9 places to relax and de-stress around Montreal

Jul 21 2016, 2:21 am

Montreal can be a hectic and fast-paced city at times. With impossible workloads and non-stop schedules, it’s important that we all just take a second and breathe once in awhile.

From yoga at sunset to the most luxurious mani pedis in history, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to relax and de-stress in Montreal below:

Spa Bota Bota


Sit back, relax, and live the life of luxury at Spa Bota Bota in Old Port. Treatments include everything from a coconut sugar body scrub to their unique Nordic baths water circuit. It may be a tad on the expensive side, but if you’re looking to treat yourself it’s totally worth it. Too broke to plan a spa day at Spa Bota Bota? Keep an eye on Groupon Montreal as they always have some pretty great spa deals.

Where: Quais du Vieux-Port de Montréal, Rue de la Commune O

Montreal Botanical Garden

Soak up the manicured shrubbery and sweet smell of roses at the Montreal Botanical Garden. Boasting everything from a pristine Japanese garden to a greenhouse filled with exotic tropical fruits, the Botanical Garden is a great time for Montrealers of all ages. Once you’ve had enough of the Garden, you can sit and relax in the neighbouring Parc Maisonneuve.

Where: 4101 Rue Sherbrooke Est

Maison Lavande


A 40-minute drive from Montreal, Maison Lavande’s gorgeous Lavender fields are breathtaking! The agri-touristic site is open from May to October and allows for either guided visits or you can explore on your own. Artisanal products and food all with a touch of lavender are also on site to indulge in. This is truly heaven.

Where: 902, Chemin Fresnières, Saint-Eustache

SUP Sunset Yoga

Head over to Parc Jean-Drapeau for their uniquely calming stand up paddle boarding sunset yoga classes. Taking outdoor yoga up a notch, Parc Jean-Drapeau’s SUP sunset yoga classes have you out on the water striking your best downward dog just as the sun is going down. This class is a great way to improve your balance and flexibility while taking in one of the most gorgeous views of Montreal.

Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau

John F. Kennedy Outdoor Pool


The John F. Kennedy pool located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Outremont will practically act as your own private pool. Never overcrowded or overrun with children, especially on weekdays and during the designated adult-only swim times, JFK Outdoor Pool is the place to be if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. There are beach chairs, umbrellas, and tons of pool toys so you can settle in for as long as you like.

Where: 860 Avenue Outremont

Cafe Chat L’Heureux

In case you weren’t aware, Montreal is home to its very own cat cafe. Known as Cafe Chat L’Heureux, this cat cafe located in the Plateau is filled with furry friends for you to come and hang out with. When you visit the cafe, not only can you expect to see the cutest cats ever, but you can also expect to see a cozy and relaxed space filled with scratching posts and cat toys.

Where: 172 Avenue Duluth Est

Beaver Lake

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Les Amis de la Montagne are giving Montrealers the chance to set sail on Beaver Lake this summer. Every day from June 18 until August 28, you can rent a boat at the Beaver Lake Pavilion and clear your head on the water. Not only is rowing relaxing, but it’s pretty darn romantic (you remember The Notebook, don’t you?). If you’re a bit nervous at the thought of being out on the water, the pavilion also rents remote controlled sailboats so you can enjoy the water without actually getting out on it.

Where: Beaver Lake, Mont Royal

Santropol Roulant

Get some fresh air and clear your head by taking part in an outdoor yoga class in Montreal. Santropol Roulant is hosting rooftop yoga classes all summer, from May 18 until August 4. Every Saturday there will be two classes, the first from 10 am to 11:30 am aimed at beginners, and the second from 12 pm to 1:30 pm for all the intermediate yogis. The courses are run by Montreal-based yoga instructors, Jennifer Krubidos and Justine Romanoff.

Where: 111 Rue Roy Est

Kayaking

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There’s no finer way to spend a morning or afternoon in Montreal than kayaking on the Lachine Canal. The Lachine Canal Nautical Centre is open all summer and is just steps from Atwater Market. Kayaks are available for rent, and H2O also offers introductory courses. If kayaks are too much, you can also rent paddle boats.

Where: Lachine Canal, 2727 Rue Saint Patrick

Emily SoutheyEmily Southey

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