best places to visit in montreal at night

17 Unmissable Things To Do In Montreal At Night

Montreal, Canada is a fantastic city with a plethora of tourist attractions, museums, art galleries, and other fun to enjoy on your visit. However, most of these activities are only available to you during daytime hours. What are you supposed to do at night in Montreal?

We have some Montreal travel tips to share with you after doing extensive research on Montreal nightlife. Whether you are looking for the perfect Montreal Museum open after five, want to enjoy the fun around a race at the Canadian Grand Prix, or take an evening boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River to Saint Helen's Island, we've got the scoop.

Downtown Montreal is full of exciting things to do at night whether you want to try your luck at the Espacejeux Montreal Casino or listen to some tunes at the Montreal International Jazz Festival . Old Montreal is also a special place at night with its historic old buildings and the glass condos of Griffintown.

See some of the best Montreal attractions from the Old Port to the Jean-Talon Market. Montreal, Canada is famous for its food as well, with some of the best smoked meat sandwiches, poutine dripping with gravy, and bagels with delicious cream cheese. Drop off your bags at a Montreal suitcase storage locker and go enjoy the nightlife without anything weighing you down!

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Notre Dame Basilica

This should be your first stop because they close their doors earlier than many of the other places. If you can make it there before five, you can embark on your own tour of the basilica. If not, schedule an evening tour for a private experience of this amazing place.

Facing Place d'Armes Square, the world-renown 1829 church is a historic masterpiece in Old Montreal. The interior is a Gothic Revival masterpiece with dark blue vaults decorated in gold stars, a sanctuary of silver, purple, red, and blue, and unique detailed wood carvings.

Underground City

If you cannot decide what you want to do, choose to go to the Montreal Underground City . It is the largest underground establishment in the world with just over 20 miles of pathways. It is perfect during Montreal's cold winters since you do not even have to go outside to get from the museum to the store or restaurant. In fact, you do not have to go outside at all if you stay in one of the seven major hotels connected to the Underground.

The Montreal Underground City connects more than 200 restaurants and 1,700 shops , museums, motels, and more. There are also several squares and plazas as well as the Arena with year-round ice skating, Olympic Stadium, Mont-Royal Park, and Place Ville-Marie. You will also get to enjoy many cultural events with the Montreal Planetarium, Montreal Biodome, the Stewart Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and 10 Metro Stations to get you around.

La Ronde Amusement Park

You haven't visited Montreal until you have been to La Ronde. Amusement parks are not just for kids anymore. In fact, some of the thrilling rides at La Ronde are only for people over 18 years old. It boasts eight roller coasters and a total of 40 amusement rides as well as live shows, games, and carnival food.

The main attraction is Le Monstre, which is 131 feet high and is the highest roller coaster in the world with a double track. The park is just over the Jacques Cartier Bridge on St. Helen's Island next to Parc Jean Drapeau. Grab a beer from the beer garden and play some games or experience some of the old and new rides to explore.

Mount Royal Park

Mont Royal is a small mountain in Mount Royal Park just a short way from Old Montreal. It was home to many indigenous people in 3,000 BC and thousands of ancient weapons and pottery have been found there. While you are in the park, grab some Montreal bagels and hike up Mont Royal to visit the Mount Royal Chalet on the summit.

Today, there is a 103-foot cross on top, placed in 1643 by the founder of the city, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. At night it is lit up and is a breathtaking view. You can also go snowshoeing or skating in the winter, take a hike in the woods, or enjoy a bike ride. They also have cross-country skiing available.

Street Art on Saint Laurent

Street art is always on show and the best place to view it is on Saint Laurent Boulevard in Montreal. In fact, it is one of the most visited tours in Montreal due to the amazing artwork. This is a unique setting though because the walls get a makeover every year during the Montreal Mural Festival.

Every summer, artists from all over the world come to redecorate Saint Laurent Boulevard, each one hoping to have their piece viewed by many in the coming year. Because this happens every year, there is always something new and beautiful to see at the mural festival. You can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks to enjoy all night long for 10 days in the summer.

Montreal Observation Wheel

Also known as La Grande roue de Montreal, the giant Ferris wheel was built at the Old Port of Montreal to celebrate the city's 375th anniversary in 2017. Each of the 42 cabins on the wheel has tempered glass all around for a stunning view of the city from atop the Montreal Observation Wheel 197 feet up.

The cabins are equipped with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter so you can ride all year long. The ride takes about 20 minutes and since it is open until 11 PM, you can get some amazing views of the colorful lights all over Montreal. For an even bigger thrill, take a special ride in gondola 42 with glass floors.

McCord Museum

This natural history museum is located right next to McGill University in downtown Montreal and focuses on the distribution, study, and preservation of Canadian history. On Wednesdays, the museum is open until 9 PM so you can enjoy learning about Montreal at your leisure.

Opened by philanthropist David McCord in 1921, there are more than 15,000 artifacts and documents dating back to the 1800s. This national historic site also has archaeological items dating back 10 thousand years.

Old Montreal Tour

If you have not taken an extensive tour of Old Montreal while in town, be sure to schedule an appointment. No matter when you visit Old Montreal, Canada, you will certainly not be disappointed. Montreal is a special place with a lot of history and culture as well as nature and attractions.

Most tours include learning about Montreal's rich history and walking on the cobblestone streets to see the sights. Montreal has quite a few walking tours as well as food tours. You can visit the largest basilica, St. Joseph’s Oratory, and check out the scenic views of the city from Mont-Royal.

Just For Laughs Comedy Club

If you are looking for a little chuckle or a night of hilarious laughter, check out the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in July. The stage will be set for tons of fun all night long with the biggest names in comedy. And if you are not there during the festival, don't worry, there is still plenty to laugh about.

Considering it is the largest international comedy festival in the world, you really should not miss this one. There will be thousands of comics to enjoy and you can even meet the Just for Laughs mascot, Victor. You can find the fun at the Place des Arts performing arts center.

Montreal Fireworks Festival

If you like fireworks, this is the best you will ever see. In the summer, usually in June, this festival is actually a competition of many different fireworks companies around the world with 10 days of amazing explosions. In the past, this festival typically averages more than 6,000 fireworks in a sensational 30-minute explosion of sound and beauty.

You can find this pyrotechnic party just about anywhere in the city. All you have to do is look up at the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. However, the best view is from La Ronde Amusement Park on Helen's Island where you can also enjoy some rides, play games, and taste some of the delicious carnival food.

Montreal Jazz Festival

The Guinness World Records has listed the Montreal Jazz Festival as the largest in the world. During the summer, usually in June or July, approximately 3,000 jazz artists from all over the world perform over 650 shows, of which 450 of them are free.

During the festival, the downtown core of Montreal is closed to traffic for 10 days while jazz lovers enjoy music from noon until midnight. People come from all over and in the past there have been about four million attendees in those 10 days. They play on over 20 stages so you are sure to find one nearby.

Montreal Botanical Garden

If you enjoy plant life of all kinds, you should definitely not miss the Montreal Botanical Garden on Sherbrooke and Route 125, which is part of the Space for Life Museum that includes the Planetarium, Biodome, and the Insectarium.

The Chinese Garden is the most popular with its artificial mountain, Lantern Festival, and bonsai trees. Also, the Monarch Oasis butterfly exhibit takes one of the top spots as well as the Bird Garden and Edible Garden.

Montreal Museum of Fine Art

Every Wednesday, the Montreal Museum of Fine Art s stays open until 9 PM for those who would rather browse the beauty in the evening. See the permanent as well as temporary exhibitions totaling thousands of works of art from all over the world.

In fact, the art museum features approximately 45 thousand pieces within a variety of collections. The International Contemporary Art collection boasts work by David Altmejd and Henry Moore. But the main attraction is the Early to Modern International Art where you can see El Greco, Goya, and Rembrandt.

Montreal Planetarium

On Thursdays, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium also stays open later. For just a few dollars, relax in one of the comfortable cushy seats as you learn all about the galaxies, stars, and other astronomy sights. The IMAX theater features free science films about the origin of life, meteorites, and other astral info.

The planetarium can be found at the Space for Life Complex which includes the botanical gardens, the Biodome, and the Insectarium. See a presentation about the aurora borealis and then go check out some bugs, plants, and over 4,800 animals.

Downtown Montreal at Night

If you want to fill your nights with music, laughter, or dancing, you can find a variety of nighttime clubs to visit in Montreal, Canada. Hang out at the Old Port, enjoy a Montreal bagel at Olympic Park, or explore some of the Montreal nature in the city's parks. These Montreal travel tips can help make your great vacation into an awesome vacation.

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48 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Montreal at Night | 2024 (with Photos)

When night falls in Montreal, Canada, the vibrant city transforms into a playground of excitement and entertainment.

Specifically, Downtown Montreal becomes a hub of nightlife, offering an array of unique and fun experiences that cater to every taste.

From trendy bars and pulsating clubs to art museums and live music venues, Montreal has lots of exciting things to offer after sunset.

Resident or not, exploring the night in Montreal is highly recommended. In this guide, we'll take you through the energetic atmosphere of the city and explore some of the best Montreal attractions .

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Mount Royal Park

Top Choice Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Le Club Chasse et Pêche.

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

La Distillerie

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Festivals, nightlife, warm weather, vibrant culture.

Average Temperature

Cold winters, mild summers. Variable temperatures year-round.

Transportation Options

Metro, bus, taxi, bike, car, walk, Uber, Bixi.

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

Montreal, Canada is a vibrant city bursting with cultural experiences - immerse yourself in the historical charm of Old Montreal, wandering through its cobblestone streets and admiring the stunning architecture of Notre-Dame Basilica.

Indulge your taste buds in the city's culinary scene, delighting in poutine and maple treats from local food trucks, or savoring world-class cuisine at a trendy restaurant - Montreal is a food lover's paradise. Don't forget to end your day exploring the city's vibrant nightlife, hopping from lively bars to intimate jazz clubs, where you can dance the night away or simply enjoy the ambiance and live music.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Valid passport
• Travel visa (if required)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm clothing (depending on the season)
• Adaptors for electrical outlets
• Personal toiletries
• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
• Map or a reliable navigation app
• Travel insurance
• Enough local currency or credit cards for expenses.

What Not to Miss

• Old Montreal
• Notre-Dame Basilica
• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
• Saint Joseph's Oratory
• Jean-Talon Market
• Underground City (RÉSO)
• Montreal Botanical Garden
• Olympic Stadium
• Lachine Canal National Historic Site

What to Avoid

• High tourist areas crowded with people.
• Overpriced souvenir shops.
• Rush hour traffic.
• Leaving valuables unattended.
• Engaging with aggressive panhandlers.
• Ignoring street signs and parking regulations.
• Wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
• Being unaware of pickpockets in busy areas.
• Drinking excessively in public places.
• Disrespecting local customs and cultural norms.

Table of Contents

1. Place Ville Marie (PVM)

Place Ville Marie (PVM) is an iconic landmark in this Quebec region. Rising majestically above the city's skyline, this architectural gem holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Designed by acclaimed architect I.M. Pei, PVM is a stunning fusion of modernism and functionality.

Its distinctive cruciform shape and glass façade make it a visual marvel. Inside, you'll find a bustling shopping center, offices, restaurants, and even an observation deck offering breathtaking panoramic views of Montreal.

With its rich history and central location, PVM stands as a symbol of Montreal's vibrant spirit and urban sophistication.

2. Take a Night Trip Around Downtown Montreal

Take a nighttime tour of Downtown Montreal to go on an intriguing moonlight journey. The bustling center of the city awakens as the sun sets, revealing a mesmerizing tapestry of lights and energetic activity.

Take a stroll through the busy streets and take in the lively environment. Admire the stunning architecture of well-known structures like PVM.

Enjoy the varied cuisine on offer at chic restaurants and inviting cafes. Discover the bustling pubs, clubs, and live music venues that make up the nightlife.

Due to the area's unique fusion of culture, history, and modernity, a nighttime stroll around Downtown guarantees lifelong memories and a window into the vivid essence of the city.

3. Mount Royal Park

Located just a short drive from Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park offers a serene escape into nature within the bustling city.

This expansive park, named after the majestic mountain it encompasses, provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Embark on a leisurely hike along the scenic trails, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying panoramic views of the city.

During the winter months, parts of Mount Royal Park transform into a winter wonderland, with its cross-country skiing trails attracting adventurers of all skill levels.

If you seek tranquility or adventure, exploring Mount Royal Park is a must-do to experience the Montreal nature in a secluded area.

4. Saint Lawrence River

A gorgeous watercourse that winds through North America is the St. Lawrence River.

This river is a beautiful natural wonder as well as a crucial transportation corridor, flowing majestically over several kilometers.

It is an essential resource for numerous communities, notably Montreal, and serves as the entrance to the Great Lakes. Its banks are home to stunning scenery, enticing waterfronts, and a wide variety of fauna.

Boating, fishing, and leisurely excursions are available on this river, allowing tourists to take in its beauty and experience the river's incredible strength.

5. Montreal Observation Wheel or La Grande Roue de Montréal

La Grande Roue de Montréal, popularly known as the Montreal Observation Wheel, is a fascinating landmark tucked away in Old Montreal.

It provides a vantage point to take in the city's breathtaking cityscape as it rises smoothly over the historic neighborhood.

Couples can have a peaceful and romantic time on the wheel thanks to its covered cabins and gentle rotation.

The panoramic views grow even more beautiful as the sun sets, making it the ideal location for a romantic evening.

This Ferris Wheel promises a wonderful experience that highlights the beauty of the city from a completely different perspective.

Additionally, it is a great place to check out if you're taking a leisurely journey or taking special pictures.

6. Quartier des Spectacles

Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles is a thriving community that hums with creative flair and inventiveness.

This neighborhood, known for its rich cultural scene, hosts several festivals, concerts, and artistic performances every year. A vibrant environment is created in the streets with music, dancing, theater, and visual arts.

Quartier des Spectacles offers a wide variety of cultural events that appeal to all artistic preferences, from outdoor exhibitions to interior plays.

This lively neighborhood will take you to a world of creativity and leave you with unforgettable experiences.

7. Canadian Grand Prix

In the world of Formula 1 racing, the Canadian Grand Prix is a thrilling and much-anticipated event. It is held yearly at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and draws racing fans from all over the world.

The world's best drivers compete in this prestigious event, showcasing their abilities as they maneuver the difficult course and hit thrilling speeds. There is electric energy in the air, with fans cheering and motors roaring.

This yearly racing event offers a unique opportunity to witness the pinnacle of motorsport in a lively and cosmopolitan city. Consequently, making it a must-attend event for racing aficionados and sports enthusiasts alike.

8. Old Port of Montreal

The Old Port of Montreal is a historic gem that beckons visitors to step back in time and soak in its timeless charm.

The port has a compelling atmosphere because of its cobblestone walkways, gorgeous waterfront, and restored buildings.

From horse-drawn carriage rides to exploring the Science Center to sailing on the waters of St. Lawrence, this area provides a wide range of activities for people of all ages.

The port glows magically in the evening, making it the ideal time to wander down the promenade, take in a waterfront meal, and witness a mesmerizing sunset.

Montreal's Old Port seamlessly blends history, culture, and scenic beauty into an unforgettable experience.

9. Take a Night Tour of Crescent Street

Embark on a captivating night tour of Crescent Street, an iconic destination in Montreal known for its nightlife. This street is a haven for entertainment, with its plethora of bars, restaurants, and clubs.

As you stroll along Crescent Street, the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses fill the air, creating an electric atmosphere. Indulge in a variety of cuisines, from mouthwatering local dishes to international delicacies.

Sip on expertly crafted drinks, sample local craft beers, or savor a fine glass of wine. If you're looking for a lively night out or a cozy spot to unwind, Crescent Street is the place to be

10. Visit a Beer Garden

Visiting a beer garden is a delightful way to unwind.

These outdoor places provide a tranquil atmosphere for drinking a cold beer while mingling with friends or making new acquaintances.

Beer gardens foster a sense of community and shared pleasure with their large communal tables, upbeat music, and welcoming atmosphere.

Beer gardens frequently provide a large selection of craft brews as well as delectable food to go with the beverages.

As a result, they are the ideal locations for enjoying a cold beer and taking in the scenery.

11. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) has a collection of artistic masterpieces that captivates art lovers and enthusiasts.

Step into this cultural haven and embark on a journey to explore the fine art exhibits that span various periods and genres.

MMFA showcases a diverse collection that features artworks from across the world, including renowned European classics, contemporary works, indigenous arts, and more.

As you wander through the museum's galleries, you'll be immersed in the beauty and creativity of celebrated artists.

With its thoughtfully curated exhibitions, MMFA offers an enriching and inspiring experience for all who appreciate the power of art.

12. The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is a captivating nighttime attraction that welcomes guests to set out on a remarkable cosmic journey.

This cutting-edge institution offers immersive experiences that combine science, astronomy, and technology.

Enter the planetarium's dome to travel to far-off galaxies, see breathtaking celestial displays, and learn about the universe's mysteries.

The Planetarium offers an appealing environment that piques curiosity and inspires wonder through dazzling visual projections and interactive exhibitions.

An evening at this planetarium provides a unique cosmic experience, whether you are stargazing or learning about the wonders of our solar system.

13. Take a Short Trip to Mile End

Take a short tour to Mile End and discover the vibrant energy of this eclectic neighborhood, especially in the evening.

Mile End, a neighborhood in Montreal, is a center of culture renowned for its creative flare, multiethnic population, and hip vibe.

Explore the small streets that are dotted with vibrant murals, upscale boutiques, and cozy cafes. A robust nightlife scene, live performances, and buzzing activities fill the neighborhood as the sun sets.

Enjoy delicious meals at local eateries, attend a show at one of the cozy theaters, or just take in the bohemian vibe. Visiting  Mile End ensures a memorable and unforgettable evening or night.

14. MURAL Festival

The MURAL Festival is an exciting celebration of art and creativity that takes place in Montreal.

Every year, the festival turns the city into an outdoor gallery to display colorful murals made by both domestic and foreign artists.

Witness how buildings are transformed into imposing canvases of artistic expression as you stroll through the streets.

The MURAL Festival includes live musical performances, cultural activities, and interactive installations.

It promotes a sense of belonging and cross-cultural interaction while acting as a creative melting pot.

The festival invites guests to discover Montreal's artistic side and experience the transformative and inspirational power of public art.

15. Saint Laurent Boulevard

Saint Laurent Boulevard, commonly known as "The Main," is a bustling and culturally rich street in Montreal.

During the summer, artists from around the world descend upon St. Laurent Boulevard to bring their spirited creativity to its walls, transforming it into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

As you stroll along this iconic boulevard, you'll encounter a combination of creativity, entertainment, and diverse cuisines.

St. Laurent Boulevard is a true reflection of Montreal's vibrant and eclectic spirit. Take a pause to savor a quick bite at a restaurant, to re-energize yourself during the tour.

16. Olympic Park

Olympic Park is a magnificent stadium that displays the sporting history of Montreal, Canada.

It was constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympics and continues to enthrall tourists with its unique design and energetic ambiance.

The park has a magnificent glow at night thanks to the illuminated Olympic Stadium and the nearby buildings, which project a captivating aura.

Tour the park, take in the stadium's opulence, and wander casually through the park's green areas.

This park offers a distinctive and memorable experience in the city center, whether you're a sports enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing evening.

17. Dine at La Voûte

La Voûte is a chic restaurant in the city that promises an exceptional dining experience. It is recognized for its exquisite setting and delicious food and is tucked away among Montreal's bustling streets.

La Voûte offers the perfect ambiance for a sophisticated night out or a romantic evening thanks to its first-rate service.

In addition to serving food, La Voûte occasionally hosts parties and other special events, which adds an extra element of excitement.

La Voûte creates the ideal environment for a spectacular culinary adventure in the city's downtown area with its outstanding meals and energetic atmosphere.

18. Ghost Tour of Old Montreal

Join a ghost tour of Old Montreal to go on a spine-tingling journey into the world of spirits and the haunted past.

Discover the eerie passageways and dimly illuminated cobblestone pathways, as educated tour guides narrate ghost stories, supernatural encounters, and shady lore.

As you hear spooky tales about the city's haunting past, you may feel the hair on the back of your neck stand.

This ghost tour reveals the secrets and mysterious mysteries of the area, from haunted buildings to creepy corners.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the eerie aura of the city's past.

19. Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill: One of the Venues for The Montreal International Jazz Festival

Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill is a renowned venue that offers jazz music and sumptuous meals. It provides an intimate setting for live jazz performances and is situated in the city.

Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill has the honor of holding events for the renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival because it is an iconic location.

Talented musicians from all over the world are drawn to this prestigious festival, where they adorn the stage with their mesmerizing tunes.

Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill is an absolute must-see for jazz fans seeking an outstanding musical experience and delectable food.

20. Arcade MTL

At Arcade MTL, you can chill, take in some excellent music, and play some classic arcade games. 

Adults can unwind in this lively location's laid-back atmosphere while sipping handmade drinks or local brews and losing themselves in the world of vintage arcade games.

There is something to satiate every gamer's need, from Pac-Man to pinball. Additionally, Arcade MTL is a pleasant and family-friendly location because kids are permitted there during particular hours.

Arcade MTL is the ideal place to unwind and play games, especially if you're looking for a combination of games and cool drinks.

21. Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal

The Notre Dame Basilica is an amazing place that exudes grandeur and spiritual significance. With its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and intricate detailing, it stands as a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

While the basilica closes before evening, it serves as a perfect starting point for a night tour.

From here, you can discover the city's enchanting atmosphere, exploring its vibrant streets, lively entertainment venues, and iconic landmarks.

The Notre Dame Basilica sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through Montreal's nighttime allure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

22. Montreal Biodome

The Biodome is a captivating destination that allows visitors to embark on ecotourism.

You can check out different habitats and come across a large variety of plant and animal species as part of the immersive experience it offers.

Witness the beauties of nature up close by entering the recreated ecosystems, which range from the lush jungle to the polar regions.

The Biodome blends education and entertainment while giving visitors an enthralling glimpse into the delicate balance that exists among the ecosystems in our world.

The Biodome offers visitors of all ages an educational and unforgettable experience since it is a location where learning and adventure collide.

23. Walk on The Cobblestone streets of Old Montreal

It's a charming and nostalgic experience to stroll through Old Montreal's cobblestone streets, taking you back in time.

You will be surrounded by exquisitely preserved buildings, quaint shops, and a lively environment as you stroll through these old streets.

