Plage de l'Horloge, vue sur la ville et le pont Jacques-Cartier
1 / 10

Clock Tower Beach

4.2
·19 reviews·Montréal, Canada

Montreal's urban oasis: a sandy beach in the Old Port offering stunning river views and a unique city escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Plage de l'Horloge, vue sur la ville et le pont Jacques-Cartier

Clock Tower Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Montreal's urban oasis: a sandy beach in the Old Port offering stunning river views and a unique city escape.

4.2
(19 reviews)

"A real beach feeling but with no access to water! No swimming! I still give it a 5 stars because the concept is really nice."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚫 No Swimming Allowed

Enjoy the sand, but remember swimming is prohibited in the river. Mist stations offer a cool down!

☀️ Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekdays or early mornings for a more peaceful experience. Weekends get busy!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Urban Beach Vibe

Urban Beach Vibe

Clock Tower Quay, Old Port

Experience a unique holiday atmosphere with sand and sun right in the heart of Montreal. Perfect for relaxing and people-watching.

Iconic Clock Tower Views

Iconic Clock Tower Views

Adjacent to the beach

Admire the historic Clock Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Montreal.

Riverfront Scenery

Riverfront Scenery

Along the St. Lawrence River

Take in the sights of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and Île Sainte-Hélène from this picturesque waterfront spot.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

No Swimming Allowed!

While it's called Clock Tower Beach, swimming isn't permitted in the St. Lawrence River here. Enjoy the sand and sun, but plan for other activities if you want to cool off in the water. Refreshing mist stations are available to beat the heat.Reddit

Beat the Crowds

This urban beach can get packed, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed experience, aim for weekday mornings or evenings. Weekends after 5 PM can be particularly busy.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends before 5 PM
Why
Still busy but manageable
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Clock tower beach

🚫 No Swimming Allowed

Enjoy the sand, but remember swimming is prohibited in the river. Mist stations offer a cool down! Reddit

☀️ Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekdays or early mornings for a more peaceful experience. Weekends get busy! Reddit

reddit.com

Montreal Beaches

reddit.com

Fireworks 7/24 questions

📸 Great Photo Ops

Capture stunning views of the Clock Tower, river, and bridges. Perfect for urban photography! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Located in Old Port, just a short walk from downtown Montreal. Accessible and convenient! Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for relatively quiet but scenic places to propose this fall

Tips

from all over the internet

🚫 No Swimming Allowed

Enjoy the sand, but remember swimming is prohibited in the river. Mist stations offer a cool down! Reddit

☀️ Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekdays or early mornings for a more peaceful experience. Weekends get busy! Reddit

📸 Great Photo Ops

Capture stunning views of the Clock Tower, river, and bridges. Perfect for urban photography! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Located in Old Port, just a short walk from downtown Montreal. Accessible and convenient! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

While you can't swim, mist stations are available to help you stay cool on hot days.

What Travellers Say

4.2
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Clock Tower Beach is praised for its unique urban concept, offering a sandy retreat with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and city landmarks. Visitors appreciate the clean environment, available amenities like a bar and washrooms, and the absence of an entry fee. However, the inability to swim and potential for crowds are noted drawbacks.

"A real beach feeling but with no access to water! No swimming! I still give it a 5 stars because the concept is really nice.
Beautiful views.
Very clean.
There is a bar and washrooms.
No entry fee."

Moe

"yup, one can wonder about the beach in Montreal, but there is a beach in Montréal, especially in the Old Port! Just five minutes from downtown, the Clock Tower Beach, on the same name's quay, offers sun, sand, and a unique holiday atmosphere.
but there is a bummer- swimming isn’t allowed, but refreshing mist stations set up along the beach take the edge off the summer heat.

The urban beach—with views of the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Île Sainte-Hélène, and Old Montréal—can accommodate up to 800 people."

Sanjay Gupta

"I had good time blast watching 2 fireworks including Taiwan in June 19, 2010 and Czech Republic in July 2, 2011."

Alan Pang18

What People Like

Unique urban beach concept
Beautiful river and city views
Clean and well-maintained

What People Dislike

No swimming allowed
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Clock Tower Beach is conveniently located in Montreal's Old Port, just a short walk from downtown. You can easily reach it by public transport, cycling, or walking. Many visitors find it easily accessible from the city center.Reddit

Yes, there are several parking options available in the Old Port area. However, it's recommended to check parking availability and rates in advance, especially during peak season.

Absolutely! Montreal has a great cycling infrastructure, and the Old Port is a popular destination for cyclists. There are often bike racks available near the beach.

Yes, several bus routes serve the Old Port area. The closest metro stations are also within walking distance, making it easily accessible via Montreal's public transit system.

