31 things to do in Montreal this Canada Day weekend: June 28 to July 1

It’s another long weekend, Montreal and, it’s our nation’s birthday. From fireworks aplenty, Jazz Fest, art, music, and everything in between, here is what’s going on around Montreal this long weekend, June 28 to July 1.

See also

• Renowned chef opens fine-dining brasserie inside new Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
• The newly renovated Saint Joseph's Oratory will offer 360° views of Montreal (VIDEO)
• Gas prices are going to be the lowest in 2 years this Canada Day weekend
• Visitor satisfaction was almost at 100% for Montreal travellers in 2018: survey

Friday, June 28

The Montreal International Jazz Festival

The Montreal International Jazz Festival was named the largest jazz festival in the world in 2004 according to the Guinness Book of World Records and it’s only gotten bigger since.

The 39th edition of the festival features over 500 artists from all over the world who will perform over 150 shows during a three-week span.

The streets are completely closed off to traffic and the festival is full of music-hungry fans. Some specific shows cost money to enter but the majority of the shows, both indoor and outdoor, are free.

When: From now until July 6
Time: Varying times
Where: Quartier des Specatcles
Price: Free admission to the site

Bal en Blanc

Bal en Blanc, the huge all-nighter rave party returns this weekend where guests are asked to completely get decked out in white. The three-day party features thousands of people and world-renowned DJs spinning tunes.

When: June 28 – June 30
Time: 9 pm – 5 am
Where: New City Gas
Price: $49- $179, available online

Complexe Atlantide

No offence to La Ronde, but sometimes it’s nice to have an alternative from the constant buzz of the big city.

Enter: Complexe Atlantide.

This huge amusement centre/water park hybrid venue features water slides, mini putt, a wave pool, and zoo animals, all located in Saint-Calixte, an hour outside of Montreal.

Families are also encouraged to spend a few days on site as the park is found in the middle of Quebec’s largest campground.

When: From now until September 2
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 11155 QC-335, Saint-Calixte
Tickets: Varies depending on your selection, tickets available online

Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria

Haunted Red Light Ghost Walk

Local tour company, Secret Montreal, is giving guests a chance to learn about the city’s indecent past.

Who knows, you might even see a ghost.

The tour is led by a professional actor and storyteller and the path leads to tales about the dark and lewd history of Montreal’s old Red Light District. Many of the sites are even said to be haunted.

The tour takes place at what is currently known as the Quartier des Spectacles, known for its festivals and entertainment. But Secret Montreal takes its guests on a historical journey of another form of entertainment.

When: Friday, June 28
Time: 8:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1219 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Price: $26.50, available online

This Light Never Goes Out – Jim Carrey Exhibition

A new art exhibition featuring works from Jim Carrey is going on display in Montreal all summer and it kicks off this weekend.

As part of the Phi Centre’s commitment to celebrating technology-based media, the arts centre will present the world premiere of This Light Never Goes Out, featuring over 50 of the actor’s works in an exhibition that will run from June 20 to September 1.

“Jim Carrey is known to most people as a comedic genius on the silver screen, but since 2016, his Twitter feed has been the canvas for a series of satirical and subversive cartoons, penned in response to headlining news,” reads the Phi Centre’s description.

Carrey’s cartoons weigh in on the American political right, focusing on many who are abusing their power in the United States.

When: Friday, June 28
Time: 10 am – 10 pm (Friday & Saturday), 10 am – 7 pm (Sundays)
Where: Phi Centre, 315 St-Paul Ouest
Price: $12.40, available online

Mary Mack- Comedy Nest

As seen on Conan, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and Last Call with Carson Daly, Mary Mack is an original comic with a hilarious perspective on everyday life.

She has also voiced characters in cartoons, acted in weird student films, and on commercials that urge you to buy food for your hamster.

When: June 28 and 29
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: Comedy Nest, 2313 rue Ste. Catherine, 3rd floor
Price: $15, available online and at the door

Saturday, June 29

Montreal Beachclub

Located in Pointe-Calumet, an easy 45-minute drive from Montreal, Beachclub is exactly what its name implies — a club on the beach.

The outdoor beach site can host up to 10,000 guests at a time, making it the largest outdoor club in North America.

This weekend’s DJ is DVBBS.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: 701 38e Rue, Pointe-Calumet
Price: Varying prices

Mtl en Arts

Entering its 20th edition, Mtl en Art targets Montrealers and tourists in what they call “the largest open-air exhibition in Eastern Canada.”

The art fest will extend through a one-kilometre stretch of Montreal’s famous Ste-Catherine Street which will be completely closed off to vehicular traffic.