Additionally, there are a number of restaurants in the vicinity where you can indulge in delectable food, providing the ideal setting for enjoying a meal while enjoying a drink if you are thirsty.

An enjoyable way to discover the city's rich history and culture is to take a stroll on Old Montreal's cobbled paths.

Furthermore, you can stop by the Old Port or admire the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica.

24. Have Just as Much Fun at Les Foufounes Électriques

Les Foufounes Électriques is not just your average bar—it's a posh establishment that embodies the vibrant spirit of Montreal nightlife.

Known for its edgy ambiance and alternative music scene, this iconic venue frequently hosts concerts that draw crowds.

Whether you're a fan of rock, punk, or indie genres, you're sure to find a thrilling live performance to enjoy.

With its energetic atmosphere and diverse lineup of bands, Les Foufounes Électriques offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a memorable time.

25. Jacques Cartier Bridge

Without crossing the renowned Jacques Cartier Bridge, a night in Montreal isn't complete.

This stunning piece of architecture crosses the waterways of St. Lawrence to link the downtown area to the picturesque Parc Jean-Drapeau.

The cityscape unfolds before you as you stroll down the bridge, lit up by brilliant lights and breathtaking views.

Not only is the Jacques Cartier Bridge a means of transit, but it also represents the grandeur and identity of the region.

Walking across this iconic bridge is a remarkable experience that captures the spirit of Montreal's beauty and charm.

26. Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

The Just for Laughs Comedy Festival is the largest international comedy festival in the world. Held in the summer, this renowned event in Montreal, Canada, brings together comedy enthusiasts from far and wide.

With its lineup of talented comedians, the festival guarantees endless laughter and entertainment.

From stand-up performances to improv shows, you can watch several comedians crack up the audience with their wit and humor.

This comedy festival is a must-attend event for comedy lovers, offering a memorable experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of sharing hilarious moments with fellow festival-goers.

27. Go Hiking at Mont-Royal

Hiking in Mont-Royal is one of the must-do activities in Montreal. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can get away from the busy metropolis and enjoy the splendor of the natural world by climbing this famous mountain.

Tour the well-maintained pathways that weave through the lush woodland by lacing up your hiking boots. You'll be rewarded for climbing with stunning panoramic views of the city.

Make your way to the top to witness Mount Royal Chalet, a notable site that provides a breathtaking vantage.

An energizing activity that combines exercise, tranquility, and the chance to take in Montreal's natural beauty is hiking at Mont Royal.

28. Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)

MAC is one of the prominent art museums in Canada. It is centrally located and features a substantial collection of recent works by regional and international artists.

As soon as you enter the museum, you'll find yourself in a world of artistic expression where avant-garde and provocative pieces command attention.

The MAC provides a rich and interesting creative experience with everything from paintings to sculptures, installations to multimedia shows.

It provides a platform for examining the always-changing field of contemporary art, making it an essential stop for both art lovers and those interested in culture.

29. Montreal Botanical Garden

A visit to this botanical garden is a delight for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. This vast garden features a beautiful variety of plant species that have been painstakingly organized into several themed sections.

Enjoy the beauty of nature by taking a leisurely stroll among the colorful flowerbeds, peaceful ponds, and peaceful pathways.

You can sate your appetite or unwind at one of the neighboring eateries after your tour. If you want a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there are plenty of options to choose from, offering a perfect way to conclude your visit to this botanical garden.

30. Dollar Cinema

Dollar Cinema is a beloved cinema, known for its affordable movie screenings. As the name suggests, the cinema offers a unique experience where you can catch the latest films at a budget-friendly price.

Located in the downtown area, Dollar Cinema provides an opportunity for movie enthusiasts to enjoy a wide range of cinematic offerings without breaking the bank.

Grab some popcorn, sit back, and take in the magic of the big screen at this cherished cinema.

31. Club Chez Mado

Club Chez Mado is one of the many lively gay bars in Montreal, Canada. With its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming environment, it has become a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike.

The club offers an exciting lineup of drag shows, entertainment, and themed nights, creating a dynamic and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

Grab drinks, mingle with friends, and discover the energetic ambiance of Club Chez Mado.

It's a place where you can embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and have a fabulous time in the heart of Montreal's gay nightlife scene.

32. The Rialto Theatre

The Rialto Theatre , located in Montreal's vibrant Mile End neighborhood, is a true gem that holds a significant place in Canadian history. Listed as a National Historic Site of Canada, this architectural marvel has stood the test of time.

The Rialto Theatre not only showcases its stunning vintage charm but also hosts a diverse range of performances and dinner shows featuring both local and international artists.

Step inside and be transported to a world of cultural delights, as you indulge in captivating performances within the grandeur of this historic venue. The Rialto Theatre is a true testament to Montreal's rich artistic heritage.

33. La Ronde Amusement Park

La Ronde Amusement Park is a thrilling destination that promises an exciting time. This exciting park offers a wide array of rides, attractions, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to family-friendly attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this park.

Check out the park's themed areas, take in breathtaking views from towering rides, and indulge in delicious treats from various food vendors.

La Ronde Amusement Park promises a day filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. La Ronde Amusement Park is the perfect destination for an exhilarating day of fun and entertainment.

34. Eat dinner at Nouveau Palais

Nouveau Palais is more than just a restaurant; it offers a culinary experience that ranks makes it rank among the top-notch restaurants in Montreal.

This restaurant delivers a feast for the senses with its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering menu.

Every meal at Nouveau Palais takes you through a sumptuous adventure, from well-made dishes using locally sourced ingredients to inventive taste combinations.

The menu has something for everyone, whether your craving is for traditional comfort food or you want to try something new in the kitchen.

Enjoy the exquisite flavors while relaxing and taking advantage of the exceptional service that distinguishes Nouveau Palais.

35. Montreal Fireworks Festival (L'International des Feux Loto-Québec)

The stunning annual fireworks festival fills the sky with brilliant pyrotechnic displays, lighting up the city.

This festival, one of the biggest international fireworks competitions in the globe, unites creative teams from diverse nations to compete in producing spellbinding fireworks displays.

Each show is meticulously planned out and coordinated with sounds, creating an incredible symphony of lights, colors, and noises.

Get ready to be astounded as the starry sky comes to life with tumbling sparks and magnificent fireworks bursts, creating priceless memories.

36. Take a Tango Lesson at Dance Conmigo

Take a lesson at Dance Conmigo to fully immerse yourself in the passionate dance called tango. This renowned dance school gives you an exceptional chance to master the seductive steps of this enduring dance form.

The skilled instructors at Dance Conmigo will teach you the techniques of connection and expression while guiding you through difficult movements, whether you're a novice or a seasoned dancer.

As you accept the tango's grace and sensuality, let the rhythm take over. Get ready to step into a universe of grace and dance at Dance Conmigo.

37. Bota Bota Spa

Indulge in ultimate relaxation at Bota Bota Spa, a spa, yoga, and leisure center. This unique spa is located on a converted ferryboat, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

Make the most of luxurious spa treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy.

Bota Bota Spa provides a serene escape. Unwind in the steam baths, lounge on the outdoor decks, and let the expert therapists pamper you.

Prepare to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul in this extraordinary floating spa sanctuary.

38. Take a Nighttime Bike Ride Along The Lachine Canal

As the sun sets and the lights illuminate the path, embark on a magical journey along the tranquil waters.

Pedal your way through the illuminated streets, taking in the charming scenery and the peaceful ambiance.

The Lachine Canal offers a well-maintained cycling path, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. Feel the cool breeze as you pass by historic buildings and waterfront parks.

This nighttime bike ride along the Lachine Canal is a delightful way to tour the city's beauty after dusk.

39. Enjoy The Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

Get involved in the energetic nightlife scene of the Latin Quarter in this Quebec region.

This lively district is known for its bustling energy and vibrant atmosphere, offering a plethora of entertainment options.

You'll see streets lined with trendy bars, cozy pubs, and lively clubs, each with its own unique charm. Experience live entertainment, dance to the rhythm of the beats, and enjoy a wide range of culinary delights.

The Latin Quarter has something for everyone, making it a hotspot for unforgettable nights out.

40. Watch the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO)

Enjoy a thrilling symphony orchestra from one of Canada's leading symphony orchestra groups, MSO. Renowned for its exceptional musicians and quality repertoire, the MSO offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Sit back and let the enchanting melodies transport you as the orchestra performs masterpieces from renowned composers.

The acoustically stunning venue enhances the rich sound, creating a truly immersive experience.

41. The Montreal Casino

This Casino is a lively destination for entertainment and excitement. With its impressive array of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms, the casino offers endless opportunities for gaming enthusiasts.

Indulge in the thrill of high-stakes gambling or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. Additionally, at this casino, you'll find a variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Consequently, ensuring a complete and unforgettable experience for visitors seeking an evening of fun and chance.

42. Attend a Comedy Show at The Comedy Nest

For a time filled with laughter, head to The Comedy Nest. This popular comedy club showcases a lineup of talented comedians who will have you rolling in the aisles.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy hilarious stand-up performances in an intimate and welcoming setting. The Comedy Nest offers an entertaining experience for comedy enthusiasts.

Grab a drink, prepare to be entertained, and get ready for non-stop laughter at this popular comedy venue.

43. Enjoy a Delicious Late-night Poutine at La Banquise

Satisfy your nightly cravings at La Banquise, a popular fast-food eatery. Enjoy their delectable specialty, poutine.

This traditional Canadian dish combines cheese curds, crispy fries, and savory gravy in a mouthwatering way.

Poutine toppings come in a huge range at La Banquise, allowing you to perfectly personalize your late-hours snack. La Banquise offers a variety of poutine alternatives to suit every taste.

44. Test Your Puzzle-solving Skills at A/Maze

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test in the escape rooms at A/Maze. 

Have a thrilling time as you and your team work together to solve intricate puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and escape within the allotted time.

With a variety of themed rooms and challenging scenarios, A/Maze offers an exhilarating and interactive challenge for puzzle enthusiasts.

A/Maze guarantees an exciting and unforgettable experience that will keep you on your toes until the very end.

45. Relax and Dine at Terrasse Place D'Armes

Unwind and indulge in a delightful dining experience at Terrasse Place d'Armes. Escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown area as you sip on a refreshing cocktail and savor delectable dishes.

With its breathtaking views of the skyline and elegant ambiance, Terrasse Place d'Armes offers a perfect setting to relax and enjoy a memorable meal.

This rooftop lounge provides a sophisticated and enchanting atmosphere that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and content.

46. Take a Guided Night Photography tour

Capture the beauty of the city's scenic attractions with a guided nighttime photography tour.

Join a knowledgeable photographer who will guide you to the best locations and provide expert tips on capturing stunning night time shots.

Tour the city's illuminated landmarks, bustling streets, and captivating skyline, while learning techniques to enhance your photography skills.

Unleash your creativity and embark on this photography tour for a truly immersive and rewarding experience.

47. Enjoy a Sumptuous Meal at Le Cheese Truck

Indulge in a sumptuous meal at the popular Le Cheese Truck. This culinary gem specializes in delicious and innovative grilled cheese sandwiches, crafted with the finest ingredients and a creative twist.

Sink your teeth into cheesy goodness, paired with flavorful fillings and artisanal bread. Le Cheese Truck offers a delightful dining experience for cheese lovers.

Treat yourself to a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich and savor the ultimate comfort food on the go.

48. Dance to Your Fullest at Stereo

Dance to your heart's content at Stereo, a popular after-hours club. This iconic nightlife spot attracts music enthusiasts with its pulsating beats and energetic atmosphere.

Lose yourself in the rhythm as talented DJs spin an electrifying mashup of pop and techno sounds. Stereo creates an unforgettable experience for partygoers.

Join the vibrant crowd, let the groovy sounds move you, and dance to your fullest at this legendary after-hours club.

FAQs: Fun Things to Do in Montreal at Night

Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions about fun things to do in Montreal at night.

Does Montreal have good nightlife?

Yes, Montreal has a good nightlife scene. The city comes alive at night with its vibrant array of entertainment venues, clubs, and bars. Whether you're in the downtown core or exploring other neighborhoods, a night in Montreal offers ample opportunities for dancing, jollying, and immersing yourself in the energetic atmosphere of its thriving nightlife.

What part of Montreal has the best nightlife?

Rue Crescent or Crescent Street, located in the downtown core of Montreal, is widely regarded as having the best nightlife in the city. It is a vibrant hub with numerous live music clubs and presents opportunities for dancing the night away. Especially during the summer months, it becomes an even more vibrant destination, hosting festivals and concerts that further enhance the lively atmosphere of Montreal.

What is the most famous street in downtown Montreal?

Sainte-Catherine Street is a famous street in Montreal Downtown. Known for its bustling energy, it is lined with a multitude of restaurants, retail shops, bars, art galleries, and other attractions. This street is a prime destination for walking tours and a popular gathering spot that attracts visitors and locals alike, day and night.

What food is Montreal famous for?

Montreal is famous for its iconic dish, the Montreal-style bagel. These bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey-infused water, and baked in wood-fired ovens, resulting in a distinctively sweet and slightly denser texture compared to other bagel varieties. Poutine is another beloved specialty of Montreal, consisting of crispy french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.

Summing up: Fun Things to Do in Montreal at Night & Late Afternoon

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in Montreal at night. From enjoying a refreshing drink at a stylish bar to dancing the night away at electrifying clubs, the nightlife scene in Montreal is unparalleled.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the best Montreal attractions, indulge in the rich cultural heritage, and discover the vibrant music scene.

With its captivating blend of art, entertainment, and culinary delights, a night in Montreal promises an unforgettable experience.

So, pack your bags, embrace the night, and check out the many things to do in this incredible city.

Old Port of Montreal

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Walk on The Cobblestone streets of Old Montreal

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Montreal At Night

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Montreal’s French charm and European heritage impress visitors day and night. As you venture through Montreal’s neighbourhoods, you’ll discover the city’s beautiful architecture, galleries and museums. Montreal at night has a special atmosphere, with beautifully lit buildings and magic in the air.

Performing theatres and intriguing street art are an ode to the city’s artistic heritage, and you can find many places open in Montreal after sunset to enjoy the city’s creative vibe. Montreal is well-connected by air and rail to various parts of Canada, USA, Europe and a number of other international destinations, this beautiful city also has a well-developed public transit system that you can use without any hassles.

Montreal is located along the St. Lawrence River on an island with parks and nature reserves. If you love being outdoors, go hiking trail on Mount Royal to see lovely nighttime views of the surroundings, explore the Botanical Gardens, take a night cruise on the St Lawrence River, or go ice skating during the winter months.

Christmas is when the city lights up with colourful Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Montreal also hosts many festivals that attract crowds until late at night, concerts and sporting events like the Canadian Grand Prix segment of Formula One racing.

Montreal’s food scene is a fusion of traditional and modern culinary techniques and this city is a great place to enjoy the culinary treats in its restaurants, bistros and casual eateries. Indulge in delicious poutine, savour mouth-watering smoked meat sandwiches, or explore the city’s diverse international cuisines. Montreal’s busy Jean-Talon Market and the vibey Marché des Éclusiers are perfect for discovering fresh local produce and artisanal food treats.

1- Enjoy The Views From La Grande Roue de Montréal 

2- take an evening cruise on the st. lawrence river, 3- explore the cobblestone streets of old montreal, 4- watch a live performance, 5- catch the evening views from mount royal, 6- explore the underground city, 7- visit the planetarium , 8- indulge in culinary delights in the gourmet capital of canada, 9- attend a comedy show, 10- take a stroll along the st. lawrence river, 11- go on a double-decker guided bus tour at night, 12- spend an evening with books at grande bibliothèque library, 13- have fun at the museum of illusions, 14- take a night-time e-bike ride through the streets of montreal, 15- shop and dine in montreal eaton centre, 16- visit the la ronde theme park on st. helen’s island, 17- enjoy montreal’s festival scene, 18- go bar hopping in montreal, 19- experience an ice hockey game, day trip: take a 1000 islands cruise.

• Montreal at Night Tour – explore the best of Montreal after dark with a guide. 
• Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour – discover the spooky secrets of this historic city. 
• 8-Day Tour – NYC, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec.

20 Things To Do In Montreal At Night

Step into a spacious cabin on the Montreal Ferris Wheel and you’ll go high into the sky with incredible views of the river and the surrounding city.

You will be treated to sparkling lights of the city’s skyline and views of distant boats moving on the river.

If you time the visit right, the vibrant hues of a sunset too.

It is hard to miss the Ferris Wheel in the Old Port area on the river bank, surrounded by entertainment options.

You can easily fit a trip to the Ferris Wheel in your itinerary as there are plenty of things to do in the area.

Opt for a package offering VIP cabins with glass floors or a Date Night package with sparkling wine. Skip the line and book your admission ticket to La Grande Roue de Montreal (Canada’s tallest observation wheel) online here. 

Recommended tour: Night in Montreal – Small Group Tour with La Grand Roue Ride

There’s nothing like a relaxing river cruise with sunset views and a sumptuous dinner to make your vacation even more memorable.

Enjoy the view of Montreal from a unique perspective as your cruise ship sails down the St Lawrence River.

Montreal being an island, makes a cruise even more appealing as the landscape changes while you pass the city.

You can even see the neighbouring islands while passing under majestic bridges while enjoying your dinner.

You can even dance on the open terrace with a DJ in the background if your cruise ship and weather permitting. 

Recommended:

• Montreal: Guided Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Bar
• Old Port of Montreal Private Boat Tour

Montreal’s oldest neighbourhood, Old Montreal, is also one of its liveliest.

The clatter of horseshoes on cobblestone streets of Old Montreal will transport you to the olden days of the French Colonial or Victorian era.

The streets are lined with shops, bistros, museums, art galleries, street vendors and even bakeries that have been serving customers for decades.

After a day of visiting the popular sites of Notre Dame Cathedral, Ferris Wheel, Science Center and Clock Tower or just after a stroll on the promenade, the Old Montreal area offers you a feast for your eyes, nose and tastebuds.

You will feel like you’re in Europe here, especially the well-lit buildings at night in Montreal are reminiscent of Paris.

Recommended tours:

• Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour
• Private Guided Evening Old Montreal Walking Tour

Montreal has a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with several venues that have regular shows and special performances.

The Quartier des Spectacles is the city’s major cultural district.

Place des Arts is in the heart of this district, a multi-venue complex where you can watch opera, orchestral performances, ballet, musicals and plays. 

Book a seat at the Montreal Symphony House (Maison Symphonique) if you like classical music.

Théâtre Maisonneuve regularly hosts local and international artists in ballet, contemporary dance and music.

The Quartier des Spectacles is where you can attend the internationally acclaimed Montreal Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and attend live performances.

Montreal got its name from this 761-foot (232 m) hill, which is also the largest of the city’s parks.

Mount Royal overlooks the downtown core and is popular during the day, but nights are when the crowd dwindles, and you will have some of the best views of the city’s skyline.

There are guided tours available in the park, of which the sunset summit walk is popular for its amazing sunset views.

The park is open throughout the year, and depending on the season, you can go jogging, cycling, boating, skating, skiing or tobogganing.

A 103-foot (32 m) cross on top of the hill was placed there in 1643 and is lit up at night.

Underground City, true to its name, is a large, sprawling network of connected subterranean tunnels running through the downtown core.

You can enter and exit easily from the roads and the metro rail system, making this a great place to hang out, even between visits to attractions like Place des Arts.

Air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, this multi-level maze of passageways is packed with shops, restaurants, malls, indoor ice-skating rinks, and other entertainment options.

The Underground City is especially great during winter, where you can escape from the cold and snow outside, enjoy the warmth, and discover hidden gems. 

• Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour in Montreal
• Paranormal Investigation Ghost Tour in Montreal

The planetarium is part of the amazing and unique Space For Life science museum complex that has four main components: the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Biodome, the Insectarium and the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.

Children will love this museum complex and can spend a full day going through the various areas full of flora, fauna, science exhibits and the planetarium.

The planetarium has exhibits, live shows, guided activities and films on astronomy.

Check out the multimedia show on Aurora Borealis and the immersive film – Passport to the Universe.  

The Planetarium is open until 8.30 pm (Wednesday to Saturday) and 5.30 pm on other days. 

Recommended tour: Stargazing near Montreal

Montreal is the gourmet capital of Canada and for good reason.

From iconic restaurants and delightful international cuisines to and abundant variety of affordable eateries, you can always find something delicious in Montreal.

From smoked meat sandwiches, poutine and Montreal-style bagels to the tourtière, you will never be far from tasty food here, day or night.

Head to Mile End for gourmet bakeries and international restaurants or look for upscale French and international restaurants in Old Montreal.

You’ll find authentic Italian restaurants in Little Italy and the smoked meats of Schwartz’s Deli is a must-try.

Before you leave, pick up a bottle of authentic Canadian maple syrup from Montreal.

Recommended: Delicious Dim Sum in a Montreal Home

Just For Laughs festival is one of the largest comedy festivals in the world, held annually in Montreal and a must-visit if you are here during that time.

The festival attracts some of the biggest names in comedy, showcasing a wide range of performances, including stand-up, improv and sketch comedy. 

If you can’t go to the festival, Theatre Sainte-Catherine, The Comedy Nest and Main Line Theatre regularly feature comedy performances.

Montreal is an island in the St. Lawrence River, and the city has several picturesque banks where you can take a walk on the sandy beaches, parks and promenades and enjoy the cool breeze.

The Old Port of Montreal comes alive at night with beautifully lit streets and waterfront views.

Enjoy a romantic moment along the promenade, dine at waterfront restaurants, or relax on benches, soak in the sunset and gaze at the reflections of boat lights and the moon.

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Board a double-decker bus in Montreal and tour the attractions of Montreal at night. 

Like Paris, Montreal transforms after sunset into a fairyland with well-lit and colourful buildings; even the Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up in flashes of colour over the St. Lawrence River.

The best way to enjoy the sights after sunset is to buy a ticket on the hop-on hop-off double-decker bus.

If you see something interesting, you can get down at the nearest station, explore and hop back on the bus.

The areas of Old Montreal, Quartier de Spectacles and Latin Quarter are intriguing to look at and explore after sunset.

The bus tour is a must-do in Montreal, especially in summer.

Recommended: Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Visit the Grande Bibliothèque library in Montreal not just for the books but for movies, music, video games, vinyl, and even to borrow museum passes.

The museum is quite modern looking, and gets lighted up in a unique colourful way at night, making it look even more attractive.

