Swim Clear Sandy Shores with Family Near Duhamel Together
Why Rent On Lac Simon
Lac Simon is a 2,800-hectare lake in the Outaouais region of Quebec, in the Papineau Regional County Municipality, about 120 kilometres northwest of Montreal and 66 kilometres north of Gatineau. The lake is large, deep, and clear for its latitude — averaging 45 metres of depth, with 74 kilometres of shoreline threading through mixed boreal and deciduous forest. The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, operated by Sépaq, anchors the southern shore with two kilometres of fine sandy beach, campgrounds, rental chalets, and 17 kilometres of trail. Manitou Rock on the western shore holds the most significant accessible Algonquin rock art in the Petite-Nation subregion. Île du Canard Blanc, the lake’s largest island, contains a meteorite-formed satellite lake called Lac des Étoiles and carries strong Indigenous cultural significance. What makes Lac Simon unusual among Quebec lakes of this size is that all of this — the beach, the rock art, the island, the trails, the supervised swimming — is genuinely and affordably public.
On the water
Lac Simon holds lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, lake whitefish, smallmouth bass, brook trout, and walleye, all classified as healthy fishery populations. A Quebec fishing licence is required; walleye have a protected slot of 37 to 53 centimetres with a six-fish combined daily limit for walleye and sauger. Motorized boats are permitted on the main lake, though vessels over 30 feet are prohibited; check current regulations before launching. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rent at the Centre touristique, and the lake’s scale gives paddlers substantial territory to explore without encountering a boundary. Swimming at Plage Municipale in the village is free; the Centre touristique beach has supervised swimming during staffed hours. In winter, ice fishing for lake trout and salmon draws a steady following. Boat inspection and the clean/drain/dry invasive species protocol are required for any watercraft launched. Check current Quebec MELCC regulations for Lac Simon specifically before fishing, as walleye slot limits and species closures can vary by zone.
What to do near Lac Simon
The Centre touristique’s 17-kilometre trail network includes access to Lac de la Ferme, a quieter secondary lake on the property, and Belvédère Denis-Papin — a viewpoint above Baie Creuse where the full expanse of Lac Simon opens below at a vantage high enough to feel genuinely dramatic. Manitou Rock on the western shore is accessible by boat and worth the trip; the Algonquin pictograph is authenticated by university researchers and classified as the most significant rock art site in the Petite-Nation subregion. In winter, 1,000 to 2,000 white-tailed deer shelter in the Lac Simon area, making wildlife observation a realistic bonus of any cold-season visit. Chénéville is the closest community with basic services; Papineauville and Thurso to the south offer broader amenities for supply runs.
When to go and where to stay
Late June through early September is peak season when the Centre touristique beaches are supervised and all trails are open. Reservations through Sépaq for summer weeks should be made well in advance — the system opens for the summer season in late winter. Fall, September through October, is excellent for fishing and foliage with far fewer visitors. Winter at Lac Simon is a genuine activity season: ice fishing, 16 kilometres of maintained cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, snow tubing, and an outdoor forest skating rink operate when conditions allow. The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon offers campground sites and rental chalets directly on the lake, bookable through Sépaq online. For a private vacation home with a kitchen and dock, browse Lake.com for cottage and chalet rentals in the Lac-Simon and Duhamel area, including pet-friendly properties and multi-bedroom options for larger groups.
- Max depth (m)
- 45
- Elevation (m)
- 249
- Shoreline length (km)
- 74
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Skating
- Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Lac Simon
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lac Simon has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, the water at Lac Simon is generally safe for swimming. The beach passes water quality tests at least 95% of the time, according to the latest samples updated by Ottawa Riverkeeper.
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Lac Simon is a popular destination because of its large lake and sandy beach. It offers various summer activities like swimming, mini-golf, and a fireworks show, as well as winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The area also features a floodlit skating rink and a dog park.
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In Lac Simon, Canada, Quebec, the length limits for walleye are between 37 cm and 53 cm. The catch limit is 6 walleye and sauger combined. These rules apply unless the body of water has specific exceptions, so it’s important to check local regulations.
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The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon beach is best for families. It has a supervised swimming area, lifeguards, and activities like beach volleyball, a trampoline, and a pirate ship for younger kids. The beach also offers organized activities and a big top for fun in any weather.
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Towns near Lac-Simon include Gatineau, Ottawa, and Laval. Lac-Simon is located in the Outaouais region of Quebec, with Gatineau about 66 km away, Ottawa about 112 km away, and Laval about 127 km away.
