10 Things To Do In Summer In Montreal, Canada - Updated 2024

Kamalika
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 6 min read

Live up the much-awaited sunny summer days and warm nights in Montreal, the scintillating cultural capital of Canada! Explore the hidden gems in the city on bike tours or enjoy a bird’s eye view of the scenic cityscape on a helicopter, or go for a relaxed family outing at the Botanical Gardens. For the adventure-lovers, there is a wide array of activities to shoot up the adrenaline - go zip-lining over the skyscrapers or try white water rafting adventures or jet-skiing on the river – there is something for everyone at Montreal in summer. Join the festival fervor in Montreal with summer festivals like the famous Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. International des Feux Loto-Québec, a unique fireworks competition that lights up Montreal night skies all summer, is also a great experience to revel in. Check out the top 10 things to do in Montreal as the summer temperature soars up!

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From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the Montreal local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

1. Explore the "Hoods and Hidden Gems" of North Montreal on a bike tour

The best way to explore Montreal like locals in summer is on a bicycle. The 3-hour “Hoods and Hidden Gems” north city guided bike tour is crafted to help you experience first-hand the lively and eclectic sights, sounds and tastes of neighborhoods north of Montreal downtown. Discover the must-see ‘hoods’ of the Plateau Mont Royal, the happening Mile-Ex, the unique and artistic Mile End, the stunning architecture and delicious food in Little Italy; zigzag on your bikes through the narrow streets, green lane-ways, beautiful boulevards lined with stylish cafes, and landscaped parks; gaze at the striking murals and street art and learn about the historical and cultural influence of the different areas and communities. Visit the Jean Talon Farmer’s Market, the largest open-air market in North America, and fix your eyes on the colorful food and produce laid out like ‘Living Art’. For a truly authentic experience of the city lifestyle, this guided bike tour is a must-do in Montreal in summer.

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2. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Montreal cityscape from a helicopter

things to do in summer in montreal | enjoy a bird’s eye view of montreal cityscape from a helicopter

View Montreal from a truly unique perspective from aboard a helicopter in this 20 or 30-minute flight above the city. Soar in the skies above the pulsating city of Montreal and get a matchless bird’s eye view of the Quebec Capitol Building. Fly over the Olympic Stadium, Downtown Montreal, and Mount Royal in the 20-minute ride that brings you back to the airport through the scenic Old Port of Montreal and the Victoria Bridge. The 30-minute tour takes you across the Saint Lawrence River over the picturesque Parc Jean Drapeau and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Click photo memories for a lifetime as you hover over the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park and continue flying over the charming countryside with vistas of beautiful landscapes. Admire the spectacular city views from the skies above with multilingual live guide commentary regaling you with historical and fun facts about Montreal.

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3. White water rafting adventure on Rouge River

Feel the adrenaline rush as you embark on the waves of the Rouge River white water rafting adventure, one of North America’s top 10 rafting runs. Ride the rapids and soak in the sights of the surrounding beaches and calm pools along the way. In between rapids you can also body surf and float in the current. At the end of the adventure, head towards base camp where you can unwind in the hot tub and enjoy the snack bar.

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4. Zip-line over Montreal Old Port for spectacular views

Try this first of its kind adventure sport in Canada, where you climb up a tall tower and sail above the Montreal Old Port across a huge zip-line. This 30-minute adrenaline-pumping activity will appeal to all adventure-seekers and is also safe for families. Share your excitement with your friend or family member as you go side-by-side on two zip-line cables and fly over spectacular views of downtown Montreal. At the end of the tour, you will even get a photograph of your grand feat!

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Montreal Tour Guide

Ruby Roy

Ruby Roy

Welcome ! Montreal is one of only two regulated cities' in Canada for Licensed Professional guides. Always ask your guide for their license to practise. I am a veteran and most senior Montreal Licensed Expert Guide . I specialise in bespoke private experiences and tours. My guests are mainly luxury, diplomatic, protocol, public figures, corporate business travellers or well travelled guests... Read more

5. Jet-ski tour on the St. Lawrence River

Jet set on the St Lawrence River as your guided boat tour starts at the Jacques Cartier pier in the Old Port of Montreal and passes under 4 bridges to arrive near the habitat 67, where you can jet ski freely for 15 to 20 minutes. Soak up the mesmerizing views along the river bank as your boat ride cruises by the biosphere, St-Helene Island, la Ronde and under the interesting Jacques Cartier Bridge. Lockers and changing rooms will be available on the boat for your trouble-free experience.

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6. White water rafting on Lachine Rapids from Montreal

Experience the thrill of a lifetime on the 2-hour white water adventure tour on the Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence River. Brave the class I and II rapids with the most intense waves curiously named “Big John,” “Louis Leap,” the “Devils Drop” and “Outétoucos” between the Montreal island and the south shore, while you perceive the panoramic scenery of the river from a truly different perspective. Enjoy this fun-filled activity with family or friends and the best way to end the adventure is to take a swim in the rapid waters!

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7. Ride through historic Old Montreal on a bike tour

ride through historic old montreal on a bike tour

Explore the heart of the historic city of Montreal in the way locals do – on a bike! The 3-hour guided bike tour to the downtown and old part of the south side of the city is designed to give you a taste of the vibrant core of the city. The whirlwind trip takes you through the notable Montreal attractions where you can discover hidden French and British symbolism, wonder at a floating Nordic spa, visit the famous fashionable farmer’s market in Montreal – the Atwater Market, and spot two music festival islands while the guide regales you with stories and anecdotes of the history and culture of the city.

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8. Cruise along St. Lawrence River with stunning city views

cruise along st. lawrence river with stunning city views

Soak in the glorious panoramic sights of Montreal along the St. Lawrence River on board the charming Cavalier Maxim river vessel. Starting at the Conveyors’ Pier in the Old Port, this cruise with 60 or 90-minutes options lets you take a break from city life and relax on the sunny deck while you sail on the river. A certified guide regales you with interesting anecdotes and stories of the history of Montreal as you cruise past the Olympic Stadium, Parc Bellerive, the Pont Jacques-Cartier and the water-front buildings in the city.

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9. Leisurely paddle-boat ride from Old Port

Explore Montreal’s Old Port on this paddle-boat tour with 30 or 60 minute options, where you can set out at your own pace on the peaceful Bonsecours Basin. Encircled by two piers and the beautiful Bonsecours Basin Park, this basin is in a sheltered part of the St Lawrence River, thus you can enjoy calm waters and no boat traffic. Paddle into the sunset while you gaze at the stunning city views and the waterfront buildings, like Bonsecours Market and Notre Dame Basilica.

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10. Experience Montreal Tower Observatory and Botanical Garden

Enjoy fabulous views of the sunny Montreal skyline at the Montreal Tower Observatory. Standing at an angle of 45 degrees, the ride to the top of the tower on board the glass-encased funicular is an exhilarating experience in itself! The observatory offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and a bird’s eye view of the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park. You can even identify the city landmarks from above via the touch-screen displays.

The experience is also inclusive with a ticket to the “Since 1976” exhibit in Olympic Park, which houses photos, artifacts, and videos about the history of Olympic Park, starting from when it was constructed until the present day.

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Live up the sunny summer days in Montreal!

A myriad of adventures await you in Montreal in summer, where you can explore the stunning city vistas on bikes, helicopters or boat tours, get an adrenaline rush with zip-lining or water-rafting, or enjoy quality family time at the botanical gardens or paddle-boat tours. Get ready to bask in the wide variety of activities in Montreal with your friends or family where there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Dreamer and a traveloholic, Kamalika loves traveling to off-beat destinations and capturing the experiences through her pen and camera.

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