10 Things You Must Do In Montreal This Summer

Montreal especially gets hot during summer! The weather is pleasant – more often than not the temperature is in the mid-twenties during the day and cool at night, it’s festival season in this lively Canadian metropolis. If you’re planning a summer visit to Montreal.

1. Self Catering in Mount Royal Park

Also designed by the same landscape architect that designed New York’s Central Park, Mount Royal Park is Montreal’s most precious gem. Bring some sandwiches, and a bottle of water and spend a few hours riding a bicycle through the green paths, stopping occasionally to take pictures near the beautiful vantage points or simply have a rest on any of the grassy areas. It is a pity not to visit the Mount Royal Cross which offers magnificent vistas of downtown and the St. Lawrence River.

2. Check Out the Festivals

In every field possible, from stand-up comedy to jazz, from indie music to fireworks, and everything in between, Montreal has a festival for you every day of the year. The largest jazz festival worldwide, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, has over 2 million patrons for hundreds of free outdoor performances. Just For Laughs Comedy Festival is the most popular and famous event for standup comics. And the Montreal Fireworks Festival brightens up the night with the largest fireworks competition known to man.

3. Wander Old Montreal

Old Montreal is often described as a place time has forgotten, where one can find horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone roads, and Gothic buildings. Take a leisurely walk along the riverfront, shop for souvenirs at the small shops and art galleries, or have an espresso on the terrace of a café at Place Jacques Cartier. There are several places of interest including Notre-Dame Basilica and the Archeological Crypt where evidence of the first settlement can be seen.

4. Ride a Bike or a Sword in Lachine Canal

This canal was constructed in 1825 in a bid to help avoid the strong rapids on the St. Lawrence River and it was used for trade before it became a tourist attraction site. Hire a bicycle, quad cycle, in-line skater, or even a paddle boat and cycle or skate through Mtreal’s downtown area along the 14-kilometer canal or through the shores of Lac St-Louis. It may be useful to take a break for a sip of coffee at a terrasse along the canal!

5. The activity: To eat smoked meat at Schwartz’s.

Smoked meat sandwiches are Montreal specialties, and therefore, experiencing them is a must when in Montreal. The best is in Schwartz’s Delicatessen, which has been open since 1928, so here you will enjoy real delicatessen. Expect long queues when you want to order their smoked fatty, salty brisket piled on rye bread. This is especially important as they are usually sold out by the later part of the evening.

6. QUEBEC TRIP: Exploring the City of Quebec

Only 2 hours drive from Montreal, Quebec City is easily accessible and should be at the top of the list of places to visit. Walk around the Old City, see the 17th-century walls and the citadel, visit the Plains of Abraham, etc., and do not forget to look at the castle-like Chateau Frontenac hotel. Browse for food at the open-air markets and then shop at local artist galleries and artisan shops in the Quartier Petit-Champlain district before having dinner at a Place Royale bistro. Oh, yes, when in Quebec, do not miss out on an opportunity to try out poutine.

7. Dance at a festival that takes place outdoors

Montreal is a city that loves its streets, and it sure doesn’t shy away from throwing a good ol’ street party! Live bands perform at dancing in the old port, and most of the outdoor dance parties are free and happen over the weekend in the summer. For a dose of underground sounds with a focus on house and techno beats, head to Piknic Electronik. IMAX screen at the Old Port transmits the live sporting events during Festival Montréal Complètement Cirque, the circus artists give a spectacular half-time show. And this, Igloofest, happens in the Old Port of Montreal, in the middle of winter, with cold and electronic music!

8. Take a stroll at the Botanical Garden.

If you are seeking refuge from Montreal’s summer heat and bustle, take a stroll through the Montreal Botanical Garden. Measuring 75 hectares of land, the center has tens of thousands of plant species distributed in 30 thematic gardens such as the Chinese Garden, First Nations Garden, and the Mediterranean Garden among others, these features include beautiful water ponds and sculptural installations. A must-see is the ten glass houses that are stocked with exotic flowers such as orchids, miniature trees- bonsai, and even the vengeful plants- the carnivorous plants.

9. More exciting than touring eating places!

It’s special because the food scene is rapidly developing and new trendy restaurants are opening up and offering some really interesting dishes. Experience the multiple faces of Montreal and its many culinary specialties with a food tour where you can taste numerous dishes in different areas such as the Mile End area, Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market, or the multicultural area of Park-Extension. Maybe embark on a tour that mainly covers the Montreal bagels, poutine, smoked meat, or craft beer. Oh, but don’t worry about leaving room for dessert because Montreal bagels and of course the pastries are simply delicious.

10. A Crescent Street Bar Crawl

At night, Montreal comes alive, especially in a pedestrian area of downtown Montreal known as Crescent Street. Savor local and tourist companies dancing the night away while you pub-crawl down the vibrant avenue filled with nightclubs, bars, and terrace patios. It is one of those eateries that people visit at night for poutine, beer, and other drinks to continue the celebration at La Banquise after the bars have closed!

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