There’s no city quite like Montreal. It is one of Canada’s most vibrant and exciting urban centres – rich in culture and effortlessly charming. Whether it’s the jam-packed summer festival season, the gorgeous architecture or that sense of je ne sais quoi, there is something for everyone in the 514.
If you want to elevate your next trip, here is your guide to what to do in Montreal this summer that showcases what the city offers.
Take a scenic walk down the pedestrian-friendly Mont-Royal Avenue
Every day from June 5 to August 26, sections of the vibrant Mont-Royal Avenue are closed off to vehicle traffic and opened to pedestrians. It is the perfect location for a summer stroll, with eye-catching shops, parks, cafés, and iconic architecture to soak up the bohemian vibes of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood. Grab a coffee, flip through some vintage wares and immerse yourself in one of Montreal’s most beautiful streets.
The Mont-Royal strip boasts some local Montreal eateries like Kahwa Café, trendy Café Americano and the Breton-inspired Kouign Amann bakery.
Tip from a local: The street is closed between Boulevard Saint-Laurent and de Lorimier Avenue. Also, check out the nearby cobble-stone Avenue Duluth, which is closed to traffic from May to October and holds incomparable charm.
Absorb the atmosphere of the artsy Mile-End
Few neighbourhoods in Montreal have the reputation of the Mile End, known for its concentration of artists and trendsetters, as well as its historic Jewish community. With stunning street art, iconic eateries, conceptual local stores and plentiful chances to grab a bagel – it’s an unmissable destination when visiting the city. Some top stops include Cafe Olympico, shopping down the Boulevard Saint Laurent and the Fairmount and famous St-Viateur Bagel shops.
Be sure not to miss Drogheria – a quaint restaurant that takes orders from a window and whose trendy $5 takeaway gnocchi plates have locals lined up around the block.
Tip from a local: Be prepared to wait at St-Viateur Bagels, which has been operating since 1960. If the shop at 263 St-Viateur Ouest is busy, try their two other locations.
Attend festivals in Quartier des Spectacles and Place de Arts
For locals, summer in Montreal is magic – and this is due in no small part to the abundance of festivals which light up the city throughout the warmer months.
The centrally located Place des Arts and Quartiers des Spectacles, where many of the festivals take place, are designed for all residents and visitors of the city to have exhilarating cultural experiences, with plentiful free and paid shows all season long. From the rhythms of the Montreal Jazz Festival to the linguistic celebration of Francos de Montreal and the cutting-edge digital expositions of Mutek, these events celebrate everything that makes Montreal unique and provide something for everyone, regardless of their tastes.
Tip from a local: The fun hardly stops with the music, as one can also take advantage of Montreal’s many other street festivals like Muralfest and Just for Laughs, both adjacent to the Quartier des Spectacles.
Catch the fireworks at La Ronde
Every Thursday from late June to early August, you can catch the International Des Feux Loto-Québec, an international fireworks competition over the Saint Lawrence River. Every year, some of the world’s largest pyrotechnic companies bring their A-game to Montreal, competing for the top spot and creating an unbelievable series of shows in the process.
While the fireworks can be seen from most of The Village and Hochelaga neighbourhoods, they are best viewed from a stadium specifically designed for the La Ronde amusement park event.
For the perfect Thursday excursion, take the day to enjoy the thrills of La Ronde and settle in for the fireworks show at night. Plus, with a CAA Membership, you can save up to 25% on La Ronde theme park tickets.
Tip from a local: There are plenty of daily services to La Ronde by Metro and bus.
Save while in Montreal
When planning your next trip to Montreal, don’t forget your CAA Memberships. Members save up to 20& on VIA Rail’s best available fares, reserve and save 10% off at participating Park’N Fly locations and on hotels.
