24 things to do in Montreal this weekend: July 26 to August 1

Talk about flying by, huh?

We’re already settling into the last week of July, and Montreal is boasting a slew of great events worth checking out before we say bonjour to August.

The loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions means life is starting to normalize. This week is highlighted by a poutine festival, mythical giant hunting on Mont Tremblant, a VR trip to space, some fireworks, and much more.

• See also:
  • QC bucket list: 15 poutine experiences you need to try across Quebec
  • Journey to space at world’s largest VR experience right here in Montreal
  • La Ronde is hosting a fireworks festival across Montreal all summer

Here are a few things that should be on your Montreal radar this week, July 26 to August 1.

Mini Fireworks

 

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Fireworks are usually synonymous with Montreal’s summer, but the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a bite out of the traditional summertime fest.

La Ronde is doing its best to light up the skies in some capacity though.

Every Saturday, the amusement park is working with L’International des Feux Loto-Québec to bring a “mini fireworks festival” to a different borough of the island.

You have to follow a La Ronde Six Flags social media channel to find out when and where this week’s display will take place, a decent trade-off for free fireworks.

When: Saturday, July 31
Time: TBD
Where: TBD
Price: Free

Le Grand Poutinefest

 

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You might want to invest in a pair of stretchy pants over the next few days because a giant poutine festival has landed in Old Montreal.

When: From now until August 1
Time: 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: Quai de l’horloge
Price: Free admission

Grey Goose Mini Golf

A boozy pop-up mini-golf course has landed in Montreal so get ready to double-fist clubs and cocktails.

Sponsored by the good folks at Grey Goose, this mini-golf experience will offer ticketholders nine holes of golf and a personalized 1oz vodka soda cocktail.

When: From now until August 4
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Where: Grand Quai, Old Montreal
Price: $21 per, available online

THE INFINITE

THE INFINITE is a new groundbreaking virtual reality multi-sensory exhibition that takes guests on a journey aboard the International Space Station.

Freely explore a life-sized reproduction of the ISS in virtual reality as if you were there. Using several different mediums (VR, augmented reality, and projections), the exhibit offers “exceptional realism in an experience that lasts 60 minutes,” says the Centre PHI.

Go to space without having to leave Earth. Great deal.

When: From now until November 7
Times: 10 am – 8 pm, Friday to Sunday; 10 am – 7 pm, Tuesday to Thursday
Address: Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal – 2020, rue William
Price: $10 – $40 (from Tuesday to Thursday), $12 – $50 (Friday to Sunday)

bazart

 

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Focusing on a fuse between a Mediterranean art gallery and food market, bazart offers four distinct experiences at the same spot: gourmet cuisine, an outdoor art gallery, NFT gallery and an artisanal market.

It opened in July, and it’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.

When: From now until October
Time: 5 pm to 12 am (Wednesday to Friday)
Where: 969 rue Wellington

La Ronde

 

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Quebec’s biggest amusement park is now open every day for the rest of the summer.

Take a trip to La Ronde and tackle Le Monstre, Ednor, Le Vampire, and all the other rides that flip you upside down.

When: Every day until September
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
Price: Starts at $29.99, available online

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

 

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When was the last time you went to a museum?

The MMFA is showcasing a slew of great exhibitions, including “Riopelle
The Call of Northern Landscapes and Indigenous Cultures” highlighting North and Indigenous cultures and consists of nearly 160 works and more than 150 artifacts and archival documents.

When: The MMFA is one every day
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 1380 Sherbrooke Ouest
Price: $19, available online

A/Maze: Montreal Escape Game

 

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Hey, you escaped lockdown. Now try getting out of prison!

A/Maze has reopened its Atwater location, including four themed escape rooms: Prison Break, Laboratory, Military Facility, and Secrets of the Lachine Canal.

It might be a good way to escape the workweek.

When: Every day
Time: 2 pm – 10 pm
Where: 3550 rue Saint-Jacques
Price: $13 – $25 per person, varies per adventure

H2O Adventures – Swan Ride

 

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Sure, you can take a kayak or canoe, but why not really stand out and tackle the canal in a swan?

Besides being great for the ‘gram, it’s pretty fun to float down the canal in a giant bird.

If the weather bodes well, hop on a swan boat and check out the historic canal. Swan hopefuls need to book online before paying for the event to ensure there’s enough space.

When: July 26 to August 1
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: 2727B Rue Saint-Patrick 
Price: $60, available online

DodgeBow Archery

 

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Have you ever felt like shooting a friend with a bow and arrow? Because you totally can (completely safely).

DodgeBow, the only one of its kind in Montreal, is exactly what it sounds like — dodgeball fused with bow and arrows. They have a wide variety of activities, all of which include running around with a bow and arrow. Accuracy and agility put to the test!

