Bassin Louise
Bassin Louise: Quebec City's vibrant waterfront offering unique urban swimming in summer and exciting ice fishing in winter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Bassin Louise
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bassin Louise: Quebec City's vibrant waterfront offering unique urban swimming in summer and exciting ice fishing in winter.
"Seriously innovative and a truly wonderful urban swimming experience. It’s really special."
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
Water quality is monitored for safe swimming. Check @loasisduportdequebec for updates.
🎣 Ice Fishing Fun
Book your ice fishing spot with Village Nordik in advance for a guaranteed experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Urban Swimming Oasis
L'Oasis du Port de Québec
Dive into North America's first port swimming experience! Enjoy free access to the Saint Lawrence River with dedicated swim lanes.
Winter Ice Fishing
Village Nordik
Experience the thrill of ice fishing in a unique urban setting. A fun activity for families and a memorable date idea.
Scenic Waterfront Strolls
Bassin Louise Promenade
Enjoy picturesque views of boats and the city skyline. Perfect for a relaxing walk or capturing stunning sunset photos.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
Water Quality & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
Water quality is monitored for safe swimming. Check @loasisduportdequebec for updates.
🎣 Ice Fishing Fun
Book your ice fishing spot with Village Nordik in advance for a guaranteed experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The waterfront offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
🚶♀️ Explore the Port
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the marina and admire the boats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
Water quality is monitored for safe swimming. Check @loasisduportdequebec for updates.
🎣 Ice Fishing Fun
Book your ice fishing spot with Village Nordik in advance for a guaranteed experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The waterfront offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
🚶♀️ Explore the Port
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the marina and admire the boats.
💧 Rain Closure Alert
Be aware that heavy rain can cause temporary closures for swimming. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bassin Louise is lauded as an innovative and special urban experience, particularly praised for its unique free swimming oasis and well-organized winter ice fishing. Visitors appreciate the refreshing water temperatures and scenic waterfront views. However, some have experienced disappointment with temporary closures due to rain, even if the weather clears later.
"Seriously innovative and a truly wonderful urban 🏊♂️ experience. It’s really special. I loved the 50m lap swim…what a great length they built!
Water temp was 23C when I swam so perfect IMO.
One gripe/warning is that if it is raining at 10:30 AM, they seem to close the place for the rest of the day even if it clears up and is ☀️ and hot for the rest of the afternoon…that was a letdown for me but luckily Baie de Baiport was nearby."
Sean Flynn
"A nice place to walk around and take some photos. A little bit messy sometimes."
Hamid Boleydei
"Great place"
Igor Pivovar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bassin Louise is accessible by public transport and is a pleasant walk from Old Quebec. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a scenic route along the waterfront.
Limited parking may be available in the vicinity, but it's often recommended to use public transportation or walk due to its proximity to popular areas.
Yes, there are cycling paths along the waterfront, making it an accessible destination for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, swimming at L'Oasis du Port de Québec in Bassin Louise is free! It's a unique urban swimming experience.
It's highly recommended to book your ice fishing experience with Village Nordik in advance, especially during peak season.
Operating hours for L'Oasis du Port de Québec vary by season. Check their official channels for the most up-to-date information.
Generally, swimming is open to all ages, but supervision is recommended for younger children.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The water temperature is often described as perfect for swimming, around 23°C (73°F) during the summer. [^Review]
The oasis offers dedicated swim lanes and relaxation areas to cool off and enjoy the waterfront.
Yes, the water quality is carefully managed to ensure safety for swimmers. It's considered North America's first port swimming experience.
During ice fishing season, you might catch pike, perch, and rock bass, especially in the rocky areas. [^Review]
Absolutely! It's a lovely place for a walk, offering scenic views of the boats and the port.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront promenade offers great angles for photos, especially with the boats and the city skyline. Sunsets are particularly beautiful here.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of private property and any posted signage.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In the winter, ice fishing with Village Nordik provides an exciting and educational experience for children, allowing them to try a classic Canadian activity in a supervised environment.
The open spaces around the basin are also great for a stroll or a picnic, making it a versatile spot for family outings year-round. ☀️ Summer Visitors
Remember to check their operating hours and be aware of potential closures due to heavy rain. [^Review]Beyond swimming, the waterfront promenade is perfect for leisurely walks, enjoying the maritime atmosphere, and capturing beautiful photos, especially during sunset.
❄️ Winter Travelers
Booking ahead is advised to secure your spot for this popular seasonal attraction. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Urban Swim Experience
+1This concept has been praised for its creativity and contribution to urban recreation. It provides a unique way to cool off during hot summer days and offers a novel perspective of Quebec City. The initiative is a collaboration between local organizations and the city, highlighting a commitment to making the waterfront accessible and enjoyable for residents and tourists alike.
+1While the swimming experience is generally positive, some visitors have noted that heavy rainfall can occasionally lead to temporary closures for safety reasons. It's always a good idea to check the operating status before heading out, especially if the weather has been inclement. [^Review]
Winter Wonderland: Ice Fishing at Bassin Louise
Village Nordik is known for its well-organized setup, making it accessible even for beginners. They provide the necessary equipment and a comfortable environment to enjoy the day. It's often described as a fun and memorable outing, perfect for creating winter memories.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, as this popular attraction can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's a fantastic way to embrace the winter season and enjoy the unique charm of Quebec City's waterfront.
Photography Opportunities at Bassin Louise
+1The waterfront promenade offers excellent vantage points for capturing both wide-angle cityscapes and detailed shots of maritime life. The changing light throughout the day, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, can create truly magical photographic moments.
While general photography is welcomed, always be respectful of any private areas or operational zones within the port. The area is also a popular spot for events, which can offer unique photographic subjects.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit