Ultimate guide to what to do in Montréal this summer

Can’t-miss festivals

Montréal hosts all kinds of festivals year-round, but there’s something extra special about soaking up the vibes under the summer sun—or on a warm night when you can leave your jacket at home.

Multicultural Montréal

Come June 24, it’s time to celebrate Québec in all its splendour during the Fête nationale! Across the city, events and activities honour the province’s vibrant culture—delighting kids, adults, locals and visitors alike. Québec’s rich multicultural heritage also gets its moment in the spotlight at various points throughout the summer.

To celebrate Japanese culture, Montréal hosts the vibrant YATAI MTL festival every June. For nearly a week, festival-goers can explore a foodie zone, a vendor market and a cultural space—all offering a rich immersion into Japanese traditions, tastes, and creativity.

Want to dive into Montréal’s Irish roots? Don’t miss the Bloomsday Montréal Festival! This lively event usually features talks, film screenings, performances and readings of Irish literary works. With nearly 40% of Quebecers of Irish descent, it’s always a well-loved and well-attended celebration.

Montréal is also home to a large and lively Portuguese community who unite to celebrate their heritage during the Festival Portugal International de Montréal with fun family activities, shows and delicious food (naturally!).

And that’s not all in July! Be sure to check out the Chợ Đêm MTL Vietnamese cultural festival, the Taste of the Caribbean cultural festival with spicy flavours and hot live performances, and the POCHA MTL Korean street food festival, complete with bibimbap, kimchi and K-Pop.

The party doesn’t end there!

Hands down, the biggest party of the year hits Montréal every August with the fabulous Fierté Montréal Festival! The Village bursts into colour and energy as locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the vibrant 2ELGBTQ+ communities. Think shows, parties, thought-provoking workshops, and a whole lot of love — all wrapped in the spirit of solidarity, inclusion, and diversity. And of course, it all leads up to the grand finale: the unforgettable, glitter-filled Pride Parade that takes over the city in the most spectacular way!

Come mid-August, Parc Jean-Drapeau transforms into one massive open-air dance floor for the electrifying ÎLESONIQ  music festival. Picture this: world-class DJs, thumping beats, and a wild crowd that just doesn’t quit. From electro and house to hip-hop, rap, reggaeton, dubstep and everything in between — the party goes full throttle well into the night. If you’re ready to dance like nobody’s watching, this is the place to be!

Beach babes, sun chasers, and chill seekers — make your way to the Lachine Canal for La Guinguette du Sud-Ouest! This laid-back riverside hangout has it all: a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, gourmet bites, free concerts, live entertainment, and good vibes all around. Browse the colourful Marché Tropical, sip something fruity at the iconic Tiki-Bar, or just kick back and soak up the scene. 

For country music lovers, August can’t come fast enough — because that’s when LASSO Montréal rolls into town! Taking over Parc Jean-Drapeau for a weekend of boot-stompin’, knee-slappin’, hand-clappin’ fun, this festival brings together some of the biggest names in country music. Whether you're into classic twang, modern country-pop, or something in between, you’ll find your rhythm in this high-energy, hat-tippin’ celebration of all things country.

August is a treat for music lovers of all kinds— including those who like to keep things a little more traditional. Festival Trad Montréal brings Québec folklore to life with lively music, storytelling, and hands-on activities. Prefer beats over ballads? Then don’t miss the JOAT International Street Dance Festival, where top artists throw down jaw-dropping moves in breakdance, popping, krump and more. 

For a complete list of Montréal summer festivals, check out the Montréal Summer Festival Guide. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!

Montréal outdoors

Montréal is wonderfully situated near a panoply of great green spaces as well as on the Saint-Lawrence River. What’s more, the city boasts an impressive number of parks and pools, so there’s really no reason not to get outside and enjoy some fresh air! 

Montréal is a walker’s paradise year-round, but come summer, the city truly rolls out the red carpet for pedestrians. Some of the busiest streets — like Mont-Royal Avenue and Wellington Street — close to car traffic and turn into lively pedestrian zones perfect for a lazy stroll, boutique browsing, or patio hopping, day or night. Soak up the Village’s festive summer vibe along Sainte-Catherine Street or get swept up in Mile End’s charm as you wander down Bernard Avenue. 

Cyclists are in for a treat in Montréal! With a vast network of bike paths — including the super-convenient REV (Réseau Express Vélo) — getting around on two wheels is a breeze. Don’t have your own wheels? No worries! Just hop on a BIXI, Montréal’s easy-to-use bike-sharing service. For a scenic ride, head to one of the city’s beautiful parks like Parc Maisonneuve, Mount Royal Park, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Jarry, Frédéric-Back or Île-de-la-Visitation. These green spaces are all connected and feature dedicated bike lanes to keep your ride smooth and safe. Over in the southwest, pedal along the Lachine Canal near Atwater Market — a stunning route that offers postcard-worthy views of both the water and the city skyline.

The Lachine Canal is bursting with fun water activities. Paddle at your own pace with a pedal boat or kayak rental from Aventures H20, or cruise down the Saint-Lawrence River aboard the Cavalier Maxim with Croisière AML — complete with a meal, guided tour, and even dancing under the stars. For something a little different, climb aboard Le Bateau-Mouche for stunning views of the river and the city skyline. You can also hop on Le Petit Navire  for a zero-emission boat tour or rent your own eco-friendly ride from the Old Port of Montréal.

