19 Best Places to Visit in Montreal in Summer
From wandering Mile End to exploring the Biosphere, Montreal in summer has lots of interesting places to explore. Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada. It welcomes 10 million visitors a year — who come for the culture, festivals and food.
All of Montreal's amazing offerings means planning a trip to the city can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it on your own. The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations help visitors to Canada plan their vacations, arranging everything from train tours and hotels to sightseeing excursions as part of our personalized trips.
If you don't want to miss out on the all happening and best places to visit in Montreal in summer, let Canadian Train Vacations handle your itinerary.
In this article, we look at the best places to visit in Montreal, Canada this summer.
1. Olympic Park
Your tour of Montreal in the summer should include the iconic Olympic Park (1), home of the 1976 Winter Olympics. It now hosts major concerts and sporting events. Another attraction is Montreal Tower — the world's tallest inclined tower— nicknamed Big O, referring both to the Olympics and the circular shape of its roof. Choose a guided tour to understand the significance of the place and events held there.
How to reach here: Take a train from Station McGill to Station Pie-Ix. Then walk or take a cab to Olympic Stadium.
Hours of operation: UPDATE The tower is currently closed for renovation.
2. Saint-Joseph Oratory of Mount-Royal
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (2) is a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph. It is also one of the tallest churches in all of Canada and one of the largest domed structures in the world. Founded by Saint André Bessette in 1904, it receives 2 million tourists every year, making it one of the most popular Montreal vacation summer destinations.
How to reach here: Take a subway from Mont-Royal Station to Ridgewood. From here, you can either walk for 11 minutes or take bus 711 to Saint Joseph Oratory.
Hours of operation:
Monday to Sunday 6:30 am–9 pm
Admission fees: Free
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3. Montreal's Clock Tower
Built in 1922 as a replica of London's Big Ben, Montreal’s Clock Tower (3) is the perfect destination for a laidback riverside stroll to enjoy Montreal's summer months. This well-known landmark on the St. Lawrence is also known as the Sailors’ Memorial Clock, as it was created in honour of Canadian soldiers who fought in World War 1. The clock features a unique mechanism shows time accurately without any modern techniques. The tower has 192 steps, which you can climb to get a clear view of Old Montreal. Close to the tower is a beach called Clock Tower beach that allows you to enjoy the day out in the sun.
How to reach here:
Take a train to Montreal-Ouest and then walk to Gare Montréal-Ouest.
Hours of operation:
Daily: 6 am -10 pm
#1 Travel Tip: Book a private food tour
A great way to explore Montreal is with a private food tour. You’ll learn about Old Montreal’s rich history while sampling local delicacies as you visit restaurants and patisseries with a passionate local foodie.
4. Orange Julep
Cool down with a tasty treat at the iconic fast-food spot Orange Julep (4). Located in a giant orange, this roadside eatery is as famous for its unique beverages as its Instagrammable decor and eats.
How to reach here:
Take a metro to Namur station, exit it, and look for a giant orange. It’s right there!
Hours of operation:
Daily: 8 am-4 am
[ Read: What to do in Quebec ]
5. Sainte-Catherine Street
Sainte-Catherine Street is a major thoroughfare with historical, cultural and commercial importance. From west to east, it stretches 11 kilometres (9 miles). Around the cross street of Saint-Laurent Boulevard, there is a good mix of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, theatres, shopping centres, and much more. You can also catch some events or festivals while enjoying the pleasant summer temperatures in Montreal Canada.
How to reach here:
Go to Montreal Central Station to find the shopping and entertainment district.
[ Read: Best Places to visit in Canada during Summer ]
6. The Village
An internationally recognized village for the 2SLGBTQ+, The Village (5) is always thriving with a lively club scene, restaurants, and events. In summer, an array of events and festivals highlight the community and its zeal for life. Over 255 restaurants, bars, and shops make it one of the best places to visit in Montreal in summer.
How to reach here:
Take a metro to Beaudry or Papideanu on the Honore-Beaugrand line.
