Summer is around the corner and you want to get into exploration mode, but you’re planning to stay in Montreal? You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation when the city offers so much fun summer activities! Culture, history, relaxation and gastronomy, the choices are endless with our 10 ideas to spend a fabulous summer in Montreal!
1. Outdoor escape game with A/Maze
If you’re an escape game lover, you probably know A/Maze, one of the pioneers of its kind in Quebec. The Atwater branch has created an outdoor escape game that allows you to discover St-Henri’s district by foot, along the Lachine Canal and the mysterious history of John Redpath. Once a leader of Montreal’s industrial revolution, he supposedly hid a treasure for one of his noble descendants and you’ll have to try to find it during this adventure.
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
It’s the kind of perfect activity that combines culture and sunbathing in one of the most charming neighborhoods of Montreal. The game lasts between one hour and a half to two hours and a half and can be played by two to seven players. It’s different from traditional escape games and it’s a great way to learn more about Montreal’s history! And if you love it, stay tuned for their other outdoor game, Secrets of a Shipping Empire. A must try!
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Cultural Outing at Pointe-à-Callière
If you’re interested in learning more about women’s rights history in Quebec, head to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and check out the temporary exhibition Marie-Claire Kirkland: A Woman of Major Firsts. Until July 6, you’ll have the chance to discover the incredible life and career of Marie-Claire Kirkland. The first woman elected to Quebec’s National Assembly, she was also a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights and an inspiration to generations that followed.
Crédit photo: Musée Pointe-à-Callière
3. Have a drink on Montreal’s most beautiful terraces
If there’s one thing we miss during the colder months, it’s to be able to eat on a terrace! For brunch, Bagatelle Bistro is one of our favorites, but for a romantic dinner at sunset, we often opt for Old Montreal’s gorgeous terraces.
Credit: Expérience Vieux-Montréal
For a spectacular view on the city, we recommend Perché as well as William Gray and Hotel Nelligan. They all offer exquisite and distinct menus as well as exceptional service, so you won’t run out of options for your romantic evening in the emblematic Old Montreal.
And if you’re looking for the newest hottest spots, check out Boqueria for a taste of Spain or Alizé, on the 9th floor of Humaniti Hotel, for your next summer outings!
4. Have a picnic on the water with the Bateau-Mouche
In June, the Bateau-Mouche launched its new summer season with the return of several festive events, including their signature picnic on the water. Including a 90-minute cruise in a renewed decor and a gourmet box filled with local products, it’s definitely one of the top activity to try if you want to discover Montreal differently!
Credit photo: Le Bateau-Mouche
A unique itinerary through the islands of Montreal, the sea breeze, a panoramic terrace and a tasty meal, what more could you ask for? Available every weekend starting in June, it’s also the perfect idea to celebrate summer with family, friends or your significant other while sailing on the St. Lawrence River.
5. Discover the Old Port from a New Perspective
With its wide range of activities, hotels, and restaurants, it’s no surprise that the Old Port of Montreal is one of the city’s top summer destinations. While you’re there, we recommend taking a ride on the observation wheel for a whole new view of the city. Standing at 60 meters tall, the Grande Roue de Montréal is the tallest observation wheel in Canada and offers breathtaking views of Old Montreal from the comfort of a climate-controlled cabin.
Credit: The Storytellers MTL
If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, try ziplining through the heart of the city. The Old Montreal urban zipline was actually the first of its kind in any Canadian city. Soaring over Bonsecours Island, it’s a must-try for thrill-seekers and fans of heights. And if that’s still not enough, you can now test your courage with Montréal Bungee, a brand-new urban bungee jumping experience at the Quai des Convoyeurs in the Old Port. Jumping from over 60 meters above the ground, it’s the highest bungee jump in Canada—right over the St. Lawrence River!
6. Explore the Biodome
Strolling through the Biodome’s five ecosystems is a bit like touring all the Americas in an afternoon! Since its reopening in 2020, several new features have made their debut and are worth rediscovering their different natural worlds. While the old route was rather linear, the new atrium allows you to create your own route in the order you want so you’ll be able to move more easily from one ecosystem to another.
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
The new mezzanine also allows you to observe the Tropical Forest, the Laurentian Maple Forest and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as the animals that inhabit it, from a whole new perspective. If some species hide higher up, it’s now easier to see them and thus enhance your visit. An optimized mobile application also makes it possible to learn more about the animals that interest you and to go beyond the informative panels thanks to augmented reality videos.
Nearby, the Montreal Insectarium is also reopened to visitors, the perfect activity for a rainy day! A range of new features, including butterflies in the wild, now accessible at all times.
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Grab a bite in the city’s most beautiful parks
One of the easiest ways to get away from your obligations this summer is to go picnic in the city’s most beautiful parks to enjoy happy hour (and golden hour)!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Among our favorites, we recommend Parc Maisonneuve, the idyllic Parc Lahaie, Parc du Portugal or Square Saint-Louis to grab a bite on the grass or get lost in a good novel. In addition to being an activity that you can easily do, it’s the perfect opportunity to taste local products and make new local gastronomic discoveries! Stock up at your neighborhood merchants or get a ready-to-eat box from your favorite restaurant and you’re good to go.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Celebrate the return of Montreal’s best festivals
For music lovers and public art enthusiasts, summer marks the long-awaited return of many beloved festivals! Starting in June, you can wander through the vibrant displays of the MURAL Festival or discover amazing performances at Les Francos and the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
As always, August is festival season at Parc Jean-Drapeau, with three straight weekends of musical fun kicking off with Osheaga, happening August 1–3, 2025. This year’s headliners include The Killers, Tyler the Creator, and Olivia Rodrigo, offering fans a wide range of musical genres. Other big-name performers include Shaboozey, The Chainsmokers, Doechii, and Finneas (and who knows—maybe his sister Billie Eilish will make a surprise appearance?).
The following weekend, Parc Jean-Drapeau will transform into an electronic music haven for Île Soniq, and on August 15–16, get ready for cowboy boots and country vibes at LASSO, Montreal’s country music festival.
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Relax at the beach
Whether it’s for a little tanning session, for a picnic at sunset or for a front row seat to admire the fireworks, the Quai de l’Horloge beach is one of our favorite places to spend a fabulous summer in Montreal.
Already equipped with deckchairs and pretty blue umbrellas, admission is free and a bistro is available on site if you want a drink or if you’re craving an ice cream! Yoga sessions are also available if you dream of relaxing to the sound of the waves. Stay tuned for their social media posts to know about all the summer events at our favorite urban beach!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Attend a candlelight concert with Fever
For one of the most romantic summer evenings in Montreal, Fever’s Candlelight Concerts are definitely a top pick. Whether you’re a fan of movie scores, classical music, or iconic bands like Queen or Coldplay, you’ll find a concert to suit your taste—all set in some of the city’s most beautiful venues, illuminated by hundreds of candles.
For dance enthusiasts, Fever also offers shows by its troupe We Call It Ballet in Montreal, including a magical one-hour performance of Sleeping Beauty at the stunning Rialto Theatre.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
We hope our recommendations will help you have a magical summer in Montreal! Don’t hesitate to share your favorite activity with us!
*Some items have an affiliate link that allows us to receive a small amount if you make a purchase, but rest assured that everything you’ll find in our list of activities as obviously been tested by us first! In short, only our favorites!
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