
Clock Tower Beach
Montreal's urban oasis: a sandy beach in the Old Port offering stunning river views and a unique city escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing

Clock Tower Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Montreal's urban oasis: a sandy beach in the Old Port offering stunning river views and a unique city escape.
"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."

🚫 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Adjacent to the beach
Admire the historic Clock Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Montreal.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
No Swimming Allowed!
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Clock tower beach
🚫 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!
Montreal Beaches
Fireworks 7/24 questions
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning views of the Clock Tower, river, and bridges. Perfect for urban photography!
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Located in Old Port, just a short walk from downtown Montreal. Accessible and convenient!
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!
☀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays or early mornings for a more peaceful experience. Weekends get busy!
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning views of the Clock Tower, river, and bridges. Perfect for urban photography!
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Located in Old Port, just a short walk from downtown Montreal. Accessible and convenient!
💧 Stay Hydrated
While you can't swim, mist stations are available to help you stay cool on hot days.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Some visitors have encountered 'closed for season' signs without clear reopening dates,
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
The beach typically offers sand, seating areas, and washrooms. There is also a bar on-site for refreshments.
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.
Yes, it's a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing on the sand, offering a beach-like experience in the city.
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.
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.
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,
offering unique photographic moments during special events.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Urban Beach Concept
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. This innovative approach makes the beach accessible and enjoyable even without direct water access.
Capturing the Scenery
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.
Navigating Crowds and Seasonality
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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit