Love warm sand, turquoise water, and jaw-dropping views, but think you need to hop on a plane to find them? Think again.
We’ll admit it — Quebec probably isn’t the first place you think of when planning a beach vacation. But the province is home to some seriously stunning stretches of shoreline. From hidden freshwater gems to salty seaside stunners, these beaches might just rival the Caribbean (okay, maybe not the palm trees or year-round heat, but you get the idea).
With that in mind, here are eight breathtaking beaches you might not believe are right here in Quebec.
Plage de Coin-du-Banc – Percé, QC
Just 10 km from the village of Percé, Plage de Coin-du-Banc stretches nearly 7 km along the Gaspé Peninsula. This tranquil beach is known for its colourful pebbles and incredible birdwatching.
Plage De St-Irénée – St-Irénée, QC
Tucked along the St. Lawrence River in Charlevoix, this surprisingly peaceful beach has a mix of fine sand and rounded pebbles. With hills behind you and the vast river in front, it almost feels like you’re in a European seaside village.
Plage de la Dune du Sud – Îles de la Madeleine, QC
With its rusty red cliffs, soft white sand, and clear blue water, Dune du Sud is one of the most photographed beaches in the Magdalen Islands. There’s even a series of caves to explore at low tide. It’s as postcard-worthy as it gets.
Plage De Pointe-aux-loups – Îles de la Madeleine, QC
Îles de la Madeleine is so stunning, we had to give it two entries on this list.
Like the Plage de la Dune du Sud, this 16.5 km stretch features scenic rock formations that surround it. And while the tides get pretty choppy at Plage De Pointe-aux-loups, it has the clearest, warmest natural waters on the entire island.
Plage Pointe-Fine (Parc Régional du Lac Taureau) – Saint-Michel-des-Saints, QC
Yes, this is a lake, but one that seriously delivers beach vibes. Located in the Lanaudière region, Pointe-Fine has long stretches of soft sand and shallow water that stays warm all summer. It’s backed by pine forest, making it feel totally unplugged.
Plage Haldimand – Gaspé, QC
Located just minutes from downtown Gaspé, Haldimand Beach has fine sand, a wide shoreline, and a great view of the Forillon cliffs. Plus, the area’s shallow waters make it perfect for swimming.
Locals love it, and tourists are usually surprised it’s not overly packed.
Baie de Beauport – Quebec, QC
Quebec City has a beach? Yup. The Baie de Beauport, located just outside the city, has sand volleyball courts, paddleboard rentals, and a full beach bar setup. It’s not exactly off-the-grid, but if you want sun and sand without leaving town, it’s the spot.
Dunes de Tadoussac – Tadoussac, QC
These sandy dunes rise dramatically above the St. Lawrence River and are a dream for anyone who loves a view. After a short hike, you’ll reach a soft, wind-swept beach that looks like something out of a movie.
It’s also one of the only places where you might spot whales from the sand.
