I am back in Montreal (was in Ottawa for the summer) and am itching to do some open-water swims before the Montreal triathlon. Is there anywhere I can go? The olympic basin doesn’t seem to allow swimming, but is it a big deal if you do? I feel like since we are on an island, there must be some good spots!
Also, what are some good LBS in the downtown area of Montreal?
There are actually quite strong currents in the St. Lawrence River as it passes through Montreal. Some places are very dangerous for swimming. Check it out carefully with the locals before taking the plonge.
Also check before you take the plunge.
I really like Martin Swiss in westmount (on Victoria) and Yetti on St.Laurent and Rachel ( I think).
Parc Jean Drapeau has a beach for open water swimming, however, it is only a 150m loop.
The basin is occassionally open for swimming but I dont think you should just show up and hope no one notices. There is no lifeguard and you could get run over by a dragon boat team.
Hi Matt
If you have a car there are two places to open water swim that I know of.
1: Parc Nature de Cap Saint Jaques the beach might be officially closed by now
but once you’re in the water the worst they can do is kick you out when you finish.
2: The TRIO-LAC (local tri team) training site on the Soulange canal next to the bike path.
Take the 20 west towards Toronto, off the island, across Ile Perrot then once it goes
back to being a highway (once you’ve crossed through Dorion) it’s the 3rd exit
Chemin St. Emmanuel go down to the bike path that runs next to the 338, the tri-team
built a dock with stairs down to the water, I’ll be swiming there on Sunday with some friends;
I’m not sure what time, if you want to join us PM me and I’ll give you a phone number.
We were there on Monday and there were 2 other people training, it’s a good spot and they’ve
had the water tested, it’s safe.
Good Bike Shop:
Martin Swiss Cycles 313 AVENUE VICTORIA, WESTMOUNT, QC H3Z 2N1, Canada (514) 481-3369
In the interest of full disclosure I’m on their Tri team
Peter
I just PMed you, I’ll be there if the time is good.
Thanks for the replies everyone!
Unfortunately, I have no car as I’m only a student (and would definitely not be able to hang with a tri tream!). I biked by the Jean Drapeau beach today and think it’s closed for the season too. Don’t worry, I’m not crazy enough to just jump in the St. Lawrence, that would be suicide!