25 things to do in Montreal today: Sunday, July 1

Happy Birthday, Canada! July 1 marks not only a time for Canadians to relish in how awesome we are, but it’s also the start to a fantastic month in Montreal.

There’s plenty of activities happening around the city today in celebration of our great nation. Especially a lot of venues to check out the Canada Day fireworks. The best part is, we’re all off tomorrow too!

Here are 26 things to do in Montreal this Canada Day, stay cool.

Canada Day Cake

The Old Port serves their massive, traditional Canada Day cake that measures 4″ by 8″. Get there quick, there are only 2,000 pieces of cake! Even if you don’t want a slice, it’s impressive to see a cake of that size. But let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a slice of free cake?

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 2 pm
Where: Old Port
Price: Free

Montreal Canada Day Parade

The Canada Day Parade in Montreal has been expanding every year since its inauguration in 1977. The parade aims to highlight our country’s diversity by showcasing all of the world’s colours. The parade features floats, music, dancing, costumes and a whole lot of Canadian pride. Don’t forget your red and white flare!

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 11 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Begins at Rue St. Catherine and Rue Fort and ends at Place du Canada
Price: Free

Dvbbs at Montreal Beachclub

Beachclub claims to be the largest outdoor club in North America. Its name tells you exactly what it is: a club on a beach. As if the weather this weekend isn’t enough to get you fist pumping on a beach, it’s headlined by Haitian rapper, Wyclef Jean!

The club features a massive open-air dance floor, bars and restaurants and small beaches for guests wanting to escape the electronic dance music.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 12 pm – 3 pm
Where: 701 Rue 38, Pointe-Calumet
Price: General admission – $25, VIP pass – $50

Jacques Cartier Bridge

If you’re looking for a local favourite spot to take in the fireworks, the Jacques Cartier Bridge is for you. The bridge is completely closed off to vehicular traffic from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm and invites you to dangle your feet off Canada’s 3rd busiest bridge while taking in a spectacular vantage point of the fireworks.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 10 pm – 11 pm
Where: 134 Jacques-Cartier Bridge
Price: Free

The Loons in Westmount

Westmount will host a citizenship ceremony and a barbeque, followed by the launch of an art project called The Loons. The Loons is an interactive light show that consists of 15 floating, luminous sphere loons that each represent one decade from Canada’s history as a country.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 8 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Westmount Park, Westmount
Price: Free

Fireworks from Au Sommet Place Ville Marie

Experience the Canada Day fireworks from the tallest vantage point in the city. Montreal’s viewpoint atop the Place Ville Marie summit gives you a 360-degree fireworks experience like no other.

Virtually at eye-level, it’s the perfect spot to watch the fireworks explode in mid-air.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 11 am – 11 pm, fireworks start at 10 pm
Where: 4 Place Ville Marie, Montreal
Price: General admission ranges from $9 to $19 dependent on age

Tam Tams

Tam Tams is a Montreal landmark. If things are too hectic in the city this weekend with all the Canada Day activities, go and relax on Mont Royal.

Tam Tams is a giant outdoor party with dancers, sports and drummers all gathered around the Sir George-Etienne Cartier monument. When the weather is nice this weekend, head over to the mountain and enjoy a longstanding Montreal tradition and vibe. 420 friendly.

When: Every Sunday until October
Time: 12 pm
Where: Mont Royal
Price: Free

Village au Pied-du-Courant

Montreal’s urban beachside village is a trendy and entertaining spot to catch the fireworks.  It offers a breathtaking view of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and part of the Saint Lawrence River. Head to the man-made beach town and enjoy food trucks, bar kiosks, an art gallery and a garden while the fireworks decorate the night sky right above you.

Where: 2100 Rue Notre-Dame Est
When: 3 pm – 12 am
Fireworks: 10 pm

Nextdoor Pub & Grill

Nextdoor Pub & Grill is the place to be on Sundays. They offer deals at both ends of their hours – bottomless caesars and mimosas in the afternoon and 29 cent chicken wings at night. Be sure to get there early because there’s a constant line from 6 pm to 8 pm, especially on long weekends.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 8 am – 3 pm caesar/mimosa deal, 4 pm – midnight wing special
Where: 5175A Rue Sherbrooke Ouest

Piknic Électronik Canada Day Edition

The weekly EDM festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau is bringing DJs Keinemusik, Adam Port, &Me, and Project Pablo to three separate stages on Sunday.

