Noah CôtéMontreal summer activities: Your guide to fun in the sun
Alright, I’m going to come clean. For years, I thought Montreal was just a winter wonderland, a place for ice skating, and hockey games. And don’t get me wrong, those things are amazing. But then, one summer, I had my mind completely blown.
It all started with a spontaneous trip. I’d heard whispers of this city’s summer magic, but I figured it was mostly hype. Boy, was I wrong. The city shed its winter coat and transformed into a playground of outdoor festivals and hidden terraces overflowing with laughter.
So, if you, like me, thought Montreal was just a winter destination, buckle up. I’m about to take you on a wild ride through a city that sizzles in the summer sun.
Outdoor activities
Hike up Mont Royal
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Location: 1260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1A2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer activity in Montreal, look no further than a hike up Mont Royal. Trust me, the panoramic views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere at the top are absolutely breathtaking.
The best part? The hike is totally doable, even if you’re not a seasoned hiker. The trails starting from downtown are well-marked and cater to all fitness levels, so you can go at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
And did I mention it’s completely free? That’s right, this incredible experience won’t cost you a dime.
Zipline in Old Port with Tyrolienne MTL Zipline
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Location: Hangar 16, 363 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC, Canada
Contact: +1 514-947-5463
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Imagine soaring 1,200 feet above the historic Bonsecours Island, with the breathtaking scenery of the Old Port and the St. Lawrence River beneath you. It’s a view you won’t forget.
But don’t worry, safety is their top priority at Tyrolienne MTL Zipline. You’ll be strapped in with a harness and helmet, and their certified instructors will guide you every step of the way. So whether you’re with your family, friends, or flying solo, everyone weighing between 50 and 250 pounds can join in on the fun.
And the best part? No need to plan ahead – just show up with your adventurous spirit and about $20 per person. It’s the perfect spontaneous activity to add a little excitement to your day. Oh, and don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes and tie back your hair if it’s long.
Enjoy the sun at Clock Tower Beach
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Location: 1 Clock Tower Quay St, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E2, Canada
Contact: +1 800-971-7678
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Thursday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Clock Tower Beach is the perfect spot to soak up those summer rays while enjoying breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and Old Montreal’s charming architecture.
Okay, so you can’t swim, but who cares when you’ve got refreshing mist stations and showers to keep you cool? Plus, did I mention it’s absolutely free? That’s right, no entrance fee to this slice of paradise!
And if you’re feeling active, grab a volleyball or roll out your yoga mat for their Tuesday morning sessions. And when the sun goes down, get ready for the beach to transform into a vibrant nightlife scene with live DJs on select nights.
Explore Ecomuseum Zoo
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Location: 21125 Sainte Marie Rd, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3Y7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-457-9449
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Forget the usual zoo animals from far-off lands – Ecomuseum Zoo is all about celebrating native wildlife. Here, you can stroll through wooded trails, where you might encounter playful river otters frolicking in the water or a majestic black bear lumbering through the forest.
Summer is packed with fun activities for all ages. You can learn all about the secret lives of coyotes, raccoons, and red foxes during their daily educational presentations, or get an even closer look by joining a guided tour with one of their passionate experts.
Admission is super affordable, starting at just $21.75 for adults (and it’s free for little ones under 3!), making it a budget-friendly outing for the whole family.
Jet ski on St. Lawrence River with Aventures Wet Set MTL
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Location: Quai Jacques Cartier, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-701-9387
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
If summer heat has you feeling like a melted popsicle, then let me introduce you to the ultimate cool-down: jet skiing on the St. Lawrence River with Aventures Wet Set MTL. Seriously, this is the top way to beat the heat and see Montreal’s iconic skyline from a whole new perspective.
You can go cruising across the waves with the wind whipping through your hair. You’ll get a front-row seat to the city’s architectural wonders like Habitat 67 and the Olympic Stadium, all while feeling the refreshing spray of the water on your face.
From quick 30-minute joyrides (starts at $86) to epic 3-hour adventures exploring the entire Montreal Island, there’s something for everyone.
Oh, and did I mention the 2-hour Boucherville Island Tour (starts at $259)? It’s the perfect escape to a serene natural paradise just a stone’s throw from the city.
Cultural experiences
Admire Leonard Cohen Mural
Location: 1420 Crescent St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2B7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Believe it or not, Montreal has a hidden gem that’s not to be missed: the Leonard Cohen mural! This colossal artwork is a breathtaking tribute to one of the city’s most beloved icons, the legendary singer-songwriter himself.
Seriously, this mural is HUGE. It covers a whopping 10,000 square feet on the side of a 21-story building, making it one of the most impressive pieces of public art you’ll ever see.
Two incredibly talented artists, Gene Pendon from Montreal and El Mac from the US created the mural. They took a beautiful photo of Leonard Cohen, captured by his daughter, and transformed it into this larger-than-life masterpiece that perfectly captures his spirit and soul.
Roam the Montreal Planetarium
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Location: 4801 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, Quebec H1V 3V4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-868-3000
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Prepare to be transported to distant galaxies and dazzling nebulae through immersive 360° dome shows. Whether you’re a lifelong astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about the cosmos, you’ll be captivated by the stunning visuals and fascinating information here.
This place is also part of the Space for Life complex, a sprawling natural sciences museum that offers a whole universe of discovery. After you’ve had your fill of stars, you can head over to the Biodome or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden.
