Hit the beach in Montreal…Canada? Yes you can. (There’s a gay-popular one, too!)
Montrealers love to have fun–as evidenced by performers at the opening of Clock Tower Beach. Photo © Cindy Boyce / Tourisme Montreal
Montreal is, arguably, one of the planets most gay-friendly cities–and should be very high on your list of “must-see” destinations. And don’t let its Canadian location fool you: Montreal has many months of lovely, warm weather.
This summer, the city has opened a new beach–called Clock Tower Beach –very close to the cruise terminal and based on my extensive experience with
Montrealers, it will be fun, welcoming, and beautifully done. According to a press release from the city:
“…the anticipated urban beach will please visitors and locals alike with its white sand, colourful chairs and umbrellas, refreshing water misters, summer events and breathtaking views of Montréal!The Clock Tower Beach is also culinary destination, with acclaimed chef Giovanni Apollo’s concept adapted to the beach experience. Families and friends can gather near the Buvette par Apollo to sip a cool drink and enjoy creative, relaxed cuisine inspired by summer. The Buvette offers a simple, affordable and healthy menu with a variety of refreshing dishes.
This won’t be a gay beach–although if it’s like most things in Montreal, the gays and straights will share it beautifully. Montreal does have a gay-popular beach, called Oka Park Beach, on Lac des Deux Montagnes, about 30-40 minutes outside the city–doable if you are starting or ending your cruise in Montreal and staying a couple of days ( hotel recommendations ). Apparently, nudity is common on part of the beach. Ask about current beach popularity and for directions before you leave Montreal.
A number of cruises call on Montreal each year, often as the embark or debark port for itineraries with Boston or NYC on the other end. A local cruise company also runs a really pleasant itinerary from Montreal to the glorious, unspoiled Îles de la Madeleine , (known in English as the Magdalen Islands)–cruising up the St. Lawrence, allowing you to stay a couple of days on the islands, and then cruising back with stops in places like Quebec City.
