For those of us in the northern hemisphere, summer solstice is either the 20thor 21st of June, depending on which day the sun is farthest north. Most Montrealers can agree though, that summer really starts in July: school’s out, warmer weather is more consistent, and there are countless of activities to try in our home city.
What will you be up to this month? Here are thirty ideas I suggest putting on your Montreal summer bucket list:
1. Take a walk in the Old Port
Credit: Toy Sense
Cliché? Maybe it is... but for good reason. We are seldom bestowed with warm weather, so take advantage of it! Stroll the Old Port with your family, friends, or make it a date-night.
2. Clown Around!
From July 5 to July 15, Montréal’s Cirque Festival will be in full-force. Enjoy high-flying performances on streets, parks, and sidewalks –fun for the whole family.
3. Purchase Your Osheaga Tickets
Credit: Festival Snobs
With Osheaga coming to MTL in early August, you’ll want to score your tickets ASAP. Be sure to buy them so you can attend the hottest music festival of the year.
4. I Scream for Ice Cream
Credit: Mel Vandersluis
Your sweet tooth deserves a treat. Cool off at Montreal’s hottest ice cream and frozen yogurt locations like Ca Lem and La Diperie
5. Your Best Disguise
Comiccon will be in town at the Palais de Congrès from July 6 to July 8. This year, you can meet & greet with huge stars like Chuck Norris, Val Kilmer, and Pamela Anderson. Be sure to check out the full schedule with details and pricing on the official website.
6. Splish Splash
Forecasted heatwave on the weekend? Kiddos can cool off at Montreal’s very many splash pads. Parc Père-Marquette boasts a huge one with a beautiful nature-theme. Plus, there are picnic tables and lounge chairs nearby – perfect for moms and dads.
7. Laughter is the Best Medicine
Did you know that Just for Laughs is the world’s largest comedy fest? Every summer, Montréal hosts a number of high-profile comedians and newcomers at galas, shows, and street performances. This year, it will be held from July 11 to July 29 – be prepared to LOL.
8. Just Keep Swimming
Credit: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Renovated in 2005, Parc Jean Drapeau’s Aquatic Complex is fun for the entire family. Boasting 3 large pools, this pool is key in keeping cool this summer
9. Picnic at the Park
Credit: The McGill Tribune
Beaver Lake has plenty of picnic areas and shaded spots: time to pull out the good ol’ wicker basket and enjoy an afternoon with friends.
10. Films Galore
This year, the Fantasia International Film Festival will take place from July 12 to August 1. Check out independent, international, and underground films. Approximately 125,000 people attend every year.
11. Yoga in the Park
Credit: Xandra Stefanel
St. Laurent Blvd will be hosting Yoga in the Park starting July 7. A completely free event, you can consult their schedule here.
12. Shop ‘Til You Drop
Saint-Catherine Street Celebrates will be held from July 13 to July 15. Stores and restaurants will setup and have stands/tents outside for this summer’s biggest shopping event!
13. Fireworks
Montreal’s International Firework Competition is in full-force and you can catch a great view from the Old Port.
14. Day at the Spa
Credit: Daily Hive
Bota Bota is one of Montreal’s most popular spa destinations. Relax and enjoy a hydrotherapy circuit with some beautiful Montreal views.
15. Enjoy a View of Old Montreal
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Terrasse Nelligan offers one of the best views of Old Montreal. A great spot to brunch or to enjoy a drink (or two!) with friends… you won’t want to miss out.
16. Flowers Galore
Play tourist in your own city and pay the beautiful Botanical Garden a visit. While you’re there, you can check out the Courtyard of Miniaturized North American Trees.
17. Thrill-Seekers
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Plan a weekend at Montreal’s own Six Flags amusement park, La Ronde. The Goliath is a favorite, so prepare yourself for a 52m drop (at 110km per hour). Yikes!
18. Lounge Around
Montreal’s Clock Tower Beach is conveniently located at the Old Port and is a great place to lounge around under huge parasols and a refreshing mist.
19. The World is Your Oyster
Montreal houses fantastic oyster restaurants. Lucille’s Oyster Dive, for instance, serves some of the city’s best seafood platters like PEI mussels, crispy calamari, and of course… oysters!
20. The Oratory
Credit:Wladyslaw Sojka
St. Joseph’s Oratory is the world’s largest shrine to St. Joseph. Its large balcony offers a breathtaking view and is quitethe sight to see on summer days.
21. The IMAX Experience
Enjoy fascinating documentaries on an IMAX screen at the Montreal Science Centre.
22. Capulet and Montague
Starting July 5th, you can enjoy Shakespeare-in-the-Park, held by Montreal’s very own Repercussion Theatre. This year, they’ll be focusing on Romeo and Juliet while giving it a modern, diversified twist.
23. Just Like Riding a Bike
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Lachine Canal’s path first opened in 1977. Now, it is extremely popular for cyclists and is maintained regularly to offer the smoothest bike rides.
24. All-Things-Chocolate
Credit: Food Chuck Ate
Got a sweet tooth? Enjoy some chocolate-y desserts from Cacao70 and its numerous Montreal locations.
25. Swimming at the Beach
Parc Jean-Drapeau houses Jean-Doré beach, filled with golden sand, clear water, and a roarin’ good time for the whole family.
26. A Day at the Museum
How often do you visit museums in your own city? It’s time to check out some art exhibitions at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
27. Segway Tour
Credit: Eco Tours Montreal
In for a real treat? Why not tour the Old Port on a Segway? Don’t worry about being a pro at balancing – the Segway does it for you!
28. The Art of Paddle Boarding
At Parc Jean-Drapeau, you can check in for lessons in SUP: Stand Up Paddleboard. They’ve got courses ranging from introductory SUP to SUP Yoga Jala Flo.
29. Off to the Market!
Within the hustle and bustle of our lively city lie a number of beautiful, diverse markets. The Atwater Market is worth the visit with its fine shops and quirky restaurants.
30. Jump Around!
Credit: iSaute
Feel free as a bird at iSaute – a place to jump around with friends and family. You can test your skills at their 5 locations within the Greater Montreal area.
Have you done any of these Montreal activities? What are you looking forward to most this July?