There are chairs to sit down, grab a book and read till your heart’s content.

The library is very close to Quartier des Spectacles, Old Montreal and many other attractions.

It is a good stop for relaxing or letting your kids enjoy comics/manga while you shop. 

This is a great place for kids and adults to have fun and enjoy mind-bending illusions.

This museum is part of the global Museum of Illusions group, with over 70 exhibits, holograms, stereograms, optical illusions and fully immersive rooms designed to trick the mind.

Children will have a great time enjoying the visual and sensory illusions and brain teasers.

Children can also learn about the science behind each illusion, including how our brain processes information and what causes our senses to be deceived, so they can learn and have fun at the same time. Skip the line and book your tickets here.  

Montreal has one of the longest and most well-developed bike paths in North America and home to Bixi, one of the most successful bike-sharing systems in the world.

The bike paths are perfect for exploring Montreal, connecting almost every neighbourhood, park and tourist attraction.

You can easily rent an e-bike at one of the many bike rentals and enjoy the amazing scenery around you at your own pace.

Touring Montreal at night at the safety and convenience of the bike paths allows you to explore the colourful and well-lit buildings, markets and all the off-beat places you can find.

For an even more memorable experience, join a guided tour with other e-bike enthusiasts after sunset.

The city hosts the Tour de l’Île de Montréal, a popular annual cycling event that draws thousands of visitors.

And if you like to ride a real motorbike, participate in the Tour La Nuit Festival, where you can bike on Montreal’s roads without worrying about beeping cars or pedestrians.

• Full-Day Family Bike Rental
• Guided Scooter Sightseeing Tour in Montreal

If you want a place to cool your heels, drop into the Eaton Centre in Underground City.

With a range of international shops, boutiques, eateries, you can come here to shop for anything from high-end fashion to trendy streetwear, electronics, cosmetics, and more.

Even if you aren’t here to shop, a casual stroll through the mall is enough to get your moods high.

Fashion shows, live performances, art exhibitions and seasonal celebrations – you will always find something new and happening here.

Satisfy your hunger by dropping into a bagel shop or a casual eatery, or go to a trendy café or a gourmet restaurant – you will not be short of options.

The centre is a go-to during winter months and a great place to quickly get warmth and escape the cold weather outside.

La Ronde theme park is on St. Helen’s Island, on the St. Lawrence River.

The park has a number or rides and attractions for children and adults, including entertaining shows, special performances and even occasional concerts.

Visit the park during summer months for superb fireworks show and during Halloween for spooky and haunted attractions and Halloween-themed fun.

If you are travelling with family, the park offers a great place for children to spend time till late evening.

Montreal has a number of festivals that light up the streets all through the year.

The famous Montreal International Jazz Festival and Montreal Fireworks Festival are not to be missed if you are here during the time.

The prestigious Montreal International Film Festival, Montreal Fringe Festival and the amazing Just For Laughs comedy festival are just some famous festivals that will brighten your stay and lighten up your day.

If you are in the designated festival areas, you will be treated with colourful lights from every building, illuminated water fountains, laser shows, food stalls, stores and many more attractions, so don’t miss them.

Montreal also hosts several small, independent festivals organised by local establishments throughout the year.

If you are visiting Montreal during summer, you can enjoy several regular and seasonal rooftop bars offering plenty of entertainment.

Winter sees many bars and pubs embracing the change in weather through colourful lighting, cosy interiors, special events and indoor entertainment.

Live local and international music and DJs, comedy shows, special performances – each bar has its own unique way of celebrating every season.

There are several themed bars, nightclubs, adult and exotic bars that dot Montreal’s nightlife scene throughout the year, so take your pick.

Several areas in Montreal have great pubs and nightlife, including the downtown area, Old Montreal, the trendy Mile End, Saint Laurent Boulevard and the Gay Village.

Recommended tour:

• Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner
• Montreal Haunted Bar Crawl

Canadians love their ice hockey.

Montreal is home to the Montreal Canadiens, one of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League.

The iconic Bell Centre arena is where you can watch the game first hand and experience the energy of the atmosphere and spirit of the game.

You can even have a famous smoked meat sandwich or dip into the poutine while sipping beer and watching the game.

Many pubs offer special discounts and offers during the home games, drop into your local pub and enjoy the game if you can’t make it to the stadium.

You can also visit the Hockey: Faster Than Every seasonal exhibition in the Montreal Science Centre, where kids and adults can explore the science and action behind a ice hockey game. 

Not far from Montreal, the thousand islands are a group of 1800 islands right on the border between northern New York and southeastern Ontario.

Your trip to these islands would involve some ground transport followed by a river cruise.

It’s worth a visit and the tour would take you through the picturesque archipelagos, world-class wineries, castles including the famous 120-room Boldt Castle, lavish villas, and historic lighthouses – all of which hide centuries of history.

Depending on your budget and interest, you can camp under the stars, book a cosy motel, rent a beautiful riverside villa, or get dropped at a full-service hotel to stay the night.

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Montreal Nightlife Guide: TOP 35 Bars & Clubs + Pub Crawl

Mar. 15, 2024 by Matt van Vuuren

This is my ultimate Montreal nightlife guide featuring the top 35 bars, rooftop patios, speakeasies, date spots, cocktail lounges and nightclubs which I carefully selected during a 3-month stay including places such as New City Gas, La Voûte, TRH, Muzique, Le Cathcart, Arcade MTL, Stereo and of course the Montreal Pub Crawl, the most fun party night out in Quebec.

• Why:  Canada's #1 Party City
• When:  Summer & fall
• Last Call:  Bars & nightclubs stay open until 3am
• Best Montreal Eats:  Bar Ganadara
• Best Montreal Cocktails:  Nhậu Bar
• Best Montreal Bar:  TRH (Friday night)
• Best Montreal Nightclub:  Muzique (Saturday night)
• Accommodation:  You'll find the cheapest hotels on  Booking.com
• Extra Tips:   Montreal Travel Guide : 50 Things to do in Montreal!
• Book Now:   Montreal Pub Crawl  just $42 USD (10% OFF)

Buy Tickets for Montreal

From the pulsating Downtown with spots like Electric Avenue and New City Gas to the historic charm of Old Montreal featuring bars like Coldroom and La Voûte , the city's Latin Quarter, Griffintown, and countless festivals, the city promises a blend of nostalgia, modern vibes, and festive spirit. Whether reliving video game days at Arcade MTL , lounging by the canal, or soaking in a rooftop jacuzzi at M Montreal Bar , every night in Montreal is an adventure waiting to unfold. Montreal blends European panache with North American spunk, offering a nightlife scene that rivals global hotspots. If you're a someone with an appetite for fun and a thirst for adventure, this city serves up a playground like no other.

• Montreal Travel Guide: 50 Best Things To Do & Hidden Gems
• Toronto Nightlife Guide: TOP 20 Bars & Clubs

Montreal Map Download

Best Places for Nightlife in Montreal

1. El Furniture Warehouse

A bustling Downtown hotspot with affordable yet delectable eats and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed evening. Food and drinks starting at $6 USD.

2. Montreal Pub Crawl

Dive into the city's spirited nightlife, hopping from one iconic pub to another, meeting fellow revelers. Just $22 USD including free shots + VIP at 3 bars and 1 epic nightclub.

An upbeat venue where the skating rink meets dance floor, offering a unique party experience.

Montreal's elite clubbing destination, with pulsating beats and luxurious interiors. The best nightclub on Saint-Laurent Blvd, but go with the Pub Crawl for VIP entrance.

5. Apt. 200

A sophisticated blend of a laid-back lounge and energetic nightclub, reminiscent of a plush apartment setting.

6. Karaoke Bar 3 Minots

Unleash your inner star, singing your heart out in this cozy and welcoming karaoke bar. Entrance is FREE!

In the heart of the city lies Downtown , the pulsating epicenter of all things electric. As you stroll down Saint-Laurent Boulevard , the nightlife artery of Montreal, you can feel its infectious energy. Every corner seems to have a story to tell, a drink to offer, or a beat to dance to. Places like El Furniture Warehouse are not just spots to grab a quick bite; they are prelude acts setting the stage for a raucous night. Think of it as your go-to for refueling, where hearty burgers meet chilled beers, all under a price tag that won't break the bank.

7. Big In Japan

A discreet and classy spot, known for its rich, craft cocktails and vintage ambience. Note; can be very hard to find, look for a large black door.

8. Cabaret Vol De Nuit

Sip exquisite concoctions in a chic, modern setting that celebrates cocktail craftsmanship.

9. Candi Bar

Embrace the playful and candy-themed interiors while dancing to catchy tunes.

10. Terrasse Nelligan

A rooftop haven offering panoramic views of Old Montreal, perfect for relaxed conversations. Entrance is FREE!

11. Terrasse Perché

Enjoy the stunning city skyline while sipping on finely curated drinks.

12. The Coldroom

Step into a hidden gem in Old Montreal, renowned for its secret entrance and artisanal cocktails. Can you find the entrance of this speakeasy?

Looking to maximize your night out in Montreal? Consider the  Montreal Pub Crawl  as your ultimate gateway. For just $42 USD—with a 10% discount code: Reformatt10  available through this special link —you're in for a treat. The evening kicks off at a cozy bar, setting the stage for mingling and meeting new people. From there, you'll embark on a curated tour of 3 or 4 of Montreal's best bars and nightclubs. The perks are endless: free VIP entrances, no lines, and no cover charges at each venue, plus complimentary shots to keep the spirits high. Whether you're a tourist, a local, or a student group looking to party, the Pub Crawl offers an inclusive and guaranteed fun night out.

13. Nhậu Bar

Revel in an Asian-inspired setting, savoring exotic drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.

14. La Voûte

A luxurious nightclub housed in a historic bank vault, offering an electrifying experience.

15. Bord'Elle

A blend of burlesque and elegant clubbing, where every night is a grand spectacle.

16. New City Gas

An expansive venue known for hosting international DJs and magnificent light shows with a max capacity of 3500 people.

17. STILLIFE

Dive into a multisensory experience, where art meets nightlife in a captivating setting. This place has great techno during the weekend.

18. Terrasse Carla

Revel in a chic ambiance, offering breathtaking views of Montreal's skyline. Entrance is FREE! Best time to go is on Sunday after 5pm.

Venture further, and Old Montreal throws open its doors with a promise of old-world charm laced with modern mystique. Coldroom epitomizes this fusion – an underground cocktail haven where the city's history is shaken and stirred with contemporary flair. A stone's throw away is Nhau Bar , where the vibe takes a delightful detour to the streets of Vietnam. If you're up for cocktails with a Far Eastern twist, this is your haunt.

19. Le Cathcart

A lively bistro and bar under a luminous glass pavilion, offering varied cuisines and drinks. Entrance is FREE! Best time to go is on Thursday after 7pm.

Step into a hidden Japanese cocktail haven, where each drink tells a tale.

21. Bar George

Experience British charm in a historic setting, offering innovative drinks and gourmet bites.

22. The Cloakroom Bar

A bespoke cocktail bar, where drinks are tailor-made to your preferences. Limited seating, only 25 spots.

23. Salsathèque

Let the Latin beats guide you in this energetic dance hub known for its salsa vibes.

24. Club Electric Avenue

Dive into the 80s and 90s, grooving to the retro beats in this nostalgic club. They do have a strict door policy!

But Montreal isn't all about the old. Its Latin Quarter & Le Village have their own tales to tell. Picture yourself stepping into Arcade MTL , beer in one hand and a joystick in the other. Relive those video game glory days, then transition into the early hours at Stereo , where basslines command your feet to move and the crowd pulsates with shared energy.

25. NewHaūs

A modern club that brings in a mix of techno and house, offering an immersive experience. This speakeasy techno club is in a basement turned fallout shelter.

26. Arcade MTL

Relive the glory days of gaming in this vibrant arcade bar, a perfect blend of nostalgia and fun. Entrance is $7 USD with unlimited arcade plays.

An iconic club with state-of-the-art sound systems, hosting top-tier DJs from around the globe.

28. StereoBar

Stereo's laid-back sibling, perfect for pre-clubbing cocktails and groovy tunes.

29. Blvd 44

A chic and stylish nightclub offering top-notch entertainment in a sophisticated setting.

30. Newspeak

Dive into the indie music scene, where emerging artists and DJ sets come to life.

Griffintown & Little Burgundy showcase a more laid-back side of Montreal. Imagine lounging on a boat, drink in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon. Canal Lounge offers just this, setting a chilled prelude before you ascend a mysterious staircase to the enigmatic Milky Way Bar . Here, every sip is accompanied by tales of hidden gems and whispered secrets.

31. Pied-du-Courant

A beach-themed open space by the river, perfect for summer parties and gatherings. Also, this place is pet-friendly.

32. Canal Lounge

Float on a moored boat, sipping on refreshing drinks and enjoying the serene canal views.

33. Milky Way Bar

A cosmic-themed bar, where the universe's beauty meets delicious cocktails.

34. Bar Ganadara

A fusion of K-pop vibes and tempting drinks, making for a unique night out.

Lounge on a rooftop jacuzzi, basking in the city's views while sipping on crafted cocktails at the M Montreal Hotel & Bar.

And if your visit aligns with Montreal's myriad festivals, the energy is cranked up tenfold. Be it the melodic beats of Osheaga , the winter revelry of Igloofest , or the adrenaline of the F1 After Party – each offers a unique flavor of Montreal's celebratory spirit.

For those looking to combine stay and play, M Montreal Hotel & Bar is a staple. A rooftop jacuzzi to soak away the night's weariness and a basement bar that keeps the party fervor alive, it’s a haven for young people who believe in making the most out of every moment.

A piece of advice for the adventurers: embrace Montreal's public transport. Whether hopping onto a Metro or cruising on a Bixi bike, let the city guide your journey. And remember, with bars open till 3 am and a drinking age of 18, the night in Montreal is always young and so are you. Also, for tickets to cheap day time attractions in Montreal go check out this link .

In essence, Montreal doesn’t just offer a night out. It promises an adventure, a story waiting to be written with every step, sip, and beat.

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The Best Things to Do at Night in Montreal, Canada

Montreal has maintained its reputation as a nightlife city since it became a haven for gambling, drinking and music in the Roaring Twenties. However, today, its nightlife extends beyond bars and clubs. Here are some of the exciting things you can do at night in this Canadian city.

1. catch a burlesque act.

Experience a unique evening out at the Wiggle Room, Montreal’s top burlesque venue. In the heart of the city’s nightlife scene, it presents a range of stirring and entertaining burlesque acts, but they’re very popular, so book your tickets early. It also hosts an array of comedy and musical performances.

2. Experience Cité Mémoire

Architectural Landmark

While a walking tour of Old Montreal is enjoyable at any time of day, the city’s oldest quarter takes on a new life at night thanks to the unique Cité Mémoire self-guided tour. Once the sun sets, a series of light projections illuminate the neighborhood’s brick façades and cobbled roads, taking you on a special journey through the city’s rich history. A free app provides additional context for the spectral light projections.

3. Watch a flick at Cinéma Moderne

Movie Theater

Catching a movie doesn’t have to entail lining up at a multiplex and spending half of your day’s earnings at the concessions. There are many alternative movie theaters in Montreal, including Cinéma Moderne, a small independent cinema with an adjoining café-bar. The Mile End theater projects a diverse selection of films that promote independent filmmaking and a range of perspectives.

4. Spend a night at the museum

5. Indulge in a late-night poutine

Diner, Restaurant, American, Canadian, North American, Fast Food

There’s no better way to spend a night in Montreal than by devouring one of its most famous dishes, poutine. While many greasy spoons are open quite late, the city is home to at least one 24-hour poutine joint, La Banquise, which is busy at nearly all hours – day or night. Just steps from Parc Lafontaine in the Plateau neighborhood, La Banquise serves one of the finest classic poutines (fries topped with rich gravy and cheese curds), along with 29 other varieties, including a vegetarian option.

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6. Stargaze at the planetarium

If you’re looking for a fun activity on a Thursday evening, why not spend an awe-inspiring night at Montreal’s Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan? Each week, the domed theater hosts a series of astronomical evening shows at a reduced price of eight Canadian dollars ($6), inviting you to sit back and take in an out-of-this-world, 360-degree experience. It’s a stunning visual spectacle that artfully combines poetry and the science of the stars.

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THE 10 BEST Montreal Nightlife Activities

Nightlife in montreal.

• Bars & Clubs
• Bar, Club & Pub Tours
• Gay Clubs & Bars
• Comedy Clubs
• Dance Clubs & Discos
• Karaoke Bars
• Jazz Clubs & Bars
• Blues Clubs & Bars
• Country & Western Bars
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Ville-Marie
• Le Plateau Mont-Royal
• Centre-Ville (Downtown)
• Golden Square Mile
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Dieu du Ciel! Brouepub Montréal

2. Upstairs Jazz Club

3. Le 4e Mur

4. La Distillerie No.1

5. Bootlegger cocktail bar & kitchen

6. Le Bordel Comedie Club

7. Cabaret Mado

8. Bistro a Jojo

9. Les Foufounes Electriques

10. Bar Cloakroom

11. Microbrasserie 4 Origines

12. Bar Le Mal Necessaire

13. Ziggy's Pub

14. Just for Laughs

15. Le Pierrot/Aux deux Pierrot

16. Stogies Cigar Lounge

17. La Distillerie No.2

18. Nacarat

19. Taverne Midway

20. Stereo Nightclub

21. N Sur Mackay

22. Black Eagle (L'Aigle Noir)

23. Mtlcomedyclub

24. Pub Le Sainte-Elisabeth

25. Club Soda

26. New City Gas

27. La Voute

28. The Wheel Club

29. Complexe Sky

30. Club Chez Mado

What travellers are saying

What to do at night in Montreal? Top 10 places

Don’t know what to do at night in Montreal?

Whether you are a fan of bars, pubs, concerts or any other lively place, what better way to feel the atmosphere of a neighborhood than to go out in Montreal to feel the atmosphere of a neighborhood.

Here is our selection of the best places to spend a good evening.

Montreal is a city that almost never sleeps! How is this possible, with so much going on? This city “with 100 steeples” has developed a festival culture to the point that it has inserted a “Quartier des Spectacles” in its geography. It lives to the rhythm of different cultural events and shows throughout the year.

In the evening, we would like to have a good time, to party with friends, family or lovers. But where?

Whether you are looking for live music, traditional clubbing, underground refuges, sumptuous cocktail bars, or original activities to spend the night, there is something for everyone here.

I’m going to help you out with a little guide to nightlife and the best places to go out and things to do at night in Montreal.

Table des matières

The best rooftop where to have a drink and eat at night in Montreal

If you feel like inviting your sweetheart for a romantic evening, or to feast with friends or simply to relax after browsing the city’s shops all day long, then choosing a classy and cozy place to have a drink is the most appropriate choice

I could suggest these sumptuous hotels where you can sip refined cocktails and savor delectable dishes.

I think that the Renaissance Hotel located in downtown Montreal is one of the best in this genre. The rooftop bar and restaurant of this Montreal hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great cocktails.

1250 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard (formerly University), Montreal,

You can also choose Laurie Raphaël where you will surely discover the delights of Quebec’s local gastronomy. It’s at Hôtel Le Germain at 2050 Mansfield Street, 514 985-6 072.

What to do at night in Montreal? Dinner shows to please yourself

If you’re looking for an intimate and festive evening of fun in good company, there’s nothing better than a cabaret that hosts a dinner show

And Montreal has a wide collection of clubs where you can dine and be entertained as much as you want, like the Time Supper Club , or the Balcon Cabaret Music-Hall , which in the center of the Quartier des spectacles, seems to be a subtle mix between the cabaret of New York and the café-theater of Paris. There will be something for everyone: disco, flamenco, salsa, French hits.

If you want to immerse yourself in a Las Vegas atmosphere, I suggest the Casino de Montréal: in addition to its nine restaurants and bars, it offers burlesque, funny and musical shows.

Go dancing in Montreal for a hot and passionate night

Maybe you like to dance to exotic tempos: salsa? Tango? In Montreal everything is possible

Accompanied or not, you can dance and let off steam in several Montreal venues

And if the idea of learning to dance salsa or other dance styles has always haunted you, there are classes for all levels in several clubs, such as Club 649 or Bachata where salsa and meringue classes are free

If you don’t want to dance, you can sit by the dance floor and enjoy a drink while engaging in conversation.

Winter evenings that will warm you up

In a city that’s all about fun and entertainment, the winter season is just another excuse to party… outdoors!

Winter festivals, one of Montreal’s trademarks, offer you the opportunity to party, to brave the cold, to give color to the winter season

Such as the famous Igloofest music festival “the coldest in the world”. The festival, a cocktail of electronic and electrifying music, attracts thousands of fans every year who come to dance outdoors to the rhythm of the most successful DJs on earth.

I don’t know if you’ve ever had the experience of dancing in a wetsuit and ski goggles

Anyway, you’re going to experience it and I think you’ll like it. In fact, they even organize a contest to elect the most beautiful snow suit.

Another prestigious festival is the Montreal High Lights Festival, which will bring warmth to the cold month of February with its fine cuisine, indoor and outdoor concerts, exhibitions and remarkable light installations in the heart of Montreal.

Barbagazi is another festival that will allow kids and adults to come and have fun during 2 days with the Olympic Park as a backdrop

The program is also rich and varied : obstacle course, snowboarding, fat-tire bike as well as tree and axe throwing, activities that will certainly pique your curiosity. And best of all, it’s free!

Montreal’s Fête des neiges festival is another winter event where you can enjoy outdoor shows and concerts.

Do you like terraces and want to take advantage of the good weather?

Montrealers love to get out and enjoy the outdoors whenever the weather cooperates

All over the city, bistros, restaurants and cafés are expanding their space by setting up a terrace on the sidewalk, and in backyards, when spring arrives

These terraces are transformed into beautiful and pleasant spaces where you can have a drink and spend a quiet evening in the open air.

Here is my selection of the best terrace bars to spend a good evening in Montreal:

The best terraces in Montreal to drink cocktails

Les Terrasses Bonsecours is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous and picturesque spaces that offers an impressive view of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding skyline

Open from May to October, this club, restaurant and bar located in the heart of the Old Port on the pier of the Clock Tower is ideal to spend a pleasant evening during the summer.

I also recommend it, because there you will enjoy a wide collection of reinvented cocktails, appetizing gastronomic dishes, and entertainment by the most prominent local and international DJs.

