, some of which occurred within the last ten years, were selected.
- In Quebec, fecal coliform concentration standards for swimming are set at a maximum of 200 CFU/100mL (Colony Forming Unit).
- Dry weather is associated with a period without rain at least 48 hours before sampling in Montreal and 24 hours in Laval.
- The data excludes issues regarding water flow and safety parameters.
Discover the actions taken by the Fondation Rivières on the St. Lawrence River, the Rivière des Prairies and the Rivière des Mille Îles!
Are you in charge of a watershed organization, a municipality or an association?
Consult the guide to opening an urban swimming site to find out how the Fondation Rivières can help you.
