The Bottom Line
Pros
- Interesting location.
- Near the gorgeous Floralies Gardens.
- Beach volleyball on the premises.
- Affordable admission price.
- Easy access without a car.
Cons
- Over $3 for bottled water.
- The water is not very deep (about 5 feet in the middle of the "lake").
- Might be a let-down if you grew up by the sea.
Description
- When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., everyday from June 19 to August 23, 2009.
- Where: Île Notre-Dame at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
- Get There: Jean-Drapeau Metro.
Walk to the left of the metro exit to catch the 167 bus. - Day Price: $8 adult (ages 14 and over); $7 senior; $4 kids ages 6 to 13; free for kids 5 and under.
- After 4 p.m.: $5 adult (ages 14 and over); $2.75 kids ages 6 to 13; free for kids 5 and under. Call for senior rates.
- Crowd:Toddlers to seniors. Many teens and early twenty somethings.
- More Info: Call (514) 872-6120.
- Pictures of Plage Doré.
Guide Review - Plage Doré: A Montreal Beach Review
Sandwiched between a race track and a casino, Doré Beach ("Plage Doré") is easy to reach by bike and is one of two Montreal beaches accessible by public transit.Testing the waters on a 33 C (91 F) early July weekday afternoon with my friend, the beach was at half capacity and the crowd was very mixed, from retirees to toddlers with many teens and early twenty-somethings.
On a hot and humid day, Doré really does the trick, especially if you are looking for something affordable and accessible to do with friends on differing budgets. Also a great way to conclude an active summer day of walking, picnicking and sight-seeing around Parc Jean-Drapeau, I personally enjoyed the time spent cooling off, even if the man made beach didn't feel quite as alive as a natural lake.
One hygiene note. The woman's bathroom was a mess. I walked in on beach staff mopping up about an inch of "watery" overflow from a nearby defective stall, and then in classic sitcom style, I (accidentally) chose that very (unmarked) stall, adding a new inch of overflow, post-flush.
Now my friend -- and designated second opinion -- was let down by the Doré experience, citing, among other concerns, the ability to see the other side of the beach. Mind you, he also grew up in one of the most beautiful places in the world, by the ocean in Scotland. So yes, if you were raised by a seaside location prominently featured in travel magazines, Doré Beach could very well disappoint. However, he admitted to feeling under the weather and wants to give Doré beach a second try before etching that opinion in stone.
All in all, Plage Doré has definite staycation value and the kids I saw that smoggy day didn't seem to care if they were by the shores of Ibiza or the side of a pond, content crafting sand canals and crumbling castles by the still water.
