Top 10 things to do in Montreal over the summer

Sunsets by the ocean, gigantic skyscrapers, or breathtaking green landscapes. Regardless of what you enjoy the most, Quebec is where it’s at. 

The French-Canadian part of Canada has a lot of hot destinations that every traveler should check out. One of them is the vibrant city of  Montreal, home to the world’s largest summer festivals.

What is Montreal famous for?

Montreal is known for the largest festivals in the world, youth representativity, strong LFBTQIA+ presence, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Get ready for some of the most greasy-yet-delicious dishes you will ever find. 

Their famous smoked meat sandwiches, huge bagels, and amazing poutine (french fries topped with gravy sauce and optional meat and cheese add-ons) make any traveler fall in love with the local culture.

Is Montreal safe?

Yes, Montreal is relatively safe. I could go on walks by myself at any time during the day or night without having to worry about it.

Will I survive with only English in Montreal?

In Montreal, yes. But the truth is: the further you go from the city, the more the English language fades always. So my suggestion is, french it up.  

Why is Montreal worth visiting with Worldpackers?

As a Worldpackers volunteer, you will be part of a global community formed by conscious travelers and welcoming hosts who have been promoting thousands of connections and unique experiences since 2014. 

You will meet welcoming and friendly people at your volunteer work in Montreal and also, have the chance to get a closer look at the French-Canadian culture in one of the best cities to live in Canada.

Also, Montreal is a huge metropolis, and you can find almost anything you would like. If you’re not into the city life and would rather spend your days in nature, don’t panic. Small towns are an hour away by car.

The top 10 things to do in Montreal over the Summer

1. See the city from up high at La Grande Roue

2. Watch some free entertainment at Place des Arts

3. Go picnic at the Le Parc Mont-Royal

4. Hike your way up to the Mont-Royal Lookout

5. Ride insane roller coasters at La Ronde

6. Say a prayer at Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

7. Appreciate nature at the Botanical Garden

8. Pick up some fresh groceries at Marché Jean-Talon

9. Get some authentic food at Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

10. Enjoy the city lights on an evening walk

1. See the city from up high at La Grande Roue

One of the best things to see in Montreal, Canada is Old Montreal. It could be considered the most touristic neighborhood in the city. 

There are plenty of fun attractions to enjoy such as the 197-foot tall giant wheel - Canada’s tallest of its kind. Nearby, there is also a zipline, water pedals, a pirate-themed amusement park, a maze, and much more. 

The Old Port combines the charm of Montreal’s historically preserved buildings alongside stunning green landscapes. There are even ways to live there for free in exchange for a couple of hours of work.

Worldpackers is the safest community for traveling and volunteering. Connect with millions of travelers and thousands of hosts around the world.

• Where: 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4, Canada
• Open Hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
• Price: Starting at CAD 25.87

• Alternatives: Voiles en Voiles amusement park, SOS Labyrinthe

Plan your trip with: The best things to do in Canada: a backpacker's travel guide.

2. Watch some free entertainment at Place des Arts

Place des Arts is a cultural complex right in the heart of Montreal, it’s a hub for the arts. This year, due to the pandemic It felt different. 

Nevertheless, Montrealers did their best to show their love for the arts respecting all governmental and social distancing guidelines. You can walk around the city enjoying many street performances, graffiti expositions, murals, and so forth.

• Where: Sainte-Catherine Street entrance: 175 Sainte-Catherine Street West
• Open Hours: 10am - 11pm (hours vary)
• Price: Events may be free of charge or not
• Alternatives: La Maison Symphonique, Théâtre du Nouveau Monde

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3. Go picnic at Le Parc Mont-Royal

The Mont-Royal Park features trails, a lake with boat rentals, and more. It’s the place for everyone who enjoys a sunny day full of outdoor activities. 

This spot also offers cultural activities as well as day camps. A full list of the offered activities can be found on their non-profit website Les Amis de la Montagne.

