15 Things To Do In Montreal If You Can't Afford To Go On Vacation
Summers in Montreal are the best. You don't have to actually go on vacation to get that exotic feel we all love, a "staycation" is perfectly acceptable alternative.
If you're not yet convinced, here are 15 places to make your summer the best summer ever without having to fly on vacation. You're welcome.
1. Bistro des Moulins
Bistro des Moulins is Montreal's best hidden waterside terrasse. You'll find yourself in a historical site surrounded by natural beauty. French cuisine, European wines and stunning architecture - I'm telling you, it's a gem. They open on May 15th, so keep your eyes peeled!
2. Terrasses Bonsecours
Visit Terrasses Bonsecours when you're craving good outdoor BBQ. It has the sickest view of the St-Lawrence river and the Old Port. They have live music, entertainment, and obviously - alcohol. You'll definitely forget you're in Montreal.
Photo cred - Beachclub
3. Beach Club
The new Beach Club will make you feel like you're in Miami. Day beds, cabanas, pool, music, beach. All of this just 40 minutes away from Montreal. It can definitely replace a vacation.
4. Clock Tower Beach
The Clock Tower Beach opens May 30th and it is exactly what the title says - a beach. The only downfall, you can't actually swim there... but they have mist stations where you can chill out in case it gets too hot. You'll feel like you're in Cannes with all the boats around you.
5. Le Sainte-Élisabeth
Le Sainte-Élisabeth terrasse will make you feel like you're in a rain forest somewhere in Europe. What's cool about this forest is that you can order drinks and it's actually a pub. Best forest ever.
6. Spa Bota Bota
Spa Bota Bota is located on a huge boat that's parked in the Old Port. It's really amazing when you think about it. Bota Bota has the most beautiful view of the port. You'll feel like you're on your huge private yacht just cruising around Europe and getting massages.
7. Le Club Chasse et Pêche Terrasse
If you like the idea of exquisite cuisine in a French château, Le Club Chasse et Pêche summer terrasse is the place to go. Every summer, Le Club Chasse et Pêche is open for lunch at the Château Ramezay located in the Old Port, right across the street from the restaurant. You will feel like the queen/king that you are.
Photo cred - Imgsoup
8. Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens in Montreal are stunning. No need to fly to China, just drive to Montreal East and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Once you get over the beautiful views, you can stop at the Botanical Gardens Restaurant and order a few things as you dine surrounded by nature.
9. Hilton Bonaventure
Situated right in the middle of downtown Montreal, Hilton Bonaventure has the solution to all your summer problems - a sick rooftop pool. The roof is covered in trees and looks like a miniature park.
10. Il Cortile
You don't have to fly to Rome to feel like you're in Italy. Il Cortile is a gorgeous Italian restaurant with a hidden terrasse covered in flowers. The atmosphere is as authentic as the delicious cuisine. Don't forget to order some good vino and you're basically on vacation.
11. Parc Jean-Drapeau Pool
There's a beach AND a pool at Parc Jean-Drapeau and it's really all you need in the summer.With the resort-like vibe and gorgeous scenery, you have yourself a winning vacation combination right there.
12. Foresta Lumina
Foresta Lumina is not exactly in Montreal, but it doesn't matter, because it will make you forget where you are, literally. This place is so trippy, you will freak out. It's like an enchanted forest covered in lights. You just walk through it and feel like you're in a fairy tale.
Photo cred - Balnea
13. Balnea Spa
319 chemin du Lac Gale, Bromont
Balnea spa will make you feel like you're somewhere in Finland visiting your rich friend's aunt's house or something. It's far from city stress and it's really one of the most relaxing places you can head to.
14. Maison Boulud
If you're more into high end vacations, visit Maison Bloulud's terrace for brunch or lunch. It will make you feel aristocratic and refined. The garden is lovely, they even have swans there sometimes. You'll feel like you're somewhere really classy - somewhere like St-Barth's.
15. A/Maze - Lost Temple Escape Room
If you like to go on adventures, you will love A/Maze's Lost Temple escape room challenge. We already spoke about A/Maze and how it's a real life quest game. This specific challenge takes place in "deepest [...] Canadian woods" and you need to find traces of a lost mythical Slavic tribe by reading clues and solving puzzles. You will definitely forget you're in Montreal for the time you're there.
