Things to do in Montreal over the Summer

Is Montreal worth visiting in the Summer?

This August as part of our year off tour of the world, I visited Montreal, Canada for the first time during the summer! I have never been to North America before, so it was really exciting. During my two-week travel in Montreal, I had the opportunity to visit some amazing places that I will talk about in this article. What made this location particularly special was the chance to meet all of Daniel’s family and friends and to see where he grew up.

During my visit, I explored smoked meat sandwiches, famous poutines, vineyards, Quebec City, Montreal City, the Old Port, Clock Tower, Mont Tremblant, Mont-Royal, The Olympic Stadium, and even a day trip to Ottawa. Obviously I had some amazing home cooked meals as well! Visiting Montreal with my boyfriend who was born and raised there meant that he knew all the best things to see and do in Montreal in Summer. I can confirm visiting during the Summer is well worth your time as the weather is warm and the sites are beautiful.

What is Montreal famous for?

Montreal, Canada is famous for its diverse multiculturalism, culinary delights like the famous poutine and smoked meat sandwiches. As well as vibrant music festivals, art scenes, European architecture, renowned universities like McGill and its natural beauty. It’s also only an hour away from the United States boarder which makes it the perfect Canadian destination.

Summer Activities in Montreal

1. Cycle along Lachine to Montreal Old Port in Summer

I think one of the best things to do in Montreal in the summer is to rent a bike and cycle along the Lachine river. Cycling along this river to reach Montreal’s Old Port is beautiful and fun. As a tourist in Montreal, one of the easiest ways to get a bicycle is to rent a BIXI bike. These are all over the city and are super easy to rent. You just need a smart phone and a bank card and you are good to go. The best place to start your cycling journey is at the Lachine canal, where the bike path weaves alongside the water. Along the way you will see industrial buildings and greenery, as well as an industrial building with a tiny pink house on top. Let me know if you see this tiny house!

Along the way, consider stopping at the Atwater Market to buy some of Montreal’s local produce and a variety of maple treats. I bought some maple tea and chocolate from here- it was delicious. Furthermore, the ride along the canal takes roughly 40 minutes and as you approach the Old Port of Montreal, the landscape transforms, with cobbled streets and historic architecture welcoming you to one of Montreal’s most iconic areas. I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat near the Ferris wheel and then sitting by the marina with a view of the St. Lawrence River. Another popular market is the talon market, which might take your fancy. However, the Atwater Market is on route to the city, so just made sense.

2. Explore Old Montréal​​​​​​​ for European Vibes

When visiting the Old Montréal​​​​​​​ you will see a huge Ferris wheel, a Clock Tower, the St Lawrence River, a little market, and even an urban beach next to the boats! There are many things to see and do in this very popular area, even ziplining! I found the Old Port to be very European with a range of different restaurants and European inspired architecture. Enjoy walking around the cobbled streets and try stopping at La Diperie, a beloved ice cream shop known for its soft serve ice cream with an array of toppings. This goes very well with that summer heat and adds a touch of sweetness to your mini European adventure.

3. Walk the Old Port at Night

In the evening, the Old Port transforms into a magical wonderland with its stunning light displays. Stroll along the promenade and watch as the buildings and bridges come alive with colorful projections, turning the area into a magical place. You can get some tasty snacks and sit by the river, or walk around and soak in the ambiance. If you are feeling spontaneous, you can even get a caricature down in the Old Port and that makes for a fun souvenir of your trip to Montreal in the Summer. We enjoyed walking down to the clock tower beach and observing the bridge from that point as it was all lit up with colours.

4. See Montreal from Above at Mont-Royal in Summer

Visiting Mont- Royal is an essential Montreal experience that promises breathtaking views of Montreal. When you reach the top of Mont-Royal you will see the Montreal skyline and its beautiful. There are a variety of different routes you can take to reach the summit. During Montreal in the summer it is hot and walking up a hill is perhaps not the most enjoyable activity. So you can get a taxi to near the top and then walk if you find the weather too hot.

The most common starting point is from the base of the mountain near Peel Street or Park Avenue. From there, you can follow well-marked trails and paths that lead to the Belvedere Kondiaronk, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and the St. Lawrence River. The walk is not overly strenuous, and it’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Mont Royal while being in close proximity to the city.

