Canada: What to do and see in Montreal this summer?

How to go to Montreal with points

It’s easy to get to and from Montreal with points. Montreal -Trudeau International Airport is home to several airlines, the most popular of which is Air Canada.

Whether you’re flying from Istanbul, Mexico or Vancouver, several direct flights are readily available.

For example, if someone from Vancouver wanted to have a good time in Montreal, they could use around 31,000 points Aeroplan and $92 for a round-trip ticket.

How to stay in a hotel in Montreal with points

Then she’ll be spoilt for choice with all the Marriott Bonvoy hotels available with Marriott Bonvoy points, to suit her budget.

Read our reviews here:

Old Port of Montreal

With over 70 activities on the program, Summer 2025 at the Old Port of Montreal promises to be full of novelties.

These include:

• The immersive Missing Worlds experience takes you on a journey through the major stages in the planet’s evaluation from its earliest origins.
• The world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s new big top show, Luzia, takes you to the heart of an imaginary Mexico.
• The exhibition at the Science Center Montreal T.rex: The Ultimate Predator reveals the meeting of the tyrannosaur superfamily.

What’s more, you can still enjoy the must-see attractions of the Old Port with exciting activities, including:

• The Giant Ferris Wheel in Montreal, for a breathtaking view of the city
• The MTL Zipline, for a thrilling experience
• Relax aboard Bota Bota, a one-of-a-kind spa on the water
• Admire the city from the water aboard the Bateau-Mouche
• Voiles en Voiles, offering an aerial and climbing experience
• SOS Labyrinthe, with a new course every week

Montreal downtown

This summer, downtown Montreal is rolling out a musical program and new furnishings in the magnificent Phillips Square, the new place to relax and enjoy a coffee break or a meal in the sun between two concerts.

You’ll find a host of cultural events at any time of day or week, including music, dance, improv and theater. Nearly thirty festivals and events will keep the Quartier des spectacles buzzing until October.

These are just some of the highlights that will make for an exceptional downtown summer experience:

• The Quartier des spectacles continues to welcome Montrealers and visitors for relaxation and major summer festivals.
• Les Jardins Gamelin and its free daily program of musical and dance events.
• Right in the heart of Rue Sainte-Catherine, at the foot of St Jax church, Le Jardin du Monastère offers open-air circus performances.
• The McCord Museum’s urban tour is a fun way to learn more about the history of certain sites in Montreal.

Discover other trendy districts of Montreal

When you visit Montreal, other trendy neighborhoods are well worth a visit.

These include:

Verdun

With its summer beach and internationally renowned pedestrian street, Verdun is not short of charm.

Wellington Street was named by Time Out as the coolest street in the world. During the summer months, it transforms into a lively pedestrian street and beachfront promenade. You can tour the neighbourhood’s public art on Art Public‘s interactive map, with a podcast to accompany you.

Or spend a spa day at Strom spa nordique on Nun’s Island, with its superb views, water circuits and many different facilities.

Good places to eat and drink include Kwizinn, Verdun Beach, Lili & Oli, Café Saint-Henri and Station W.

Don’t miss La librairie de Verdun and fashion boutiques such as Marigold by Marilyne Baril and Le petit Shwap Club.

The Plateau and Mile End of Montreal

Here are two trendy neighbourhoods with an inspiring ambience for your summer strolls.

The Plateau is packed with cafés, bars, bookshops, restaurants and boutiques. Its lively streets are lined with colorful houses on one side, while on the other are former textile factories transformed into startup incubators.

As for Mile End, slightly further north, it offers a unique fringe atmosphere all its own. With its vintage boutiques, quirky restaurants and cafés, the neighborhood is best known for its famous bagels.

Le Village

The Village, the gay district of Montrealis world-renowned for its lively, festive nature, both day and night. Rue Sainte-Catherine becomes pedestrianized in summer, offering visitors the chance to enjoy its 60 terraces.

Many other trendy neighborhoods in the metropolis are well worth a visit: Mount Royal and Outremont for outdoor enthusiasts; the Olympic Quarter and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve with its many cultural and sporting attractions; the Canal districts, with Griffintown, Saint-Henri and Little Burgundy.

Not forgetting Parc Jean-Drapeau, with its many activities including cycling, Jean Drapeau beach, the Stewart Museum, the F1 circuit, the casino and La Ronde.

