11 things to do before the end of summer in Montreal

Aug 4 2016, 7:38 pm

Let’s face it, summer’s nearly over. There’s only one month left. It’s a sad, sad fact.

But hey, maybe this will finally push you to cross a few things off your Montreal summer bucket list. It’s your last chance so if you’ve been wanting to go to Parc Jean-Drapeau or the Botanical Garden, now’s the time.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration on how to spend your last few weeks of summer, check out this list of 11 things to do before the end of summer in Montreal (in essence, be outside as much as possible).

Join the drum circle at Tam Tams

What’s the best day to party in Montreal? Sunday, of course! Join the legendary Sunday afternoon party on Mount Royal that is Tam Tams. With only a few weeks of summer left, it’s definitely time to finally join the drum circle you’ve been staring at for the last two months.

Spend a day at La Ronde


Head to Montreal’s very own amusement park, La Ronde.
Full of exciting rides fit for the whole gang, La Ronde is a Montreal institution. From the classics like bumper cars and a ferris wheel, to newly introduced thrill rides like Demon and Vampire Backwards, La Ronde is the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Go stand up paddle boarding at Parc Jean Drapeau

Enjoy a laid-back weekend stand-up paddle boarding at Parc Jean-Drapeau. With the calm water of the river and the sun on your face, you’ll be instantly relaxed enjoying a leisurely paddle on the water. You can even sign up for SUP yoga and fitness classes. Stand up paddling boarding too mellow for you? Check out this list of watersports you can enjoy in Montreal this summer.

Take an outdoor yoga class

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If you’re sick of air conditioning and looking for a way to exercise outdoors that doesn’t involve long, tiring runs, then outdoor yoga may be perfect for you. Several yoga studios in Montreal offer outdoor classes in the summer so you can get toned and flexible whilst hanging out in your favourite park.

Relax on a rooftop bar

Sitting out on a terrasse is nice, but sitting on a terrasse that also happens to be on the roof of a building is a whole lot nicer. Enjoy a fruity drink and some killer appetizers while taking in the beautiful Montreal skyline. Terrasse Nelligan, Tokyo Bar, and Bar Soleil are a few rooftop bars located in various parts of the city.

Have a picnic in Little Italy Park courtesy of Dinette Triple Crown

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A hidden gem in the heart of Little Italy, Dinette Triple Crown offers incredible BBQ grub, like brisket, pulled pork, and mac and cheese, any day of the week. A major bonus is that the restaurant is located across the street from Little Italy Park, and if you ask in advance, they will pack up your order in a picnic basket complete with cutlery and blanket so you can enjoy the summer sun. Be sure to bring a bottle of wine with you!

Go ziplining in the Old Port

Take advantage of the zip line that’s set up in Old Port this summer and get some spectacular views of Montreal. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and have no fear of heights, then the zipline in Old Port is a great way to spend your last few days of summer. And when you’re done ziplining, Old Port boasts a ton of other awesome summer activities like tanning at Clock Tower Beach, grabbing an ice cream sandwich at the Felix & Norton Cookie Truck, or sipping on sangria at Terrasse Bonsecours.

Spend a lazy Sunday picking apples (followed by pie-making)

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What better way to celebrate the end of summer than by spending the afternoon apple picking? Head out to any one of the orchards in the Montreal area, and prepare for a day of tractor rides, picnics, and of course, apples. Cidrerie-Verger Léo Boutin, La Ferme Quinn, and Vergers Pierre Tremblay et Fils are a few great options. Bonus points if you turn your hand-picked apples into a fresh apple pie!

Take a road trip to Maison Lavande

A 40-minute drive from Montreal in Saint-Eustache, Maison Lavande’s gorgeous Lavender fields are breathtaking! The agri-touristic site is open from May to October and offers guided visits or the opportunity to explore on your own. Artisanal products and food all with a touch of lavender are also on site to indulge in. This is truly heaven.

Rent a boat at Beaver Lake

Les Amis de la Montagne are giving Montrealers the chance to set sail on Beaver Lake this summer. Every day from June 18 until August 28, you can rent a boat at the Beaver Lake Pavilion and clear your head on the water. Not only is rowing relaxing, but it’s pretty darn romantic (you remember The Notebook, don’t you?). If you’re a bit nervous at the thought of being out on the water, the pavilion also rents remote controlled sailboats so you can enjoy the water without actually getting out on it.

Relax with an ice cream sandwich in hand

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You’re in for a treat because this summer because Montreal has seriously upped its ice cream sandwich game. From a cookie ice cream sandwich at Felix & Norton to a donut ice cream sandwich at Leche Desserts, you’re in stall for some seriously delicious ice cream treats. Whatever you do, don’t let this summer pass you by without sampling from some of our city’s finest ice cream cuisine. Check out this list of the best ice cream sandwiches in Montreal.

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