After the sun goes down, you can have fun and dance in this four-story complex under twinkling lights or under the stars

There’s even a VIP area for glamorous parties, and another one for hanging out with friends in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Nelligan rooftop is also one of my favorite places to have a drink at night in Montreal.

If there was a hierarchy ranking the hotels in the Old Port, Nelligan would be at the top for its elegance and for its simply charming rooftop terrace

At sunset, the coffees are replaced by bottles of Grey Goose and the atmosphere becomes more festive!

What if you don’t like bars and clubs?

Here’s what you can do at night in montreal.

What if going to a club or a nightclub is not your thing? Well, don’t worry, because luckily for you, by the way, there are plenty of activities going on every night in Montreal where you can have a blast and that have nothing to do with clubbing.

What to do at night? iSaute to test your endurance

If you’re looking for something original to have fun at night, then I suggest you go trampolining at iSaute Montreal

It’s a warehouse with trampolines linked together at the floor level.

If you are tired of the classic jumping, iSaute also has a trampoline basketball center. You will simply love it!

It’s the perfect place to have fun with friends while trying to show off your athleticism. I recommend this place to have a night full of bouncing 😉

Watch a midnight showing at the Dollar Theater

To see a movie, you’ll shell out $2.50, but between us it’s not that much to pay compared to other theaters

Even better, Dollar Cinema frequently holds movie screenings at a fairly late hour (around 11:30 p.m., usually), to give you the chance to enjoy a cheap movie even late at night.

Note, however, that Dollar Cinema tends to show vintage films, a bit old-fashioned, but it is perhaps this retro dimension, this seductive nostalgia flavor that will awaken memories in you.

Where to go out in Montreal? Have a coffee at 2 o’clock at Caffe San Simeon

I’m going to finish by suggesting a coffee at 2 am, which is surprising since it’s rare to find a coffee shop open at that hour!

This is not the case at Caffè San Simeon, a trendy Italian-style coffee shop that breaks this pattern.

Open until 3 a.m. every day of the week, Caffe San Simeon offers all party-goers and night owls the chance to get together over a cappuccino, creamy espresso, tea or any hot drink you like

This might be a good time to start an intimate and romantic conversation

I definitely recommend this coffee shop to regain some strength after a busy night!

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Get your nightlife on in Montréal

Alexandra gauthier.

Alexandra Gauthier is a young Montrealer who loves to eat, drink and be merry with friends in neighbourhoods all over the city.

This article was updated on February 8, 2024.

Montréal is a city with a heart that beats for its nightlife . No matter the season or day of the week, its steady, welcoming rhythm can be found behind doorways of bars, bistros, burlesque clubs, and brewpubs all over town. In this guide we raise a glass to some of Montréal’s most notable spots that are sure to speak to your desired vibe.

Live & local: indie venues

Montréal is known its thriving music scene, and there's no better way to experience local acts than at its show bars. For just a few bucks (or sometimes even free) you can hear independent acts of all stripes any day of the week. Check out the lineups at legendary Mile End venues  Casa del Popolo ,  Sala Rossa , and  La Sotterenea , or scoot up a little further north for Little Italy alternative locales  Brasserie Beaubien ,  L'Hémisphère Gauche , and countercultural Mile-Ex darling  Ritz P.D.B. Cozy Plateau mainstay  l'Escogriffe Bar Spectacle hosts some of the city's best francophone acts and just further down St-Denis Street in the Quartier Latin is beloved hardcore space,  Turbo Haüs . Downtown punk (and punk-adjacent) venue Les  Foufounes Électriques  has been a pillar of its community since 1983 and not far away up on Prince-Arthur is home to  Petit Campus (sibling to Café Campus a floor above), running strong since 1967. The  Phi Centre  down in Old Montréal is also worth exploring, with its next-level programming of both up-and-comers and big stars of the indie scene. 

And all that jazz: hepcat haunts

Lovers of jazz will forgive our dated nomenclature, as it takes an old soul to appreciate the complex, heady, and often frenetic music that has thousands flock to the city every summer for the   Festival International de Jazz de Montréal . Outside the festival, year-round entertainment can be found all over the city.  Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill in the downtown core is classic cool, the Plateau has both cozy  Diese Onze and prohibition-era themed speakeasy   Bootlegger , and Old Montréal's   Modavie and   Stash Café are sure to satisfy with musical acts to accompany either French or Polish menus, respectively. Lastly, no guide to jazz would be complete without mention of the  House of Jazz Laval , which goes so hard it could be described as "what if Medieval Times but a jazz club?"

Puttin' on the ritz: hotel hideouts

There is a certain something about hotel bars, isn't there? They are all at once familiar and mysterious, with an air of a place in-between, occupied by curious mix of tourists and locals. Whether it's for noontime business lunch, a cheeky nightcap before turning in, or the start of a truly memorable night out with dinner and drinks,  these hotel hot spots have got you covered . 

Red, white, bubbly & raw: wine bars

For many Montrealers, there are few sights finer than a table littered with tiny plates and long-stemmed glassware. Raise a glass with an old vintage or a new favourite at any one of the city's exceptional wine bars, such as celebrated mainstay  Le Vin Papillon in St-Henri or Mile End favourite  Buvette Chez Simone . Old Montréal's stylish  Philémon Bar has the added benefit of being hot party destination on the weekends, so if you're seeking an intimate Saturday night,  Entre Deux in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is perfect for a petite tête-à-tête.

Griffintown's  Vendetta Wine Bar might take an extra second to find as it's nestled, speakeasy style, within its sister restaurant (which will remain unnamed for a bit of mystery), while further in the southwestern neighbourhood of  Pointe-Saint-Charles lives the chic and airy  June Buvette . La  Petite-Patrie boasts the city's only Nordic wine bar,  vinvinvin , and the fun and unusual  L ’ id éal bar & contenus in the Quartier des Spectacles is a hybrid natural wine bar and podcast studio. 

Hops 'n crafts: brewpubs

Montréal's own Molson Brewery is the oldest North America , so it comes as no surprise that we are passionate about our beer and with it, the local craft beer scene. Exceptional brewpubs can be found all over La Belle Ville with a diverse range of sudsy offerings. Menus often offer flights so you can taste a range of IPAs, ales, stouts, sours, and ciders. Brasserie bar-hop by neighbourhood, with breweries  Dieu du Ciel! ,  Siboire , and  HELM microbrasserie sur Bernard in the Mile End,  Will's in Mile-Ex, Saint-Houblon   Harricana in Little Italy,  Isle de Garde in Petite-Patrie, and  L'EtOH Brasserie in Villeray. Take a slight jump from  Réservoir in the Plateau to Quartier de Spectacle's  BENELUX and  Le Cheval Blanc , or spend a day on the Lachine Canal with trips to the  McAuslan Brewery (with its summer terrasse ),  4 Origines , and  Messorem . Cheers!

Game on: sports bars

Nothing beats watching a your favorite team play live, but there's no denying the electric energy that crackles through a sports bar with an enthusiastic crowd cheering and jeering at a big screen. Root for your team (Go Habs, Go!) with a frosty pitcher and something fried at any one of Montréal's go-to sports bars such as the iconic, rebranded  Champs on St-Laurent Boulevard and its nearby neighbour  Frappé , downtown pillar  Ziggy's Pub ,  NextDoor Pub & Grill in NDG, any number of  La Cage Brasserie Sportif locations, or switch it up with trying some some pastis with your soccer at Monsieur Ricard on Parc Avenue— and that's only naming a few.  

Unwind al fresco: top-notch terrasses

Summer means something particularly special to Montrealers. Every spring and through to fall, bars, restaurants and cafés city-wide as much as double their space by spreading out outside, be it on rooftops, sidewalks, or backyard decks. The result: Montréal’s famous  terrasses. Whether you seek the potent, mid-century cocktails that await on  Snowbird's Tiki Bar 's terrasse, the vine-covered hideaway of  Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 's flagstone patio, the canal-adjacent industrial cool of  Riverside , or the stunning views and air of elegant cool atop Old Montréal's  Hotel Nelligan ,  there is a perfect Montréal terrasse waiting for you . A special shoutout goes out to an honorary terrasse , the neither fully-indoor, nor fully-outdoor experience of boat-turned-bar  Canal Lounge , docked at the Atwater Quai. 

Turn down for what: DJ nights

It’s the birthplace of  MUTEK , the home of the  SAT  and the site of an annual city-wide celebration of digital culture: Montréal is definitely an international hot spot for EDM.    Alongside a host of regular events , Montréal is also home to the annual EDM festival  ÎLESONIQ . Dance parties can be found everywhere, from famed event spaces like  New City Gas down in Griffintown, to neighbourhood bars with weekly parties such as  Barbossa in the Plateau and  Bar Datcha in the Mile End. Seasonal party locales include weekly  Piknic Electronik or the legendary  Beachclub of Kylie-Jenner-birthday fame, but acclaimed after-hours club  Stereo is DJ heaven for revellers year-round. Not only do they have DJ nights, but  Chez Ernest  has a weekly program filled with a range of activities, including live music, swing shows, improvisation, dancing and much more.

Move your body: dance destinations

The rich diversity of this city's nightlife  has all kinds of dance floors to offer. Discover Montréal's oldest Latin dance clubs,  Salsathèque and  Club 649 , where tropical rhythms reign supreme and all are welcome, from spirited pros to curious wallflowers. Lush, world-beat favourite and home to  International Nuits d'Afrique Festival is club  Balattou up on St-Laurent Boulevard. Lower down on the Main, swing dancing school  Cat's Corner opens their doors to the public every Friday night for a short beginners lesson followed by a jiggerbuggin' good time. Country music enthusiasts and dancing fans need only venture to neighbouring borough Lachine to discover the island's very own  Honkeytonk , but if you're just looking for unstructured, good-time nostalgia to move to, head to the disco-lit floor of  Electric Avenue on Crescent Street. Lastly, no list of dance destinations is complete without the Village, with longstanding favourite  Club Unity . 

Maxed out dining: supper clubs

Everybody needs to experience a supper club at least once in their lives; the restaurant-cabaret-nightclub atmosphere makes for a truly one-of-a-kind night out. Old Montréal is home  to many, such as the popular  and established  Time Supper Club , sleek and trendy newcomer  212 Montréal , cocktail pitcher heaven  Santos , French-Asian fusion cabaret Bord'Elle , and the 1920s bank vault turned nightlife hotspot  La Voûte . Notable exceptions to the supper club row are cheekily-named  Name's on the Way in the Plateau, downtown's enchanted, underground forest restaurant-cabaret  Soubois , and spectacular dinner-theatre music hall  Le Balcon , located within the historic St. James United Church. Last but not least, the granddaddy of Montréal's Vegas-style entertainment can be found at the  Casino de Montréal's   Cabaret .

Sláinte!: pubs & whiskey bars

There's nothing like a classic pub atmosphere, complete with shiny brass, lustrous, dark wood, and deep green leather abound. T here are a number of Irish, British, and Scottish-style pubs from which to grab a pint , including  McKibbin’s Irish Pub ,  Hurley's Irish Pub , and  Ye Olde Orchard . If you're more of a scotch and whiskey connoisseur, make your way to the Quartier Latin for rare whiskey specialist  l'Île Noire , or the Mile End's cigar lounge  Whisky Cafe . Down in the Old Port, look for an unmarked door and ring the bell to gain passage down to the rich and warm environment of  The Coldroom and its extensive collection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. Interested by the world of Japanese whiskey? Look no further than the Plateau's  Big in Japan Bar .

Hey, Kitty Girl: drag shows

Montréal has a unique and vibrant drag scene that combines high camp and cabaret into one funny and glamorous entertainment experience. Come pay your respects to the grande dame of Montréal, Mado Lamotte, at her eponymous venue  Cabaret Mado , one of the busiest clubs in the Village. Found also in the neighbourhood are bars such as the multistoried  Complexe Sky , with drag events every second Friday of the month,  District Video Lounge , which hosts weekly Thursday drag royalty contests, and  Bar Le Cocktail , where local drag talent takes the stage nearly every night of the week. Outside the Village, regular drag shows are a staple at downtown's  Café Cléopatra —it's second floor a show bar since 1895—Little Italy queer bar and sometimes-bowling-alley  Notre Dâme des Quilles , and Montréal’s top burlesque nightclub,  The Wiggle Room . 

Extremely chill: winter parties

The snowy season is no excuse to avoid outdoors in this party town.  Igloofest , the self-described  “ coldest music festival in the world,” draws tens of thousands to Montr é al every winter for a subzero EDM dance party to a line-up of international DJs. Don't forget to dress to impress as there ’ s a contest for the coolest-looking snowsuit.  MONTR É AL  EN LUMI È RE  warms up February with world-class food, wine, live music, outdoor performances, interactive art, and dazzling light installations right in the heart of downtown. Don't miss the festival's fabled  Nuit Blanche , an all-night carnival crawl of art galleries and installations dotted all over the city.

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11 of the best things to do in Montréal

Sep 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are Montréal's unmissable experiences © Awana JF / Shutterstock

A slice European, a pinch cosmopolitan New York and fully its own quirky, unique self, Montréal is Canada ’s artsiest, coolest city, worth spending days and days exploring.

From lining up to eat Montréal-style bagels and smoked meat to climbing “the mountain” to checking out world-class museums, there is so much to do in this captivating city. Just make sure to leave time to wander and soak in the vibe.

Here are 11 things to do to get you started. Note that  Passeport Montréal  let's you choose from a list of five attractions and tours with one pass, while  Musée Montréal’s Carte Excursion  has entry to all the museums can mange in three days.

1. Explore Montreal’s cool neighborhoods

One thing Montréalers love to disagree about is which neighborhood is the best or “coolest.” Decide for yourself by strolling around its many charming areas .

Le Plateau is where you’ll find Montréal’s quintessential residential duplex and triplex architecture with outdoor staircases, as well as atmospheric parks like Carré St-Louis and Parc La Fontaine. Up along the Main (aka Blvd St Laurent) is the Mile End’s mix of trendy restaurants and Jewish institutions and Petite Italie, home to the fabulous food stalls of Marché Jean-Talon and cannoli galore.

Vieux-Port (Old Port) is Montréal’s 400-year-old neighborhood, while Quartier des Spectacles hosts festivals and culture. Downtown along Rue Ste-Catherine is where the big-store shopping happens. East in Montréal lingo – though really northeast on a map – you’ll find Montréal’s Gay Village (also called Le Village) party zone and rough-and-tumble hipster ‘hood Hochelaga. West along Rue Notre-Dame are Griffintown and St-Henri, where there are trendy restaurants and quirky shops such as  Marché Underground , plus paddle boats along the Canal de Lachine . Venture to Verdun to explore an up-and-coming neighbourhood with its own beach . 

Local tip: The areas of Downtown and the Old Port are packed with hotels but head out a bit further to neighborhoods like Le Plateau or St-Henri if you want a more local experience.

2. Wander the Old Port

Yes, Montréal’s Vieux-Port is its most touristy area, with souvenir shops, caricaturists and cheesy attractions aplenty, but it's still a must-visit. Dating back to 1611, the neighborhood has a mix of British and French architectural styles, along with a wide boardwalk and historic shipping structures. Some of the prettiest buildings include the Basilique Notre-Dame (Basilica), Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall) and the former bank that’s now used for the stunning Crew Collective & Café .

Local tip: Time your visit to Notre-Dame to hear live organ music on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 1:30 to 4:20pm, or catch Aura , an immersive light and sound show, on most nights.

3. Join locals at a festival and see a show

Rarely a week goes by in Montréal without a festival taking over city streets and parks. When they do, there’s nothing like seeing everyone’s faces light up in sync with scintillating light shows. Spring and summer festivals include Festival International de Jazz for live jazz and other concerts, many of which are free; Mural for graffiti, live hip-hop and shopping along The Main; Montréal Complètement Cirque for live circus performances in the streets; Just for Laughs , one of the world’s premiere comedy festivals; Formula 1 Grand Prix racing and parties on Crescent St; and heart-pumping music festivals Osheaga in summer and Igloofest in sub-zero temperatures. If you aren’t in Montréal in time for a festival, you can always see a show at a performance venue like L’Opéra de Montréal , Chez Mado and MTelus .

Detour: Visit Québec City for the world’s largest winter carnival, Carnaval de Québec and Baie-St-Paul for Le Festif! a summer music festival with live concerts across town including in the river. 

4. Climb Mont-Royal

Montréal’s so-called “mountain,” and the city’s namesake, is the core of Montréal, and thanks to smart city planners that made sure the park was protected from development in 1876, an urban oasis. Mont-Royal has a wide pedestrian path that zig-zags gently to the top where you’ll find Lac-aux-Castors (Beaver Lake) and Belvédère Kondiaronk, a charming visitor chalet which hosts the city’s best views.

On Sundays at the bottom of the mountain by the Monument to Sir George-Étienne-Cartier (one of the fathers of Canadian Confederation) join dozens of people shaking and swaying to bongo drums and other instruments at Tam Tams, an unofficial weekly party that carries Le Plateau’s hippie days into today.

5. Eat bagels, smoked meat, Portuguese chicken and poutine

This city is justifiably famous for its Montréal-style bagels (fluffy, water-baked bagels covered in sesame seeds), which are lighter and, let’s face it, better than New York’s (don’t @ me), and smoked meat (brisket) sandwiches. Both were brought to Montréal from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants. Try bagels at Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel and line up for smoked meat at Schwartz’s Deli .

Stay hungry though as there’s more eating to be done. Portuguese immigrants gave Montréal another iconic dish in the 1960s and ‘70s: piri-piri chicken. Try some spicy bird at Ma Poulle Mouillée , Romados and the restaurant whose founder is attributed with introducing Portuguese-style chicken to Montréal: Coco Rico.

While not necessarily a Montréal dish (the origin are casse-croûte chip wagons in central Québec) if this city is your only stop in Québec you’ll want to try ooey-gooey poutine (well-ccoked French fries with squeaky cheese curds bathed in thick gravy). La Banquise , Patati Patata and Chez Claudette are the best. 

Local tip: Take a Beyond the Bagel walking tour from the Musée Juif de Montréal to taste the city’s best Jewish noshes and learn about the community’s history.

6. Feel natural diversity

In the city’s east end, Espace Pour la Vie is a group of four (five if you include the Biosphère in Parc Jean-Drapeau) of the city’s best attractions that focus on the natural universe and our place in it. The Biodôme (which is different from the Biosphère) recreates five natural habitats that allow you to see what it’s like in the sub-Antarctic islands (penguins!) and feel the humidity of a tropical rainforest complete with views of parrots. The Insectarium allows you to enter the world of creepy crawlies and butterflies. There’s also the huge and impressive Jardins Botanique (Botanical Gardens), which hosts occasional light shows, and the intriguing Planétarium. 

Detour: For a bigger dose of nature, head north of the city to the Laurentian Mountains, dotted with dozens of lakes and sliced by rivers along with Mont-Tremblant, Eastern Canada’s most popular ski resort.

7. Pick up tasty produce at the market for a park picnic

Québec blossoms with fresh produce every year, from crunchy apples to wild blueberries exploding with flavor and ground cherries (tiny orange fruit), all attractively on display in overflowing baskets at the city’s two main farmer’s markers Marché Atwater and Marché Jean-Talon . Pick out your favorites for a picnic at one of the city’s many wonderful parks to get a taste of local life as a Montrealer. Some of the finest parks are Parc La Fontaine , Carré St-Louis, Laurier, Jarry, Jeanne-Mance, and Maisonneuve.

Local tip: You’re allowed to drink alcohol in Montréal’s public parks, but only if you have ample food (ie a baguette and cheese not just a bag of chips). You also must be seated at a picnic table. If not, you could be fined.

8. Be wowed at a museum or immersive show

Montréal is Canada’s art capital and has some of the country’s best museums. Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts for a multi-floor collection of spectacular art from around the world. The Museé McCord Stewart is a smaller museum focusing on Indigenous art, maps and fashion centered around the city’s many cultures. Go to Pointe-à-Callière to learn about Montréal’s history and venture underground to an archaeology site. Another favorite is Centre PHI , an immersive art extravaganza with virtual reality and other shows that are out of this world ( literally ). For a nouveau twist, check out the Cité Mémoire app, which casts augmented reality visualizations of the city’s history on buildings and foliage.

9. Relive Expo 67

Across the St Lawrence River from the Old Port is a partially artificial set of islands created for the Expo 67 (1967) World’s Fair. Many of the amazing structures that welcomed 50 million visitors (Canada’s population at the time was around 20 million) to Parc Jean-Drapeau over the six months it was on are gone, but you can still see Moshe Safdie’s brutalist architectural feat Habitat 67 and the Biosphère dome. Most weekends in the summer, Parc Jean-Drapeau hosts a mini-electronic music festival Piknic Élektronic and there’s an amusement park, La Ronde , as well as a beach.

Local tip: Ride over one of the bridges to Parc Jean-Drapeau with a Bixi bikeshare. It’s a fun adventure and provides terrific views over downtown and the St Lawrence River.

10. Go out on the town

While Montréal has, for the most part, shaken off its reputation as a Sin City – earned during its rowdy neon-lit days during and following US Prohibition – it’s still a great place to have a good time when the sun goes down. Kick off your evening with a 5 à 7 (happy hour) at one of Montréal’s many rooftop bars and terrasses before tasting natural wine or craft cocktails at a hip bar. Continue your night (Montréal bars don’t have to close until 3am) at the many clubs downtown and in Le Village. Some of the best include Bar George , Else’s , BarBara and Messorem as well as Stereo nightclub.

11. Cheer on the Habs at Centre Bell

There are few sports franchises with as storied a history as hockey’s the Montréal Canadiens – stretching to when the team was an “Original Six” National Hockey League franchise all the way to the team’s improbable appearance in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Catch a Habs game at Centre Bell and feel the raucous atmosphere of the hometown team. Just don’t you dare cheer for arch-rivals Boston Bruins or Toronto Maple Leafs.

This article was first published Oct 7, 2021 and updated Sep 19, 2023.

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20 Best Things to Do in Montreal

By Todd Plummer

Montreal is one of Canada's most exciting cities, but it's also an incredibly historic place. When French explorer Jacques Cartier visited what is now known as Montreal in 1535, he found a thriving community of St. Lawrence Iroquois, whom are now believed to have inhabited the area for at least 3,000 years. Flash forward to today, and there are centuries of history weaving their way through each and every neighborhood, and a plethora of museums, tours, and architecture that all speak to that. But Montreal hums a modern tune as well, with music and nightlife, and world-class design and technology community, and some of the best food in the world . From Plateau to Verdun, our editor's picks of what to do in Montreal will have you leaving the city enlightened, full, and probably a little bit tired—all marks of a trip well spent.