The festival aims to further promote and develop the concept of art in the street and in public spaces.

When: From now until July 1
Time: 11 am – 8:30 pm (Monday until 6 pm)
Where: 576 Rue St-Catherine Est
Price: Ste-Catherine between St-Hubert and Papineau

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec

The world’s largest fireworks festival is on its way back to la belle province as the 35th edition of the International Fireworks Competition, known officially as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, kicks off on Saturday.

When: June 29 – July 27
Time: 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free

HUM(AIN) – We Could Be Human: A Learning Machine

It seems like Siri has some SIRIous competition as a new art exhibition in Montreal features an AI robot that learns from visitors the more it interacts with them.

As part of musician David Usher’s Hum(ai)n exhibition, a digital character named Ophelia will be speaking with humans all summer. This interaction will help to evolve her cognitive state.

When: From now until September 15
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Phi Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre
Price:$21.97 – $25.50, available online

Mamma Mia!

Just For Laughs invites guests to travel under Greece’s hot sun with the international musical sensation Mamma Mia!

The enchanting tale brings together the biggest hits of ABBA at the timeless Theatre St-Denis.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Theatre St-Denis
Price: $52.50, available online

Le Lave-Auto

MURAL Fest may be done, but this art installation is here for keeps.

A Montreal car wash has undergone a complete transformation as part of the 7th edition of the street art festival.

World-renowned urban artist Joshua Vides, who is known for making real-life 3D objects appear as simple 2D black and white sketches, applied his signature treatment to a Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Lave-Auto Laurier, 40-year-old car wash at the corner of Saint-Urbain and Laurier.

It’s totally Instagram worthy.

When: Saturday, June 29
Where: 85 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Time: 8 am – 6 pm (until 7 pm on Thursday – Sunday)
Price: Free

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Parc Jean Drapeau

The St-Lawrence River is a gorgeous sight to look at and this weekend, it could be a gorgeous sight to stand on as well.

Lasalle KSF is a store that specializes in surfing, kayak, and paddleboarding and they are teaming up with Parc Jean-Drapeau to get you stand-up paddleboarding this summer.

This great way to stay active, and to be part of the historic River is offered in three different varieties: SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), SUP Yoga, and SUP Fitness.

Paddleboard rentals start at $20 an hour and $10 for each additional hour. They also offer wetsuits to rent for $7 as well as a group 10-rental deal for $150.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 350 Circuit Gilles Villesneuve, Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $20 – $56.50, based on activity chosen

Parc Safari

Parc Safari opened its gates daily to their 47th season this month.

The park has over 500 animals, exciting rides, and fun activities to keep you going back all season long.

The park starts off with the “Safari Adventure” where guests can get close to exotic animals like never before. While driving to the main park entrance, the optional adventure path allows for the more docile but equally large animals to check you out in your car.

Oh, how the tables have turned.

Animals on the “Safari Adventure” include buffalo, zebras, llamas, gazelles, ostriches, deer, peacocks, and camels. You’re encouraged to feed and pet the animals during the low-speed trek and you’ll always want to keep your windshield wipers handy. Your car might get dirty but it’s worth it.

It’s not often you get to brag about llama saliva on your windshield.

When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 280 Rang Roxham, Hemmingford
Price: Prices vary depending on age. Tickets available at the entrance or online

Sunday, June 30

Tam-Tams

Tam-Tams returned to the city this month and the iconic party keeps up its weekly trek on Sunday.

Tams, the weekly outdoor party at the base of the mountain, is a perfect summary of Montreal, open to both locals and tourists.

The magical outdoor bash is where Montrealers from far and wide, gather in Parc Mont Royal for an afternoon of food, vendors, fun, music, and maybe even a couple of beers and some smoking (shhh, don’t tell anyone).

When: Sunday, June 30
Time: 12 pm until sunset
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument
Price: Free

Piknic Electronik

Piknic Electronik returns for its eighth edition of 2019 this weekend.

Piknic is an outdoor electric music dance festival featuring DJs and artists from all over the world. There are obviously good tunes, but there’s also good food, good drinks, and plenty of activities to keep you going. Best of all – the show goes on rain or shine.

When: Sunday, June 30
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau
Tickets: $16, available online

Voiles en Voiles

Climb aboard life-size replicas of both royal and pirate ships from the 18th century in Montreal’s Old Port (how fitting).

They are over 100 feet in length and range from two feet high for the young pirates to 35 feet for Peter Pan wannabes.