If you want to spend Canada Day dancing to electronic vibes, Piknic Électronik is all yours. The venue features food trucks, bars, and a relaxation zone.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: $19 at the door

Canada Day at La Ronde

La Ronde is Quebec’s biggest amusement park sure, but it’s especially special on Canada Day. Get your fireworks fix right from the source and experience them from as close to the launch pad as you can be. La Ronde offers waterfront seats (and food and drinks) at the La Ronde bistro where you can see the fireworks from the launching pad across the water. The synchronized music that accompanies the fireworks plays through La Ronde’s house speakers. Battle the Goliath during the day and relax to first-hand fireworks at night.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 11 am – 11:30 (special Canada Day hours)
Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
Price: $57.99 for a day pass

Mont Royal Belvédère Kondiaronk Park

You don’t necessarily need to get a close up of the fireworks to enjoy them. Mont Royal Belvédère Kondiaronk Park is a nice alternative if you don’t mind a bit of a hike and a lengthy view of the fireworks. Plus, you get to see the entire city lit up – especially in gorgeous weather. A 15-minute hike will totally be worth it.

Where: 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
When: 6 am – 12 am
Fireworks: 10 pm

Canada Day at Montreal’s Old Port

The Old Port hosts a slew of activities for kids, (face painting, caricatures and inflatable jungle gyms) a friendly floor hockey game, and a 21-gun salute. The same venue is a primetime spot for folks who want to watch the fireworks as well. Gather at any of the Old Port’s spectacular restaurants, bars, or cafes or find a spot on the pier and join thousands of people gawking at the Old Port’s Canada Day fireworks.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 2 pm – 12 am, the fireworks start at 10 pm
Where: Montreal’s Old Port
Price: All Canada Day activities are free

PoutineFest

After 3 successful editions in Montreal, PoutineFest has branched out to other venues and their first stop is at the Quartier Dix30. Chefs from a variety of South Shore restaurants will be showcasing their best poutines for you to devour. Check out Quebec’s favourite meal from the following restaurant’s food trucks: Charlie’s Shack, Greg’s DINER, Le Smoking BBQ, Poutine Factory, Poutine No 800, Seasoned Dreams, and Smoke’s.

When: Until July 2
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Where: 9405 Boulevard Leduc, Brossard
Price: Entrance is free, poutine vouchers are $13

George Thorogood and The Destroyers at Montreal Jazz Fest

With over 15 million albums sold over the course of a 40-year career, the man behind Bad to the Bone rolls into Montreal and invites everyone to his Rock Party! An hour and a half of guitars, riffs, and his energy boogie-blues.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Price: $67.70 – $89.20

Canada Day at Terrasse sur l’Auberge

Terrasse sur l’Auberge is the rooftop terrace to beat in all of the Old Port. Sit on a stylish rooftop terrace located in the heart of the Old Port overlooking the Saint Lawrence River as the fireworks ignite Montreal’s sky with colour.

A $25 cover is charged per person and you might want to reserve early as the 100-person terrace fills up quickly. Also, expect some marriage proposals, it’s that gorgeous.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 2 pm – 11 pm
Where: 97 de la Commune St Est
Price: $25

Pointe Claire Canada Day

Alexandre-Bourgeau Park in the West Island is hosting a massive Canada Day party for people wishing to escape the city. The park is offering free swimming, a citizenship ceremony, art workshops, free paddleboarding, live music and of course, fireworks.

The fireworks will be launched from a barge from Lake Saint-Louis.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 2 pm – 10:45 pm
Where:2 Cartier Ave, Pointe-Claire
Price: Free

The Mighty Swells at Jazz Fest

The Mighty Swells is a completely instrumental surf-rock band from Montreal. They cover over 50 years worth of surf music and they’re rocking outside at Place Heineken for Canada Day!

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 5 pm and 7 pm
Where: Place Heineken – corner of Ste. Catherine and Rue Du Bleury
Price: Free

Complexe Sky

Drag queens, hot tubs, cocktails, a terrace and fireworks all at the same spot.

Sky is a fixture in Montreal’s Gay Village and the terrace of the three-floored party palace offers a clear view of the fireworks from the East and it’s free to enter. What could pair better with skyline explosions than a drag show, a hot tub, and gigantic pitchers of sangria?

Where: 1478 Rue Saint Catherine Est
When: 2 pm – 12 am
Price: Free admission

Demolition Derby

Maybe fireworks aren’t your thing and you’d rather see old cars smash into each other? We can’t blame you. Napierville hosts a massive demolition derby every Canada Day where over 80 cars are destroyed right in front of you throughout the day.

When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Napierville Dragway – 15 Rue St-André, Napierville
Price: $25