The Beach Life

By Bernadeta Kaszyca

Image source: Flickr.

When we think about the beach, we visualize summer. Sand slipping between our toes, the sun hitting our faces and warming our skin, the sound of waves swaying and birds singing, music playing around us; the beauty of summer is in its richest form at the beach. It is where everyone comes together to escape daily routines by enjoying the hot weather, relaxing atmosphere and good company. In some countries, beaches are what they are all about. In other places, beaches are nowhere to be found. Luckily, here in Montreal, we have a couple of beaches. Granted, they do not compare to the Meditarrenean ones, but they do provide us with what is important: water, sun and sand. If you are looking for a beach in Montreal, the most popular ones are Plage Sablon and Oka Beach. You don't know where to go? Keep reading and it will no doubt help you make your decision.

Both Plage Sablon and Oka Beach provide beach-goers with the basics: sun-bathing areas, campins areas, rental services and food courts. They are both located about 45 minutes away from downtown Montreal. Therefore, from that point of departure, they find themselves at the same distance. If you decide to drive to either beach, might as well stay the whole day! It is important to mention that if you wish to extend your stay, for the weekend perhaps, Plage Sablon and Oka Beach have available camping sites. To keep their sun-loving clients active, both beaches offer rental services: you can rent kayaks, pedal-boats and canoes for up to an hour. In addition, these two beaches have snack bars in case you would like to buy food or drinks and specifically designed areas to enjoy your lunch or supper. Plage Sablon and Oka Beach offer parking space so you won't need to worry about your car during your stay. As for the entrance fee, both beaches charge around $10 per adult and $6 per child.

What might differentiate Plage Sablon from Oka Beach is the ambiance. Plage Sablon is a smaller beach so it can get quite crowded during sunny weekends. Oka Beach is bigger; therefore, you are sure to get in and set up your personal area. Whether you go to this beach or that one, it is normal that you will wait a little while to get in, especially if you decide to drive there as each car has to pay to enter the beach. Plage Sablon caters to a younger crowd: there is a live DJ on the beach on the weekends and music playing during the weekday. In addition, this beach organizes activities for both kids and adults and holds special parties during Canada Day, St-Jean-Baptise, etc. Kids can enjoy the Tarzan rope and beach volleyball players can compete on one of the seven beach volleyball courts. If you want to have fun and are more of the active type, you should definitely go there. As for Oka Beach, it is more of a relaxing beach. It is perfect for the family: it has a calmer atmosphere and is less of a party beach. The family can organize their own activities, bring their own music and even do a BBQ. You will find some volleyball courts there also, but they are scattered throughout the whole beach. I would suggest this beach for families or anyone who wants a more relaxing atmosphere where they can actually hear the sounds of nature.

All in all, if you want to have fun, socialize and enjoy different types of activities, Plage Sablon is the right fit for you. If you want to have fun, relax and do your own thing, Oka Beach is where you should go. In the end, as long as you are enjoying the weather and your company, there is no reason to complain! So, where will you go?