Here are 17+ things to do in Montreal this summer that will let you infuse your days with just the right blend of warmth and zest
The sun’s golden embrace and the summer breeze are finally back you’re wondering what to do to take in the most of Montreal’s summer activities. It’s okay, we’ve got you!
17. Enjoy Montreal’s Pedestrian Street This Summer
Nothing says summer activity like walking in the streets of Montreal!
Here are some of the pedestrian streets for summer 2024:
- Avenue Duluth Est
- Avenue Bernard
- Avenue Mont-Royal
- Plaza St-Hubert
- Rue Wellington
16. Check out the Montreal’s new restaurants
Gathering around a table with friends and loved ones and drinks is always a tradition when it’s nice out. Enjoy the sunny days at these exciting new places to eat in Montreal this summer.
The hidden bar of the Helicoptère team in Hochelaga! Offering amazing drinks and finger foods it’s the place to be all summer!
4263 Ontario Street East
Located in Old Montreal, this refined and chic restaurant offers an elevated Japanese inspired menu perfect for a date night in the city!
355 McGill Street
If you are looking for something a bit more casual, Bangluck with it’s Thaï street food, more specifically, “noodle shops”, inspired cuisine is the place to be!
4509 rue Chabot
for warm weather!
4639 Saint-Laurent Boulevard / Plateau Mont-Royal
15. Take an Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour
It’s no secret that Old Montreal is a gem to be discovered. The Old Port, the European architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the list goes on… but what is kind of new is its foodie scene. With more and more people moving to the area, remarkable food vendors have been opening up and are well-worth discovering. The Old Montreal Food Tour takes you on a journey to many of them, highlighting Quebec culture and history as it does.
–> Check out the Old Montreal Food Tour
• Enjoy Montreal classics like smoked meat poutine, salmon bagels, craft beer and more
• Benefit from local certified guide’s knowledge
• Use promo code : FOODFRIENDS10 for a 10% discount
• Experience Montreal’s essential sights including Place d’Armes, the Old Port and St. Paul Street
14. Hit up the best terraces for a 5@7 in town
There’s nothing quite like pairing a nice refreshing cocktail with a hot summer’s day. Together, head to one of Montreal’s best terraces in town for a perfect 5 à 7!
Ciel Rose
Transporting you to a resort in Mexico, it has become one of the most popular spots in the city. Grab a drink and a bite to eat in this luxurious decor!
3709 boulevard Saint-Laurent
Belvu
Open 7 days a week with a special weekend brunch menu, this terrace located in the Marriott Chateau Champlain offers stunning views of downtown Montreal in a festive ambiance. Enjoy one of their drag brunches offered every last Sunday of each month (11am to 3pm), jam with their DJs from Thursday to Saturday or simply enjoy the view!
1050 rue de la Gauchetière
Bivouac
Their terrace which is first come, first served, has a a breathtaking view of Place des Arts and Quartier des Spectacles will bring you on an urban and boreal gastronomic journey! Check out their Barbecue Sundays where you can savor live grilled meats, taste local beers, rosé served from the barrel, all hosted by a DJ starting at 4pm or check out their Oysters & Bubbles every Wednesday throughout the summer, and take advantage of our 2 for 1 offer on fresh oysters, accompanied by a glass of bubbles for only $10.
1255 rue Jeanne-Mance
Terrasse Alizé
Perched on the 9th floor of Humaniti Hotel, this covered terrace is open every day from 12pm to 11pm. Feel free to make a reservation before going as they are recommended. With events every day, it’s the place to be:
- Industry Mondays
- Latin Fever Tuesdays
- Rosé Wednesdays
- Golden Hour Thursdays
- 90s Fridays
- Alizé Saturdays
- Sunny Sundays
340 rue De La Gauchetière Ouest, 2e étage
13. Take a bike tour of the city!
Fitz Montreal Bike Tours is devoted to making visitors feel like locals and locals feel like visitors. They offer many different tours including the Hidden Gems Bike Tour – Plateau, Mile-End & Jean-Talon Market or the Old Montreal, Downtown district & Waterfront tour .
If you don’t feel like doing a full tour, you can also rent a bike to discover North America’s most cycle-friendly city on your own! Here is is everything you need to know about renting a bike in Montreal.