The most beautiful terraces

Montreal has no shortage of beautiful terraces where you can relax, eat or drink, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Here are our suggestions.

• Terrace H3, on the 9th floor of the Humaniti complex , 340 de La Gauchetière W
• Nacarat Bar, 900 René-Lévesque Blvd O
• Menthe et Couscous, 361, rue Émery
• Terrasse Carla, 985 Boulevard St-Laurent
• Pangea Restaurant & Bar, 104 Rue St-Paul E
• Terrasse Nelligan, 106, rue St-Paul O, 5th floor
• Bonsecours Terrace, 364, rue de la Commune E
• Marché des Éclusiers, 400, rue de la Commune O
• Vieux-Port Steakhouse, 39, rue St-Paul E
• Le Perché Bar Terrasse, 153, rue St-Amable
• Restaurant le Richmond, 377 Richmond Street
• L’Annexe Sainte-Ambroise, 5080 rue St-Ambroise
• Muze Terrace at Hôtel HONEYROSE, 355, boulevard De Maisonneuve O
• Belvu Terrace at the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain, 1050 Rue de la Gauchetière W

Other trendy restaurants to try this summer include Montreal:

• Bird Bar, 1800 Notre-Dame St. W,
• Yoko Luna, 1234, rue de la Montagne,
• Cabaret l’Enfer, 4094 rue St-Denis
• Tadhana, 4, ave. Somerville
• The Farsides, 690 Notre-Dame Street W

The best cocktail bars

For fine cocktails and mocktails in Montreal, you’re spoilt for choice. Many of the city’s bars and restaurants have excellent mixologists. These include:

Atwater cocktail club

The bartenders at this Little Burgundy institution work with fresh fruit, homemade tonics, syrups and bitters, as well as a range of non-alcoholic spirits.

Time Out Market Montreal

Montreal ‘s famous epicurean market brings together dozens of the city’s top chefs and bartenders under one roof. There’s also the Soda Bar, which specializes in creating mocktails and sodas infused with herbs and citrus.

Marcus Lounge & Bar

The expansive lounge and third-floor terrace of the chic Four Seasons serve up a collection of cocktails – and mocktails – to enjoy alongside the culinary menu of renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson.

The most eagerly awaited festivals

Montreal is widely renowned for its dynamic and varied festival scene. Here are some of the most eagerly awaited festivals this summer.

Francos de Montreal, mid-June

With over 250 shows, the Francos de Montreal feature artists from the world’s Francophonie on the city’s biggest stages, indoors and out.

Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, late June to early July

The Montreal International Jazz Festival is the world’s largest jazz festival, transforming the city center into a giant music stage with over 500 free and ticketed concerts over 10 days. You’ll discover traditional jazz, blues and eclectic performances in a unique festive atmosphere, featuring renowned international and local artists.

L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec, late June to early August

This hugely popular fireworks competition that lights up the skies in Montreal is back again this year.

Montreal Complétement Cirque, early July

In July, the circus flourishes in the streets of Montreal, offering spectacular performances that will captivate your eyes.

Nuits d’Afrique international festival, mid-July

Nuits d’Afrique presents a rich program of over 100 shows, activities and workshops showcasing the Caribbean, Latin American and African diasporas in Montreal.

Just for Laughs, mid to late July

The world’s biggest comedy festival showcases the best in comedy. In addition to hundreds of free outdoor activities, the festival presents over 200 shows, many of them in the halls of Place des Arts.

Grand PoutineFest, mid to late July

The Grand PoutineFest tour stops at the Quai de l’Horloge in the Old Port.

Fierté Montreal, early August

Fierté Montreal offers you one of the best festive moments of the year, with an explosion of shows and artists, and a festive atmosphere in the Village.

Osheaga Festival, early August

Osheaga is one of Canada’s biggest popular music festivals, transforming Montreal ‘s Parc Jean-Drapeau into a realm of indie, rock, electro and hip-hop music. Over 100 international artists perform on 6 stages over 3 days, facing the St. Lawrence River and downtown skyscrapers.

Bottom Line

Ready for an effervescent summer season in Montreal? Between new tourist attractions and timeless classics, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the cultural diversity, fascinating architecture and vibrant energy that characterize this cosmopolitan metropolis in summer.