Map of swimming potential in Montreal and Laval
Where to swim in Montreal and Laval?
There are only three free public swimming areas in Montreal: at the Verdun beach, at the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques and at the Parc-nature du Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard. The City has only three plans to open new swimming areas in the river: at the future Lachine Waterfront Park, at the 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
and only one in 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
- According to data from the RSMA of the City of Montreal, collected from 2003 to 2023 and data from the City of Laval from 2001 to 2023.
- 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.
