Advisory
Please take note of the following before your visit.
Summertime — warm weather, sunshine, picnics, and enjoying the company of family and friends! It’s the perfect time to get away from the daily grind, and get out and have fun in nature.
Gatineau Park beaches are great places to enjoy summer! They have lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, but may be unsupervised at certain times. On weekends, parking lots fill up early—have a plan B!
Here’s a snapshot of each of Gatineau Park’s beaches, to help you choose your favourite spot.
Philippe Lake
A non-motorized boat rental service (canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards) is offered at Philippe Lake.
Breton Beach
Located at Philippe Lake, Breton Beach — with its long, sandy strip that is perfect for making sandcastles — is also a great place for barbecues with family and friends. There are washrooms, change rooms, charcoal BBQs and picnic tables. Breton Beach also has a wheelchair access ramp into the water. A chair lift is also available.
Park at the Philippe Lake parking lot ($) OR take the free Philippe Lake shuttle on weekends!
Nearby attraction: Lusk Cave (Trail 50 is partially closed due to construction)
Parent Beach
Parent Beach is also located at Philippe Lake. Equipped with a playground, it’s a great spot for children. It also has washrooms, change rooms, picnic tables and a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft.
Park at the Philippe Lake parking lot ($) OR take the free Philippe Lake shuttle on weekends!
Nearby attraction: Lusk Cave (Trail 50 is partially closed due to construction)
La Pêche Lake
La Pêche Lake Beach
The large beach at La Pêche Lake, the largest lake in Gatineau Park, offers a more peaceful and less busy spot, compared with the other Park beaches. It has washrooms, change rooms, picnic tables, a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft, and a canoe and kayak rental service.
Park at the La Pêche Lake parking lot ($).
Nearby attraction: Camping at La Pêche Lake (canoe-camping).
Meech Lake
Blanchet Beach
On the shore of beautiful Meech Lake, Blanchet Beach offers a natural spot close to the city. A large lawn area borders the beach, and several facilities, such as outhouses, change rooms and picnic tables, are available for users.
Park at parking lot P13 ($) (reduced capacity in summer 2024 due to construction at Wolf Trail).
Nearby attraction: Wolf Trail (No 62) (partial closures in summer 2024)
O'Brien Beach
Also located at Meech Lake, O’Brien Beach is an ideal spot for young families. This sandy beach, which also has outhouses, change rooms and picnic tables, will delight both young and old.
Park at parking lot P11 ($)
Nearby attractions: Carbide Willson ruins and the Trans Canada Trail.