Camping & Hiking · Scenic Views · Water Sports · Quebec
A Sépaq park on a peninsula in Lac Saint-Jean, QC, loved for its soft sandy beaches and a 45 km gravel bike loop, with bike rentals and campsites reached by bike trailer; no lifeguards and busy weekends.
Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon occupies a peninsula on Lac Saint-Jean, and its beaches are the first thing visitors rave about: soft sand, clean and warm water, and plenty of quiet spots along the shore. The park is part of the Véloroute des Bleuets around the lake.
Cycling is the signature activity. A gravel trail of about 45 km loops the peninsula with little elevation, washrooms along the way, and lookouts over the lake and beaver ponds. Bike rentals run around $35 for four hours, which one visitor found was enough for the whole loop. There's a ferry at the tip that saves riding the full loop, with a shelter to escape the mosquitoes while you wait. Kayak rentals are also available.
Camping here includes unserviced sites a few kilometres in, and the park lends free carts that hitch to your bike to haul gear. Cyclists touring the lake are welcomed at modest fees. Near the main beach there's a playground, sand toys, picnic tables, barbecues, sun loungers and a coffee shop, making it easy for families. Entry is around $9 to $10 a day.
The main beach parking can fill on weekends, and one family was turned away on a Saturday. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk, and bring bug spray for the mosquitoes.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 1,112 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Parc National de la Pointe-Taillon directly.
