Baie de Beauport is the place I point to when someone is surprised Quebec City has a beach.
It is a St. Lawrence River recreation area only minutes from downtown, with sand, water views, family spaces, seasonal swimming and outdoor activities.
The site itself is open year-round. Swimming is not.
2026 swimming season and hours
For 2026, supervised swimming runs from June 20 through September 7.
The current schedule lists lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays, with variable hours late in the season.
The official site currently marks the swim area closed because the supervised 2026 swimming season has ended. That is a seasonal status, not a permanent closure.
Entry is free but parking is not
Current 2026 access information lists free entry to the site and parking at $10 per day.
The address is 1 chemin de la Baie-de-Beauport.
Use the official access and hours page before leaving because event schedules, water conditions and seasonal services can change.
This is a river beach
You are on the St. Lawrence River, not a resort beach with guaranteed swimming every day.
Weather, wind, water conditions and operational decisions can affect swimming and water activities.
Check the live site conditions the same day. If swimming is closed, the fact that yesterday was perfect does not change today’s answer.
What families can do
The current site lists sandy play areas, places to relax, a splash pad and play structures in addition to the supervised swimming area.
That gives families more to do than simply sit on the sand waiting for the water to be open.
The beach can be a useful reset after several days of museums and historic streets, especially in warm weather.
Water sports and events change the feel of the site
The Baie hosts water activities and a summer events program, and 2026 programming included fitness sessions, country nights, family events and cultural programming.
An ordinary beach day and a major event day can feel like two different destinations.
If your goal is a quiet afternoon, check the current event schedule before going.
What to bring
- Sun protection
- Water
- A wind layer for the riverfront
- Footwear that can handle sand
- A towel during swimming season
- A backup plan if the weather turns
Do not haul half a beach store with you because one old review mentioned a specific activity. Bring what the current conditions and your actual plans require.
Accessibility, bikes and site rules
The current site lists accessible paths to the beach, areas for people with reduced mobility and nearby parking. Bike racks are also available, which makes cycling a realistic option for visitors comfortable riding outside the historic core.
There are a few rules worth knowing before you arrive: the site currently prohibits bringing your own alcohol, open fires, smoking and vaping. Checking those rules before packing a cooler is easier than discovering them at the entrance.
What happens after swimming season
The Baie itself remains open year-round even after lifeguarded swimming ends. That means you can still use the riverfront for a walk, views or outdoor time when the supervised beach season is over.
Just do not confuse year-round site access with year-round swimming services. In fall, winter and spring, plan for the weather rather than for a beach day.
When Baie de Beauport is worth leaving Old Quebec
If you have only one day in Quebec City, I would prioritize the historic core.
If you have several days, warm weather and want a break from sightseeing, Baie de Beauport becomes much more interesting.
It also pairs geographically with Montmorency Falls and fits naturally into our guide to outdoor activities near Quebec City.
The best reason to go is not that Quebec City has a beach. It is that this is a very different way to experience the St. Lawrence River.
Discover more from Quebec City 101
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.