When: Daily
Time: 9 am – 9 pm
Where: 4767 Dagenais Street
Price: Starts at $25.95, available online

iSaute

 

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iSaute is a massive venue that has over 30 giant trampolines, trampoline basketball, wall climbing, and a trampoline jungle gym. You pay by the hour and literally jump around. It’s actually a fantastic workout and a soaring good time for the kids.

It’s fun for all ages.

When: Every day
Time: 9 am – 9 pm, Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 11 pm, Friday and Saturday; 9 am – 8 pm, Sunday
Where: 3220 Jean Yves, Kirkland
Price: $18 – $25, available online and in-person

Biodôme Montreal

 

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After being closed for more than two years for renovations (and a pandemic), the Biodôme de Montréal is finally reopened.

Using some elements from Biodôme’s original 1976 design, guests can now observe the birds in the Tropical Rainforest from treetop level, enter a beaver lodge, and really experience what subpolar cold feels like – just like the penguins.

Walk through replicas of four ecosystems found in the Americas without even leaving the island.

When: July 26 to August 1
Time: 9 am – 6 pm
Where: 4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Avenue
Price: $16.50 – $21.50, available online

Voiles en Voiles

 

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Ahoy matey!

Channel your inner Jack Sparrow and climb through giant pirate ships in Old Montreal as part of a high-flying obstacle course.

When: Every day until September
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Montreal
Price: $19 to $54 per person, depending on the type of swashbuckling adventure you choose.

Coup Sûr

 

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With baseball/softball season in full swing, check out the batting cages to get your timing down pact.

Coup Sûr has six pitching machines, all throwing at various speeds, and each machine throws either baseballs or softballs. They supply bats and helmets and boast an impressive Baseball Town store if you’re looking for some gear.

Clock Tower Beach

 

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If the weather bodes well this week, check out Old Montreal’s free beach. Parasols, beach chairs, and a gorgeous view of Montreal — you can’t go wrong.

When: Every day this summer
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Where: 1 Clock Tower Quay
Price: Free

Parc Safari

 

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Lions, tigers, and bears — oh my!

Parc Safari is up and running for the spring and summer season for anyone looking to get off-island and check out a slew of exotic animals, including zebras, elephants, big cats, hyenas, deer, and more.

They also have live shows and amusement park rides.

When: From now until September
Time: 10 am – 6:30 pm
Where: 242, Rang, Roxham Road, Lacolle
Price: $16 to $41, available online

Marché des Éclusiers

 

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This two-storey, indoor-outdoor market is right on the canal and offers fresh produce, coffee, baked good, and hooch for people who want to be as Old Port, as Old Port can be.

When: Every day until September
Time: 8 am – 11 pm
Where: 400 de la Commune Ouest

Tyrolienne MTL Zipline

 

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Take a zip across Old Montreal.

For a smooth $19.99, zip across the Old Port and take in seriously breathtaking views of the Montreal skyline.

When: Every day until September
Time: 11 am – 9 pm
Where: Hangar 16, 363 Rue de la Commune Est
Price: $19.99

Aquazilla

 

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Aquazilla is a 30-by-35 meters inflatable structure that’s made of slides, platforms, wiggle bridges, trampolines, monkey bars, and flip bags atop the water.

If the weather is too hot for you and you want a little more excitement than a traditional pool, give Aquazilla a try.

When: Every day until August 22
Time: 11 am – 6 pm
Where: Jean Doré Beach
Price: $12 to $15

Scandinavian Spa

 

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Saint-Bruno’s gorgeous thermal spa is open for the summer season, and it’s calling you to release all those inner toxins.

The thermal spa centre, Förena Cité thermale, set at the base of Mont Saint-Bruno, opened to the public last January.

Inspired by Scandinavian culture, the Förena Cité Thermale is spread over 60,000 square meters at the base of a mountain offering its guests thermotherapy, massages, beauty care, and restoration.

The spa specializes in a three-stage complete thermal cycle that will “maximize the benefits of thermotherapy to your body,” according to the spa’s website.

When: July 26 to August 1
Time: 10 am – 10 pm
Where: 50 Rang des Vingt Cinq E, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Price: Ranges per activity, starts at $60 (more details online)

Casino de Montréal

 

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The Casino de Montréal, the biggest casino in Canada, has reopened to the public if you feel like strutting your stuff and checking out the wild games, lights, music, and food.

Heck, you can even keep your wallet at home and have fun.

When: Every day
Time: 9 am – 12 am
Where: 1 Avenue du Casino

Stand Up Paddleboarding

 

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Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) literally puts you on top of the Saint Lawrence River. You can surf, trek down the river, do yoga or workouts, fish, and much more.

SUP is a full-body workout and a great way to soak up the summer and the refreshing river.

When: From now until September
Time: Varies per selection
Where: KSF LaSalle & KSF Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $45 – $70, varies per selection