30 things to do in Montreal this weekend: July 30 to August 1

It’s been a slice, July.

As we bid au revoir to the month and welcome in August, Montreal is oozing with great things to do all weekend.

The loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions means life is starting to normalize. This weekend is highlighted by a poutine festival that’s coming to a close, boozy mini putt, a Barbie expo, and so much more.

• See also:
  • QC bucket list: 15 poutine experiences you need to try across Quebec
  • 13 companies hiring for more than 100 jobs in Montreal in August
  • La Ronde is hosting a fireworks festival across Montreal all summer

Here are a bunch of things to do in Montreal this weekend if you’re planning on hitting the town.

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 weekend 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

Observatoire la vache (Cow Lookout)

 

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If you’re in the mood for some funky roadside attractions this weekend, how about a giant cow lookout?

About an hour outside of Montreal, the town of St-Georges-de-Windsor has a cow made from giant boulders, offering a gorgeous 360-degree view of the eastern townships.

More like the eastern COWnships, eh?

When: Open every day
Address: 4E Rang, St-Georges-de-Windsor
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free

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

The Canadian Railway Museum (Exporail)

 

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Did you know the largest railway museum is just outside of Montreal?

Featuring a collection of 188 vehicles and trains, this museum in Saint-Constant will be offering free admission this weekend, as they do on the first Sunday of every month.

Alllllllll aboard!

When: Sunday, August 1
Times: 10 am – 5 pm
Address: 110 Rue St Pierre, Saint-Constant
Price: $12.75 – $21.20, available online and on-site

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. (Not to mention a primetime photo opp spot).

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

Ali Hassan

As seen on Just For Laughs and CBC’s Workin’ Moms, comedian Ali Hassan has settled into The Comedy Nest for the weekend. Opening acts and MCs include a variety of local comics.

We could all use a good laugh these days…

When: July 30 and 31
Time: 8 pm on Friday, 8 pm and 10:30 pm n Saturday
Where:2313 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest (3rd Floor)
Price: $12 – $15

Barbie Expo

 

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Montreal is home to the Barbie Expo, the largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls in the world.

Guests have the chance to see and snap pics of over 1,000 one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, all dressed by the city’s leading fashion designers.

When: Daily
Time: Friday, 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 1455 Rue Peel
Price: Free admission

Musee Grevin

 

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Musee Grevin is Montreal’s very own version of Madame Tussaud’s in London. A wax museum hidden inside Centre Eaton, Musee Grevin will have you snapping pics of all your favourite celebrities.

The museum has creepily similar figurines of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, and so many more.

With an SQDC location easily walkable, you could turn this excursion into a real trip.

When: Daily
Time: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Centre Eaton de Montréal, 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine
Price: $13.60 – $1

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

Cosmodôme

 

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Cosmodôme is a space science museum and education centre in Laval. If you want to learn about the infinitely expanding universe, give it a go.

When: Daily
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 2150 Laurentian Autoroute, Lava
Price: $5 (free for children under 6)

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: Daily
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: From now until end of September
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: Daily
Time: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm, ; Friday – Saturday, 9 am – 11 pm; Sunday, 9 am – 8 pm
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 30 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 goods, and hooch for people who want to be 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 30 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)

Putting Edge

Putting Edge is an indoor mini-putt course that (besides having a great name), glows in the dark. Every hole has Canadian-based trivia questions, plus the venue has an arcade and they serve alcohol. Need we say more?

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