Spend summer in Montreal

Montrealers will tell you : summer is better here. Why take a vacation outside when your city is so vibrant and bustling, the weather is nice and warm, the sun is shining and there is so much to do? Here are a few activities to put on your summertime calendar.

Feet deep in the sand
Montreal isn’t a seaside destination, but it is still possible to sink your feet in the sand, a colorful cocktail in hand and a book in the other.

For a magnificent view of the Old Port, the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the St. Lawrence River, check out these two lovely spots: Clock Tower Beach and the Village au pied du courant. If swimming is prohibited at the moment, it is still possible to lie in the sand and sunbathe. The urban beach of Verdun should also open this summer.

Music in your ears
Yes, there are famous festivals such as Osheaga, Jazz Festival and the Francos, which, year after year, continue to gain popularity and notoriety. But there is so much more!

With the OSM concerts in the parks and OM grandeur nature, tourists and Montrealers can enjoy a concert of classical music in the open air, with Montreal as a backdrop.

In the mood for something a little more exotic? Montreal is lucky to have festivals such as Nuits d’Afrique and A Taste of the Caribbean.

Stars in your eyes
Montreal doesn’t go to sleep when the sun goes down. If anything, it gets more alive!

Head to Saint-Laurent Boulevard in June to enjoy the vibrant Mural Street Art Festival.

Twice week, rain or shine, the night sky is illuminated by the International des Feux Loto-Québec, an international fireworks competition live from La Ronde. It is possible to watch this pyrotechnic show from Notre-Dame Street, closed for the occasion. Hundreds of people gather there to watch the show, take a bixi and join them!

To see Montreal all in height and color, board Montreal’s Ferris wheel. It is open until 11PM.

Buy local
Quebec is full of talented artisans who create jewelry, home décor, natural beauty products and clothing. Buy local at various pop-up markets such as the Marché de nuit at Alexandraplatz, the Marché des Possibles and Hochelaga’s Grande Fabrique.

Eat and drink
Foodies will enjoy the many culinary festivals that take place during the summer season, such as the ig street food truc rallies at the Olympic Stadium, every first Friday of the month, as well as Poutinefest and YUL Eat.

Staying inside
When it’s way too hot to be outside, head over to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to catch the Couturissime exhibition about Thierry Mugler until September 8th. Don’t wait too long as it closes on September 8th.

Montréal Complètement cirque offers several shows are offered in the open air, but fortunately, others are inside, at Tohu.