Tons of Fun Summer Activities to Enjoy in Canada

A few ideas to make the most of your summer in Montreal

If you landed in Montreal in winter, get ready for a whole new city as soon as temperatures go up. The summer version of Montreal is a green, lively place where people slow down and enjoy picnics in lush parks, where patios take over the streets, and where it’s fun to just wander around or head to a fun festival.

Relax in city parks and botanical gardens

Head to Mont Royal Park or Jean-Drapeau Park for endless choices of outdoor activities. These two parks are perfect for leisurely strolls or hikes. Lachine Canal is also a great place to escape, complete with sandy beaches. Check out the map, you’ll see that there are many parks and green spaces in or just outside the city. 

Each neighbourhood usually has a sizeable park—Lafontaine, Jarry, Maisonneuve, etc., all kinds of activities are welcome, from picnics to dog walking. Go out and find your favourite green hangout place!

The Botanical Garden is also a great place to explore and discover various ecosystems. The five Space for Life museums charge an entrance fee (cheaper for Montreal residents), so getting a yearly pass may be a good deal. 

Finally, Montreal specializes in lively block parties that can rock a street or an entire park. The Fête des voisins (Neighbour’s Day) is taken very seriously in Montreal, so grab a drink and spend an evening chatting with neighbours to connect with the community. 

Take a dip to cool off

Contrary to popular belief, it can get really hot in Canada in summer. The weather tends to be humid and stuffy in Montreal from June to August. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to head to a public swimming pool. Entry is free for residents (some do charge a fee on weekends). There’s a choice of outdoor swimming pools as well!

Try a floating spa 

Canadians love the outdoor spa experience to beat the winter blues but you can treat yourself in summer as well. Try the Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau for a unique experience. This floating spa is moored at the Old Port and you can enjoy a water circuit, a massage, various body and facial treatments in a one-of-a-kind environment.

Explore bike trails

Rent a BIXI for a fun, healthy, affordable and green way to explore 560 kilometres of bike trails around the island. You’ll be able to access faraway neighbourhoods like Senneville and Pointe-Claire and really get to know the city.

You can also rent a pedal boat at the Old Port, Jean-Drapeau Park and the Lachine Canal.

Watch a live game

Shockingly, you won’t hear about hockey for a few months, but you’ll be able to cheer for the CF Montréal during MLS games—that’s soccer, or football in Europe. Ever watched a sandball game or roller derby? This is your chance!

Tennis fans won’t want to miss the National Bank Open, part of the US Open Series. It changes venues each year between Montreal and Toronto. Tickets are pricey but it’s a major event.

Go to a festival

Montreal hosts several world-class summer festivals:

• French-music fan will love the Francofolies de Montréal. The “Francos” is a big deal with many activities and events, including around 250 concerts and performances, most of which are free.
• The Festival international de jazz de Montréal tends to be a bit pricey because there is no pass, tickets must be bought for each event. That said, the lineup is impressive and you’ll be tempted to splurge if you love jazz music.
• The Osheaga festival is a multi-day indie music festival held at Jean-Drapeau park.
• Check out the spectacular, 30-minute Grands Feux extravaganzas as the firms compete in the world’s largest and most prestigious fireworks competition.
• Piknic Électronik is a weekly electronic music festival—local and international DJs and producers are featured every Sunday through the summer.

You could also plan your summer around one or more of the following:

• International Festiblues of Montréal
• MEG Festival
• Heavy Montreal
• Transamériques 
• Montreal Comic Arts Festival
• Montreal Fringe
• Montréal Complètement Cirque
• Just For Laughs

Check out the full summer festival guide here.