Read our full Montreal travel guide here .

Mount Royal Arrow

Mount Royal Park, Montreal's unofficial playground north of downtown, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) and inaugurated in 1876. The park sprawls more than 692 acres and is a favorite destination of Montrealers, who make use of the park year-round, from jogging and enjoying family picnics in summertime, to skiing and tobogganing in winter. Attractions include the Mount Royal Cross (first erected in 1643), Mount Royal Chalet, Beaver Lake, and Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument.

La Grande Roue de Montréal Arrow

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River just steps from Old Montreal, the largest observation wheel in Canada, brings guests nearly 200 feet into the sky, offering panoramic views over the city, tee river, and Mount Royal. It’s touristy, but it’s worth it for those of us who love seeing cities from above. Bringing you high above Old Montréal, each ride is long enough for you to appreciate the sights and start to understand the city’s topography, but not so long that you’re wishing it would be over. For added thrills, upgrade to the “VIP Package” aboard gondola number 42: It’s the only one on the wheel that has a glass floor and Italian leather seats.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Arrow

The MMFA was founded in 1860 and has since grown into one of the most visited museums in North America; visitors flock from all corners of the globe to view the outstanding permanent collection: some 43,000 works from antiquity to today, much of it on display throughout five pavilions. The enormous institution also hosts seasonal blockbuster exhibitions. Be sure to visit the breathtaking Napoleon collection.

McGill University Arrow

Canada's leading research university occupies a prime piece of picture perfect real estate in central Montreal, nestled between Mount Royal and the skyscrapers of downtown. Whether you're dropping in for a lecture or just passing through on your points elsewhere, spend a little time getting lost amid the buildings here and you'll be rewarded with some serious Hogwarts vibes. Walking up the main entrance from the front gates, you'll be greeted by the inspiring, iconic tableau of the Arts Building cupola framed by Mount Royal; museums and libraries are to your left, and imposing gothic revival classroom buildings to your right. Guided tours are available and depart from the Welcome Center on rue McTavish, just make sure to sign up online as group sizes are limited.

Lindsey Tramuta

Lauren Burvill

Kristi Kellogg

Sarah James

Marché Jean-Talon Arrow

In the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America, is an unmissable Montreal experience for food lovers. The space, which is full of small shopkeepers, bustles with activity year-round; you'll find local fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, grocers, and restaurateurs. It's hugely popular with locals and tourists, and if you're looking for old-world charm, there's nothing better.

OASIS Immersion Arrow

There's a deep history of and passion for design and technology in Montreal, and this immersive exhibit held at the Palais des Congres is the largest of its kind in Canada. The show itself is a stunning display of natural landscapes, videos of artists performing and creating, poetry that floats across the screen, and psychedelic designs that transport the audience; the substance of the show itself appeals to adults and children alike. Because you need to book tickets in advance the exhibit never gets too crowded, so you'll be able to keep your distance from others and experience the magic without feeling cramped. Expect to hear lots of "oohs" and "ahs."

Space for Life Arrow

The Montréal Space for Life, home to the Biodôme, Insectarium, Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, and Botanical Garden, is the largest natural sciences museum complex in Canada. This is a great place to explore and embrace the natural world; don't miss the “Gardens of Light” lantern festival and the dazzling “Butterflies Go Free” event, both held annually at the Botanical Garden.

Cafe Olimpico Arrow

Founded in 1970, Café Olimpico is a European-style café that serves a wonderful selection of coffee, espresso drinks, and Italian pastries. The Mile End landmark is a favorite among hipsters and artists, including Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau Arrow

There are two volumes of conversation allowed at Bota Bota, a floating spa docked in Montreal's Old Port: “quiet” and "silence." Since opening in 2010, it has become an attraction for locals and tourists drawn to its spa treatments and hydrotherapy circuit. You can soak in a mineral-rich hot tub—and perhaps conquer that jet lag—while gazing upon the Downtown core, Mount Royal, and the historic Old Port, all from the river. While admission is typically limited to guests over the age of 18, the spa recently brought back its popular “Pirates Layover,” where children between 12 and 17 can visit on select dates to learn about and experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.

MURAL Festival Arrow

From Mile-End to Griffintown, Montreal is covered with murals. Public art is a huge part of the city’s cultural landscape, and each summer for about ten days, the annual MURAL Festival offers live painting sessions, workshops, and music performances in celebration of the street artists who keep this city (which can be oppressively grey and cold for much of the year) so colorful. Luckily for those of us who can’t make the trip up north during the festival itself, many of the murals are left up year-round. Boulevard Saint-Laurent is now the largest street art corridor in Canada, with works ranging from figurative representations of historic Montrealers to more abstract designs: The MURAL Festival website has a wonderful dynamic map to help you navigate them all.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill Arrow

Upstairs, located downtown, is home to many Montreal-based acts, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and jazz legend Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at the club too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival; it has also been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, so you know there'll always be something good on.

Pointe-à-Callière - Museum of Archaeology and History Arrow

Pointe-à-Callière, the largest archaeology museum in Canada, is built atop the historic Old Montreal sites where the city was founded in 1642. There is lots of drama here, from the excavated remains of the original settlement to interactive video installations. Pointe-à-Callière also presents three to four temporary exhibitions every year.

Saint Joseph's Oratory Arrow

The majestic Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the world’s great Catholic basilicas, was founded by Saint Brother André, who is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. More than 2 million people visit the pilgrimage site each year (both religious and non-religious), and its dome is the third-largest of its kind in the world after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire and Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome . It's without question one of Montreal's most impressive architectural jewels.

Beyond the Bagel Tour – Museum of Jewish Montreal Arrow

Jewish food historian Kat Romanow knows her bagels, bialys, and rugelachs. Her Beyond the Bagel walking food tour, offered through the Museum of Jewish Montreal, is a highly informative, well-organized romp. The Plateau and Mile End might be known today for their posh hipsters and nightlife hotspots, but this tour pulls back the curtain on the layers of history found in this part of the city. It's a much more fulfilling dive into Montreal cuisine than just grabbing a bagel or smoked meat sandwich on your own. As much of the excursion is outdoors, just note that this one is not generally offered between November and March.

Lachine Canal Arrow

The Lachine Canal flows from the historic buildings of Old Montreal, past the gentrified glass condo buildings of Griffintown, and through the hipster neighborhood of St. Henri before flowing into the industrial areas of Angrignon and Lasalle. Because it cuts through so many residential neighborhoods, you'll get a real glimpse of how Montrealers spend their downtime. On warm summer days, there isn't a better place to go for a jog or walk in the city.

Guidatour's Old Montréal Walking Tour Arrow

Guidatour's professional guides have earned their excellent reputations, and the company's Old Montréal East and Old Montréal West itineraries both stop off at the must-see Notre-Dame Basilica , including an interior visit at no additional charge. Both tours last 90 minutes, and they're best for those looking for a crash course in the history of Montreal. You'll be amazed at how many hidden treasures you stumble upon in such a short time span. As much of Guidatour’s offerings are held outdoors, scheduled tours are generally on hold for the colder months. If you can brave the cold, however, feel free to reach out directly through their website to inquire about setting up a private tour.

Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal Arrow

Since the mid 1960s, the informal, yet institutionalized, phenomenon known as Tam Tams has been one of the city's quirkiest and most beloved traditions, coming to Mont Royal Park every Sunday during the warmer months. At the base of the George-Étienne Cartier Monument obelisk, groups of friends, strangers, and percussionists from all walks of life gather to form communal drum circles, artisans and craftspeople sell their wares and LARPers (that's, Live Action Role Players) have lightsaber fights and medieval jousting matches.

Cité Mémoire Arrow

Cité Mémoire, the largest outdoor video-projection installation in the world, features 25 tableaux composed of images projected on alley walls, trees and the ground throughout Old Montréal accompanied by narration, and music. The work as a whole tells stories of famous and not-so-famous Montrealers; and they put forward themes and values central to the city's identity. You'll learn about Marguerite Bourgeoys, the French founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, as well as sports icons Jackie Robinson (whose season with the Montreal Royals was important in his breaking of baseball's color barrier) and Maurice Richard. There are also tableaux about The Jewish Children’s Transport train (the orphans who survived Nazi concentration camps and were adopted by Montrealers); the burning of the Parliament in Montreal in 1849; Montreal’s fabled Sin City era (set to the rhythm of Montrealer and jazz icon Oscar Peterson’s piano).

La Banquise Arrow

If you go to just one poutine joint in Montréal, make it la Banquise in the Plateau district a 1968 institution that's known far and wide for its classic and comprehensive poutine menu. You'll find something for everybody here, from meat gravy to vegan sauce. Late night, be prepared for long queues of hungry club-goers.

Cabaret Mado Arrow

Like much of Montreal's Gay Village, Cabaret Mado, a cabaret drag bar, is a little gritty, a little sparkly, and utterly fabulous. Mado, an icon in Quebec's vibrant gay scene who has performed for more than 30 years, often oversees the nightly festivities herself by hosting live drag shows most nights of the week. It's a pretty intimate space, so there isn't a bad seat in the house. Just be warned: Those seated in the front row are most vulnerable to be corralled into the show (willingly or unwillingly).

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33 Epic Things to Do in Montreal (Perfect First Time Visit)

Things to do in montreal: the 33 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Montreal during your next trip and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 33 best things to do in Montreal , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to my list of things to do and activities, I will also give you optimized itineraries to visit Montreal in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Montreal? Where to stay?

1. The Plateau-Mont-Royal

2. old montreal, 3. old port of montreal: best things to see and do, 4. saint catherine street, 5. montreal olympic stadium, 6. montreal botanical garden, 7. the montreal biodome, 8. the must-visit museums in montreal, 9. the churches of montreal, 10. visit saint joseph’s oratory, 11. montreal’s markets, 12. the village, montreal’s gay district, 13. best things to do in montreal at night, 14. visiting mount royal park in winter, 15. where to ice skate in montreal, 16. the montreal snow festival – fêtes des neiges, 17. more winter activities in montreal, 18. visiting mount royal park in summer, 19. the lachine canal, 20. jet boat/spin boat on the saint lawrence river, 21. a day out at jean-drapeau park, 22. la ronde, montreal’s amusement park, 23. stroll in other montreal parks, 24. mont saint-sauveur water park, 25. osheaga, 26. igloofest, 27. the light festival – montréal en lumière, 28. just for laughs festival, 29. autumn at mont-tremblant, 30. cap-saint-jacques nature park, 31. parc omega in montebello, 32. more activities around montreal, rockaberry for a sumptuous cheesecake, taste la banquise’s poutine, weekend brunch in montreal, montreal’s chinatown, the best restaurant in montreal, timeout market montreal, microbreweries in montreal, where to stay in montreal, grocery shopping in montreal, where to find affordable cheese in montreal, renting or buying cheap winter sports gear, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you, visit montreal: all must-see attractions (winter + summer).

The Plateau-Mont-Royal is the quintessential “hip” neighborhood, making it the perfect starting point for this rundown of the must-see places in Montreal !

This area is well-renowned and particularly loved by French people, be they tourists or expats choosing it as their initial landing spot. So don’t expect to hear much of the Quebecois accent here!

The typical houses with exterior staircases and colorful facades add heaps of charm to the Plateau, and it’s a real delight to wander around in any season.

The neighborhood is buzzing with shops, restaurants, bars, and thrift stores spread over 4 main arteries. Perfect setup for a leisurely stroll around Montreal :

• St Laurent Boulevard , where a host of cultural communities have set up their shops
• St Denis Street , renowned for its avenue filled with terrace cafes
• Prince Arthur Street , bursting with restaurants
• Mont Royal Avenue , home to trendy bars and fashion boutiques.

Where to eat in Plateau Mont-Royal?

Here you’ll find the 2 famous restaurants that I’ll tell you more about later on:

• La Banquise with its poutines
• L’Avenue and its famous brunch.

But you can also feast at the “Saint Viateur” with a wide selection of bagels or the “ Mont-Royal Hot dog ” joint, with its charmingly outdated American diner vibe (and fantastic brunch potatoes!).

Nestled between the Saint Lawrence River and downtown skyscrapers, the Old Montreal district is the historical go-to spot in Montreal.

To explore it, stop at the “Place d’Armes” or “Champ-de-Mars” metro station .

Points of interest during this must-do visit in Montreal include:

• The old Sulpician seminary : Montreal’s oldest existing building
• Notre-Dame Basilica : I’ll talk more about this further down
• The Quebec Bank Building : built in 1888, it’s Montreal’s first “skyscraper” although just 8 stories high
• Saint Jacques Street : Montreal’s “Wall Street”
• Place d’Youville : a green oasis offering tranquil vibes
• The three courthouses
• The City Hall , best admired in the evening for its façade light display
• Jacques Cartier Square , perfect for a leisurely drink on a terrace
• Bonsecours Market , boasting luxury boutiques and temporary exhibitions.

To not miss a thing in Old Montreal and gain historical explanations about all the monuments, you should go for a guided tour .

This 4-hour walking tour covers both the East and West of Old Montreal, offering a comprehensive journey.

Book your guided tour in Montreal by clicking the green button below:

If you’re only spending a short time in Montreal before heading off on your Quebec itinerary or if you’re not a fan of walking, you can also get a great overview of the city by booking a guided bus tour .

The route includes the Old Montreal , the Old Port , the Mount Royal , the Saint Joseph Oratory and the Olympic Park . These are all places I recommend you to see in this tourist guide of Montreal.

Book your Montreal guided bus tour by clicking directly here!

The Old Port is part of the historic district of Old Montreal . It’s another perfect spot for a walk .

It’s not really a functioning port anymore since all the port activity has been relocated. Rather, it offers a wonderful walk along the Saint Lawrence River , especially near the clock tower with a view of the Jacques Cartier bridge.

A whole slew of activities await you here, whether it’s summer (think cycling, rollerblading, leapfrog, horse-drawn carriage rides) or winter (get ready for ice skating, ice fishing).

But there are 3 activities I absolutely recommend (click on the orange links to book) :

• A cruise on the Saint Lawrence River to admire Montreal from a fresh perspective. Book here !
• This cruise is also available in the evening (click here!) and comes with a fantastic five-course dinner. Perfect for a romantic outing in Montreal!
• A spin on the Great Wheel , which is the biggest Ferris wheel in Canada . You’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city! Book your ticket for the Great Wheel at the Old Port of Montreal by clicking right here !
• A ride on the urban zipline , the longest in Canada. Book here !

As you wander around, I’d also suggest dropping by the Montreal Science Centre , tucked away at the far end of the port.

It offers a wide range of fun, interactive exhibitions that change quite often. It’s an excellent activity if you’re wondering what to do in Montreal with kids. The centre also features an IMAX cinema for 3D documentaries.

Find all the information about the exhibitions, prices, and IMAX cinema schedule on the Montreal Science Centre website .

Not far from the Science Centre, I also recommend visiting the Pointe-à-Callière Museum , the only major archaeology museum in Canada covering a period from the Indigenous era to the present day. It’s the most visited museum in Montreal.

It offers permanent exhibitions on the history and archaeology of the city .

I also recommend trying the museum restaurant , which I’ll talk more about later in this article.

If you’re wondering where to go shopping in Montreal , look no further than Saint Catherine Street , an eminent boulevard recognized for its vibrant shopping scene.

Stretching for a whopping 11km, of which 3km are purely dedicated to retail therapy , it’s home to over 1,000 shops, bars, restaurants and major shopping centres such as Eaton Centre and Montreal Trust .

All the usual suspects are there, from H&M and Forever 21, to Victoria’s Secret and Urban Outfitters.

To get there, simply hop on the metro to Mc Gill station, which sits conveniently in the Eaton Centre.

In winter, you won’t even need to brave the snow for your shopping spree.

Montreal boasts an impressive 30km underground pedestrian network connecting a number of buildings, including the downtown shopping centres.

Built for the 1976 Olympic Games, the stadium has become one of the city’s internationally recognised symbols thanks to its distinctive architecture and iconic tower .

This is a fascinating place to visit in Montreal on a guided tour, discovering its history through an exhibition retracing its construction and featuring many sports memorabilia .

Next, take the glass funicular to climb to the top of the stadium’s tower, which happens to be the world’s highest inclined tower (165 meters high with a 45-degree inclination). At the top, you’ll be greeted by an amazing panoramic view of the Montreal region .

If you happen to be around after the sun sets, don’t forget that the Montreal Olympic Stadium is quite a sight to see when it’s all lit up.

For a different perspective of the Olympic Stadium, downtown, and Mount Royal, you should book a helicopter tour of Montreal .

This is one of the most important botanical gardens in the world , with its 75 hectares hosting more than 20,000 plant species, 10 exhibition greenhouses and over twenty themed gardens.

I was totally captivated by the Chinese pavilions . They’re absolutely amazing, adorned with gorgeous pagodas amidst water features and a multitude of lively koi fish.

Also worth checking out are the Japanese garden, the aquatic garden, and the rose garden . The greenhouses offer a journey into the plant life from both arid landscapes and the lush tropical rainforest.

The botanical garden also houses an insectarium with over 250,000 specimens of live or preserved insects. You can also find yourself amidst hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely in a greenhouse specifically dedicated for them.

Each year, the Montreal Botanical Garden transforms into a garden of light with its lantern festival . Special light structures, created just for the occasion, are cleverly incorporated into the garden décor, enhancing its charm. It’s simply stunning.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Montreal, the botanical garden is also a great visit and it’s free!

A lot of folks make the most of it by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along the flat trails. The garden’s trail networks communicate with Maisonneuve Park and offer nearly 10 kilometers of track . You’ll need to bring your own equipment as the garden doesn’t offer rentals.

For more information about the garden and the prices, check out the botanical garden’s website .

Another must-visit spot in Montreal (especially if you have kids!): the Biodome

It provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the ecosystems of the American continent through its exceptionally crafted layout. Through a clever system that mirrors the seasons, the natural conditions such as temperature and humidity are meticulously recreated.

You can observe the fauna and flora of 5 different ecosystems :

• The tropical rainforest : lush vegetation with temperatures around 28 degrees, where you can see piranhas , caimans , parrots and capybaras.
• The Laurentian maple forest : a typically Quebecois forest with maple and birch trees, and a chance for observing lynxes, otters, and beavers .
• The Gulf of Saint Lawrence : represented by a basin containing no less than 2.5 million liters of sea water with cod, bass, salmon and on the beach numerous ducks and seagulls.
• The Arctic and Antarctic : where you’ll be able to admire an entire colony of penguins .

To plan your visit, you can get all the necessary details on the Montreal Biodome’s official website .

In Montreal, culture and art hold a significant place.

In addition to the Pointe à Callière Museum, the Biodome, and the Science Center I mentioned earlier, there are over 50 different museums in Montreal .

Here’s my pick of the top museums to see during your visit to Montreal :

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , located 1380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
• Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) , 185 Saint Catherine West Street
• McCord Museum : Items related to Canadian history, and particularly to indigenous culture. 690 Sherbrooke Street West
• Saint-Gabriel House : This charming traditional dwelling holds more than 300 years of history within its walls. Animations in traditional costumes and various activities are available on site, including a New France-style meal at the Refectory! Very lively, it’s the best history museum in Montreal in my opinion. 2146, place Dublin – Pointe-Saint-Charles
• Montreal Firefighters’ Museum (MBAM): Open only on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm, located 5100 Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
• Redpath Museum : The program includes paleontology, zoology, mineralogy, and a carnivorous dinosaur skeleton in this free museum (donations appreciated). 59 Sherbrooke West Street

You’re going to Montreal?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Montreal 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Montreal on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Montreal.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Montreal, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Montreal!

Let’s continue this Montreal guide with the must-see churches.

The most renowned is without a doubt the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal , nestled in Old Montreal, which I’ve given a nod to earlier. The interior of this 60m high neo-Gothic building is sublime!

To the best of my understanding, it’s the solitary place of worship in Montreal that asks for an admission fee. The proceeds go towards the upkeep and refurbishment of this significant religious monument in Quebec.

A 20-minute guided tour is included in the entrance fee , but you can also visit freely.

Here are a few other places of worship that I found profoundly striking during my Montreal adventure, thanks to their extraordinary architecture!

• Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Montreal Saint-Édouard Church
• St. James United Church
• St. George’s Anglican Church.

On the list of things to do in Montreal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, located in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood is a must for its exceptional architecture, but also to get a sense of the importance of religious life in early 20th century Quebec.

This imposing building built on the slopes of Mount Royal is nearly 100 meters high and is topped by a mammoth dome 39 meters in diameter . It’s even more impressive on the inside!

Aside from the Oratory, you can also pop into Brother André’s quaint little chapel , and wander around the gardens with its Way of the Cross where you’ll spot a whole host of intriguing sculptures .

Feeling a bit full from all the poutine, burgers, and brunches? How about taking a trip to one of Montreal’s three major markets to scoop up some fresh and delightful local produce , or simply soak in the lively atmosphere of the colorful stalls:

• Atwater Market – perfectly located by the Lachine Canal, it’s renowned for its butcheries and cheesemongers. For those who’ve got a fondness for fromage, you can grab 3 cheeses for a mere 10 bucks here – an absolute steal in Canada, I promise you!
• Jean Talon Market – nestled in Little Italy , you’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, and a plethora of goods from around the globe, from Polish pastries to French crepes.
• Maisonneuve Market – complete with fishmongers, greengrocers, bakers, and florists stalls.

Another iconic spot to check out in Montreal is Le Village, Montreal’s gay district .

A sterling example of the tolerance and diversity that are the hallmarks of Quebec. Recognized around the world as a hot spot for LGBTQ+ tourism , this energetic neighborhood is a delight to stroll through with its cafes, bars, restaurants, nightclubs , and a delightful streetscape!

In the summer, Saint Catherine Street in Le Village transforms into a vibrant pedestrian zone , so that’s the prime time to revel in it.

Here are a few hot spots in Le Village:

• The Cabaret Mado with its wacky drag queen shows
• Le Sky , one of Montreal’s top nightclubs.
• Le Mousso , one of the city’s best restaurants.

What could be more delightful than enjoying an evening cocktail with friends ? Well, in Montreal, that’s a piece of cake as you’ll find an abundance of bars and breweries practically everywhere!

