Summer weekend in Montréal
How locals do summer in Montréal — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Montréal
Beaver Lake Skating
FamilyMont-Royal
Refrigerated rink with hot chocolate and bonfires.
Old Port
FamilyVieux-Montréal
Riverside beach in summer, skate rink in winter.
Mont-Royal Foliage Hike
OutdoorsPlateau
Best fall colour view in the city from the chalet.
Mont-Royal Tam-Tams
OutdoorsPlateau
Sunday drumming, jugglers and LARPers.
Crescent Street
NightlifeDowntown
Patios spilling onto the street all summer.
Jean-Talon Market
Food & DrinkLittle Italy
Québec produce, cheeses and pistachio gelato.
Where to eat
Au Pied de Cochon
$$$Québécois · Plateau
Foie + maple + duck-in-a-can. Bring friends.
Damas
$$$Syrian · Outremont
Best mezze in the city, gorgeous room.
Joe Beef
$$$$Hedonistic French-Canadian · Little Burgundy
Foie gras parfait + lobster spaghetti, book early.
Schwartz's
$Jewish deli · The Main
Smoked meat since 1928. Medium-fat, no debate.
Live & on stage
Igloofest
Old Port · Jan 16 – Feb 8 · Electronic
Les FrancoFolies
Place des Arts · Jun 13–21 · Francophone
Montréal Jazz Festival
Quartier des Spectacles · Jun 26 – Jul 5 · Jazz
Nuit Blanche
City-wide · Late Feb · Arts / Free
Osheaga
Parc Jean-Drapeau · Aug 1–3 · Indie / Pop
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Mont-Royal Tam-Tams, Jean-Talon Market, Old Port. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Montréal and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.