12. Eat it all on the first weekends of each month!
Les Premiers Vendredis is the gourmet cultural event of the summer and with over fifty food trucks and kiosks each year, the event is recognized as the largest gathering of street food in Canada. It takes place every first weekend of every summer month!
Here are the themes of each month:
– June 7, 8, 9 : Asia
– July 5, 6, 7: Mediterranean
– August 2, 3, 4: Fiesta Latina
But you can learn more here.
11. Take a Montreal Craft Beer Tour!
The Montreal Craft Beer Tour is the perfect afternoon activity to cool down on a hot summer day! Montreal is no exception to the current craft beer boom. Whether it’s as a gift to a loved one, a way to show an out-of-towner Montreal’s best brewpubs, or even a way to spend some quality time with the beer lovers you love so dearly, it’s Latin Quarter brewpub itinerary will let you savour beer, observe the cheer, and learn more about Montreal. Have a look here: montrealcraftbeertours.com
10. Of course, Hit up all the summer festivals! A classic thing to do in Montreal.
Montreal comes to life every summer with the lineup of festivals it has to offer! Here are some of the festivals you don’t want to miss:
- Francos de Montréal (du 14 au 22 juin 2024)
- Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (du 27 juin au 6 juillet 2024)
- MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE (du 4 au 14 juillet 2024)
- Festival International Nuits d’Afrique (July 9 to 21, 2024)
- Chợ Đêm MTL (July 18 to 21, 2024)
- Osheaga (August 2 to 4, 2024)
- ÎleSoniq (August 9 to 11, 2024)
- LASSO Montréal (August 16 and 17, 2024)
9. Enjoy music at Piknik Electronic
Happening at Parc Jean-Drapeau from May 19th to October 6th, 2024 it is a classic activity for all Montrealers! Go jam out to one of their shows and enjoy good music, dancing and human connections!
Book your tickets here.
8. See L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
For eight nights from June 27th to August 4th Montreal’s skies are lit up at 10 pm by the annual spectacle that is the L’international des Feux Loto-Quebec fireworks. Come enjoy one of the 8 pyromusical shows presented by the competing countries or the tribute to Coldplay show, featuring laser effects at LaRonde!
7. Visit some of Montreal’s top museums!
On days where it’s too hot or raining, spend the day inside one of the many museums of Montreal. Visit the impressive permanent collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or check out one of the beautifully curated temporary exhibits. If you’re into archeology, history and heritage, tour the Pointe-à-Callière museum in Old Montreal. For a more contemporary approach, explore the ongoing exhibitions at the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal.
Here’s what’s on right now:
At the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts & Contemporary Art
– The Pop of Life! Pop Art in the collection of the MMFA (Until July 2024)
– Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools (Until October 20th 2024)
– Pixels, Petit Point and Monument (a light installation projected onto the Renata Hornstein Pavillion facade from sunset to 11 pm)
– Tokaido: Dreamscapes by Ando Hiroshige (Until September 8, 2024)
At Pointe-à-Callière
– The heart and soul of Saint-Henri (Until May 2025)
By the way, if you’re from Quebec, most museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. Just saying…
6. Explore one of the coolest streets in the world
Located in the neighbourhood of Verdun, Wellington Street is home to so many great restaurants and quaint shops that make this street a great spot to explore. Plus it’s pedestrian all summer long! Here are a couple stops we think you should make:
Verdun Beach Wine Bar / Verdun Beef
Great wine, warm retro vibes and amazing food is what you’ll find at Verdun Beach. You’re sure to find the perfect pour in their diverse wine selection. Let yourself be tempted by their delectable tapas while you soak up the coziness of this cute spot. Be sure to check out their new butchery that also offers a great selection of charcuterie and sandwiches!
4816 Wellington Street / Verdun
Bar Palco offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a diverse selection of drinks and a vibrant social scene, perfect for an evening out with friends. They also have a nice terrace out back!
4019 Wellington St / Verdun
Indulge in a culinary journey with their eclectic menu featuring Peruvian, Asian, and even French cuisine. Enjoy the minimalist ambiance of the decor and their menu featuring gourmet delights designed for sharing, yet remains accessible and affordable to all.
5145 Wellington St / Verdun
With it’s comforting, affordable and accessible cuisine, Millsman offers an enhanced traditional dinner experience. Treat yourself to classic breakfast dishes without breaking the bank at the popular brunch joint on Wellington St!