You’ll also find plenty of joints where you can have a drink while playing board games . Be it classics like Monopoly or Jungle Speed, or some downright obscure games you’ve never heard of!

When I was living in Montreal, I used to frequent Randolph , but there are other game bars and restaurants worth checking out, such as: Colonel Moutarde , La Récréation , or Meltdown .

There’s also a wide array of diverse shows, including comedy shows , which are a really popular thing on this side of the Atlantic. You can head to Montreal Comedy Club or The Comedy Nest .

If you’re not in the mood for laughs but rather a bit of a scare, I also recommend a nighttime tour themed “The Ghosts of Old Montreal” . Accompanied by a guide, you’ll trace the spirits that haunt the historic center!

You can book your spot by clicking the button below:

And for a spicier version of a night out in Montreal , you should know that strip clubs are quite common in the city.

For the ladies*, I suggest Club 281 . Also known as a “male dancers bar” it offers Chippendales-style strip teases on stage, as well as “ private shows ” where you can pay for a dance with someone.

*Men are welcome to attend the shows if accompanied by a woman.

Winter delights in Montreal

Below, I present to you my selection of the best places to go in Montreal during winter .

Mount Royal Park is Montreal’s largest park , and in winter, its paths, hills, and pond transform for you to enjoy a variety of winter activities !

You can partake in:

• Sledding : Ideal for some family or friends’ fun, it’s the perfect place to enjoy this activity for free.
• Snow scootering : Like sledding, but standing up, for a change of pace!
• Ice skating : In winter, the beaver lake turns into a free public ice rink for everyone to enjoy. Take advantage!
• Cross-country skiing : The trails on Mount Royal provide an opportunity to indulge in this sport amidst beautiful natural surroundings, just a stone’s throw from the city.
• Snowshoeing : A great alternative to cross-country skiing!

If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry. You can rent everything (except sleds) at the beaver lake pavilion, which also serves as a cozy little restaurant to warm up after a fun glide session.

You can also opt for a guided snowshoe hike organized by the park. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour stroll through Mount Royal and introduce you to the local wildlife along the way .

The tour is highly engaging and even perfect for families with children (ages 8 and up).

Book in advance by clicking here !

And if you’re looking for a unique activity to do in Montreal , you’ll be pleased to know that you can also go night snowshoeing with a guide from the Amis de la montagne (Friends of the Mountain Association).

To book, click here:

To reach Mount Royal Park, you can take STM Bus No. 11 that goes all the way up to the hilltop in the park.

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity in Quebec .

In Montreal, it’s hard not to get in on this action as each neighbourhood has its own charming little outdoor rink, free of charge . Kiddos can dip their toes into skating with minimal danger, and the grown-ups can engage in the sport that gets Montreal’s heart racing: hockey .

But the most picturesque place to lace up your skates is at Montreal’s Old Port. While there is a fee to skate on this large rink, the sight of the Old Port and Saint Lawrence River is simply stunning. It’s the trendiest place to skate in the city.

In addition to the Beaver Lake at Mount Royal Park that we previously mentioned, another bustling winter spot for ice skating in Montreal is Lafontaine Park .

Here, you’ll even see numerous parents skating while pushing their strollers on the ice ! Access to the ice is free. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for $10.

The “Fêtes des Neiges”, Montreal snow festival , is a must-attend family event held each winter. It takes place over four weekends between January and February at Jean-Drapeau Park . Entrance is free but some activities have additional costs.

All your favorite winter activities from Quebec are showcased here: ice sculpture workshops, tube sliding (on inflatables), skating, dog sledding, ziplining, musical performances.

You can also indulge in traditional Quebecois treats like maple taffy, beaver tails, and obviously, poutine .

1) Ice Fishing

You can try ice fishing right in the city, specifically at the Old Port of Montreal . It’s certainly a less immersive experience than deep in the heart of Quebec, but it’s a great way to enjoy this activity if you’re short on time for a weekend getaway!

You’ll also be able to ski near Montreal .

Alpine skiing is a must-do winter activity in Quebec, and while it’s not the Alps, here are some friendly ski resorts:

• Mont Saint Bruno : Just 30 minutes from downtown, it doesn’t get much closer to Montreal! A favorite among city-dwellers, this small resort has 15 slopes.
• Mont-Rigaud : Also just 30 minutes from Montreal, this tiny 9-slope resort is known as the perfect place for beginners.
• Bromont : To the southeast of Montreal, about an hour’s drive away, is the Bromont ski resort, with a domain boasting 141 slopes.
• Mont Saint-Sauveur : An hour from Montreal, with its 40 slopes, it’s “Viking” roller coaster, numerous restaurants, concerts, and events, it’s a delightful place for a weekend! Mont Saint-Sauveur also has an excellent snowpark for freestyle lovers!
• Mont-Tremblant : The farthest ski resort from Montreal in this list, requiring a 1.5-hour drive. However, with its 96 slopes, charming “village” and après-ski activities, it’s one of Quebec’s most popular resorts.

3) Spas and hot baths

This activity, enjoyable all year round, is especially magical in winter! In Montreal, several spas offer outdoor hot baths throughout the year. Here are some of the most well-known:

• Strom Nordic Spa on Nuns’ Island (Île-des-Sœurs)
• Spa Bota Bota , in Old Montreal
• Scandinave Spa , also located in Old Montreal.

Visiting Montreal in the summer

Summer in Montreal, contrary to what you might think, it’s really hot ! So don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and a hat for your excursions.

Mount Royal Park, a highly renowned tourist spot in Montreal, has several shaded trails for cool walks and numerous vantage points with great city views .

Be sure to stop by the Mount Royal lookout for a panorama of the entire downtown area.

The park is also an ideal spot for jogging or cycling.

In summer, it’s the perfect place to have a picnic by the Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) , an artificial lake surrounded by a kids’ playground and various amenities, including a bar-restaurant with a terrace .

You can spot numerous curious and friendly squirrels there. A must-see during your stay in Montreal!

If you’re wondering what else to visit in Montreal, I suggest heading over to the Lachine Canal, located in the southwest of the city . Its 14.5-kilometer route starts from the old port and ends at Lake Saint-Louis .

In summer, it’s a dream spot for safely cycling along its tree-lined, well-maintained banks. The path is flat and away from traffic, perfect for a family outing in Montreal .

You can rent bicycles near Atwater Market at a small outdoor shack along the canal: Ma Bicyclette .

You can check out the Lachine Canal not just from the banks but also by hopping on different types of watercraft .

A rental service offers pedal boats, canoes, and small electric boats for hire.

The calm waters won’t cause any problems, and you’ll have fun crossing the numerous small locks .

Voici le site du centre nautique de Lachine.

Contrasting with a peaceful walk along the Lachine Canal, you can choose a more exhilarating activity in Montreal: Jet Boating or Saute-Mouton as the locals call it.

You’ll tackle the Lachine Rapids, on the fleuve Saint-Laurent (Saint Lawrence River), aboard a rather special boat: guaranteed thrills! You’ll come out refreshed, or rather soaked.

Perfect for hot days – just bring a change of clothes!

Another idea for a boat trip in Montreal: Spin Boat . This fast boat takes sharp turns and spins around , hence the name.

In groups of about ten people, you’ll board the boat in Old Montreal’s port. The adrenaline rush is definitely guaranteed with an experience that can be compared to water rodeo !

However, it doesn’t venture into the Lachine Rapids , so don’t confuse it with “Saute-Mouton”!

All information is available here!

If you’re looking for some awesome spots to check out in Montreal, let’s head over to Parc Jean-Drapeau . It’s located on two islands just south of Montreal and has a ton of cool outdoor activities to enjoy.

Here’s the plan: 25 km of hiking trails, bike paths, kayak rentals, paddleboarding, rock climbing, wildlife and flora observation, supervised beach, food services, and picnic areas.

You’ll easily spend a whole day here. But, take a tip from me, stay till the sun dips down . That’s when you’ll get the most stunning panorama of downtown, with the city lights reflecting in the river, perfect for snapping some gorgeous photos!

These two islands, Saint Helen and Notre-Dame, which now form Jean Drapeau Park, were actually home to the 1967 World’s Fair .

Most of the pavilions were demolished after the expo, but today, the French pavilion, now the Montreal Casino , and the American pavilion, known as the Biosphere (that I mentionned earlier), remain.

Another relic from the World Expo is the Habitat 67 residential complex , located in Cité du Havre, not far from the park.

Jean Drapeau Park is also renowned for its vibrant music festivals , which I’ll discuss in more detail below. And don’t forget the Canadian F1 Grand Prix , happening every year!

Besides Jean Drapeau Park, on Saint Helen Island you’ll also find “La Ronde” the amusement park , open every summer.

This park boasts 42 attractions including some quite impressive ones, like the “Ultimate Flight”.

To plan your day at La Ronde, you can check out the official website here .

In addition to Mount Royal and Jean Drapeau Park, Montreal boasts many other delightful parks perfect for a break from the city’s bustling pace

1) Angrignon Park

Following Mount Royal, this park is the second-largest forested area in Montreal .

You can stroll along three ponds, a 1km lake, and shaded trails spanning nearly 10km. There’s also a specially designed 2km track for biking and rollerblading , which transforms into a cross-country ski track in winter .

Ideal for a family picnic by the water, barbecues are even available for use . A playground with swings is also on site.

2) Lafontaine Park

It’s one of the largest parks in Montreal city .

What sets it apart are the multiple outdoor sports fields open for free use: tennis, petanque, baseball, volleyball, and children’s playgrounds.

The park also hosts cultural events at the outdoor theater , a delightful spot for evening performances.

Nothing beats a day at a water park to chill out and have a blast.

In Quebec, I recommend the one at Mount Saint-Sauveur , about an hour’s drive from Montreal . It’s an ideal day trip when on a Canadian circuit tour !

This park is huge with its 12 water slides , toboggans , rafting and tubing descents , water games, wave pool , and other outdoor pools.

Festivals in Montreal

Throughout the year, Montreal hosts some brilliant festivals. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss!

Every year, Montreal hosts a massive music festival: Osheaga .

It’s held every summer at Jean Drapeau Park and lasts for three days . During this time, you’ll be treated to some great music. Top bands have performed here: Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.

No doubt, if you want to see all those awesome stars, you’ll have to dish out at least $320 for the three-day festival. But hey, that doesn’t seem to stop the whopping 40,000 people who show up every single day.

Osheaga Festival website

This is the winter electronic music festival you don’t want to miss in Montreal.

Igloofest has been rocking Montreal’s Old Port for about a decade now.

Several DJs from around the world heat up the dance floor over four weekends .

Igloofest website

Another unmissable festival in Quebec during winter if you’ve decided to visit Montreal: the light festival attracting nearly 900,000 people each year.

The Montreal en Lumière program combines light installations , performing arts with theater, circus, singing , and gastronomy.

You can enjoy many free activities (ferris wheel, zipline, giant curling), wander among the light art installations, enjoy various street performances, and sample Quebec culinary specialties at the street stalls.

The festival also includes “La Nuit Blanche”, Montreal’s White Night where you can visit certain museums and churches, participate in dance, singing, or artistic creation workshops, all for free. In total, there are more than 200 activities to enjoy.

Montréal en Lumière website

The “Festival Juste pour rire” or Just for Laughs Festival is a comedy festival held annually in Montreal.

It’s the largest festival of its kind in the world and a true tradition in Quebec. On the agenda: a large number of comedians presenting their shows, both indoors and in the street.

The program is highly diverse and of excellent quality .

Festival Juste pour rire website

Best things to do around Montreal

For those craving the great outdoors, there’s a bunch of things to discover around Montreal . Here’s a little selection of places to visit!

When talking about Quebec, you can’t skip mentioning the special season that characterizes it: autumn and its fiery colors.

If you want to admire this unique landscape firsthand, around Montreal, I recommend heading to Mont-Tremblant, just an hour’s drive away.

In winter, it’s a ski resort but in the fall, the forests take on warm colors, and it’s a profusion of red, orange, and yellow trees as far as the eye can see .

It’s the ideal time for long hikes. You can either hike up the mountain or catch a lift (only on weekends) to reach the top and take in the stunning view of the valley below with its picturesque lake reflecting the vibrant colors.

The Cap-Saint-Jacques is the largest park in the Montreal area , sprawling across a whopping 300 hectares. Whether it’s summer or winter, you’ll be able to take tranquil strolls through this maple tree-dominated spot, nestled between a lake and a river, offering countless stunning views.

In the summer, you’ll have access to a massive natural sandy beach complete with picnic areas, and even pedalos and kayaks for rent. You can even fire up your own barbecue.

Come autumn, Cap-Saint-Jacques, with its west-facing beach, is the best place to watch the sunset over Montreal island. The light is just amazing!

Winter sees the park transform into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing , with all the necessary equipment available for rent on-site. You have around 32 kilometers of trails at your disposal. The on-site ecological farm turns into a sugar shack with a typical maple syrup-based menu.

But no matter the season, be sure to watch the sunset over the lake , it’s simply breathtaking and you won’t regret it. The lighting is perfect for some truly incredible photos.

Practical info:

• Open all year round, parking fees apply.
• To get there by public transport, take bus 64 from the Côte-Vertu metro station to the Cartierville terminus, then take bus 68 to the park entrance.

This wildlife park is situated between Montreal and Ottawa , about 110 kilometers from Montreal.

The park can only be explored by car as the animals live freely in their natural habitat.

Along a 10-kilometer trail, you’ll traverse meadows, forests, and lakeshores, giving you the opportunity to spot Quebec’s native wildlife, including moose, elk, black bears, and wolves . You’ll also have plenty of chances to stop and take photos.

You can easily spend half a day here, or even stay overnight! The park offers several unique accommodation options : teepees, prospector tents, wooden cabins, and stilt houses.

It’s one of the best activities to do near Montreal with kids .

Parc Omega is open all year round , hours and prices vary depending on the season, you can find all the information here: Parc Omega .

Still in the Montreal area, you can also try out some super cool activities (click on the orange links to book):

• Dog sledding in Saint-Hippolyte near Montreal
• Dog sled ride through maple groves , near Montreal
• Snowmobile outing near Montreal, in Saint-Hippolyte – Duration: from 1h to 8h
• Snowmobile excursion in the Laurentians , departure from Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts – Duration: from 2h to a full day
• A guided quad ride near Montreal
• Whitewater rafting down the Red River (Rivière Rouge) in Mont-Tremblant
• A canoe descent on the Assomption River , (Rivière l’Assomption for the locals) in Mont-Tremblant nature park
• Via ferrata between Montreal and Mont-Tremblant, at Mont Catherine
• Zip-lining , also at Mont Catherine
• Ice climbing adventure in Montreal

33. Best things to do in Montreal My top places to eat

For me, this is, hands down, the best cheesecake I’ve ever had!

In Montreal, if you spot a Rockaberry, there’s no way you can walk past their window full of cheesecakes and pies , each looking more delicious than the last.

The hardest part is then choosing between the Rockabrownies, Banalicious, Mochamisu, or any of the fruit crumbles (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, etc.).

Rockaberry’s website

During your stay in Montreal, you can’t miss trying this iconic Quebec dish ! Loved by some, hated by others, it’s up to you to form your own opinion about poutine .

The traditional poutine is quite simple, and consists of 3 ingredients:

• “Curd cheese”

You can find poutine in all sorts of varieties, from the basic poutine made with frozen fries from a fast food spot to the fancy homemade version with hand-cut fries cooked in duck fat. There’s something for every poutine lover out there!

Poutine is everywhere in Quebec: you can eat it at any hour in restaurants open 24/7. It’s actually the go-to choice for Montrealers after a night out!

Some restaurants even offer no less than a hundred different recipes , but beware, not all are created equal. The two most famous restaurants in Montreal for their poutine are:

• La Banquise , open 24/7.
• Poutineville : a name that speaks for itself!

Montreal is like a haven for brunch enthusiasts ! But what does the Quebec version of this meal, which falls between breakfast and lunch, entail?

The classic brunch you’ll savor in Montreal includes:

• Eggs , cooked in every possible way
• Baked beans or “Fèves au lard” as the locals call it
• Maple syrup , to drizzle all over!
• A coffee or tea and orange juice.

In addition to that, each restaurant has its own specialty and also offers a variety of options such as fresh fruit salad, smoothies, pancakes, crepes, sausages, bagels , and much more.

• L’Avenue , which well deserves its reputation for an excellent brunch, but be warned, expect a long wait before you can indulge.
• Fabergé : This trendy restaurant in Montreal’s Mile-End district serves a fantastic brunch with some original specialties!
• Le Hot Dog : This unassuming spot on the Plateau Mont Royal is a must for potato lovers, because they serve some seriously delicious, well, potatoes!

Another spot where you can dive into culinary adventures is Montreal’s Chinatown , brimming with cute little restaurants offering typical dishes from Chinese cuisine .

Here, you’ll get to try the famous bubble tea , a beverage made with tea, fruit, and tapioca pearls that line the bottom of the glass, sucked up with a fat straw.

Also a must-try: the numerous biscuits or cakes all soft and squishy from the Chinatown’s Chinese bakeries.

In Montreal’s Chinatown, you’ll also find a large Asian grocery store . If you’re staying in Montreal, this is the best place to shop for Asian products!

I just had to mention it, as it’s kind of my canteen in Montreal: “L’Arrivage” restaurant at the Pointe-a-Callière Museum . A foodie myself, I was a bit hesitant to dine at “the museum’s restaurant” the first time, but I came out totally amazed. Honestly .

Located on the museum’s second floor, the restaurant offers a fantastic view of Montreal’s Old Port .

They serve a different gourmet menu every week , and the dishes are truly delicious. I recommend you to try the “Table d’hôtes” menu with a starter, a main course, and dessert for less than $25. At this price, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated meal in an exceptional setting with unrivaled service.

It clearly is the best value for money in Montreal, and by a long shot ! It’s a hidden gem, even among Montrealers.

However, note that the restaurant only opens for lunch!

The TimeOut Market is located on Saint Catherine Ouest street, in the Eaton Centre and brings together more than a dozen of restaurants and bars all in one place .

The atmosphere is really cool, with a chic and modern vibe and carefully crafted decor. You can feast on dishes from all over the world : Indian, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Spanish… The dishes are truly of excellent quality and exceptionnaly well-cooked .

Everyone can pick their favorite dishes and gather at the shared tables in the center. That way, no one has to argue about which restaurant to choose!

Open every day from 11:30 am to 9/10 pm.

Craft beer lovers will be thrilled to learn that Montreal has numerous microbreweries , each with its own specialties! Here are a few addresses:

• Brasserie Harricana , 95 Jean-Talon West Street
• Pub Brouhahah , 295, Avenue Papineau, Ahuntsic
• La Succursale , 3188 Masson Street
• HELM microbrasserie , 273 Bernard O Street
• Dieu du Ciel! 29 Avenue Laurier Ouest

• M Montreal : A youth hostel just a 5-minute walk away from Berri Uquam metro station on Sainte Catherine street. You can grab a bed in a modern, cozy dorm for just 25€ a night, breakfast included. You can also book a double room if you prefer. Strong points: Super friendly staff, modern facilities, basement bar with occasional live performances. A fantastic choice for budget-friendly accommodations in Montreal !
• Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal : Located in the bustling Quartier des Spectacles. You can book a warm, spacious double room starting from €150 per night. Strong points: Perfect location for exploring Montreal, clean and comfy beds.
• Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville: : Just 200 meters away from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and a 5-minute walk from the Old Port. Double rooms starting from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: Great location, spacious rooms, and large beds.
• Le Petit Hotel Montreal: : Located in the historical center of Montreal. Rooms with character (think stone walls and exposed brick) starting from €250, breakfast included. Strong points: Excellent service, a delicious breakfast, and the charming ambiance of the hotel.
• Le St-Martin Hotel Centre-ville – Hotel Particulier: : Just 50 meters away from Saint Catherine West Street. Stylish, cozy double rooms starting from €290. Strong points: An enchanting pool with waterfalls and jets, delightful staff, prime location, and comfort. My recommendation for a high-end stay in Montreal !
• Hôtel Birks Montréal : Located in the city center, this 5-star hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms starting from €500, with breakfast at an additional €19. Strong points: Prime location, beautiful architecture, friendly staff, and a luxurious spa. The best hotel in Montreal for a luxury stay !

My impressions of Montreal

What I absolutely adored about Montreal, and the reason I ended up staying for two extra years (originally planning just one), is the incredible vibrancy of each neighborhood. It’s like living in a close-knit village rather than a sprawling metropolis.

Tons of local shops, welcoming folks, top-notch quality of life, and varied activities across different seasons make Montreal one of the most enjoyable cities to live in worldwide!

Tips for those living in Montreal

In addition to travelers, many French folks choose to make Montreal their new home . Having lived there for three years, here are some nuggets of wisdom from an ex-Montrealer. If you have more, I’d be thrilled to add them to the list!

If you’re longing for “European-style” dining, food can quickly burn a hole in your pocket at standard supermarkets like Provigo and IGA (think peppers at $9 a kilo or chicken fillets at $25 or more!).

So, I’d recommend heading to a little grocery store called Esposito . There are four in Montreal; pick the one that’s closest to you. Chances are you’ll halve your grocery budget.

As a European person, if there’s one thing you might miss in Montreal, it’s the cheese . Of course, you can find it, but it often comes with a hefty price tag (Hello, Roquefort Papillon at $100 a kilo!).

But don’t worry! There’s a place where you can get cheeses (and lots of other stuff) without breaking the bank. Head to Aubut , a wholesale store open to the public!

They offer tons of products, including a delicious brie , sometimes even on sale at $10 a kilo.

Address : Aubut, 3975 Saint-Ambroise Street .

If you’re living in Montreal, it’s highly likely you’ll want to try ice skating, snowshoeing, or even skiing. But if you’re only there for a year, you don’t want to spend a fortune! It’s best to rent for the season or buy second-hand gear. And where can you do that?

The answer: at La Poubelle du Ski ! Don’t let the less-than-charming name fool you (poubelle means trash can in French), it’s a hidden gem well-known to Montrealers. A small shop where you can rent or buy great gear at a fair price. For example, I got a pair of brand new hockey skates (not a scratch) for half the retail price.

Address : La Poubelle du Ski – 8278, St-Laurent Boulevard

So, what are your plans for exploring Montreal? Tell me about your favorite places in the comments!

