14 of the best things to do in and around Montreal before the summer's over
Squeeze the last little bit of fun out of the season! ☀️⌛
Someone stands on a long wooden walkway at a Quebec ecological park. Right: A group of people drinking at an urban beach.
The construction holiday has come and gone, our Osheaga passes are sitting in the trash (or at least they would be if they weren't digital) and we're knee-deep in Pride Month festivities. Add it all together and it can only mean one thing: summer in Montreal is almost over.
If you're a 'glass half empty' kind of person, you might be tempted to curl up in a ball until the Autumn equinox. But there is an alternative — and it's a heck of a lot more fun. The 'glass half full' route involves squeezing every possible morsel of fun out of the rest of August and September.
We're going with the latter, and we think you should too.
So, what do you say? Are you in? Then we'd better get cracking. We have a little over a month to check every remaining item off this summer bucket list.
Here are the best things to do in and around Montreal before the end of summer in order to make the most of it.
Try a new restaurant with super summery vibes
Why You Need To Go: True foodies like yourselves need no excuse when it comes to trying new restaurants. So the fact that it's summer is reason enough to find a place with summery vibes, secure some good company and make a reservation to chow down. From Bazart's bohemian decor to India Rosa's colourful cocktails to Sabrosa's fresh papaya salad and grilled shrimp, summer isn't just a list of things to do — it's also an experience that can be found on your plate and in your glass. Bon Appétit!
Attend as many festivals as you can
Price: Varies, but there are a lot of free festival events
When: All summer long, baby!
Why You Need To Go: Whether you want to stuff your face full of 150 types of tacos or line dance your heart out to country western hits, there is sure to be a festival that speaks to you this summer. In fact, there are so many festivals happening simultaneously right now that it's hard to walk down the street without accidentally attending three of them. The cherry on top? Many feature free shows and events so you don't have to spend a dime to get in on the action.
Become a ninja warrior on Aquazilla's floating obstacle course
Price:
- Children ages 6 to 13: $17 for an hour, $34 for the day or $85 for a season pass
- Adults 14 and up: $22 for an hour, $38 for the day or $85 for a season pass
- Family (4 people): $70 for an hour, $133 for the day or $280 for a season pass
When: June 22 to September 2
Address: Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau – 151, circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Why You Need To Go: This 30-by-35-metre structure is a cross between a floating bouncy castle and an obstacle course, turning you and your friends into ninja warriors as you slip, slide, bounce, swing, splash, and cool down. With all of that (and more) in one place, Aquazilla is the true epitome of summer fun wrapped up into a big, inflatable package.
Escape the city with a road trip (or day trip)
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing better than summer in the city. And, yet, summer in the city wouldn't be the same without taking a little road trip or day trip to escape. You could drive to one of Canada's best beaches, get directly shuttled to a nearby nature reserve or plan the ultimate hike. Whatever avenue you pursue, you'll likely have a blast and then return to Montreal feeling grateful to be back, more in love with it than when you left.
Pick your own sunflower bouquet
Price: 24 for one adult and a bouquet, $37 for two adults and a bouquet
When: August 16 to September 2
Address: La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac, 75 QC-201, Coteau-du-Lac
Why You Need To Go: U-pick tulip season may be over, but you can still pick your own sunflowers before the summer ends at La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac. This floral paradise with fairytale vibes, less than an hour's drive from Montreal, allows visitors to explore vast sunflower fields, pick bouquets, explore a corn maze and take snapshots in picture-perfect "photo-booths." The photo ops are as ubiquitous as the sunshine and fresh air!
Catch a killer view and/or sunset
Why You Need To Go: Some of the best days of summer are spent treating the park like your living room and the sun like your clock while looking out at a stunning skyline. Which Montreal park is your favourite? Where can you catch the most beautiful sunsets and see the most incredible views? You have a whole summer ahead of you to try them all and find out.
More on Montreal's most spectacular views, best places to catch the sunset and underrated parks
Play tourist in your own city by taking a street tour
Price: From $39.95 to $89.95
Why You Need To Go: It's easy to get complacent about your hometown. But when you remember that millions of tourists flocked to Montreal last summer, it puts things into perspective: we live in an amazing place with amazing attractions so get off your butt and go see them. One simple way to do this is by taking a tour. Fitz Montreal, for example, offers bike tours and walking tours with a little something for everyone. There's a street art e-bike tour, a walking tour of off-the-beaten-path sights in Old Montreal, a hidden gems bike tour of the Plateau and Jean-Talon Market and more. We guarantee you'll learn things you never knew about the place you call home.