3779 Wellington St / Verdun
5. Party all-night, but outside!
Enjoy one of Montreal’s outside party venues this summer:
- Pied-du-courant : Open every weekend for their Party Thursdays, Collé-Collé Fridays and Suave Saturdays during the summer and sometimes even Sundays for a stunning view of the fireworks!
- Cathcart : Experience the hustle and bustle of the Esplanade PVM while sipping a drink and grabbing a bite to eat with Cathcart’s special program will be concocted for the venue, including DJ nights, and the Thursday 5 à 7s which take place outdoors.
- Riverside : Located in St-Henri, this outdoor space host many events throughout the summer! And best of all, it is also pet friendly!!
4. Spend an afternoon thrifting
If you’re looking for a more curated experience, Palmo Goods is the answer. You’ll find vintage workwear, a military collection as well as a large selection of classics and even home goods. Their store focuses on quality with carefully hand-picked items. We also have to mention their great denim and jacket selection. You’ll be sure to leave Palmo Goods with a new wardrobe staple.
3. Go on a Free Montreal Walking Tour
Taking a tour is a sure-fire way of getting to know a city. You’ll be in good hands with our amazing and passionate guides!
Free Old Montreal Walking Tour
This tour is an informative and enjoyable way to explore Montreal for a budget friendly fee. Explore the charming Old Port as you delve into the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and captivating architecture. On this tour you’ll be accompanied by one of our professionally trained guides that will, without a doubt, share their passion and extensive knowledge of the beautiful city of Montreal.
• 5$ booking fee
• The tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes led by a certified guide
• To book : https://www.freemontrealtours.com/
Street Art Walking Tour on the Plateau
Embark on a guided stroll through one of Montreal’s iconic neighborhoods, the Plateau Mont-Royal. Explore the stories behind the stunning murals that surround you and follow charming hidden paths. This tour promises unique insights into Montreal’s history and evolution into a street art haven.
• 39,95 CAD + tx and fees
• The tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes led by a certified guide
• To book : https://www.freemontrealtours.com/street-art-walking-tour/
2. Cool down with an iced cup of coffee
Coffee culture is big in Montreal, so there’s always a new cafe waiting to be discovered around every corner.
This newly opened part café, part restaurant, part bar located in St-Henri offers iced matchas or lattes by the pitcher!! The perfect way to cool down.
this is the new cafe opened in Outremont by the baker of the wellknown bakery, Hof Kelsten in collaboration with pastry chef Suyin Wong. Open during the week from 8am to 5pm, it is a great spot to grab a pastry and coffee during your lunch break at work!
When summer arrives, it’s affogato season! Ferlucci serves one of the best in town and is definitely a favorite among locals in the neighborhood.
This Greek infused café has a real homey vibe to it. The owners Tony and Tom Argiropoulos roast their own beans so quality is at the forefront of every cup served. Try out the greek specialty espresso freddo that people have been raving about. And while you’re in the neighborhood, why not grab a famous doughnut at Bernie Beigne right in front!
And more! For even more ideas of sweet spots to cool down check out our ultimate guide to the best Montreal cafes.
1. Check out some of Montreal’s new bars!
Are you a fan of taco Tuesdays?! Well know it gets even better since you can enjoy your tacos accompanied by a paloma or margarita for only $5 on Tuesdays! Enjoy music on their lovely terrace and, most of all, those $5 cocktails!
4542 R. Saint-Denis
Dreaming of a tropical paradise vacation this summer but you are staying in Montreal the whole time? Snowbird allows you to live this tropical fantasy without leaving the city!
6388 Rue St-Hubert
With St-Hubert being pedestrian this summer, take advantage of one or more of their daily offerings allllll summer long with their concept Les Petits Partés D’été:
- everyday $5 Miller Lite pint
- Tuesday: cocktail of the moment at $5
- Wednesday: Pitcher of the cocktail of the moment at $15
- Thursday: Frozé all day at $5
- Friday: Spritz ton weekend at $8
- Saturday: Vin à Vingt (20$ of wines)
- Les Tina Tournée: 6 shot platter at $20
6580-A Rue St-Hubert
Montreal has so many more options! But here are a few extras for you to check out:
- Mlle Rosa 1233, avenue du Mont-Royal Est
- Bon Délire 4855, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
- Tittle Tattle 22, rue Saint-Paul Est
- Le Mal Nécessaire 1015 Rue Saint-Alexandre
