Thanks to a combination of hockey, careful planning and MTL Blog, Josiah McCooeye was able to totally surprise his now-fiancée, Taylor Sparkes, with a marriage proposal.
"I had been planning to propose for a while but did not know exactly how I would do it," McCooeye told MTL Blog. "Then I had an idea."
Having locked in plans with his friends to help with the proposal on July 2 and without expecting the Canadiens to still be in the playoffs, McCooeye planned to decorate a beach near the Pointe-Claire windmill with thousands of LED lights and pop the question.
But the Canadiens' playoff winning streak proved inconvenient to his plan because much like the rest of the city, the couple were gripped with Habs fever.
"My proposal plan was virtually out the window at this point, and I really considered changing the date and plan entirely," said McCooeye.
"I was scrambling and freaking out, trying to think of a way to watch the game and also pull off my proposal on the originally intended date and time."
So, he thought, "what if I convinced her that there was a projected broadcast of the game at the Pointe-Claire windmill, which was right beside the spot of beach where I was going to propose?"
In order for his plan to work, McCooeye first had to photoshop an Instagram post that claimed that the windmill was hosting a screening of a Stanley Cup Final game.
"If she was to see MTL Blog saying that there was a game being broadcast at the Pointe-Claire windmill, that would probably convince her," he said.
"Come Friday, the plan was in motion."
McCooeye enlisted their group of friends and even a waiter at a bar for the adorably elaborate ruse. In the end, he pulled it off masterfully.
"We walked towards the windmill, and on our way, we arrived at the entrance to the hidden beach where I was going to propose," he said.
"At that point, she said something to the effect of 'pretty cool that MTL Blog posted about this.' I [...] responded 'oh, you mean that MTL Blog post that you knew was fake and you scrolled through your Instagram to check? Because you might have been right about that.'"
Why You Need To Go: Located in the Plateau, one of the city’s most colourful neighbourhoods, these installations bring us everything we love most about summer: murals, gardens and places to hang.
Why You Need To Go: Last year, it was your favourite drive-in. This year, it’s your favourite garden terrasse with boozy events planned all summer long.
Where: Saint James United Church, 463, rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC
When: June 4 to September 26, 2021
Price: Free
Why You Need To Go: Yes, you read that right — just outside Saint James United Church is the coolest sandy beach hangout, where you can even bring booze. It's the most relaxing place to chill in the middle of the downtown core.
This particular oasis is described as a "vacation in the sun, right in the downtown core" with "comfortable furniture, shade, a seaside soundscape, and that one-of-a-kind feeling of hot sand underfoot."
Alcohol is allowed, as long as you consume it with food so you can BYOB if you really want to set the mood of being on holiday.
Sitting on a lounge chair with your toes in the sand as you sip on a cocktail under the sun, it's hard to believe this is really Sainte-Catherine.
At the very least, it's the perfect place to relax after a long day of shopping.
A Beach In The Middle Of Downtown MTL
Price: Free
When: June 4 to September 26, 2021
Address: Saint James United Church — 463, rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Instantly escape the hustle-and-bustle of downtown, swapping it for beach holiday feels.
A trip to Toronto usually means tons of concrete buildings as your view, but if you go just a little way from the downtown sector, you'll find the Scarborough Bluffs, which make it feel like you left Canada and ended up in the Caribbean.
The Scarborough Bluffs stretch along 15 kilometres of Lake Ontario and you can admire the azure-coloured waters from so many different spots.
Bluffer's Beach was specifically designed to give people access to the Scarborough Bluffs. The beach has picnic areas, lookouts, a boat launch and a park next to it with different trails to walk along.
The only other park that has a trail leading to the waterfront is East Point Park. To get to it, Toronto's official website says to "start at the end of Beechgrove and Copperfield Road."
Where: Sundaiz - 4710, rue Saint-Ambroise, Unit 130, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Check It Out: Decadent, nostalgic and gorgeous views thanks to the Lachine Canal. Step up to the window at Sundaiz first-ever location or head inside to discover a totally-90s vibe from the moment you walk in… and to celebrate their opening, they're giving away free cookies on June 25 (while supplies last).
Price: $9 for adults, $ 4.50 for children, free for 2-year-olds and under and $22 for a family composed of 2 parents and 2 children — plus additional fees for rentals or activities
Why You Need To Check It Out: With summer officially here, it means beach days are back and in full effect.
Why You Need To Check It Out: Marché Des Éclusiers is one of the most anticipated hangout spots of the summer! Even visiting celebs like Waka Flocka Flame can’t help but get in on the action.