Alternative routes for Mont-Royal are:

1. Oliver’s Path (Chemin Olmsted): This is the most popular route and the easiest for beginners. It starts from the base near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument, taking you through a winding, well-maintained path with gentle slopes. It’s a scenic and leisurely walk.
2. The Peel Path: This route starts at the corner of Peel Street and Pine Avenue. It’s a moderate climb with some steeper sections. The path is partially paved, making it a good option for those who want a bit more of a workout.
3. The Camillien-Houde Lookout: If you’re looking for a more challenging ascent, you can start from the parking lot at the Camillien-Houde Lookout on Chemin Remembrance. This route involves steeper inclines but rewards you with breathtaking views.
4. The Fletcher’s Field Path: Beginning from the west side of Mont Royal Park, near Côte-des-Neiges Road, this path offers a quiet and less-crowded option. It’s a moderate climb with a mix of paved and unpaved sections.
5. The West Path: This path starts from Avenue Cedar, offering a less-traveled route to the summit. It’s a bit steep in places but provides a quieter and more serene experience.
6. The Smith House Path: If you prefer a more secluded and natural route, start from Smith House near Chemin Remembrance. This path leads through the forested areas of Mont Royal and connects with other trails.
7. The Loop Trail: For a longer hike, you can combine various paths and trails to create a loop around Mont Royal. This allows you to explore different parts of the mountain and enjoy a more extended outdoor adventure.

Each route offers its own unique charm, so you can choose the one that best suits your fitness level and the experience you’re seeking. Remember that all these routes lead you to the same place- so pick whatever one you feel comfortable with!

5. Eat your heart out at the Olympic Stadium with its many food trucks during the Summer

Something I highly recommend going to is Montreal’s Olympic Stadium Food Trucks event which happens only on the 1st Friday of every month. It basically is a food party in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium. You can easily reach it by taking Metro Line 1 (Green Line) to the “Pie-IX” station, which is located close to the stadium. This event has gourmet poutine, Churros, Italian burgers, Asian food, Latin American food and is a great way to sample some of North America’s favourites and it definitely showcases Montreal’s rich culinary diversity. Plus there is music and good vibes- so makes for a great time during the summer in Montreal.

Explore Day Trip Options in the Summer 

6. Visit Mont Tremblant in a day for canoeing and exploring the village in Summer

A 2 hour drive away from Montreal city is the perfect place to explore Canada’s outdoor scene. Surrounded by so many mountains and rivers, it makes it the perfect place to canoe, swim in the water and just be with nature. It was my favourite part of visiting Canada for the first time and highly recommend. Camping de la Diable is an idyllic spot for canoeing, you can easily rent a canoe and spend a few hours on the La Diable river. You will be surrounded by lush forest and the stunning Laurentian Mountains.

Then from this place, you can visit the famous Mont Tremblant Ski village. Obviously, during the Montreal summer there isn’t any snow but there are plenty of hiking trails, restaurants and the Luge- which is a really fun activity to do whilst you are there. You get a little go cart and you get to race down the ski hill!

7. Take a day trip to Canada’s capital city Ottawa over the Summer

If you fancy visiting Canada’s capital city, then its a mere 2 hour drive away from Montreal. Interestingly, Montreal used to be Canada’s capital city but changed in 1857 by the Queen of England. Sorry Montreal! There are a range of things to do in Ottawa, the most obvious being seeing the Parliament buildings and the changing of the guard ceremony which happens during the summer. You can also stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO Heritage site.

For a taste of local flavours, make a stop at Kin Vineyard for some unique wine flavours. Then satisfy your taste buds with the yummiest of pizzas, sandwiches’ and gelato at Farinella Rochester Cafe. If you have more time, then you can visit the National Gallery of Canada to view unique art collections. Furthermore, if you want to make a stop on your journey, you can visit Cannamore Orchard: This orchard, situated east of Ottawa, offers apple picking along with other fall activities like a pumpkin patch and a spooky Halloween-themed experience.

8. Take a trip to Quebec City and Stay Overnight

My favourite part of my trip to Canada was visiting Quebec City. It is incredibly European and beautiful, it has tiny cobbled streets and lots of shops, restaurants and cafes. This is where I tried my first Beaver Tail, which is fried dough with your choice of toppings- absolutely delicious. This is also where I had my first tire d’érable, which is Maple Taffy. We stayed over night as its a 3 hour drive to Quebec from Montreal and was well worth it.