With its affordable admission rates for all ages ( $11 for children and $22 for adults), the Montreal Planetarium is a must-visit destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers.
Visit the Biosphere
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Location: 160 Chem. du Tour de l’isle, Montréal, QC H3C 4G8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-868-3000
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This giant bubble might look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but trust me, it’s way cooler on the inside. Go inside and you’ll be amazed by the interactive exhibits and engaging displays that delve deep into the fascinating relationship between humans and the environment.
Summer at the Biosphère is packed with exciting events, including the incredible Eureka Festival. This science extravaganza takes over Parc Jean-Drapeau with over 100 hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations that’ll ignite your inner scientist.
With affordable admission rates starting at just $15 for adults (and even less for kids and seniors), it’s a budget-friendly option for a memorable and educational day out.
Festivals and events
Enjoy Mondial de la bière
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Location: 2236 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2G 1M7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-722-9640
When: May 24 to May 26
This legendary festival, held at the iconic Windsor Station and Rio Tinto Courtyard is a full-blown celebration of hops, barley, and good vibes.
You’ll get to taste over 400 different brews from around the world! We’re talking everything from local Quebec craft beers that’ll make you proud to be Canadian, to exotic international imports that’ll transport you to far-off lands.
And with this year’s focus on Belgium, Brazil, and France, plus a selection of award-winning Canadian brews, your palate will be in for a real treat. But hey, it’s not just about the beer (although that’s a pretty big part of it). Mondial de la bière also boasts a lineup of food vendors serving up dishes that’ll perfectly complement your chosen brew.
Immerse yourself in Montreal Jazz Festival
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Location: Downtown Montréal, Canada
Contact: You may contact them here
When: June 27 to July 6
Montreal Jazz Festival is an annual celebration (the world’s largest jazz festival) featuring legendary artists like Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall alongside rising stars you’ll soon be obsessed with.
One of the coolest things about this festival is that many of the performances are absolutely free! Grab a blanket, find a spot on the grass, and soak up the incredible energy of the crowd as you jam out to world-class music under the summer sky.
And if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, you can always grab tickets to one of the many indoor shows happening at cosy clubs and concert halls around the city.
Experience Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
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Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène, Montréal, Canada
Contact: You may contact them here
When: August 2 to August 4
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is a musical takeover that’s drawing in a whopping 135,000 festival-goers from all corners of the globe.
You’ll rock out to headliners like Green Day, feel the soulful vibes of SZA, and sing your heart out with Noah Kahan. But hold onto your hats because this lineup is an eclectic mix of indie, hip-hop, rock, and electronic beats that’ll have you dancing from dusk to dawn.
You can even immerse yourself in the mind-bending world of interactive art installations and indulge your taste buds with a culinary adventure from the festival’s diverse food trucks (catering to all dietary needs, of course!).
Celebrate Montreal Pride
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Location: Boulevard René-Lévesque, Montréal, Canada
Contact: [email protected]
When: August 1 to August 11
Montreal Pride, or Fierté Montréal as it’s known in French, is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and a testament to the power of community.
Sure, the parade is a sight to behold, with over 200 groups and 12,000 participants strutting their stuff in front of a massive crowd. But trust me, there’s so much more to this 11-day extravaganza than just the parade.
We’re talking fabulous free shows that’ll have you dancing in the streets, thought-provoking panels that’ll expand your mind, and two full days dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of various LGBTQ+ organisations.
Unique experiences
Take a gondola ride on La Grande Roue
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Location: 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-325-7888
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Ever dreamt of floating 60 metres above the ground, sipping champagne in a luxurious, climate-controlled gondola while soaking in panoramic views of a stunning city? Well, pinch yourselves because that dream can become a reality at La Grande Roue de Montréal.
It’s Canada’s tallest observation wheel, offering a 20-minute ride that’ll give you a whole new perspective. Picture this: breathtaking 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline, the majestic St. Lawrence River shimmering in the distance, and on a clear day, your gaze can stretch as far as 28 kilometres!
Whether you’re a daytime adventurer eager to capture the city’s energy or a romantic soul seeking a moonlit escape, this place has you covered. Each gondola is a cosy haven that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone.
Have an iced coffee at Le Petit Dep
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Location: 179 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1Z5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-284-9162
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday & Sunday – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Housed in a historic building dating back to 1822, Le Petit Dep has an iconic aqua-green facade adorned with flowers and greenery that makes it look like something out of a fairy tale.
The café prides itself on offering a selection of products that are 100% local Quebecois. This includes not just coffee, but also an array of gourmet snacks and artisan goods like homemade pastries to unique Quebecois treats to complement your iced coffee.
After enjoying your iced coffee, you can stroll through the historic cobblestone streets, visit nearby attractions like the Notre Dame Basilica, or relax by the waterfront.
Have a spa day at Bota Bota
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Location: Entrée McGill et, R. de la Commune O, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-284-0333
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 9:40 AM to 10:00 PM
Housed on a beautifully restored ferryboat docked in the Old Port, Bota Bota is the perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
Here, you can soak in a warm whirlpool bath, sip on a refreshing drink, and enjoy the stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal’s iconic skyline.
And that’s just the beginning! Bota Bota’s rejuvenating thermal circuit will take you on a journey of hot and cold baths, steam rooms, and saunas, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
For the ultimate pampering session, indulge in one of their luxurious treatments. From the innovative Timeless Mermaid facial to a tension-melting deep tissue massage, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling like a brand new person.