If soaking up the sun is more your style, kick back in a lounge chair at Clock Tower Beach — a sandy oasis right at the foot of the iconic tower. For a more tranquil escape, head to Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau, where a peaceful lake surrounded by greenery feels like you’re kicking back in a remote forest. Or, if you’re looking for a beach vibe without leaving town, head to Verdun’s urban beach for that toes-in-the-sand atmosphere. The best part? All three beaches are easy to get to by metro, car, or bike.

Looking for thrills? Catch a wave at Oasis Surf in Brossard or take a river surfing course with the KSF team. WET SET MTL will get you up and going on a personal watercraft while Rafting Montréal is the place to go if you want to try rafting and jet boating. 

After all that excitement, there’s nothing like unwinding at the stunning Bota Bota, spa sur l’eau. Enjoy a soothing thermal circuit while taking in unique views of the Old Port from this floating oasis. Looking to escape the buzz of the city entirely? Head to Strøm Nordic Spa on Nuns’ Island — a true haven of peace where nature and relaxation go hand in hand.

Foodie Montréal 

In Montréal, the return of warm weather means one thing: patio season is officially on! As soon as the first buds bloom, locals flock to these sun-soaked spots to soak up the vibe just as much as the food and drinks. Luckily, the city is brimming with patios and terraces perfect for lingering over a meal, sipping something refreshing, and simply enjoying the golden sunshine.

Whether it’s sipping cocktails nine floors up at Terrasse Alizé at the Humaniti Hotel, taking in sweeping views of Old Montréal from the chic Perché terrace at the William Gray Hotel, or soaking up the summer buzz at Bivouac’s patio overlooking the lively Place des Festivals — one thing’s for sure: Montréal has no shortage of sunny spots to raise a glass and toast the season.

Here, summer isn’t just something you watch — it’s something you live, market bag in hand and sunglasses on. Every street corner becomes an invitation to wander: over here, a bustling market brimming with fresh produce and local creations; over there, a park turned open-air living space where kids, artists, and strollers all cross paths. It’s the perfect season to soak up the city’s best seasonal markets and summertime spaces.

Artisans share their passion in every bite, producers offer freshly-picked strawberries and every handmade object seems to carry a little piece of the neighbourhood from which it came. You taste, you chat, you linger. It’s more than just an outing — it’s a summer ritual. For the freshest seasonal flavours, there’s nothing like a stroll through one of Montréal’s public markets — Jean-Talon, Atwater, or Maisonneuve — or one of the many lively neighbourhood markets. It’s a gentle way to slow down, shop differently and create simple yet lasting memories. Montréal out of doors: vibrant and welcoming. 

Among Montréal’s most beloved summer traditions, First Fridays definitely tops the list. On the first Friday of every month, the Olympic Park transforms into a massive open-air foodie village. Dozens of street food vendors serve up an incredible variety of dishes that showcase the city’s rich culinary diversity. Add to that live performances, festive entertainment and an atmosphere that feels like the best block party ever.

As soon as the warm weather rolls in, Montréal turns into a playground for picnic lovers. Whether it's a riverside spot, a leafy park, or a cozy urban square, the city is full of charming places to spread out a blanket and eat outside. Pack your favourite goodies, let the local food scene inspire your spread, and make the most of those long summer evenings in Montréal’s beautiful green spaces.

Summer in Montréal is synonymous with iced coffee. For a next-level cold brew, check out Café Myriade, where the beans steep for 12 hours to create a bright, complex flavour. Over at Le Paquebot, it’s all about nitro coffee served on tap — smooth, creamy, and seriously cool. Dispatch Coffee puts a twist on the classic affogato with local ice cream, while Café Ferlucci channels Italian vibes with its granita-style iced coffee. And for something truly refreshing, don’t miss SoLIT Café’s Americano lemonade — a bold blend of coffee and citrus that totally hits the spot.

More of an ice cream connoisseur? Montréal serves up some of the best scoops you’ve ever tasted, with cones as classic or as exotic as you can handle. Check out Kem CoBa, Ca Lem or Dalla Rose for original flavours ranging from pandan to black sesame. Perfect to cool off between festivals! 

Summer, Montréal style 

Between tasty discoveries, impromptu evenings out and plenty of outdoor fun, summer in Montréal is lived to the fullest… and often without spending a dime. The city turns into one big festive playground, where shows, exhibitions, screenings, markets and performances bring streets and parks to life. All you have to do is step outside, look up and let yourself be swept away by the vibrant energy that makes every day a moment to savour.

The one-of-a-kind MURAL Festival shines a spotlight on the vibrant world of graffiti art. Building façades across Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile-End and downtown transform into giant canvases where artists unleash their creativity right before your eyes. Stunning murals come to life in real time, brightening the streets for weeks to come. The festival also spices things up with concerts and block parties, making early June a can’t-miss celebration of art and community.

The International des Feux Loto-Québec is a spectacular fireworks competition that lights up Montréal’s summer skies. Teams from around the world choreograph explosive pyrotechnics perfectly synced to carefully selected music, creating a breathtaking show. Each summer, La Ronde amusement park on Sainte-Hélène Island becomes the launching pad for these dazzling displays that captivate crowds night after night.

 

Original article in French by Valérie Dorion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.