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Montreal Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Montreal’s premier nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Montreal. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

An Intro to Montreal

Named after Mount Royal the triple peak hill located in the middle of the city, Montreal is the most populated city in the province of Quebec and the second biggest city in terms of population in Canada. The city is centred on the island of Montreal which got its name from the city and enjoys a four seasons weather throughout the year. It has tropical weather during the summers and snows during the harsh Canadian winters.

Montreal was the economic capital of Canada and the biggest in terms of population and size before Toronto took over. It remains an important centre of commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, education, art, culture, tourism, food, fashion, gaming, film, and world affairs. Montreal has the second-highest number of consulates in North Canada and several organization’s headquarters are in the city.

The city is ranked number one for the best city for university students. This diverse population which consists of native Canadian population, migrants, business class people, students and others has given rise to a ton of activity in the city along with one of the best nightlives in the whole of Canada.

In this article we will be seeing more about the night life and the night clubs of Montreal along with the best bars, bar restaurants, discotheques and nightclubs that one needs to visit when in the city.

Nightlife in Montreal

Nightlife in Montreal though not as famous as the one in Toronto is still really good and can get anyone pumped up by any standards. One unique feature about the nightlife in this amazing city is the local bands, there are numerous of them and most of the places play some kind of local music almost every night. Most of these local bands start in Montreal then go on to play in Toronto and New York . The local population of the city is friendly and warm. You can always grab a drink whenever you want but for the proper leg breaking dance floors you might have to wait a little longer. Over all the nightlife in Montreal is a one with plenty of options to choose from with a good mix of local and international taste for the visitors to choose from.

Best areas of Montreal for Nightlife

Beyond its bilingualism, French colonial architecture, and unique elements of Québécois culture, one characteristic that makes Montreal a popular destination for Canadians and international visitors alike is the city’s infamous party scene. Here are some of the best areas to stay for exploring the nightlife in Montreal:

Downtown Montreal

Being centrally located is always a good idea when it comes to exploring the nightlife scene in Montreal, because the downtown area offers easy access to many of the districts listed below—in addition to the lively array of restaurants, bars, and clubs (both dance and strip varieties) that can be found along the main stretch of Rue St. Catherine. Downtown, you’ll also be able to see most of the city’s seemingly countless festivals. If you want to be right at the heart of the action, downtown Montreal should definitely be your top choice.

Rue Crescent

If you’re downtown, it’s hard to miss Rue Crescent. It’s alive with young people looking to have a good time among the many clubs and bars that line the street. This stretch is most suitable for revelers in their early 20s, especially undergraduate students or those who have ventured to the city in order to take advantage of Quebec’s 18+ drinking age—among the lowest legal drinking ages in North Canada.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the city’s historic district, which also puts it among the most popular tourist destinations. Among the cobblestone streets and historic architecture—with some structures dating as far back as the 17th century—you’ll find a number of bars, elegant lounges, and upscale dining options. Some of the finest hotels in the city can also be found in Old Montreal , so it’s a perfect place to stay if you want to have easy access to the downtown core while also enjoying a touch of sophistication.

The Plateau

The Plateau is another popular neighborhood to stay in during your visit to Montreal. It doesn’t feature a wide variety of hotels, but you’ll certainly find numerous hostel and Airbnb listings for this area. Bars, including sophisticated wine bars, pubs, and clubs, lie along major streets like Avenue Mont-Royal, Boulevard St. Laurent, and Rue St. Denis—which are conveniently within a few minutes’ walking distance from one another.

Boulevard St. Laurent

Along with Rue Crescent, Boulevard St. Laurent is one of the main arteries for nightlife in Montreal. Many would vouch that it’s the preferred stretch for clubs, especially those catering more to young professionals rather than undergraduate students and tourists. Aim for Airbnbs that are as close as possible to this vibrant boulevard in order to catch all the fun. Stick to the area that runs from around Rue Ontario up to Avenue Mont-Royal for the widest range of clubs, restaurants, and more.

Apart from the above-mentioned areas there are also other locations like village which is considered to be the LGBT friendly neighbourhood of Montreal, Monkland Village for a mellowed down friendly ambience, Little Italy famous for its side bars along with its mouth-watering Italian cuisines and Rue St. Jacques which is famous for its off beat experience.

Best Bars of Montreal

It wouldn’t be wrong to call this splendid city Paris of North Canada with all the class and elegance that this city possesses. The nightlife and performance venues here are among the best things to do in Montreal, and not just because we have an 18+ legal drinking age or an unquenchable after-hours scene. Some of the bars here double their worth with amazing DJ programs, while our supper clubs are among the best restaurants that put away their dinnerware and become amazing parties. From raves with pumping bass to relaxing vinyl venues, there’s something for everyone in the Paris of North Canada.

Here is a list of best bars from the city of Montreal:

Ausgang Plaza

While not a nightclub by definition, this multifunctional space sees more than its fair share of packed DJ performances. Being 4,500 square feet of blank canvas, that means this address sees anything from film festivals to VJ projections as well on top of a variety of music ranging from trip-hop to trippy sound art. No matter what’s happening, the community vibes are strong here.

Part supper club, part nightclub, part speakeasy, this subterranean address themed after a forest is a popular spot in the downtown core—after the entirety of Crescent Street, anyway. Frequented for seafood platters and cocktail parties in the evening, the crowds start to really stream in when the tables are tucked away and music by resident and guest DJs starts to spin. One of the more elegant venues in town.

Mayfair Cocktail Bar

Visits earlier in evening will suggest this is a jazz-driven cocktail bar with Victorian fixtures, but that all changes in the later hours of the weekend. The space opens up, the music starts, and there’s a line-up of people running up street, all eagerly waiting to cram themselves into the space. As it’s a smaller place than any conventional nightclub, it’s thereby more intimate, with choice drinks to boot.

New City gas

If electronic dance music is your jam, New City Gas is the place to go to. Known for welcoming EDM heavyweights like Tiesto, David Guetta, Bauer and Steve Angelo (Swedish House Mafia), it’s a massive converted warehouse in Griffintown. The industrial space includes a large outdoor area and spans two floors that can hold up to 2,000 people. While there, make sure to pay a visit to the opulent restroom area, which features a communal Turkish fountain cloaked in purple mood lighting and chandelier accents.

Locals know this is the place to be for heavy rock, punk and metal shows, but there’s more to it than that. This particular spot gets props for the separation of its bar from its spacious performance area, so patrons can drop in to have a drink and listen a bit before deciding to join in on the show/live band karaoke/movie screening/video game tournament going on. No jerks allowed.

This underground club in Old Montreal’s been maintaining a reputation for hosting as many lavish dinner services as it does popular DJ nights. Earlier hours of the evening have an attractive cocktail program and Japanese fusion menu from one of the best chefs in town, but at night? A killer light and sound system are put to good use by top acts both local and international.

Le Salon Daome

Since moving to its current address in early 2018, this club’s been looked to for a more laidback nightclub experience for over a decade—that is, until the party picks up in the early morning. Currently one of best places to enjoy music from quality DJs, the styles spun here range widely, but each make the most of the top-notch sound system they’re using.

These are some of the best bars in the city and no matter what you are looking for the city has got you covered, it offers something for everyone. Visit to these bars is a must to get a taste of the vibe of the city.

Best Bar Restaurants of Montreal

Sometimes after a long day at work or on a sober evening or after a long night of dancing you need some good yummy food to fill your tummy and keep you going. Don’t worry because Montreal has plenty of options which provide mouth-watering cuisines to its visitors. These venues provide a plethora of local cuisines along with some international flavours. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that drink and feast on those mouth watering cuisines cause you are in Montreal my friend.

Here is the list of best bar restaurants of Montreal

Casa Del Popolo

If you want to meet regulars and check out the latest Montreal sounds this ultimate dive bar (in a good way) is where you want to be. But just because it’s a dive doesn’t mean it’s cheap – cover charge can hit 10.00 and pints of beer top $6.50. Try to time your visit with your musical preferences i.e. Sunday nights are best for Bluegrass fans, while Swing junkies will want to show up on Wednesdays, but check first. Sometimes the bands start late – around 11 pm. Like many of Montreal’s best spots it’s a bit on the small and crowded side with a real arty, original decor.

Club Soda’s medium-sized, 800-seat concert space sits in a great downtown location and is perfect for performances of all stripes from the “Just For Laughs” comedy fest to name acts from the International Jazz Festival to Burlesque shows and everything else in between. The second floor of the two storey spot offers the best views and more private seating. It’s often possible, with a little elbow jostling, to get close to the band on the first floor. The space tends to be a bit on the narrow side but high ceilings allow for half-decent acoustics. The light shows are well done too.

Le Divan Orange

It’s ironic that Le Divan Orange provides comfortable sofas because sitting down and /or relaxing is the last thing on your mind once the music starts. The place is colorful with lots of interesting art hanging about and mostly well designed, except that the bathrooms are behind the elevated stage that otherwisse allows for maximum visibility. The crowd (which changes depending on the wide variety of French and English music playing)is really into music which is quite experimental and goes on until the wee hours. It’s possible to hear variations on Funk, Country, Gospel, Blues and Hip-hop – sometimes in the same evening.

Foufounes Electriques

Foufounes (slang for electric ass) is a lively and eclectic spot at 185 east Ste. Catharine, easily recognizable by the huge spider sculpture attached to the wall of the main entrance. It has been a downtown staple since the early 1980’s. Foufounes is pretty happening all year round but the patio strewn and hung with oversize metal sculptures and cartoon figures set against a graffiti covered wall define the hip urban summer patio experience. The three floor club and bar regularly features top local bands and has hosted well-known acts like Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana. The crowd is quite mixed but the vibe is always friendly and laid back.

Le Chavel Blanc

A favorite beer-drinking spot, Le Chavel Blanc is a bit out of the way on Ontario Street in Montreal’s east end and off the beaten tourist track . It’s a small, casual, semi-chic upscale 50’s retro kind of place with sparkling tile and intimate low lighting that’s perfect for a night out talking with friends. The best beers are those that are brewed on site – particularly the smooth and rich cream ale. The prices are very reasonable for craft beer too. The crowd is mostly mixed French English but predominantly French – particularly the mostly bilingual staff and the ages range from early 20’s to early senior.

Known for having some of the wildest nights in Old Montreal, this club below street level holds packed nights every weekend full of sparklers and hoisted bottles. Some of the best times, however, are had during their seasonal and themed celebrations full of costumes. No matter the day you visit, the customized sound system reverberating off its stone walls here is the real drawcard.

These bar restaurants are mellowed down with good food during the day and the turn up the energy during the nights and miraculously turning into high energy bars. These places could also be a nice opportunity to interact with a few locals and understand the culture of the place from them. You might even get a city tour from a local if you are lucky. If you have good mouth-watering food, lip smacking drinks and great ambience to dance all night is there anything else that you are looking for?

Major Events happening in Montreal

Day and night, Montréal pulses with activity. Each season, it is host to an array of events, exhibitions, and gatherings for the thousands of culture, nature and thrill seekers who come here to enjoy its diverse offerings. Montreal is an international host city, where some of the world’s most exciting events are held annually.

Let us look at some of the most prominent events happening in the city of Montreal

• Fire on Ice
• Fete des Neiges
• Montréal en Lumière
• Nuit Blanche à Montréal
• Butterflies go free
• Montreal digital spring
• Montreal Impact
• Cabane à Sucre Urbaine
• Blue Metropolis
• Fashioning expo
• Piknic Electronik
• Festival Transameriques
• Go Bike Festival
• Montreal Jazz Festival
• Grand Prix du Canada
• Montreal Beer festival
• Montreal fireworks
• Fantasia Film Festival
• Just For Laughs
• First Peoples Festival
• ÎleSoniq Montréal
• Gardens of Light
• MEG Montreal Festival
• World film festival
• Black & Blue Festival
• Black film festival
• Festival du Nouveau
• Cinemania Film Festival
• M for Montreal
• Luminothérapie
• The Nutcracker
• Merry Montreal

These events happen through the year and are celebrated with a lot of fun and fanfare. One needs to visit Montreal during these fests to witness how the city comes together to celebrate them with much fanfare, fun and frolic. These events are diverse in nature and come from varying back grounds like history, art, modern events, sports and so on. Make sure to visit these events when in Montreal. Also, since these events happen at various parts of the city it would be a good idea to check for the location and book stay accordingly so that one can get the maximum out of these events.

What time does nightlife peak In Montreal?

The nightlife in Montreal starts in the late evening. Though most of these places are open through the day, the actual fun starts sometime in the evening. The bar-restaurants in this town of Canada close slightly early compared to the pubs and the nightclubs. Mist places would take the last order around 2:00am. The nightclubs on the other hand stay open until the dawn as they offer live shows, music, and performances. You will also get a chance to attend the film promotion ceremonies in the evening and night. The clubs stay open until 6:00 am where you can enjoy the DJ music, dance, and drinks. So, get ready in the evening and enter a bar-restaurant. After eating and drinking there you can move on to the clubs. It is the best timing schedule for the nightlife in Montreal. The party peaks around mid-night and goes on till the early hours of the dawn. The que can get quite long in the weekends so make sure you get there well ahead of time or ensure that you have a reservation before hand.

Best Nightclubs of Montreal

Montreal has the amusements for the nights in the form of nightclubs, and late-night bars. In this part of the guide, we will be seeing more in detail about the famous nightclubs located in Montreal where you can enjoy the dance, music, and drinks at the same time. Here are the details of the most amazing clubs located in Montreal which stay open until the dawn: –

Billy Kun is the more sophisticated sister bar of Le Cheval Blanc, easily identified by the signature stuffed ostrich heads adorning the walls running the length of the barroom. It serves the same great brew as Le Cheval Blanc but the location is more accessible on Mont Royal near St. Denis around the corner from the Mont Royal Metro station. It’s also a great spot to relax, drink absinthe and take in a jazz quartet. It’s more popular with the 30 plus crowd of professionals and successful artists and most of the conversations seem to be in French. Its low light setting is perfect for date night although the music can get a tad loud for conversation.

Upstairs Jazz bar and grill

This intimate spot complete with candle-lit tables and vintage records adorning the walls is a favorite of jazz fans across the country who can hear seasoned pros as well as up and coming musicians. There are enough bar seat too so those traveling solo will fit right in. The excellent bistro-style food and drinks-including good wines by the glass are reasonably priced to match the cover charge, which rarely tops $12.00. It’s also serves Spanish tapas dishes and good scotch. The crowd includes jazz fans from mid-college age to seniors. The staff are pleasant and helpful. The room can get a bit stuffy but an outdoor patio provides relief. You can also sit there and enjoy the music without paying cover charge especially if you arrive without reservations. The club is conveniently located near the downtown business hotels.

Sir Winston Churchill Pub Complex

Winnies is a cozy living room-like bar – just as the original owner intended and it’s part of a pub complex of two other spaces including a dance bar on the upper level called Katrina’s that specializes in cocktails and DJ music. Winnies is a great spot if you’re traveling alone as the other patrons are quite chatty and friendly as you would expect for a neighborhood pub, an old favorite of Montrealers including the writer, Mordecai Richler. The bar offers two for one specials from 4:30 pm until 8 pm and pitchers of cocktails are $20.00 on Wednesday evenings.

Pop Bar a Vin

Montreal’s favorite wine bar is conveniently attached to a wonderful restaurant, Laloux and indeed even shares some of the same menu offerings which pair wonderfully with the epic wine lists that include tasty organic varieties. Wine selections include some interesting options from France, which can be difficult to find in the rest of Canada. The tapas plates of sardines, cheese and charcuterie are carefully chosen to pair with each wine selection but it’s the tasty combinations on their flatbread pizzas that are the real draw here while the “pop!” refers to their creative “poptails”. The mid-century Danish teak furniture adds to the hip and sophisticated ambiance that still feels warm and inviting.

Club Pelicano

This quality of cocktails and its décor—designed as though it sits at the bottom of a drained pool—are great drawcards for this bar, but so is their musical curation. Guest DJs using their vinyl rigs are just as valuable as are the locals here, and just about every night of the week has some good music playing. Weekends are the best for dancing while weekdays are solid for aural appreciation.

The Diving Bell Social Club

Fashioned after the storied DIY venues of yore, this spot focuses on performances by local artists and activities for the community. A social club in the truest sense, the music’s great here and it’s quickly gained a spot in our hearts for its film screenings, karaoke nights and more. The Plateau’s had quite a few problems with nearby neighbours and venues like this one coexisting, so we’re hoping this one sticks around.

These nightclubs are a huge attraction in the nightlife of Montreal and they are all unique in their own ways. One needs to get well dressed and head to these places or they need to get ready to be denied entry at the gates. So, reach their around mid-night when the party is just peaking and grab a drink and get on the dance floor because Montreal promises you a night like no other perfectly blended with international sounds with the rawness of Canada.

Montreal located on the island of Montreal in the Quebec province of Canada is a historically prominent city with a lot of French influence. It is the second most populated city in Canada and biggest city in the Quebec province of Canada. The city remains as a important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, education, art, culture, tourism, food, fashion, gaming, film, and world affairs and is the best city for university students to live.

The nightlife in Montreal is full of bars, bar restaurants, pubs, discotheques, nightclubs and other fun things. Most of these places offer an international experience blended with local flavours. The local bands here offer a great taste of the local music which is quite famous in this region. One can grab some mouth watering food and sip in on a few drinks and dance all night while they enjoy the nightlife of this marvellous city.

The nightlife starts pretty late in this city, the dining places are open all day they offer food along with drinks. While the pubs and nightclubs open late in the evening and go on till the early hours of the morning. The party typically peaks around midnight.

There are events happening round the year in this city and they are from various backgrounds. Does not matter what kind of event you are looking for be it sporting action, food festivals, music festivals, dance festivals the city has got something for everyone. Make sure to visit the city during the events to witness the culture and the vibe of the city.

Overall, the city of Montreal has a unique charm of its own and this is best experienced than described. So pack your bags catch the next flight and head to Montreal!

Keep exploring!

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Montreal   Travel Guide

Courtesy of © Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal |

14 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montréal's many museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, legendary shopping districts and trendy nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for visitors. For a taste of historic Montréal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) free

As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.

The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica , Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal) Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)

Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.

Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.

Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) free

This 761-foot hill from which Montréal got its name is the highest point in the city. Towering over central Montréal, Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year, and it's one of Montréal's largest green spaces. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who's also the credited architect of NYC's Central Park ).

During the warmer months, you can rent rowboats on the park's Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. You can also take a stroll through one of the park's three cemeteries (one English, one Jewish and one French).

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Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal) Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a free electric shuttle to take you around the garden grounds during the summer months. – Debra Smith

Thanks to 10 large greenhouses – each tailored to a specific theme – this 190-acre botanical garden offers a scenic year-round respite from the metropolis' downtown core and a seasonal home to more than 20,000 species of flora.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

Montréal's most prestigious museum has been building its collection of fine arts for more than 150 years. Visitors will find its more than 45,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects divided among six sections and spread across the museum's five pavilions.

In addition to an impressive collection by Canadian and Quebec artists, there are four floors containing works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The museum's noteworthy decorative art collection includes pieces from 1400 to 1900, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, and textiles by international artists as well as several pieces of furniture designed by Frank Gehry. The state-of-the-art Cinéma du Musée presents independent and international films with English subtitles, and lectures and performances are presented regularly at Bourgie Hall.

St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) free

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal is St. Joseph's Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and Canada’s patron saint. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, past visitors said it's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of the oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts. The Crypt Church below the basilica is decorated with intricately-carved murals, and thousands of candles Illuminate the art deco-style Votive Chapel.

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Always greet a shopkeeper with a cheery hello or "bonjour" upon entering a shop or store. It’s appreciated and considered good manners. – Debra Smith

In a world dominated by overly refrigerated, fluorescently lit supermarkets, the Jean-Talon Market brings a breath of fresh air to your shopping experience. It’s one of the largest public markets in North America and one of the oldest, (established in 1933) with a flavor all its own.

Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal) Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you purchased a Montréal Museums Card , you can use it at all five of the Espace pour la vie Montreal locations. – Debra Smith

Not to be confused with the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Biodôme is located in the Olympic District and is part of a complex that includes the insectarium, planetarium, and Montreal Botanical Garden . A favorite for families, the Biodôme features five distinct ecosystems that house plants and animals. With the way each of the ecosystems are set up, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience with the animals compared to a conventional zoo.

Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour by MTL Detours

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Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

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Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum) Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum)

Many say that this museum is the best place to go to begin exploring Montréal. While the modern architecture may not be typical of a history museum, the real reason to come here is to hop in the elevator and head underground. Here, visitors can look through a glass floor that sits on top of the remains of Fort Ville-Marie unearthed during archaeological digs overseen by the museum from 2002 to 2015. 

You can also follow the development of Montréal from its days as a fledgling colony and on up through the present day with a 17-minute multimedia program called "Generations MTL" that’s projected onto the archeological site and narrated by six historical characters .

Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) free

Two islands in the St. Lawrence River make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, a sports, culture and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike. Located just five minutes from downtown Montréal via the Jean-Drapeau metro stop (Yellow line), the former site of Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics now boasts several attractions that are sure to appeal to a variety of different interests.

Culture hounds will appreciate the collection of public art that's sprinkled throughout the park as well as the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to the environment housed in the iconic Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome. There are also miles of hiking trails and the Floralies Gardens for outdoors lovers. Meanwhile, families will be delighted by La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Aquatic Complex – specifically the outdoor pool, which has a cushioned rubber bottom – and Jean-Doré Beach. Though the park's outdoor pursuits are most popular in the summer, it’s a wonderful place to visit in early spring too, when the park’s bistro converts to an urban sugar shack.

Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) free

Montréal’s largest park, Parc-nature du Cap Saint-Jacques sprawls across more than 800 acres and sits between Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies on the southwest tip of the island of Montréal. It offers year-round activities, sandy beaches and water views.

In the winter, make use of snowshoe paths, cross-country ski trails and a sliding hill, and in the summer, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails before cooling off at the beaches that line the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. There’s also a small organic farm, two welcome centers and free all-terrain wheelchairs and sit-skis that can be reserved in advance.

St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel

A Montréal institution for more than 65 years, St.-Viateur Bagel is flourishing under the watchful eye of Joe Morena and his three sons. There are now four bagel cafes under the St.-Viateur banner, but for the original experience you must visit "La Maison du Bagel," or "Home of the Bagel," at 263 Rue Saint Viateur in Mile End.

Follow the delicious aroma of bagels simmered in honey water and baked on a hardwood plank in a wood-burning oven and join the line that forms day or night. Hand-rolled bagels come in classic sesame or poppy seed, all dressed with onion and garlic, or on the sweet side with cinnamon raisin or blueberry. While you’re waiting, check out the photographs of famous customers, from hockey greats to prime ministers, that line the walls.

