Plage du Parc Bellerive

Plage du Parc Bellerive is a public beach in Montreal's Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, sitting along the St. Lawrence River in the east end of the island. It's one of Montreal's urban beaches, offering sandy shoreline and river access for free.

The beach reopened in recent years as part of the city's effort to restore public waterfront access. The sandy area is a good size for an urban beach, with shallow water entry that works for toddlers and young children. The park around it has walking paths, benches, and green space for picnicking.

Water quality is monitored and posted — always check the current status before swimming, as urban river beaches can be affected by weather events. When the water is open for swimming, lifeguards are typically on duty during posted hours.

The park's east-end location means it's less crowded than some of Montreal's more central beaches. For families in the east end, Hochelaga, or Mercier, it's the closest beach option. It's also a good alternative when Cap-Saint-Jacques or other west-end beaches are packed.

Parc Bellerive has a 4.6 Google rating, reflecting residents' appreciation for having a beach in their neighborhood. The facility is basic — don't expect boardwalks or fancy amenities — but the essentials are there: sand, water, some shade, and washroom facilities.

The Rue Bellerive address is accessible by bus or car. Street parking is available on surrounding residential streets. The park is also on a bike path that runs along the waterfront, making it a great cycling destination.

Bring everything you need — there are no food vendors or rental shops. A cooler with lunch, towels, sunscreen, and sand toys will cover a full afternoon.