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 activities! Culture, history, relaxation and gastronomy, you won’t be short of options with our 15 ideas to spend a magical summer in Montreal!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
1. Relax at the beach
Whether it’s for a little tanning session, a picnic at sunset or a front row seat to admire the fireworks, Quai de l’Horloge beach is one of our favorite places to spend a fabulous summer in Montreal.
Already equipped with deckchairs and 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’re dreaming 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
2. Cultural Outing to Montreal’s Best Museums
This summer, get inspired by Montreal’s rich culture and rediscover the city through its must-see museums!
Redpath Museum
Founded in 1882 and located on McGill University’s campus, Redpath Museum is one of the oldest natural history museums in Canada! Inside this gorgeous Victorian-era building, you’ll find dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, a large mineral collection, naturalized animal specimens and artifacts from around the world. It’s a perfect activity for history and archaeology enthusiasts, but also a great idea for a rainy afternoon, where you’ll feel like you’re in the Night at the Museum movies!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
McCord Stewart Museum
Travel back in time by visiting the Costume Balls exhibition at the McCord Stewart Museum! The dazzling outfits, vintage photographs and period memorabilia testifying to the prestige of these extravagant balls will transport you to the 19th century for a moment! Bridgerton fans and history buffs will certainly appreciate this stunning exhibition, open until August 17, 2025!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
In the heart of the Golden Square Mile, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts welcomes you with Berthe Weill, Art Dealer of the Parisian Avant-garde, until September 7, 2025. Highlighting this lesser-known pioneer of modern art, this exhibition is the perfect activity for art lovers and those who enjoy bold cultural discoveries.
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Finally, in Old Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière invites you to explore the city’s history like never before with immersive exhibitions like Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers? You can also attend Generations MTL, a vibrant multimedia show retracing more than 375 years of Montreal history, perfect for families and archaeology enthusiasts.
3. Happy hour on Montreal’s most beautiful terraces
If there’s one thing we miss during the colder months, it’s to be able to eat outside! 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. Explore Lachine Canal
This summer, explore Lachine Canal in a different way! Rent a small electric boat or a pedal boat and cruise at the leisurely pace of this historic canal, once essential to the city’s industrial development.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Lined with bike paths, green spaces, and street art, the canal winds through vibrant neighborhoods like Griffintown, Saint-Henri, and Little Burgundy. Take the opportunity to stop by one of its excellent cafés, such as Dreamy, Café Redwood, or September Café.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
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 Ferris 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 Canada. 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, Insectarium and Botanical Garden
Wandering through the Biodôme’s five ecosystems is like touring all the Americas in an afternoon! From the tropical heat to the coolness of the Laurentian forest, to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, via the Labrador coast and the sub-Antarctic islands, a wonderful journey awaits!
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Recently renovated, the site offers an even more spectacular immersion thanks to modernized architecture and redesigned sensory pathways, making it easier to move from one ecosystem to another. An optimized mobile app also allows you to learn more about the animals and go beyond the information panels with augmented reality videos.
Credit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Nearby, a visit to Montreal’s Insectarium is another great option for a rainy day! A host of new features will delight young and old alike, including the free-roaming butterflies, accessible at all times.
Right next door, the Botanical Garden offers a stroll through impressive Japanese and Chinese gardens, stunning greenhouses and forest trails. It’s a perfect haven for nature lovers, photographers, families, or anyone seeking a quiet moment away from the city center.
Crédit 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 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. Climb Mount Royal to the Kondiaronk Lookout
Climb to the Kondiaronk Lookout to enjoy one of Montreal’s most beautiful panoramas! Accessible on foot from several entry points in Plateau Mont-Royal, the climb is easy to moderate, taking between 20 and 45 minutes depending on your starting point.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and even the mountains in the distance on a clear day. This lookout, named in honor of a Huron-Wendat chief, is an iconic spot that attracts tourists and locals to admire the sunrise or sunset. It’s also a popular spot for photographers, joggers, picnickers, and couples looking for a peaceful moment. Ideal to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the golden light, it’s a Montreal classic to (re)discover throughout the seasons!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Visit Château Dufresne
An architectural gem in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Château Dufresne is located just steps from the Olympic Stadium. Built between 1915 and 1918 in the Beaux-Arts style, this sumptuous mansion was the residence of brothers Oscar and Marius Dufresne, influential figures of the bourgeoisie of the time.
Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, inside, you’ll find period decor, frescoes by Guido Nincheri, as well as the exhibitions Viauville, c’est l’avenir!, retracing the history of a bold urban planning project from the early 20th century, and Les Historiettes de Laurette, an immersion into the life of Oscar’s daughter. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Château Dufresne is a cultural landmark worth the visit to rediscover Montreal differently.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Admire the fireworks
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec is a must for a summer in Montreal! Almost every week, between late June and early August, countries from around the world compete in a spectacular fireworks competition at La Ronde. You can enjoy a breathtaking view directly from the amusement park (ticket required), or opt for iconic free spots, such as the Jacques Cartier Bridge (closed to cars for the occasion), parc Jean-Drapeau or the Old Port.
Each show lasts approximately 30 minutes and is accompanied by music related to its theme. Ready for magical summer evenings?
12. Explore Montreal’s Public Markets
To stock up on local flavors, foodies will be delighted by visiting Montreal’s public markets! At the Jean-Talon Market, in the heart of Little Italy, enjoy fresh produce, Quebec specialties, and dishes from around the world. The Atwater Market, near Lachine Canal, will charm you with its cheese shops, fine butchers, and relaxed waterfront vibe. Don’t miss the Maisonneuve Market, in HOMA, where you can indulge in gourmet pastries and enjoy them near the fountains or in the pretty park nearby.
13. 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 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!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
14.Visit Montreal Science Centre
The perfect activity to spark your curiosity, no matter your age, Montreal Science Centre will immerse you in the fascinating world of technology and innovation through its interactive exhibits, play areas, and IMAX theatre. Whether you’re passionate about astronomy, robotics, or simply curious about the world around you, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Perfect for a family outing, an educational activity, or a rainy day, it also features the permanent exhibition Human, which explores the human body and mind in an immersive way. Added bonus: its ideal location in the Old Port puts you close to some of the city’s best terraces to extend the fun after your visit!
15. 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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