Green means the beach’s most recent test results met relevant water quality standards.
Red means the beach’s most recent test results failed to meet water quality standards.
Grey means water quality information for the beach is too old (more than 7 days old) to be considered current, or that info is unavailable, or unreliable.
Historical Status
When swimming season is over or when a beach's water quality data has not been updated frequently enough (weekly) it goes into historical status. This means that rather than displaying current data it displays the beach's average water quality for that year.
Green means the beach passed water quality tests 95% of the time or more.
Yellow means the beach passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time.
Red means the beach failed water quality tests 40% of the time or more.
Special Status
We may manually set the status for a specific beach if we have concerns about the sampling protocol, if there is an emergency, if monitoring practices don't exist or have recently changed, or other reasons that render this site "special."
Green means the beach has historically excellent or pristine water quality, but there is no current data.
Red means the water at the site has water quality issues or there is an emergency.
Grey means there is no current water quality information, the beach is under construction, there has been an event that has rendered water quality information unreliable or unavailable.
See the beach description for more information regarding their special status.
Swim Guide wants to help you find the best beaches in Québec for this August long weekend.
For the 2017 August Long Weekend, Swim Guide recommends these Québec beaches for their consistent excellent water quality (they passed water quality testing more than 95% of the time in 2017), and the beaches’ popularity with our users. We’ve also confirmed that these beaches are open this summer.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017 La Pêche Beach is the only public beach on La Pêche Lake and is the western-most beach of Gatineau Park. Key services include lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer; universally accessible toilets, change rooms and picnic tables; and parking is available. Note that alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted on the beach. *Water quality at this beach is tested every two weeks by the National Capital Commission (NCC)*
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017 Parent Beach is one of three beaches on Philippe Lake, located on the north side of the Gatineau Park. Key services include lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer; universally accessible toilets, change rooms and picnic tables; and canoe, paddleboat and kayak rentals. Note that alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted on the beach. *Water quality at this beach is tested every two weeks by the National Capital Commission (NCC)*
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017 Blanchet Beach is one of two beaches on Meech Lake, located in the Municipality of Chelsea within the Gatineau Park. Key services include lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer; and dry toilets and change rooms. Parking is available. Note that alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted on the beach. *Water quality at this beach is tested every two weeks by the National Capital Commission (NCC)*
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017 Leamy Lake Park is located in the Hull sector of Gatineau and is the largest urban park in Canada’s capital region. Leamy Lake is connected to two rivers, the Gatineau River and the Ottawa River. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.. The park has two volleyball courts and a play area for children, as well as a picnic area with tables and barbecue pits. There is also a food concession stand, public washrooms, and paid parking.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017 Smith Beach is reserved entirely for campers. Smith Beach is one of three beaches on lac Philippe, located on the north side of the Gatineau Park. Key services include lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer; universally accessible toilets, change rooms and picnic tables; and canoe, paddleboat and kayak rentals. Note that alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted on the beach. Camping is only available in specific areas. *Water quality at this beach is tested every two weeks by the National Capital Commission (NCC)*
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017 Located on the Argile Lake, this beautiful beach is ideal for families. Take advantage of all the different activities that are offered: Kayak, Paddle-boats, canoes, swimming (you can also rent them!). If you have a boat, the camp site has a boat launch close by. Snack bars and picnic areas are on site. If you wish to camp here, make sure to call them : 819 766-2826. Environnement-Plage is testing the water quality at this beach 2 to 5 times a year.
Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. Always obey signs at the beach or advisories from official government agencies. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. Please report your pollution concerns so Affiliates can help keep other beach-goers safe.
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