15 pandemic-friendly things to do in Montreal this week: July 12 to 18

Jul 12 2021, 7:26 pm

Somehow, we’re already reaching the halfway point of July, and this week has got plenty of things to do in Montreal to make it feel like time is flying by even quicker.

The city has a slew of great things worth checking out all week, ranging from shows, sights, and sounds.

The following events adhere to public health guidelines and guarantee staff and customer safety against the virus. Let loose Montreal. You earned it.

Here are a handful of things to keep on your Montreal radar from July 12 to 18.

Oasis Plage Saint-James

Montreal beach

Quartier des Spectacles

An urban beach has opened right in the middle of downtown at the front steps of one of Montreal’s oldest buildings.

The Oasis Plage Saint-James, one of the 11 outdoor installations created by the Quartier des Spectacles, features shade, comfy furniture, a seaside soundtrack, and sand, offering downtown pedestrians an impromptu beach getaway.

The Oasis is free to attend and allows for alcohol to be consumed on-site so long as you’re eating food.

When: Every day until September 26
Time: 9 am – 8 pm
Where: St. James United Church
Price: Free

Daniel Tiradoat the Comedy Nest

The Comedy Nest reopened to the public at the beginning of the summer and the quaint comedy club is welcoming Daniel Tirado for a few days this week.

Tirado has performed at Just For Laughs, Gotham Comedy Live, and appeared in Marvel’s The Punisher. He is a classically trained actor trapped in a funny person’s body, says the Nest and his week-long set will dive into jokes about his heritage, language, and his “unique and hilarious perspective on the world.

Featuring opening comics from Montreal (including JFL vet Joey Elias), get ready to have some chuckles this week at the Comedy Nest.

When: July 15, 16, and 17
Time: 8 pm (and 10:30 on Saturday)
Where:
Comedy Nest, 2313 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest (3rd floor)
Price: $6 – $12, available online

DodgeBow Archery

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

Cabaret Mado

 

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This 1920s-inspired nightclub has a variety of gay-friendly cabaret shows every night this week. All are destined to be immensely entertaining and colourful.

When: July 12 to 26
Time: 4 pm – 12 am
Where: 1115 Ste. Catherine Est
Price
: Varies per event, available online

ECOSYSTEM

We’ve spent a lot of time inside over the past 15 months, and now you can spend it underwater.

Sort of.

A new exhibition at the Society for Arts & Technology (SAT) offers guests a calming and trippy dive into a seabed, offering a soundscape we don’t often get to hear from the immersive venue of the Satosphere — a 360-degree dome with a spherical panoramic projection screen 13 metres high.

It’s like a movie theatre on steroids.

When: From now until August 21
Time: 5 pm – 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Where: Satosphere, SAT – 1201 St Laurent Boulevard
Price: $20, available online

MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE

After getting clearance from public health, the circus is coming back to town!

The 12th edition of MONTREAL CIRQUE FESTIVAL kicked off on Wednesday and will hang around (literally) until July 18.

The festival has an array of programming, both indoors and outdoors (which is free), ranging from trapeze artists, magicians, dancers, high-soaring gymnasts, and more.

The free show takes place at the Quartier des Spectacles at 5:30 pm (outdoors).

When: From now until July 18
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: Free – $48, available online

Blast into the past

Objects from the past and second-hand items get a second life at photo-worthy eclectic shop.

If you’re into thrift shopping, KitschÀ l’Os… ou pas should be on your radar.

When: Daily
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: KitschÀ l’Os… ou pas, 3439 Hochelaga Street

Montréal, what a story! … along the river

Montreal History

If you’re in the mood to stay in this week, a website will lead you down a historical stroll down the banks of the St. Lawrence River, unveiling the history of Montreal’s old waterway network.

Check it out right here.

When: Daily
Time:
24/7
Where: Mobile
Price: Free

O. Noir Dining

 

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Eating at O.Noir is an experience like no other because it’s completely pitch black.

The sense-heightening restaurant features a Mediterranean-style menu with dishes served in complete darkness by a waiting staff that is blind.

When: Daily
Time: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Where: 124 Prince-Arthur Street East
Price:
$38 for a two-course meal – $44 for a three- course meal

A/Maze: Montreal Escape Game

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

Biodôme Montreal

 

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After being closed for more than two years for renovations (and a pandemic), the Biodôme de Montréal has 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: Daily
Time: 9 am – 6 pm
Where: 4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Avenue
Price: $16.50 – $21.50, available online

Check out a hidden bar

 

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Montreal has a slew of not-so-well-kept secrets. Some of which are so hidden, you have to walk through an abandoned alleyway to get to.

Besides, secret drinking is the best type of drinking.

Check out our list of some of our favourites.

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

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

Oasis Surfing

 

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This surf spot in the South Shore has an indoor wave pool, so you can surf (and learn to surf) for relatively cheap.

You know, instead of flying to the Caribbean.

Surf’s up, dudes and dudettes!

When: July 12 – 19
Time: 11:30 am – 9 pm; Friday, 10 am – 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am. -6 pm; Sunday
Where: 9520 Boulevard Leduc Suite 01, Brossard
Price: $39.99 – $69.99, available online

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