7. Mount-Royal Statue
The Monument à sir George-Étienne Cartier (6), an artwork by sculptor George William Hill, is an iconic photo opp if you are visiting Montreal in the summer. It is dedicated to Sir George Étienne Cartier - a politician and soldier. The work is comprised of 18 bronze statues that speak to elements of Montreal’s rich history. It is intricately crafted and attracts scores of visitors from across the world every year.
How to reach here:
Parc du Mont-Royal is situated at the heart of Montreal and can be reached by transit, foot or bicycle.
8. Belvedere Kondiaronk Lookout
The terrace at Belvedere of Mount Royal (7) is quite large and allows visitors to have a scenic view of the city and its many wonders in one glance. For picture-perfect views of the city ad this to your list of new Montreal places to visit in summer.
How to reach here:
Walk from Peel Street to Belvedere Kondiaronk
Hours of Operation:
Daily- 6 am -12 am
[ Read: Summer Activities in Toronto ]
9. Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Saint-Laurent Boulevard (8) is a neighbourhood hub where you can find performance theatres, galleries, dance studios, social clubs, and more. To satiate your hunger there are several eating and drinking options here to explore. There are also plenty of beauty, fashion, and shopping options.
How to reach here:
Take a subway to Saint-Laurent, Sherbrooke, or Mont-Royal based on your location.
10. Mont-Royal Street
Mont-Royal Street or Avenue is another great option for shopping in Montreal (9). This avenue has a host of shops to let you purchase fashion clothes, books, vinyl records, cheese, and dine at some of the best restaurants and bakeries.
How to reach here:
Take a subway to Mont-Royal station
11. The Mile-End
The Mile End (10) is a haven for folks who are looking for a place with a good mix of contemporary and traditional vibes. Originally a hub for Jewish immigrants, the place has several baker shops, bookstores, restaurants, bars, and much more. It's a great neighbourhood for a food tour.
How to reach here:
Hop on an orange line metro to either Mont-Royal, Laurier, or Rosemont station. Then walk westwards to Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
#2 Travel Tip: Wind down at the Spa
Book a day at Bota Bota, an award-winning “floating spa” anchored in the port of Old Montreal. Enjoy the water-therapy circuit and try one of the many massage and facial treatments while overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
12. La Fontaine Park
Your summer vacation to Montreal is incomplete without visiting La Fontaine Park (11). This beautiful green space is a great place for hiking and biking. The clear, sparkling pond is another popular tourist attraction in summer.
How to reach here:
Take a train to Sherbrooke station and then walk to Lafontaine Park.
Hours of Operation:
Daily- 6 am – 12 am
13. La Ronde
La Ronde is one of the best places to visit in Montreal Canada in the summer. La Ronde (12) is a fun and adventurous amusement park. The place has over 40 rides catering to adults, children, and families. Take breaks between rides to gorge on delicious meals in the various in-house restaurants. Finally, end the day at the park by shopping at a myriad of shops selling local and exotic things.
How to reach here:
Take a metro to Jean-Drapeau station and then bus 767 to La Ronde or take a metro to Papineau station and bus 769 to La Ronde.
Rates:
General - $52.99
[ Read: Amusement Parks in Canada ]
14. Notre-Dame Basilica
Montreal in summer is very hot, so you would naturally want to go indoors. Instead of your hotel room, why not enter the Notre Dame Basilica (13) and be blown away by the breathtaking interiors? The basilica lets visitors experience the church at night with its stunning multimedia show, 'Aura'. It boasts some of the oldest neogothic revival religious architecture in Canada.
How to reach here:
Take a train to Place-D'Armes (Saint-Urbain / Viger). Notre Dame is just 1 minute away from there.
Hours of operation:
Sightseeing
Monday to Friday- 10 A.M. RO 4:30 P.M.
Saturday- 9 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
Sunday- 12:30 P.M. TO 4 P.M.
Aura experience
Monday- 6 P.M.
Thursday & Friday- 6 P.M.
Saturday- 7 P.M.
