How to spend summer in Montréal as a student
This article provides a description of a summer in Montréal without the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summer in Montréal is special and the best time to enjoy the city in my opinion. Fall and winter definitely have their charms, but nothing beats the long sunny days of summer when you can explore all the city has to offer. Keep reading for some of my favourite summer activities to enjoy as a student in Montréal.
Terrasses (a.k.a. patios)
Montréal terrasses are synonymous with summer and a big part of the local culture. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite or enjoy drinks with friends in the sun, you can take your pick of restaurants and bars with patios.
For the best patio views, head to downtown or the Old Port. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can find some great terrasses in the Plateau or Little Italy. Whichever one you choose, patios are the perfect place to spend time with friends in the summer months.
Parks
In Montréal, you can find beautiful parks in every neighbourhood, where locals and tourists alike flock every weekend to soak up the sun and barbecue or picnic with friends.
Whichever neighourhood you live in, you’re sure to find a park near you. One of my favourites is Mount Royal, a sprawling green park with beautiful Beaver Lake right in the middle. It’s the perfect place to hike, with trails connecting Mount Royal Park to Jeanne-Mance Park. Top tip: bring a small portable BBQ along and set up at a picnic table next to Beaver Lake for the perfect summer evening spent with friends.
Events
Montréal’s summer calendar is jam-packed with events—from music festivals and Happy Hours to the Canadian Grand Priz and international conferences. The only issue is deciding which ones to pick!
For some events, like the International Jazz Festival, you can catch free outdoor shows at Place-des-Arts. Another favourite is Piknic Électronik, and you can pick up a season pass for around $80 to go every Sunday. You can also buy a season pass for around $50 for La Ronde, an amusement park located right in the city at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Personally, I love rides, so it’s always been a worthwhile investment for me.
Things to do outside of Montréal
Sometimes you need to get out of the city and recharge your batteries, whether it’s heading to the lake for a swim, hiking in nature, renting a car and going on a road trip or visiting a national park.
Montréal is ideally located for taking day trips. When you’re craving a change of scenery, the closest lakes and national parks are only 45 minutes from the city by car. If you’d like to get away for more than one day, you can find campsites all across Québec with affordable prices. As someone who grew up in the country, I really enjoy taking trips outside the city sometimes.
Summer in Montréal has something for everyone, with activities happening all season long. It’s the perfect time of year to spend time with friends or make new ones over a game of soccer in the park or a fun outdoor music festival. However you choose to spend yours, have a great summer!
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Montréal International.