Most visitors approach Clock Tower Beach from the main Old Port promenade, which offers direct access and scenic views as you approach.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the beach itself is free to enter, some reviews mention a ticket being required for the sand and chairs, suggesting it might be an artificial beach setup. It's best to check on-site for current entry requirements.Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Some visitors have encountered 'closed for season' signs without clear reopening dates,Reddit so it's advisable to check the official Old Port of Montreal website or social media for the most up-to-date information.

Generally, the beach area is free to access. However, there might be associated costs for specific amenities or if it's considered a ticketed attraction during certain periods.Reddit

Information on bringing personal items can vary. It's a good idea to check the rules for the Old Port area regarding personal beach equipment.

The urban beach can accommodate up to 800 people, so it can get quite crowded during peak times.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

No, swimming is not allowed at Clock Tower Beach. The St. Lawrence River is not suitable for swimming here. However, mist stations are available to help you cool down.Reddit

The beach typically offers sand, seating areas, and washrooms. There is also a bar on-site for refreshments.Reddit

You'll enjoy beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Île Sainte-Hélène, and Old Montreal. It's a great spot for photos.Reddit

Yes, it's a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing on the sand, offering a beach-like experience in the city.Reddit

While there's no specific playground, kids can enjoy playing in the sand and experiencing the unique urban beach atmosphere. The mist stations can also be fun for them.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a bar located on-site at Clock Tower Beach where you can purchase drinks and snacks.Reddit

It's advisable to check the specific regulations for the Old Port regarding outside food and beverages. Picnic areas might be available nearby.

The bar typically offers a selection of drinks and light snacks suitable for a beach setting. Specific menus may vary.

Absolutely! The Old Port is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a wide range of cuisines, from casual to fine dining.

Prices at on-site bars can be typical for tourist areas. Exploring the wider Old Port area might offer more varied price points.

📸 📸 Photography

The Clock Tower itself, the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and the cityscape of Old Montreal all make for fantastic photo opportunities.Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the unique urban beach setting is always photogenic.

Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near historical landmarks. It's crucial to check Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws before flying a drone.

Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture great shots. Consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the river and bridge views.

The beach has been a viewing spot for fireworks displays in the past,Reddit offering unique photographic moments during special events.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Clock Tower Beach offers a fun, accessible outing for families. While swimming isn't an option, kids can enjoy playing in the sand and experiencing the novelty of an urban beach. The mist stations are a definite hit for keeping little ones cool and entertained on hot days. It's a great spot for a relaxed afternoon where children can burn off energy in a safe, contained environment within the bustling Old Port.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Clock Tower Beach is a goldmine. You can capture the iconic Clock Tower, the sweeping vistas of the St. Lawrence River, and the impressive Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The blend of urban architecture and waterfront scenery provides diverse shooting opportunities. Aim for golden hour for the best light, and be prepared for crowds on weekends if you're looking for candid shots of people enjoying the space.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

Clock Tower Beach is an ideal stop for day-trippers exploring Montreal's Old Port. Its central location makes it easy to incorporate into a walking tour. You can relax on the sand, enjoy the views, and then easily transition to exploring the historic streets, shops, and restaurants nearby. It offers a perfect urban escape without requiring a significant time commitment.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Urban Beach Concept

Clock Tower Beach is a fascinating example of an urban beach, transforming a waterfront area into a temporary sandy oasis. It offers a unique holiday atmosphere right in the heart of Montreal, allowing city dwellers to experience a beach setting without leaving town.Reddit The concept is designed to provide a relaxing space for sunbathing and enjoying the waterfront views.

While it provides the visual and tactile elements of a beach, it's important to remember that swimming is not permitted in the St. Lawrence River due to safety and water quality concerns. Instead, visitors can cool off at strategically placed mist stations that offer a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat.Reddit This innovative approach makes the beach accessible and enjoyable even without direct water access.

Capturing the Scenery

The location of Clock Tower Beach offers a photographer's dream with a variety of iconic Montreal landmarks as backdrops. The imposing Clock Tower itself is a prominent feature, perfect for framing shots. Beyond the tower, the expansive St. Lawrence River provides a sense of scale and tranquility, often dotted with boats.

Key photographic subjects include the majestic Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the distant views of Île Sainte-Hélène. The juxtaposition of the sandy beach, the urban skyline of Old Montreal, and the river creates a unique visual narrative. Visitors have noted the beauty of the area for capturing memorable images, especially during the softer light of sunrise or sunset.Reddit

Navigating Crowds and Seasonality

As a popular urban attraction, Clock Tower Beach can experience significant crowds, particularly on weekends and during peak summer hours.Reddit To enjoy a more serene experience, visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekday mornings or evenings when the number of people tends to be lower. This allows for more space to relax and better opportunities to appreciate the surroundings.

It's also worth noting that the beach operates seasonally, and access can be subject to opening and closing dates. Some visitors have reported encountering signs indicating the beach was closed for the season without clear information on reopening.Reddit Therefore, checking the official Old Port of Montreal's website or social media channels for the most current operating status is highly recommended before making a trip.

You may also like