Rates:
Sightseeing- Adult or Senior - $14.00
Student (17 to 22 years old) - $12.00
Child (6 to 16 years old) - $9.00
15. Atwater & Jean-Talon Markets
Don't miss a wander through Atwater and Jean Talon markets. These markets are tourist hotspots for local produce such as cheese, fruits, baked goods, and more. This is where you head for a refreshing juice, fruit bowl, or pastry in the scorching summer heat.
How to reach here:
Take a metro to Lionel-Groulx for the Atwater market and Gare Parc station for the Jean-Talon market.
Atwater Market, hours of operation:
Monday - Friday - 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday- Sunday - 9 am - 5 pm
Jean Talon Market, hours of operation:
Daily: 8 am – 6 pm
16. Quartier Des Spectacles
Spoil yourself with an entertainment-packed day by visiting the Quartier Des Spectacles. Be it summer or winter, the place is always thriving with festivals, plays, movies, art exhibitions, dance performances, music concerts, comedy shows, and whatnot. This is a one-stop destination for anyone looking for a day filled with plenty of entertaining activities.
How to go there:
Take a metro from any of the three metro stations- Berri-UQAM Metro, Saint-Laurent Metro, and Place-des-Arts Metro.
17. Biosphere
The Biosphere is one of the best Montreal places to visit in the summer. The Biosphere is a museum dedicated to the environment. It is the only environmental museum in North America, with creative exhibitions and interactive activities. The purpose of the museum is to educate and make aware the public of the evident links between people and the environment. The museum is also an architectural wonder, housed in a sphere.
How to go there:
Take a train from Station Berri-UQAM 4 station to Jean-Drapeau station.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday- Sunday- 9 am–4:30 pm
Monday- Closed
Admission fees:
$15 for adults
$12 for seniors, and
$10 for students with a valid ID
18. Montreal Botanical Garden
Make the most of Montreal's summer months by relaxing at the Botanical Garden of Montreal. With its vast collection of 22,000 plants, 30 theme-based gardens, an indoor waterfall, and various events happening all year round, the garden is a hit among couples, families, and lone travellers looking for some solitary meditative moments. Visitors can book a guided tour to explore the garden perfectly.
How to go there:
Take a metro to Sherbrooke or Pie-Ix and walk for 6 minutes to reach your destination.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday- Sunday- 9 am- 5 pm
Monday - Closed
Admission fees:
Child: $11
Student: $16
Adult: $22
Senior: $20
19. Jean-Drapeau Park
Summer temperatures in Montreal, Canada are usually between 24 and 28 °C, which is quite hot and humid. The best way to beat the Montreal heat is to visit Jean-Drapeau Park. It offers the perfect destination for a relaxing time out in the summer sun. Walk, have a picnic, or sit and bask in the view, this place offers something for every soul. You can trail through the islands, go hiking, swim in one of the best outdoor swimming pools in Canada, enjoy a bike tour, go canoeing and kayaking, and lots more. It is a summer favorite for many.
How to go there:
Take a line 4 subway from Jean-Drapeau station and then walk to the park for 9 minutes.
Hours of Operation:
Daily- 6 am – 10 pm
Admission fee:
Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Montreal famous for?
Montreal is famous for its culture, heritage structures, hockey team, outdoor activities, and food.
Is Montreal safe?
Generally speaking, yes. Montreal is quite a safe tourist destination with a low crime rate.
What to do in Montreal when it's hot?
Some of the best things to do and places to visit near Montreal in summer when temperatures rise are to walk Mile End or Quartier Des Spectacles, have a picnic at Jean Drapeau Park, shop at Mont-Royal Avenue, or enjoy rides at La Ronde.
What is the most beautiful part of Montreal?
Belvedere Kondiaronk, Mont Royal Park, Notre Dame Basilica, Parc Jean Drapeau, etc. are some of the most beautiful parts of Montreal.
What should I not miss in Montreal?
Mount Royal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Sainte Catherine Street, Old Montreal, and Montreal Botanical Garden are some of the places one should not miss visiting in Montreal.
About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the... Read more
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