What's up, Montreal? 👋 Ilana from MTL Blog here with another edition of what to do in Montreal this week, a roundup of everything you need to know to crush the seven days to come.
I'll keep the intro short this time because — I don't know about you guys — but this weekend got the best of me. It was my birthday (hold your applause... okay, fiiiine, applaud... *takes a bow*... I guess getting older is an accomplishment), and I organized a big barbecue for some of my friends. It was a blast and also totally exhausting, but even though I feel like garbage today, it was well worth it. Whether it's your birthday or not, this time of year is jam-packed full of fun festivities. No matter how tired we get, as Montrealers we know how to rally and make the most of the warmer months because winter is always just around the corner. This is our moment. We're in it. It's happening right now. Hope you're enjoying all that the city has to offer!
THINGS TO KNOW
👟 MONT-ROYAL SAYS SAYONARA TO CARS
Montreal is about to get another pedestrian street, as avenue du Mont-Royal closes to vehicles for the summer on June 5. However, with set-up starting Monday, bus lines 11, 97, 368 and 711 will be partly rerouted on Saint-Joseph Boulevard, and to Laurier station going forward. You can find more info on the STM website. Mont-Royal is just one of 11 streets being pedestrianized this year — at least three of which are already car-free for the season.
📱 TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA OR NOT TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA...
That was the question at the Coalition Avenir Québec general convention over the weekend. Premier François Legault told reporters he was open to "taking major steps" to combat social media's negative impact on youth mental health, acknowledging its addictive properties. While there was debate as to whether banning social media before a certain age is a good idea (Legault previously criticized the Parti Québécois for suggesting France-like restrictions where parental consent is required for people under 15), he has since proposed launching a multi-partisan legislative committee study that would examine the issue and evaluate next steps, addressing issues like screen times and web access at school. So, to ban social media for teens or not to ban social media for teens? What do you think?
🏒 NO MEDAL FOR TEAM CANADA (OR ITS HAB)
Team Canada came in fourth-place at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia, after losing 4-2 to Sweden in the bronze medal game on Sunday. The tournament's lone remaining Montreal Canadiens player Kaiden Guhle was sidelined during the match, but overall finished IIHF with five points and a plus-4 differential in nine games. Better luck next time.
WEATHER
Don't let a rainy start to the week get you down! It looks like a succession of sunny days are on the way once we push past some showers — and possible thunderstorms. Predictions suggest a weekly high of 27 degrees on Sunday, and a weekly low of 11 degrees on Wednesday night and Thursday night.
☀️ Expect sunshine on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This weekend, there may be clouds in the mix, too.
☔ Showers are expected Monday and Tuesday with a risk of thunderstorms Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon.
💨 As of Monday,
Air Quality was at a "low risk" level two, down a peg from last week's riskier (though still low risk) level three.
You can find the full seven-day forecast on the Environment Canada website. Predictions are subject to frequent change.
STAFF PICKS
Your guide to #NoFomo.
🍽️ WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Mocktails and bites at Terrasse Nelligan
"Terrasse season is back, Montreal! While the summer heat and I aren’t the best of friends, I do look forward to a rooftop terrasse moment every single summer season. I kicked things off at Terrasse Nelligan this weekend and it felt so good being on a rooftop, sipping mocktails with the girls and sharing bites while gabbing about our summer plans. While there are so many terrasses to choose from in Montreal, Nelligan is a fave thanks to its stunning views of the Old Port and comfortable seating! Give me a big cushioned chair with back support, a cold drink and a breeze and I’m in heaven." 📍106, rue Saint-Paul O. — Mike Chaar, Assistant Editor, MTL Blog
Coleslaw (and everything else) at Chalet Bar-B-Q
"Summer barbecue hack for you. If you want to complement your meal with the best coleslaw ever, pick it up at Notre-Dame-de-Grâce's legendary rotisserie chicken joint Chalet Bar-B-Q, which has been open since 1944. I did that over the weekend and despite my brother telling me, 'No one cares about coleslaw. Just get it wherever' I made the trip to one of my favourite restaurants and it was a huge hit. People cared! People rejoiced! So take that, Jacob. There's a special entrance just for takeout orders and parking for customers, which makes the process easy, and you can get a platter-sized container of perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, vinegary (not too creamy) 'slaw for around $7.65. But heck once you're there, why not get a full meal and dine in? With its wood panelled walls and old-school ambiance, Chalet is a comforting blast from the best. Everything from the fries to the buns to the chicken to the gravy is delicious." 📍5456, rue Sherbrooke O. —
Ilana Belfer, Senior Writer, MTL Blog
🎲 WHAT TO DO
- See Stand-Up St. Henri's second-year anniversary show (Tuesday at Le Basement aka Montreal Improv): Saint-Henri's weekly English comedy show marks two years of making Montrealers laugh this Tuesday. As always, they'll have a stellar line-up highlighting women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community so go giggle, celebrate and support the local stand-up scene. The night is expected to end in karaoke.
- Go speed dating (Thursday at Vandale): Summer is basically here, which means it's prime time to date if you're looking for someone to accompany you on upcoming adventures or engage in a steamy love affair — due to both the hot weather and the level of passion. Speed dating with Flare Events is a dating-coach approved method for meeting Montreal singles, and there are still tickets remaining for this week's session dedicated to straight folks aged 27 to 36. Vandale, the restaurant where the event is being held, also offers a tasty three-course meal for $25 so, regardless of how your dates go, you can opt to kick off or cap off the night with some guaranteed pleasure.
- Frolic with sheep (Parc Armand-Bombardier until June 24): Sheep are baaaack at Montreal parks for an eighth summer season. Their main job is to naturally mow the lawn as they graze, but they are also there simply to spark joy amongst park visitors who can bask in their presence, pet them when they approach and even do free activities like yoga with them. If you miss seeing the flock of around 20 roaming sheep at Parc Armand-Bombardier, they'll move over to Parc Maisonneuve from June 25 to October 13.
ICYMI: Last week's top story
Desjardins apologized after ticking off tons of people and the whole situation is SO Quebec
The Desjardins sign and logo.Jerome Cid | Dreamstime
Last week, Desjardins issued "sincerest apologies to all those who were offended" by what they called an "unacceptable situation" — and that "situation" is the most Quebec thing ever. Headquartered in Lévis, the financial service cooperative's big mistake revolved around National Patriots' Day (Journée nationale des Patriotes) and the Canadian flag. Can you already see where this is going?
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
POLL
Hold on to your tote bags, folks! It's time to settle an age-old debate: Which Montreal farmers' market is the best one? Whether you love fresh produce, flowers or food stalls, everyone has a favourite market come summertime. In a classic showdown of the city's two main markets, Jean-Talon and Atwater are tied for first place, each with 43% of the vote. However, votes are currently still sparse. Head to ASKMontreal to weigh in.
A screenshot of a poll from ASKMontreal.ASKMontreal
VOTE NOW
PUB TRIVIA (AT HOME)
Brought to you by Quizmaster Brian
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Last week's answer: Jeff Bridges
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This week's question: According to a "very annoying" musical*, how many minutes are in a year?
*The views expressed are Quizmaster Brian's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media or this article's author, Ilana Belfer, who may or may not love the musical in question.
Tune in next week for the answer and a new question!
Thanks for reading Montreal This Week. What did you like (or dislike) about today's edition? And what other information do you need to start your week off right? You can reach me with all feedback at ilana.belfer@mtlblog.com.
The Desjardins sign and logo.
A screenshot of a poll from ASKMontreal.