Montreal is a beautiful city year-round, but winters blanket the city in sub-zero temperatures and make the outdoors far less appealing. Spring, summer, and fall in Montreal are a perfect time to visit. Festivals celebrating food, music, and the great outdoors are frequent. There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Montreal when the sun comes out. Use this guide to make the most of the great outdoors in Montreal’s sun season. As the world’s second largest French-speaking city, behind Paris, Montreal is culturally diverse and a little slice of Europe in Canada.
When to Visit Montreal
Spring is short in Montreal and don’t blink or you might visit. It comes late in April making May and early June an ideal time to visit. Summers are of course warmer and often hot and humid. Fall is the perfect time to visit to see the fall foliage and experience moderate temperatures. It is a great time to explore the outdoors, beat the heat, and leave before the winter freeze sets in.
Bike rentals are available all over the city and very popular in spring, summer, and fall months. There are plenty of day trips available as well. However, for a scenic and memorable ride, cycle the Canal de Lachine one afternoon. It is one of the most beautiful urban circuits in the world and has been open to the public since 1977. It is a must do for a little exercise, scenery, and outdoor activity.
Music Festivals
Montreal is the festival city. The warm summer months bring in people from around the country and the world to enjoy music festivals all summer long. Whether you enjoy jazz, pop, hip-hop, folk, or electronic music, there is a festival in Montreal for you. Take a look at the calendar of events and plan your trip around the dates of your preferred festival.
Outdoor Culture
Musée de Lachine’s outdoor museum is a great way to experience culture and spend the afternoon outside. The museum is open daily until sunset and is home to 50 sculptures that follow the Canal de Lachine cycling trail. Every summer Montreal hosts FrancoFolies, which is the largest French festival in the world. The world’s largest comedy festival, Just for Laughs Festival, is also during the summer. Both festivals require tickets to some events, however, many outdoor events are free of charge.
The Great Outdoors
Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau houses art on display, festivals, bike paths, swimming pools, and more. This famous park is one of Montreal’s best places to spend the day. Every spring it hosts the Montreal Outdoor and Travel Festival, which is a unique festival drawing adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Making the Most of Montreal
Winters in Montreal are beautiful, but nothing beats the outdoors under the sun. Whether you prefer the music festival scene or more adventurous activities, there is plenty to do in this great Canadian city. Head to Montreal as soon as the sun comes out in late April and May and enjoy the great outdoors and check out these hotels in Montreal offered by Hipmunk.
photos via Trover, Tourisme-Montreal, Bonjour Quebec
