Montreal is packed with unique things to do that will make your dad's day extra special. Whether he's into food, adventure, or just a good old stroll around town, the city has something up its sleeve for every type of dad.
With summer just around the corner, you've got a mix of both free and paid events perfect for the occasion. So, whether you're showing around an out-of-towner or just treating dad to some local fun, here are some fresh ideas you might not have considered:
Watch a Montreal Impact soccer game
Price: $31 to $299
When: Saturday, June 15th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Saputo Stadium, 4750, rue Sherbrooke Est
Reason to go: If your dad is a soccer lover or a sports enthusiast in general, hitting up a Montreal Impact game is a fun way to spend an evening. The MLS has garnered much attention this year with the arrival of Lionel Messi to the league and the quality of game is on the rise. The buzz of the crowd, food, and beverages available completes the experience and you’ll get to spend some quality time with your dad over a game he loves.
Try your hand at High Ropes
Price: $55 per adult and & $29 for children
Where: Place des Vestiges, Montréal, QC
Reason to go: Located at the Old Port waterfront, Voiles en Voiles gives guests a variety of fun activities for children and adults alike. You’re sure to see this eyecatching highropes course as it’s located in a massive pirate ship! The high ropes course loops around the sails challenging climbers to different obstacles. Helmets and appropriate safety gear are provided but if you are nervousof heights there are play parks and ground activities available as well!
Zip Across Old Port
Price: $24.99 for adults & $19.99 for children
Where: Hangar 16, 363, rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC
Reason to go: Right next to the high ropes course you will find another adrenaline pumping activity: a zip line. The attraction is hard to miss as you can often hear the cheering of customers as they zip over the Old Port pier towards the Ferris wheel. You just have to clip in and have a ride across the waterways. The activity is suitable for anyone aged three and up so the whole family can join in.
Take a jet-ski ride on the St-Lawrence
Price: Prices vary by hour
Where: Quai Jacques Cartier, Montreal, Quebec
Reason to go: It has been a warm spring this year in the city and the water activities are already in full swing. When walking along the water you will notice jet boats and Sea-Doos ripping across the beautiful water of the St-Lawrence. Whether you want to treat dad to his own ride or have him and the kids hop on a personal watercraft together there are a ton of options at Wet Set MTL. You can also choose to have a guide or head out solo for this water activity.
Kayak or paddleboard with the fam
Price: $25 per hour for a solo kayak
Where: 2985b, rue Saint-Patrick, Montreal, QC
Reason to go: The Lachine Canal is a lively hub in the summer with beautiful walking paths, bike paths, and cafes close by. It's a great place to set up a blanket and hang out with friends and family but its also a great place to kayak. Multi-coloured paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats can be seen in the canal, even the occasional swan boat. H2O adventures offers the affordable rental of equipment for 30 minutes, an hour, or two hours. The staff are friendly and will direct you on how to use the equipment if itis your first time.
Have a BBQ in the park
Price: Free
Where: Mount Royal Park
Reason to go: Mount Royal Park is an exceptional place to set up a blanket and have a relaxing picnic with the family. It’s also the perfect destination for a cookout with large groups. The park features picnic tables with hot plate safe metal sections where you can bring your own grill and spend time with the family. Sometimes an intimate dinner is nicer than visiting a restaurant and this way you can cook your own food and have plenty of space for your family to hangout and any children to play.
Take an evening dinner cruise
Price: $69.99 + dinner price
Where: 55, Quai d'Accostage, rue Quai de l'Horloge, Montréal, QC
Reason to go: If you’re looking for a memorable and unique dining experience, then what’s better than an evening dinner cruise? You can set sail on the St-Lawrence river for a fabulous evening of city views and delectable plates. Tickets to enter cost between $59.99 and $69.99 and do not include the price of the dinner. The special experience is three hours long with boarding at 6:30 p.m. and cruising through the river during sunset.
Visit Montreal’s Best Breweries
Price: $79 per person
Where: 1717, rue Berri, Montréal, QC
Reason to go: If your dad is a beer lover then a City Brew tour is going to be right up his alley. The guided brewery tours run four days a week lasting three and a half hours each. What’s great about this company is that they offer transportation included in the price to make sure you get to where your going safely. Up to 10 beer styles are included in your ticket and VIP access to three local breweries. You will also be given a snack to go along with your tour. Check out the "Sip of Montreal" Brew Tour if it sounds like a good fit for your dad.
Hit up Festival sur le Canal
Price: Free
When: June 14th to 16th
Where: 3653-3667, Saint-Patrick St., Montreal, QC
Reason to go: This family friendly music festival is free on Father’s Day weekend. The event kickoff friday night and runs till Sunday night so there are lots of artists and shows to watch. You can set up a blanket to watch the festivities along the canal or sing along with the crowd during the concerts.
Be mystifed by acrobats at Cirque de Soleil's big top
Price: $60 to $198
Where: Quai Jacques-Cartier, Montréal, QC
Reason to go: Cirque du Soleil is back under the big top in Montreal's Old Port and this Father’s Day weekend they have multiple shows for their latest performance KURIOS Cabinet of Curiosities. The performance revolves around a seeker who believes his cabinet of curiosities is home to another universe. As he explores, the curiosities come to life. The show is fun for the whole family and what’s better than getting to see Cirque du Soleil in it’s hometown?
Visit one of Montreal’s many museums
Price: Prices Vary
Where: Across the city
Reason to go: Montreal has so many interesting exhibits and accessible museums open year round. Whether your dad is an art enthusiast, history buff, or animal lover, you can check out the cute penguins at the Biodome or roam the historical underground sewers at the Pointe-à -Callière archaeology museum. Either way, there are plenty of day activities to do with your dad this Father’s Day that he's sure to love.
Cirque du Soleil extreme skater Martin Barrau performs a stunt over two ice ramps. 
The "X Boys" on the highest ramp platform at Aréna Chénier.
CRYSTAL performer Johanny "Jojo" Velasquez.
An extreme skater hops over a ramp. 
A close-up of Jojo's ice skates that have a "Jo" on the tongue of each boot.
A stunt involving one skater flying over another on a ramp.
Cirque du Soleil coach and former French Olympic freestyle skier Jean-Damien Climonet.
The Laliberté mansion among the trees of Mount Royal during the fall.
The living room with a carved fireplace and wall of masks.
A 20-person dining room table.
A red-accented boudoir.
The home theatre with two tiers of luxury seating.
A recessed seating area on the back patio, by the outdoor fire pit.
Two performers pose in front of the Montreal Biodome.
A close-up of the Cirque du Soleil sparrow costume.
Acrobats mid-jump, while others pose.
One performer does the splits while balancing on one hand atop the Biodome.
Eye-catching make-up on an acrobat.
A spot of bird-watching using the Biosphere binoculars.