If many Quebecers like to find themselves on the beautiful beaches of Maine, for the pleasure of being by the sea, it must be recognized that the water remains rather cold for swimming. Freezing, in fact.

According to the Seatemperature.info website, the water temperature in July in Old Orchard is around 17°C. In comparison, at many of our beaches, the water can reach up to 24°C.

But there's no need to check with a thermometer, you can't really go wrong if once in the water, you find it swimmable. Here are three lakes where you can immerse yourself in water up to your neck.

SAND LAKE

In Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Major beach with its golden sand is one of the most beautiful in the Laurentians. When you have taken in enough sun, all you have to do is stand in the shade near the wooded area. It has picnic tables up the hill. A snack bar is a few steps away.

For rent next door, at Camping Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts: pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Nearby, the sailing school rents sailing boats, including dinghies.

TAURUS LAKE

Located in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, this immense body of water is distinguished by its 30 kilometers of wild beaches when the water level is normal. Together they form the Lac Taureau Regional Park.

Easy to access, the municipal beach of Pointe-Fine stretches over one kilometer. From there, by kayak or canoe, the most adventurous are able to find, a rare thing, a deserted beach.

LAKE SAINT-FRANCOIS

On the outskirts of this widening of the St. Lawrence bordering Ontario, the beach of Saint-Zotique overlooks a horizon as far as the eye can see. With the palapas, it's like being at the edge of the sea.

There's plenty to have fun with the floating water course, volleyball and play areas. This is without counting the small boats for rent. In the picnic area, you can smell the pleasant spicy smells coming from the barbecue stoves. There is a nice atmosphere.

IDEAL BEACHES

AT THE DOORS OF OTTAWA

Road or mountain biking, hiking and swimming, there is no shortage of summer fun in Gatineau Park. You enter at the Visitor Center in Chelsea. Camping. Equipped tents for rent.

► ccn-ncc.gc.ca

IN THE HEART OF MAURICIE

La Mauricie National Park is renowned for the beauty of Lake Wapizagonke. For rent: canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Shallow waterfalls where to bathe. oTENTik tents for rent. Camping.

► parcscanada.gc.ca

Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscovering Quebec: 101 destinations, published by Éditions du Journal.