Staying over night meant we got to visit the incredible Montmorency Falls: Just outside the city, Montmorency Falls is taller than Niagara Falls and offers hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and a cable car for breathtaking views. We also then visited another vineyard called Isle De Bacchus and oh my goodness, if you can go, go! The scenery is beautiful with mountains and a river running through it. The variety of wine was also amazing and even came with different cheeses. Lastly, another stop on the car journey was a place called Chocolaterie de I’Jle d’Orleans which was a chocolate shop with so many different options. All of these things combined made visiting Quebec an amazing experience outside of Montreal.

Enjoy Sports and Recreation in Montreal over the Summer

9. Watch a Canadian Football Game at McGill Stadium over the Summer

If you are interested in sports or just want to have a North American football game experience, then this can be done at the McGill Stadium in Montreal. Tickets for the Montreal Alouettes games are around 25$ and can be easily bought online. The players, cheerleaders, kiss cam, halftime competitions for fans really makes for a good time. Honestly, I didn’t enjoy the stop, start pace of the game, but did enjoy the atmosphere and experience of going to a North American football game.

10. Visit the Bell Centre in the City for the Hockey walk of Fame!

When you are walking around the city of Montreal, you can always check out the “Centennial Plaza des Canadiens,” which is located in front of the Bell Centre. Its an outdoor space that is filled with statues and plaques dedicated to legendary Canadiens players. Maybe you are a hockey fan or maybe you are just interested in seeing some of the history associated with Canada’s favourite sport.

What to eat during Summer in Montreal

11. Visit Notre Dame Street for cool vibes and brunches

Notre Dame Street in South West Montreal is filled with trendy boutiques and cool brunch spots. We visited L’Avenue which has a groovy decor and huge brunch menu. The food was delicious and huge! Definitely worth a visit if you like quirky places and cool streets.

12. Go for drinks at the very French Siboire bar and Restaurant over the Summer

Siboire bar and restaurant is known for its casual dining and craft beers, which is located within Montreal city. It was a great place to enjoy some food and different craft beers. Especially during the summer in Montreal because you can sit outside in the warm, but comfortable air.

13. Try the best smoked meat sandwich of your life at Smoke Meat Peats

Montreal is known for its smoked meat sandwiches, which typically feature slices of cured and smoked beef brisket served on rye bread with mustard. This was the best smoked meat sandwich I had ever had and its at Smoke Meat Peats! Pete has won many awards and is considered by many as the Best Smoke Meat in Montreal, arguably even the Province. Now at their current location you can enjoy from a wide variety of dishes while enjoying Live blues 7 nights a week.

14. Try out these popular Cafes and Restaurants over the Summer

Now if you love a little coffee in your ice cream then stop at Cafe Olimpico which is right next to La Diperie. Its a cozy cafe with pastries and a coffee gelato which is amazing. Another cafe worth mentioning is Cafe de Mercanti a wonderful cafe in the Old Port of Montreal with kind staff members and delicious food. All of these places are fantastic for visiting Montreal in the summer as the weather is hot!

For an evening of Italian elegance and a touch of European sophistication, Jacopo is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the Old Port, Jacopo offers a stylish and upscale dining experience with a menu that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine. Whether you choose to savor their delectable seafood dishes, tender steaks, or homemade pasta, each bite is an array of flavors crafted by expert chefs. As you dine at Jacopo, take in the elegant decor and intimate ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion during your European-inspired adventure in the Old Port.

Explore Historical Buildings 

15. Get a good look at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal over the Summer

Notre-Dame Basilica is a renowned Gothic Revival church located in Montreal, Canada. Built in 1829, its awe-inspiring architecture features colorful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a notable pipe organ. Situated in Old Montreal, it’s a popular tourist attraction, known for its historical significance and as a venue for concerts. This dame basilica is distinct from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and has undergone restoration to preserve its beauty. Whilst we were there, the notre dame basilica church was under construction, but was still beautiful.

Final Thoughts on Montreal in Summer

Montreal in Summer was a fantastic time to visit Canada and Montreal. It’s a great temperature and you can see the city and other great places in comfort. It’s a great time to walk the city at night as well and have a drink or dinner outside in the cobbled streets. Furthermore, if you had to choose between Ottawa and Montreal to visit, go for Montreal! It’s prettier and has a lot to offer in my opinion. Although visiting Montreal in the summer was great, I would love to see it during the winter because I bet winter activities and scenery are beautiful!

Love, Charlotte x