Jean-Doré Beach — Attraction in Montreal

I have been here a few times over the past ten years (mostly pre-pandemic) and surprisingly I've never posted a review. It's unfortunate that I am posting one now when the experience was sub-par compared to previous visits (this is my first visit post 2020). Today I was lucky & made it for the end of the beach party that's going on for a couple weekends this month; I enjoyed dancing to the music the DJ was playing. Overall I enjoy the atmosphere. It's a small lake with some beachy areas and grassy areas surrounding it. It's lovely for sun bathing, reading in the shade, and family fun. I usually only go for free swim but I did once try the Aquazilla. There's an extra charge, it requires an enormous amount of upper body strength and maybe a nose plug, but definitely a bouncy good time. Not allowed to bring any floating devices due to possible bacterial contamination which is a bummer, but understandable. The food and drink are very expensive so it's worth it to bring your own food with you, as well as an empty water bottle you can refill at the water fountains. I got a double shot margarita slush and it cost ~19.95$ + tip, but I will say it was refreshing and hit the spot. Bring your own lock as they have free lockers available. However, the locker room has very few lockers and the ones it does have are unstable and covered in rust. My main issue, and the reason I removed stars, is with the staff. Used to be you had approximately 30 extra minutes to shower and get ready to leave, however they seemed to expect us to start getting ready to leave around 30 minutes before closing instead, which I've never experienced here before. I felt rushed as I was getting dressed because there was someone in the locker room watching and waiting for me to finish up. Not a big deal, I could have ignored that had the next interaction not happened. I was closing my locker and I heard some mumbling in the corner where the employee was, didn't think much of it, couldn't hear what she was saying. I turned to head out of the regular doors and I heard some more mumbling behind me again, I kept hearing the same thing over and over and when I finally understood I was hearing the words "la porte est barrée" (the door is locked) I was at the door, so I turned around. She continued to chant the line as I walked back in this slow, sarcastic tone and I just rolled my eyes and walked towards the doors that go through the main part of the building. As I passed I told her I didn't hear her & instead of being rude next time she could indicate to the other person that she's talking to them by making eye contact or getting their attention. She said something rude in response which I ignored because frankly, I don't need attitude from a kid who doesn't have basic communication skills and can't receive a pretty reasonable comment. To top it off, as we were waiting for the bus to come and bring us to Jean-Drapeau metro we heard two firecrackers go off somewhere within the grounds, in the direction of the main building. At first I thought that someone had shot a gun, but the second one made a little whistle the way fireworks occasionally do. It seemed to scare away all the seagulls. I'm not sure if this was the purpose, but either way it seemed super sketchy and honestly, why? Seems pointless. The last 45 minutes of the day really put a damper on everything. I'm not sure why but something feels off at Plage Jean-Doré post-pandemic. I understand it's difficult to deal with the public, but I found this "I'll be nice until 7pm and then too bad for you" attitude confusing and it ruined an otherwise lovely day. If we're all supposed to be out the door by 7pm, then make that known, please. Might wait until next summer in 2026 to...

An absolutely ruined afternoon. We only came here because it's close to work, and we wanted to relax for a couple of hours before going home. First, the website didn't say anything about there being no parking close to the entrance. We spent 30 minutes driving to the beach (Google Maps indicated that there was a parking lot right in front of the entrance - wrong!), then driving to the assigned parking lot all the way at La Ronde, waiting for a shuttle to the beach, and then rolling back in an unhurrying bus. The water was muddy, with the mushy sand floor and lots of algae, to the point where they were a hindrance to swimmers. The sand strip was narrow and wet despite a scorching hot day. Not fun. Paid $6 for a 75 gr ice cream bar. That's in addition to almost $10 entrance tickets per person. The overall feeling was of not really neglect, but definitely poor management. Going back to the parking lot was a special treat. First, we had to wait for 40 minutes for the shuttle, and then it turned out that it was going to the metro station only. We all had to get off the shuttle there and wait for another bus going to La Ronde. How ridiculous is that? It's been exactly one hour since the beach was closed, and I am writing this while still on a bus, going to the parking lot when normally it would take us less than 10 minutes of driving to get from the beach to La Ronde. Not to forget that parking is $8.75 per hour. Like, how difficult is it to put up an advisory that there is no parking? We literally lost an hour and half on a weekday evening when time is limited to begin with, and overpaid the total of almost $20 for a couple of dips in muddy...

The water is very clean for a local beach! It's very big...loss of room to swim, sit, play or tan. Lots of sandy area for kids, along with playground. There is green space to sit and eat with shade, but not enough tables, so bring blankets for picnic. You can bring your own food, but no glass and no alcohol. Food and alcohol is sold there $$...bit expensive. Parking at the door $15(card only), or STM stops right at door as well. Aquazilla (Wipit bouncy obstacle course) is there on beach, cost $15/hour..my kids 8-13 loved it...I on the other hand almost "broke my legs"😂I do not reccomend for unfit parents with unstable knees...it's harder than it looks from a distance. Paddle boats, kayak rentals are also available at hourly or 30min rates(nice to paddle right up to the Casino!!! Or watch kids on Wipit!) There's no music nor entertainment, but most brought their own speaker which was nice to hear! Life guards and staff are all extra kind. Ample washrooms, and hot showers. Play tubes or inflatable tubes are not allowed...I mean why?...it's a beach🙄...that was a very annoying. But safety floaters are permitted, and they lend life jackets for free with Id for all ages and sizes.there are swimming lanes, shallow and deep areas to swim. It was great for our whole family, and loved the local distance to home. It's a great day activity. Entrance fee can be booked online, but also payable on the spot. No refunds to weather, so best to pay the day...