• Where: 1260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1A2, Canada
• Open Hours: 6am - 12am (hours vary)
• Price: Free
• Alternatives: Beaver Lake, Maisonneuve Park

Keep reading: 15 best national parks in the USA and 18 top things to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras

4. Hike your way up to Mont-Royal Lookout

Would you rather see a broad view of the city from high above? Well, La Grande Roue isn’t the only option out there. The difference, this next one is completely free of charge which makes it of the best things to see and do in Montreal. 

You can simply walk the 256-step staircase to the top (great cardio workout by the way) and catch your breath with an amazing panoramic view of Montreal. If you feel like going further, grab some friends and trail up to Mont Royal’s Summit - 30 - 45 minutes.

• Where: 1576 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC H2W 1S8, Canada
• Open Hours: 6am - 12am (hours vary)
• Price: Free
• Alternatives: Belvédère Kondiaronk, La Fontaine Park

5. Ride insane roller coasters at La Ronde

If you’re into amusement parks and roller coasters like I do. Hold tight. We’re entering some solid ground. Montreal’s largest amusement park is one of the most fun things to do in Montreal, Canada. There's nothing like this one. 

La Ronde is a six-flags owed theme park located on Île Sainte-Hélène (St Helen’s Island). The park has 40 different rides and 10 roller coasters.

• Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3, Canada
• Open Hours: 10am - 9pm (hours vary)
• Price: 41.99 (day pass)
• Best Rides: Goliath, Le Monster, Vol Ultimate

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6. Say a prayer at Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

As one of the most visited tourist spots in Montreal, this basilica is the largest and welcomes around one million visitors each year. The Gothic Revival architecture style enchants everyone who walks by.

• Where: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T1, Canada
• Open Hours: 10am - 9pm
• Price: Child admission: $5 | Adult admission: $8
• Alternatives: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, St. Patrick's Basilica

Keep reading: Traveling in the USA as a work exchanger

7. Appreciate nature at Jardin Botanique de Montréal

The botanical garden of Montreal is another breathtaking stop. It displays artistic sculptures, and showcase Canada’s cultural diversity with Chinese and Japanese gardens. It takes their visitors into a whole different world. 

The indoor greenhouse makes a perfect spot for Instagram photos and stories. Not to mention, the Biodôme is right by it.

• Where: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T1, Canada
• Open Hours: 9am - 6pm
• Price: CAD 21,50 (adult admission)
• Alternatives: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B2, Canada

8. Pick up some fresh groceries at Marché Jean-Talon

Personally, I love cooking. Man, it relaxes me so much! A pair of headphones, some good music, a few ingredients on the countertop, and BANG! There’s a chicken pie coming out!

Don’t get me wrong, noodles can be a lifesaver when you’re on a budget, but If you also enjoy cooking or just love eating, you know there’s nothing like fresh ingredients and homemade food. 

The Jean-Talon market offers a great selection of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as ready-to-eat local food and pastries. If you’re Downtown you’re only 30 minutes away by bike.

• Where: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3, Canada
• Open Hours: 9am - 6pm
• Price: Free
• Alternatives: Marché Bonsecours, Marché Atwater

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9. Get some authentic food and more at Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Some people might even say Le Plateau could be the “frenchiest” neighborhood in Montreal. I find spending time at The Plateau one of the best things to do in Montreal, Canada. 

This beautiful and colorful neighborhood has a lot to offer to any traveler seeking a deeper experience within the French-Canadian culture. They have a large variety of restaurants, markets, thrift shops, and so much more. 

If you’re in Montreal for a few days only and want a legitimate Quebecois experience I highly recommend you to stay close to the Plateau of Montreal.

• Where: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3, Canada
• Open Hours: 9am - 6pm
• Price: Free
• Alternatives: Marché Bonsecours, Marché Atwater

10. Enjoy the city lights on an evening walk

Last but not least, the lights! Through the day or through the night, Montreal remains beautiful. Major city locations and tourist attractions are lit in different colors every evening to romanticize even more your trip.

Put some headphones on, go around downtown and witness the bare stone walls become illuminated masterpieces.

• Where: All around the city.
• Open Hours: 6pm - 6am
• Price: Free.
• Alternatives: The UQAM Bell Tower, Jacques-Cartier Bridge