Why You Need To Check It Out: The OPUS card is not just for getting around town. It can help you have fun around town, too, by getting you cool discounts on activities like water cruises or rides on La Grande Roue de Montréal.
Why You Need To Check It Out: If you need a place to escape the summer heat, head to one of the many public pools around the city that are now open for swimming.
Why You Need To Check It Out: This city is filled with surprises. A circus act or arts performance could be around any corner, so take a walk and try to find one!
Where: Ile Raymond - 195, 39e Avenue, Sainte-Barbe, QC
When: Thursday to Sunday starting at noon, depending on the weather
Price: $20 per person for daily access, including the shuttle and a drink
Why You Need To Check It Out: You can enjoy a restaurant outing — sipping tasty cocktails like an amaretto sour or bloody caesar — with an incredible view of the water's edge.
Feel Like You're In The Arctic At An Immersive Exhibit
Where: Éloize Expo - 417, rue Berri, Montreal, QC
When: June 2 to October 31, 2021
Price: $26
Why You Need To Check It Out: Perfect for a rainy day... As MTL Blog's Teddy Elliot put it, "Sous Les Glaces (Below the Ice) will give you the experience of tagging along with filmmaker Mario Cyr as he explores the vast reaches of the Arctic."
The lake even has a 300-metre open-water swimming course with three lanes marked off specifically for swimming — whether you're a competitive athlete or looking for casual exercise.
Besides swimming, you can also play beach volleyball, grab snacks or drinks at the restaurant or rent watercraft — from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards (SUP). New this year, you can bring your own kayak or SUP.
If you're looking for a different kind of challenge, Jean-Doré Beach is home to "Aquazilla," a 30-by-35-metre inflatable floating obstacle course — complete with slides, platforms for jumping into the water, a trampoline and more.
Jean-Doré Beach is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until August 22.
Jean-Doré Beach Opens For 2021
Price: $9 for adults, $ 4.50 for children, free for 2-year-olds and under and $22 for a family composed of 2 parents and 2 children — plus additional fees for rentals or activities
When: June 23 to August 22, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The good news is, even if you wipe out, it's probably the most fun you can have while failing at something this summer. So why not plan a Montreal beach day at Plage Jean-Doré and give it a shot?
The Aquazilla website describes it as a 30-by-35-metre "inflatable structure comprised of obstacles, slides and platforms for jumping into the water, and much more." It even has a water trampoline!
While the obstacle course is approved for ages 6 and up, MTL Blog's Alex Melki — who's very much an adult — tried it out in 2019 and described it as "way harder than I expected."
Aquazilla is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $15 per adult for one hour or $26.75 per adult for a day pass.
Aquazilla reopens for summer 2021
Price: $15 per adult for one hour or $26.75 per adult for a day pass plus beach access fees
If summer in Montreal wasn't already fun enough for you, there's a new beach in the east end with plenty of activities like kayaking and beach volleyball.
Located in Pointe-aux-Trembles, the new East Beach will offer "privileged access to the banks of the St. Lawrence River" all summer long according to an announcement from the City of Montreal.
According to the city, the East Beach is "equipped with a lighted promenade, a wooden jetty that extends towards the river, water jets integrated into the promenade, a large grassy area, urban furniture, an open shelter integrated into the jetty, and a pebble beach."
There are also two beach volleyball courts and water sports activities on the site like kayaking and canoeing.
"Swimming in the river is not permitted for the time being due to the presence of debris and contaminated sediment in the water," however, but the city is planning to decontaminate and clean up the water.
"The eastern beach will enrich the green and blue fabric with an exceptional site that will help strengthen the region's recreational and tourist appeal, for our greater benefit," Mayor Valérie Plante said in the statement.
The East Beach is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Clock Tower Beach in Old Montreal is reopening this weekend for the summer season, with free entry every day until September 6.
True to its name, the beach in Montreal — located in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal — is situated at the base of a clock tower, providing sunbathers with a quaint view of the Saint Lawrence River.
🏖️ Bonne nouvelle! La plage de l'Horloge ouvre ce samedi et vous accueillera gratuitement tout l'été jusqu'au 6 sep… https://t.co/wxZaVvsDtQ
— Vieux-Port Montréal - Old Port of Montréal (@Vieux-Port Montréal - Old Port of Montréal)
1623780912.0
Of course, the beach's iconic blue-toned parasols and lounge chairs will be back this year.
Swimming in the water isn't allowed.
However, the Old Port has set up mist stations along the beach to cool off on a hot summer day, accompanied by a bistro for beach snacks.