Party at the beach
Price: Free before 7 p.m., $5 after
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from June 13 to September 21, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 2380, rue Notre-Dame E.
Why You Need To Go: Beach parties are back at Village au Pied-du-Courant complete with top DJs, electrifying beats, food trucks, art installations, dancing, sand, sun and, later in the season, fireworks. If you're looking to have an unforgettable summer evening, what more could you ask for?
This summer also marks Beachclub's final season before owner Olivier Primeau changes things up, so you'll want to make the most of the North Shore's resort-style open-air club while you still can.
Chill (or do free yoga) with sheep
Price: Free
When:
- Parc Armand-Bombardier from May 21 to June 24
- Parc Maisonneuve from June 25 to October 13
Address:
- Parc Armand-Bombardier - boulevard Perras and boulevard Armand-Bombardier
- Parc Maisonneuve - 4601, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: For the eighth year, you'll find a gang of sheep roaming around certain Montreal parks this summer as part of an eco-grazing project that uses sheep as natural lawnmowers. Not only can you pet the sheep (with volunteer permission) if they come up to you and ask for a pat, but you can also do free activities like yoga with them. Not a baaaad way to spend a day.
Watch a free open-air film by the Lachine Canal
Price: Free
When: July 14 to August 18
Address: Square Saint-Patrick, 1335, rue Saint-Patrick
Why You Need To Go: Film Noir au Canal is bringing free screenings of noir cinema classics and modern thrillers to Square Saint-Patrick every Sunday night beginning mid-July. Selected movies aren't announced until a week in advance, but past hits have included Hitchcock’s Rear Window and Scorsese’s The Departed so it's safe to say the organizers know what they're doing. Even if you don't love the film you see, the summer breeze hitting your face and the view of the canal should more than make up for it.
Drink at a floating bar
When: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Quai Atwater, 151, ave. Atwater
Why You Need To Go: "Montreal's floating bar is docking in the Lachine Canal with sea-themed drinks to sip and snacks to savour below deck," wrote Sofia Misenheimer in an article about the Canal Lounge. If none of your friends own their own yachts and you want to sip refreshing beverages aboard a watercraft soon, this may be your best bet.
Walk along pedestrian streets
Price: Free
When: Varies depending on the street
Address:
- Avenue Bernard
- Avenue Duluth Est
- Avenue du Mont-Royal
- Place du Marché-du-Nord (Jean-Talon Market)
- Plaza Saint-Hubert
- Rue De Castelnau Est
- Rue Ontario Est
- Rue Saint-Denis (and rue Émery)
- Rue Sainte-Catherine Est
- Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest (and part of rue Balmoral and rue Clark)
- Rue Wellington
Why You Need To Go: For most of the year, cars rule the road. So why not take advantage of the few months when we can walk the streets without having to worry about noise pollution, tailpipe fumes or getting injured. Take a stroll down one of Montreal's 11 pedestrian-only streets for the summer of 2024 and enjoy everything the city has to offer — on foot this time. In addition to pedestrianizing streets, the City is also transforming certain public spaces into what it calls "festive mode" — adding things like picnic areas, outdoor furniture, open-air exhibitions and giant games. So dust off your sneakers, turn on your step counter and get moving!
Ride a water taxi
Price: $6 for a one-way ticket but free between Boucherville and East Montreal
When: May 18 to October 27
Why You Need To Go: Ahoy, mateys! Montreal's river shuttle system not only serves as a full-fledged commuter service, allowing you to skip construction and traffic while taking public transit, they're also an affordable way to take a scenic boat ride along the Saint Lawrence River.
Find love (or a lover)
Why You Need To Go: Whether you want a significant other to join in your summer adventures or a new lover for a month-long fling (those are so much more fun when warm weather hits), this is a great time to turn up the heat on your dating life. From speed dating to seasonal activities to classes you can take, Montreal is crawling with eligible singles. You just have to know where to find them.
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on June 17, 2024.
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