Subscribe to the newsletter
Beaches and rivers, Outdoors, Roads and tours
| Updated on
Summer is the perfect time for swimming! As the weather heats up, Lac-Saint-Jean quickly takes on the feel of a seaside resort. As a true sun-soaked destination, Lac-Saint-Jean boasts numerous beaches, as well as several resorts with swimming pools or water play areas. In short, there’s always a place nearby to cool off. Grab your swimsuits!

Imagine this: you’re lounging on a sandy beach, listening to the sound of the waves, while the kids play in the warm water that stretches as far as the eye can see, and then you end the day watching a blazing sunset. Does that sound appealing? All of this is possible on the beaches of Lac-Saint-Jean!
Lac Saint-Jean, also known as Pekuakami (“shallow lake” or “flat lake” in the Ilnu language), covers an area of over 1,000 km² and measures nearly 44 km long by 24 km wide. It’s a veritable freshwater sea!
Lac Saint-Jean is also known for its shallow waters, making swimming safe along its shores. The whole family can splash around in complete peace of mind!
You can access the water from one of the many public beaches or from one of the campgrounds located along the shores of Lac Saint-Jean. Here are a few suggestions!
With its “palapa” beach umbrellas, golden sand, and breathtaking views of Lac Saint-Jean, Camping Plage Blanchet in Chambord is every bit as good as the Caribbean! It’s the perfect destination for a quick family dip in Lac Saint-Jean. A children’s playground, a volleyball court, and a pétanque court offer plenty of activities to keep you busy throughout the day.
The locals will tell you: the sunsets at Camping Plage Robertson in Mashteuiatsh are exceptional! Every evening, the sun’s rays plunge directly into the vast expanse of Lake Pekuakami in an incredible spectacle. You can also pitch your tent near the beach. And while you’re in Mashteuiatsh, why not take the opportunity to discover the history, culture, and traditions of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the Ilnus of Lake Pekuakami?
The large peninsula of Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon is a true natural gem waiting to be explored. In particular, the beach in the Pointe-Taillon area is perfect for relaxing with the family. After a day spent exploring the 45 km of bike trails that crisscross the area, there’s nothing better than a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Lake Saint-Jean!
While Lac-à-Jim may not be as vast as Lac Saint-Jean, it’s no less ideal for swimming. centre de villégiature du Lac-à-Jim a fine-sand beach nestled in the heart of the boreal forest. It’s also a popular fishing spot for those looking to catch landlocked salmon, walleye, or pike!
There are many other beautiful beaches around Lac Saint-Jean. Learn more by reading the article “The Most Beautiful Beaches of Lac-Saint-Jean”!
Let’s go for a splash! When you have kids, the pool is all about fun, convenience, and safety. All across Lac-Saint-Jean, resorts let you combine a camping or cabin stay with swimming activities.
Le Camping Mont-Plaisant, in Roberval is the perfect spot for a family vacation in nature. The campground features water play areas and a swimming pool, and offers a wide variety of activities. Located in the heart of the Lac-Saint-Jean region, the campground is close to many tourist attractions worth visiting.
If you’re passing through Albanel in the “Haut du Lac” region, the camping municipal is well worth a stop. Not only is access to the heated pool free, but there are also activities like mini-golf and volleyball, as well as an ice cream shop. Why not spend the night at the campground or in a rental cottage?
centre de villégiature Dam-en-terre is a must-visit for a successful family vacation. Located along the Grande-Décharge River in Alma, the resort features a natural beach with a supervised swimming area. And while the older kids swim at the beach, the little ones can have fun in the wading pool and the new water play area!
Looking for an extraordinary experience on the water? The Progression Kite kitesurfing school in Métabetchouan invites you to try your hand at this unique sport on the majestic Lac Saint-Jean.
Whether at the pool or the beach, there’s always a place nearby to take a dip and cool off. Enjoy your swim and have a great stay in Lac-Saint-Jean!