Vaping and smoking aren't allowed anywhere on the beach site. Alcohol purchased off-site can't be brought to the beach or consumed on-site, and while drinks bought in the refreshment area can be consumed on-site, drinkers are limited to the triangular area at the end of the beach's quay.
This week, Saint-Zotique Beach announced the return of its Mega Parcours Eau Défi, which consists of 30 structures floating on top of the Saint-Lawrence River that "thrill- and fun-seeking" people can climb, run and balance on.
If you've seen the show Wipeout, you have an idea of what you're in for — but considering 6-year-olds are allowed on this course, it'll probably be heavier on the fun and lighter on the challenge.
The Mega Parcours Eau Défi is set to reopen on June 24, and the hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It costs $10 for adults to put their skills to the test for one hour. But prices vary by age and there are packages that provide unlimited access to the inflatable structure.
Mega Parcours Eau Défi
Price: $10 per hour for adults 18 and older but prices vary by age and other packages are available
When: Starting June 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 105, 81e avenue, Saint-Zotique, QC
Why You Need To Go: A day at the beach with more action than suntanning or floating can provide.
Get your sunscreen and beach towels ready because Verdun Beach is set to open for the summer season on Saturday, June 12. However, there will be special COVID-19 rules in place.
For starters, the number of people allowed at the beach will be limited compared to the usual capacity.
Your time at the beach will also be limited to 45 minutes, and there are no reservations.
Until the beach opens on Saturday, the swimming area is unsupervised and swimming is not recommended. The Arrondissement de Verdun is also letting people know that its team will be filling sand on June 10 and 11 so "respect the signage."
It's expected to be 29 degrees and sunny in Montreal on Saturday — perfect for a day chilling on the shores of the Saint-Lawrence River.
Verdun Beach
Price: FREE!
When: Saturday, June 12. Daily hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Behind the Verdun Auditorium, near the De l’Église metro station
Whether you prefer to swim, kayak or simply admire the view from a far-off lookout point, you'll definitely want to add these beautiful bodies of water to your summer bucket list.
Access Info: Swimming is allowed in designated areas, such as at the supervised beach
Address: Saint-Anicet Beach in Jules-Léger Park - 1582, 61e Rue, Saint-Anicet, QC
Why You Need To Go: An hour southwest of Montreal in Saint-Anicet, Quebec, is a little beach where the waters are so clear you'll feel like you've left the country. Enjoy the beach, picnic area and gorgeous views. There are also some really cute Airbnbs nearby.
Access Info: Swimming and watercraft are not permitted
Address: Gatineau Park - 33, ch. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: Even though it's green and not actually pink, as the name suggests, Pink Lake is known as one of Gatineau Park's most breathtaking sights. Hike the 2.3-kilometre loop around the lake to catch it from all angles.
Access Info: Swimming is not permitted right now. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates
Address: 1780 Route 105, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: A must-see in Quebec, the Morrison Quarry is known for its amazing scenery, dreamy turquoise water, scuba diving and bungee jumping.
Access Info: Swimming is not permitted at Parc Riverain Sacacomie right now, but you can boat! You could also stay at a hotel, Airbnb or cottage where swimming is permitted.
Why You Need To Go: "Explore the majestic Lac Sacacomie whose shore extends over 42 km," reads the Hotel Sacacomie website. Whether you take a canoe, kayak, pedal boat or motorboat, the magnificent landscapes will not disappoint.
Why You Need To Go: It may not be a lake, but we couldn't leave a body of dazzling crystal-clear water off the list. Bonaventure River is a must-see in the Gaspe. You can canoe, kayak, standup paddleboard (SUP), snorkel, or tube.
Access Info: The lake is public, but it is unsupervised and there are no boat ramps.
Address: On Route 109, about halfway between Amos and Matagami, in James Bay
Why You Need To Go: Known as both Paradise Lake and Lac Mandjoci, the green-blue water makes this an impressive roadside stop when driving up to James Bay.
Access Info: Swimming and watercraft allowed as of June 23
Address: 835, 3e Rang O., Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, QC
Why You Need To Go: Not only will you be able to swim in the warm water of the famous Lac-Saint-Jean, but you will also be able to enjoy sandy beaches and incredible sunsets.
Why You Need To Go: Located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, you can swim or do other aquatic activities in the "nautical basin," next to the Domaine hotel, which includes a 15,000-square-foot beach.
Access Info: No swimming or access to water — just an observation platform meant as a lookout.
Address: 4233, rue du Lac-Noir, Thetford Mines, QC
Why You Need To Go: This lookout is accessible free of charge during the summer and offers an exceptional view of the pit of a former asbestos mine, which has been filled with deep blue water.