As the obstacle course gears up for its final stretch run, check out the 61 different activities between the Royal Ship and the Pirate Ship. Activities include zip lining, rock climbing, and bouncy castles.

When: Sunday, June 30
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Place des Vestiges, Old Port
Price: Prices vary depending on selected activities, tickets online

Leonard Cohen Mural

Crescent Street’s iconic Leonard Cohen mural is lit.

Actually.

On Wednesday, the 8,500-square-metre mural, Tower of Songs, that pays tribute to the late singer-songwriter was lit up with four projectors.

Though the newly lit mural is expected to be a mainstay on Crescent Street, head over to snap some pictures before everyone else does.

When: Friday, June 30
Time: 24/7
Where: Crescent Street
Price: Free

PY1 – Through the Echoes

The first-of-its-kind pyramid-shaped entertainment venue, PY1, created by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté opened to the public this month and will continue its strong showing this weekend as well.

The innovative venue will offer a multi-sensory experience, state-of-the-art technology and “a unique playground” for multimedia entertainment combining high tech with the talent of the greatest digital creators.

The PY1 experience is slated to make its worldwide debut with Through the Echoes, a show produced exclusively for the pyramid, on June 1, located near the Clock Tower grounds in the Old Port.

When: Sunday, June 30
Time: Varies
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: $28.50 – $51, available online

La Ronde

Try battling The Goliath, get rocked on Le Ednor or check out the park’s newest ride, Chaos.

When: Sunday, June 30
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 10:30 am – 8 pm (11:30 pm during the fireworks)
Price: Available online or at the box office

Montreal Clock Tower

The Montreal Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge) is now open  to the general public so get ready to climb some steps to get your Instagram game buzzing.

The 45-metre-high tower, built in 1922, marks the entrance to the Old Port and pays tribute to the sailors lost at sea in wartime.

According to the Vieux-Port de Montreal website, the clock mechanism was made in England and is a replica of London’s Big Ben. “Like Big Ben,” reads the page, “its accuracy is legendary, and sailors would set their own timepieces by it.”

When: Sunday, June 30
Time: 9 am – 10 pm
Where: Quai de l’Horloge, Old Montreal
Price: Free

Give Peace A Chance – The Exhibition

From May 26 to June 2 of 1969, The Queen Elizabeth Hotel welcomed John Lennon and Yoko Ono for their famous Bed-in for Peace.

In honour of the couple’s 50th anniversary of the famous bed-in, the hotel’s lobby will transform into a showroom that showcases photos and guest testimonials pulled from the book, “Give Peace a Chance: John and Yoko’s Bed-in for Peace” by Joan Athey and photographer Gerry Deiter.

Deiter was the only photojournalist covering the 1969 event.

The free exhibition will be on display until October 9, Lennon’s birthday. Visitors are encouraged to share peace vows on their social networks with the hashtags #bedin50 and #givepeaceachance.

When: From now until October 9
Time: 8 am – 10 pm
Where: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, 900 René-Lévesque Boulevard Ouest
Price: Free

Monday, July 1

Old Montreal’s Canada Day

The annual Canada Day Montreal celebration is taking over the Old Port again on July 1, surrounding the Jacques-Cartier Pier with a full day of free activities to celebrate our nation’s birthday.

From a giant cake, to face painting, a 21-gun salute, and fireworks, this is the place to be.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: Old Montreal
Price: Free admission

The World’s Smallest Open Mic

Local comedians Walter J Lyng and Vance Michel host what they call “the smallest open mic show in the world.” The acts aren’t small, the venue is.

The show’s featured acts include Gord Disley, Zackary Kik, and Amer Rez and will be headlined by a mystery headliner.

The event organizers warn that only 20 seats are available. Cozy, intimate stand-up comedy is the best kind.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 8 pm – 10 pm
Where: Hurley’s Irish Pub, 1225 rue Crescent
Price: $5

Drummers Wanted For Guinness World Records

Okay, this one’s a fun one. The President of the WCBAC Montreal Chapter & President of Canada Day Drumming Celebration ( CDDC ) – Montreal Committee is trying to set a Guinness World Record for the largest group of Canada Day drummers.

If you want to be part of history, check out the details on the Facebook page.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
Where: Place du Canada

Canada Day Celebrations – Hemmingford

If the hustle and the bustle of the big city is too much for you on Canada Day, head to the good ol’ country where the Hemmingford Rec Centre is hosting a farmer’s market, kid’s games, a food court, an apple pie eating competition, live music, a rodeo, and fireworks.

When: Monday, July 1
Time: 11 am – 10:30 pm
Where: Hemmingford Rec Centre
Price: Free admission