La Grande Roue de Montréal La Grande Roue de Montréal

Enjoy a thrilling view of Old Montréal , the city center and the St. Lawrence River on the highest Ferris wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Forty-two climate-controlled cabins gently lift riders up nearly 200 feet and go through three revolutions on this 20-minute ride. Choose from cabins that seat up to eight, or splurge on a spacious VIP cabin, which is equipped with a glass floor and Italian leather seating for four riders. The view through the tempered glass windows is perfect for photographs during the day. At night, the wheel lights up as well as the giant cross on the top of Mount Royal and the Jacques Cartier Bridge bringing additional romance to the ride.  

Visitors recommend a ride at sunset and consider it a must-do while in Montréal that’s worth the splurge. They report that wait times are usually short and the ride is long enough to enjoy all the sights.

Full-Day small-group Montreal tour with Pickup and a Local Taste

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Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours

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Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise

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Lachine Canal National Historic Site Lachine Canal National Historic Site free

A watery wonderland in the heart of Montréal, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site runs for nearly 9 miles from the entrance at Lock No. 1 in the Old Port to Lock No. 5 at Lake Saint Louis in Lachine. The canal originally opened in 1824 to provide a source of hydraulic power and contributed to Montréal's industrial and commercial development as a major trade port. Today, it's a popular spot for a stroll and a picnic (stop at the nearby Atwater Market to pick up provisions before your visit to the canal).

From mid-May to mid-October, rentals of all kinds are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats to swan-shaped pedal boats. Fishers can toss a line to catch six different fish species including perch, pike and carp, which cyclists can ride from one end of the well-maintained canal trail to the other in about an hour.

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The 65 best bars in Montreal right now

Your guide to the hottest drinking dens in town includes everything from classic watering holes to the newest speakeasy.

We did our homework (and have the hangovers to prove it), having explored the city’s bar scene to find the best drinking establishments in Montreal. One look and you’ll find a distilled collection of the city’s speakeasy bars , nightlife  hotspots, romantic nooks and anything else you might be thirsty for. Consider this your essential guide from local watering holes to high-end lounges, whether they serve brews, bubbles, double down as one of the city's  best restaurants  or are located in one of the country's best hotels . You can’t go wrong when picking your poison here.

RECOMMENDED: Best speakeasies and secret bars hidden in Montreal Complete guide to the best things to do in Montreal Best Airbnbs in Montreal

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6 bars under one roof at Time Out Market Montréal

• Bars and pubs
• price 2 of 4

The Time Out Market Montréal is not only home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in town, it’s also got 6 bars (yes, 6!) that are each focused with wine , beer, cocktails, mocktails, sodas and milkshakes. This ain't your average watering hole, and the Market's got a next-level cocktail list to prove it.

Where to find the best bars in Montreal

1.  Milky Way

Travel up a black-lit wormhole of a staircase, and you'll arrive in the Milky Way's galaxy. With its jungle terrarium skylight and vaporwave accents, it's a part-verdant, part-blissed out décor that matches up perfectly with the mixology on offer, placing emphasis on what's refreshing and what will keep you guessing. This bar is part of the Barroco Hospitality Group, and the drinks are exceptional: A forte cocktail (and mocktail!) menu sports as many curios like champagne reductions and toasted sesame oil to pique curiosity as it does create odes to tiki traditions as well as Central and South American classics. Finally, access to the pizza-forward Fugazzi's menu from downstairs is what seals the deal for us.

2.  The Coldroom

Driven by a motley crew of award-winning mixologists like owner Kevin Demers and head bartender Pierre-Hugues Marois, the Coldroom delivers all the goods a speakeasy should have without any cheap theatrics: A non-descript door, basic interior and solid, common sense house rules keep the ruckus in check and the service smooth. Expect to find a cocktail selection that shifts with the seasons plus spins on classics—an old fashioned with mezcal, anyone?—plus an incredibly knowledgeable and inventive team.

3.  Spaghetti Western

Order a spaghetti to forgetti your regretti! That’s this bar’s slogan and we’re here for it. This saloon plays honky tonk and serves American beer, some on tap, more in bottles, alongside a small selection of stellar cocktails like the Reverse Cowgirl (gin with peach liqueur, grenadine, fresh lime juice and snappy sour cherry bitters). A hot spot of Plaza Saint-Hubert, it’s a draw for its line dancing and constant stream of spaghetti westerns playing on the TVs, while staff dressed in cowboy shirts serve their signature spaghetti bolognese—one of only three foods served, alongside pepperettes and pickled eggs.

4.  Messorem Bracitorium

Messorem Bracitorium (roughly translating to 'The Grim Reaper's Brewery' from Latin) has quickly risen to the top of everyone's lists for thicky 'n' creamy and sour IPAs as well as some crowd-pleaser lagers. The owners have pinpointed a perfect recipe for a brewery bar with a spacious canalside terrasse for summers and large taproom for winters, an off-the-beaten-path charm of discovery to it, and pure quality of sour-type beer; not to mention their kitchen that pairs perfectly with downing pint after pint.

5.  Double's Late Night

Just ask Joe Jonas and Dave Grohl: this late-night dive bar in Mile End is the place to be for killers negronis and next-level smash burgers. Throw in a long bar, benches, a pool table and televisions broadcasting sports matches and you've got a serious party.

6.  vinvinvin

Among La Petite-Patrie's handful of boozy hangouts that carry the torch for the neighbourhood, vinvinvin is the best of the freshest with its wine curation and playfulness on its menu. Focusing on central and northern European wines, they make things interesting by organizing its menu by palate with categories like mineral, dry, and curveball hit-me-with-your-best-shot options like 'punk' or 'émotion' (but you'll know the colour too). It mixes things up in ways that feel—and taste—fresh with honest fun that's free of pretension.

7.  Nacarat

The possibilities of what a hotel bar could be experienced a resurgence with this smart renovation in the Fairmont’s The Queen Elizabeth downtown. The mixology ups the game with its rotation of cocktails and a menu arranged as a tasting wheel so thirsty patrons can follow their flavour profiles. An inimitably cool establishment, the cocktails are a necessity here, but there’s just as many beers, bubbles and wines for those less inclined.

8.  Pullman

Since 2004, the wine bar Pullman stands tall on the sommelier scene, and not just because of its high-vaulted ceilings. Underneath an incomparably ornate chandelier made from wine glasses, the cavernous selection of bottles upon bottles of bubbles, red, whites, rosés and oranges is among the largest to be found in Montreal. Due to an old law that states bars like Pullman require food with booze, the only catch is that you have to snack. Luckily, there’s a solid range of tapas-style dishes, none of which exceed $20 at most.

9.  Ping Pong Club

Consider this your Mile End rec room. Serving above-average bar foods (ultra crisp fried calamari, kale and acorn squash salad, lobster rolls) as well as funky natural wines and tasty pitcher cocktails, it features large cafeteria-style tables, cozy booth seating, a foosball table and the requisite ping-pong table. Oh, and TVs, because it wouldn’t be a rec room without ‘em. With a soundtrack of indie hits played loudly, don’t count on too many intimate conversations here—it’s all about mingling in the house party atmosphere. 

10.  STILLIFE

STILLIFE embodies a new frontier for the mixology mastery locals and tourists alike have come to know its owners' Cloakroom cocktail bar for, and not just because it's massive in comparison at 125 seats: Beer and wine are given careful consideration, but a long menu of cocktails is the crowning achievement here with its sustainable and low-waste aims while still creating über-creative takes on classics, from daiquiris to Old Fashioneds. Above all, it doesn't hurt that the environment here is so immaculately sleek that you just  feel  cool sipping away at some vermouth or amaro-based concoction.

11.  Atwater Cocktail Club

Wondering why there’s a red carpet with red velour ropes set up in an alleyway behind the chic restaurant Foiegwa? Fashioned as a speakeasy, the ACC’s a unique locale for a unique bar, albeit no password’s required. Its pristine insides were designed with French discotheques in mind, and sports one of the more original cocktail programs in town. If its staggering wall of liquors and resulting concoctions don’t impress, then we’d be happy to take your seat; no reservations at this hotspot.

12.  Bar Palco

With the neighbourhood of Verdun being historically dry for decades prior to 2014, this cocktail bar and tap house turned a lot of heads when it threw open its doors. The bonus lied in the quality of the drinks to be had, signature mixtures with a heavy emphasis on fruity elements coming by the glass or the pitcher. Couple that with a social club feel from board games, snack menus and musical performances—plus the fact that it's located on the world's coolest street —and that’s a recipe for good times. If it's summertime? Always ask about the back terrasse.

13.  Wolf & Workman

The art of the pub has ridden a huge comeback wave in Montreal, and this beautiful Old Montreal spot rode it while doing a handstand. Part of the reason is that its operations team comes from the public house savants behind Burgundy Lion and Bishop & Bagg, and that means assured quality, but this place puts even more emphasis on cocktails and wine than its forebearers. Just like those last projects, this one pushes food offerings beyond what can just be cooked out of deep fryers that can be enjoyed with a wide range of taps, busy shakers and turning wine corks. Word to the wise: Bottomless mimosas for brunch on weekends.

14.  Benelux

The first bar to open up in Verdun after years of lingering prohibition, Benelux enlivened its neighbourhood’s main strip—the world's coolest street —with its artisanal brewing capabilities. The brews here rotate regularly with something for everyone: Equipped with a solid selection that reaches from bitters, stouts and pilsners to German varieties like Dunkelweizens and Hefeweizens, it provides a good old fashioned brouhaha with its tasting platters and solid sandwiches for pub grub.

15.  Loïc

Slowly, steadily, the neighbourhood of Saint-Henri achieved a lot of fame first for its food, then for its nightlife. The flagship behind where to drink came from Loïc, a uber-sleek bar that features an impressive wine list alongside masterful cocktails, some concessionary beers on tap, and a kitchen dishing out simple yet effective menus. Sometimes a sighting ground for celebrities, a step into the space makes it clear that this is a great bar to get away from it all. The only issue comes from waiting for your turn on a busy night, but hey, that’s popularity for you.

16.  El Pequeño Bar

This cocktail stop’s nine seats can get crowded on a busy night, but that doesn’t stop folks from flocking here on a hot summer night. Coming at Montreal from the folks behind the Coldroom, this tiny spot focuses on serving Cubanos, a small selection of rum-based cocktails and beers. As plain and simple as it sounds, the work of the bartenders here is an exhibition of a lot of skill.

17.  Le Mal Nécessaire

Chinatown wasn’t bursting with bar options before Le Mal Nécessaire came along. Excitement was immediately cemented by its strong tiki vibes, delivering cored fruit beverages alongside drinks coming by either the glass or the pitcher. The fun, green neon-soaked vibes are strong with this one, and there’s a double benefit coming from its close-to-zero-waste policy (with the exception of using the neighbouring Chinese restaurant Fung Shing for grub). Look for the brightly-lit green neon pineapple for good times.  

18.  Le 4e Mur

A gamified bar experience, the location is a “well-kept secret” revealed through signing up for their newsletter online. Accessible by pushing against its entrance’s ‘fourth’ wall, the mystery of a Prohibition-era speakeasy runs deep here. Burlesque shows and live jazz on Tuesdays and Saturdays, dapper bartenders, drawn curtains; it’s all there. Even without the theatrics they commit to, trust the quality of the mixology of its founders when considering they’ve all accrued national championship cocktail titles, and one of them started L’Ecole du Bar de Montréal, a local bartending school.

19.  Club Pelicano

Themed after the chic French pool club Piscine Molitor from the 1930s, Pelicano has the look and feel of descending into an emptied pool, complete with a central bar you ‘swim’ through the crowds to. It doubles down on the cool by hosting a range of awesome DJs and offering short but sweet snacks from the restaurant Tiradito upstairs. All cocktails come with strong beachy feels, brimming with booze and crushed ice.

20.  La Distillerie

The towering mason jar jugs of booze here have long been a popular business in Montreal, so popular that this particular name sports three different locations. Whichever one you choose, the quality’s consistent across its four categories of drinks: Powerful, refreshing, fruity and classic (plus some mocktails for your teetotaling friends). The tall, jarred booze—and shorter drinks too—here change bi-annually, so the menu’s always being refreshed. Take our advice: Don’t rush into your second round too quickly. The drinks here pack a wallop.  

21.  Pamplemousse

Part brewpub, part wood-fired restaurant, Pamplemousse has all the makings of an excellent pub but is set in a smooth cocktail bar-like setting. With its novella-length menu of taps to choose from, plus Caribbean-style food, the nights here are regularly bustling with hungry and thirsty traffic. Seek this one out for a one-stop-shop that curates the best microbreweries in the city, as well as some mixed drinks that pack a wallop. Also, and fight us on this if you want to: Best radler in the city.

22.  Brasserie Harricana

Sure, beer’s been long regarded as a blue collar’s post-shift repast, but that doesn’t mean it can’t receive a classy treatment. Harricana’s selection of beer, many of which are brewed onsite, is of a distinguished quality that’s delivered with smooth service staff who treat the wares no differently than they would a fine wine. There’s some visiting breweries available here too, and that makes the taps number in at over three dozen. With its light-filled, airy interior spread out over several different areas and an outdoor terrasse with bleachers, the experience here can be as intimate or communal as you’d like it to be.

23.  Foodlab (SAT)

It's all the right stuff here: A rooftop terrasse, superb selections of natural wines, creative work with cocktails, and menus that highlight seasonal vegetables. The Société des arts technologiques may steal the spotlight often because—let's face it—it's hard to compete with a giant dome theatre with trippy films on display, but the dinner and drinks that can come before that movie? Wonderful when it's taken in here. All together, it forms a package that few bars and restaurants can compete with in this city. 

24.  Dieu du Ciel!

It was hot on the microbrewery scene when it first opened, and it’s still hot on the scene today; Dieu du Ciel! is one of the premier spots to get entirely beers brewed entirely in-house (give or take a couple collaborations). With as many as two dozen recipes to choose from at any given time, the options can occasionally get a bit intimidating, but    4 oz tasting glasses make that easy. It’s fondly regarded as a great place to kick back; that is, if you can nab yourself a table. It’s perpetually popular to say the least.

25.  Le 132 Bar Vintage

If you’re a city core-dwelling student or think the Plateau’s got everything you need, you need to reevaluate your life—well, you always did, but the drinks fashioned in this Ahuntsic cocktail bar will single-handedly have you considering what other treasures Montreal’s got in store. From proper classics to supremely inventive drinks, this institution helped put its neighbourhood on the map. You need to taste it to believe it.

26.  MaBrasserie

Most beer bars in Montreal are assessed according to whose brews they have on tap, but what about going straight to the source: A brewery and taproom that acts as a brewing solidarity cooperative? MaBrasserie is where bars like Isle de Garde, Broue Pub Brouhaha make their ales, so going straight makes it as fresh as possible. Founded in 2015, this place has boomed into 32 lines of beers, a really delicious menu, brewing events and more, all in a spacious area that once housed an old tannery. Beer lovers, you're home here.

27.  Bar Henrietta

An upscaled take on Portuguese tavernas, Henrietta’s one of those reclaimed ideas that does its part in delivering what matters most. In this case, there’s a highly rated kitchen delivering as many interesting takes on traditional recipes as there are classics, as well as wine lists that leans mostly natural and biodynamic (see: flavourful with a constantly refreshed selection). Food’s no joke here, but really, folks drop in to see what’s being uncorked every day of the week.

28.  Réservoir

This brewpub maintained a long bout of notoriety for its reliability, delivering a classy spot to drink house-brewed beer atop their rooftop terrasse. Sure, the application of a stellar kitchen really put this place on the map for Montreal, but few dispute the choice beer they’re making here, numbering in at about a dozen at any given time. Cozy and casual, the combination of brewmasters and chefs at Réservoir is one that wins on many fronts. Pick whatever poison you like, but their cherry beer’s got a special place in our hearts.

29.  Cloakroom Bar

What originally began as a men’s bespoke grew to include room for a discreet speakeasy accessible through its coat check in 2015. Since then, the Cloakroom has accrued itself some of the city’s top mixologists and enough popularity to spur a second location across the Atlantic in Brisbane. It’s about as swanky as it gets here, with drinks made to order and the ice so clear you can see the other side of the room through it. The cocktails here are as tailored as the suits (pun definitely intended).

30.  Nhâu

Located below Hà Restaurant in Old Montreal, the paper lantern-covered ceiling of Nhâu is just the right amount of fun in its decoration and speakeasy feel without being too kitsch. The cocktail program here works off of the bar’s Vietnamese culinary counterpart with pan-Asian ingredients that include the likes of pandan, miso, sesame, oolong tea, and tamarind. Groups tend to lean towards a couple of their sharing cocktails, served in large vessels like hollowed-out buddhas or conches.

31.  Rouge Gorge

Unless the name isn’t enough of a giveaway, Rouge Gorge is devoted to quaffing glasses upon glasses of fine wines. For lovers of the grape, take note: This address boasts one of the most impressive cellars in the city and is a great spot to discover new regions’ and countries’ vintages. What’s more, the long multitiered space is sleekly designed and the kitchen’s been known to please as well. Located in the Plateau, it’s in a neighbourhood that has no shortage of cool spots to check out, but it’s certainly more stylish with this one.

32.  N Sur Mackay

Now and then we’ll mention to friends that we’re ducking into this bar for a quick drink, to which they’ll reply: “Who?” We’re all for exposing best-kept secrets in this city, but we ask you treat this one with respect. N Sur Mackay’s one of the most unpretentious and skilled cocktail bars in town, a place that’ll make you any classic drink you desire, whip up something on the spot or proffer something from a rotating list of seasonal recipes. Best of all, bartenders here are exceedingly convivial. We wouldn’t want to change a thing about it.

33.  Bar de Courcelle

Amongst all of the watering holes and dive bars in Montreal, only so many execute their no-frills program in a way that’s consistently convivial. Bar de Courcelle’s one of those spots, having been a dive bar in the past for Saint-Henri locals before renovating into a ‘new’ spot that kept much of its original charm. With tall bottles of beer and classic cocktails in hand, people relax here after work during the day, and stay for its constant slew of DJs, live acts and open mics at night.

34.  Perles et Paddock

This meticulously renovated garage with precise designs excels for many as a restaurant, but the bar program alone is worth visiting for. The cocktails are a touching tribute to fine liquors with their artful presentations and spot-on flavours. As for the beer selection, there’s focus on Québécois microbrewers from across the province, handled so carefully that even temperature control plays an integral part. If none of this is enough to tempt you, consider that this is one of best designed bars in the city.

35.  Burgundy Lion

Few bars can boast being as excellently British as the Burgundy Lion, and that’s not just because football matches are on TV or the food here’s traditional. Upon entering, thirsty patrons can see its staggeringly large whiskey collection—the biggest in the province—prominently displayed above its bar, and the taps are always running. The space is pretty immense when considering its first floor indoor and outdoor spaces, a second floor equipped with its own bar and an indoor skylighted terrasse for high tea.

36.  Alkademie Alambika

Unpretentious, yet educational: It's a hard thing to combine without one quality overpowering the other, but that's just the mix(ology) you'll find at Montreal's top source for both cocktails and cocktail supplies. Found through a secret door from Alambika's retail shop, the Alkademie is where they put their own cocktail product lines and drink savvy to the test and put it on display with classes, pop-up events, and private sessions. You can walk in and test them out by requesting classics.

37.  Cordova

While built first and foremost as a café, bar and conservas stop for its neighbours, Cordova has slowly and steadily grown to be an attraction for the city at large. Our money’s on their cocktails as the reason, as they’re pulling off the basics with as much precision and panache as they do its more original creations. One visit’s all it takes to see that the food here is also worth the stop.

38.  Poincaré Chinatown

In many ways more a laboratory than a bar, this spot puts its best foot forward with craft beer and eco-friendly cuisine featuring small plates. Locals and visitors alike will be pleasantly surprised by the wine lists that prioritize funk and fresh flavours alongside a crisp rotating list of house-made beers. Now sporting a rooftop terrasse in the summer in Chinatown, this is a hidden gem.

39.  Broue Pub Brouhaha

The tavern look and feel’s strong at this microbrewery and pub, and makes a solid address for anyone looking for a bar devoted to beer. With its own brews on tap and visiting breweries being featured, ranging from the cool and refreshing to the heady and heavy, there’s something for everyone at this welcoming address. A major bonus comes from its well-rounded menu, including the poutiflette, a luxuriant take on the classic poutine best taken after more than a couple rounds.

40.  Bar St-Denis

Locals might remember this spot as its former incarnation of a dive bar, and while it’s major (and we’re talking MAJOR) makeover might make cheap beer aficionados feel ostracized, trust us: That’s anything but the case. Built for the neighbourhood by a quartet composed of ex-Au Pied de Cochon chefs and bar veterans, it’s a stunningly beautiful space where the cocktail program receives just as much attention as the wine list and beer selection that includes as many basic ales as there are moustache-twirl-worthy IPAs. 

41.  Le Majestique

This jovial location with a Vaudevillian design comes from a lot of skilled names on the Montreal scene, and that skill’s amounted to a lot of quality offerings. Looked to as a bar that comes with a stellar menu and raw bar, the oysters and foot-long luxury hotdog are common choices here. Most of all, their carefully selected wine lists of private imports that shifts regularly is what establishes this place as an excellent wine bar in the city, one that happens to mix up a damn fine cocktail as well.

42.  Buvette Chez Simone

This Parc Avenue wine bar has been a longstanding first-and-foremost selection for Montrealers looking for tasty and well-priced glasses and bottles, as well as grabbing on par simple snacks while they're at it. The owners have landed on a magical formula here of laid-back but attentive service with knowledgeable staff—we're almost of a mind to call it so down to earth that it's like the corner diner of wine bars in town, a place where we can relax by the end of the day or let ourselves get a little rowdy. And don't forget Buvette's little sister, Bar à Flot—one of the city's best new restaurants.

43.  Furco

Named after the fur warehouse that once occupied its space, Furco’s commonly known to anyone bound for downtown as a spacious and lively bar. Cocktails both classic and original feature prominently here, but one look around its room will reveal wine glasses in most hands. Whatever the variety of bottle you’re looking for, the selection is small but exceptionally chosen. It’s also a beautiful space, having been designed by Zébulon Perron, a local household name in hospitality and food interiors. Look to this one for beautiful times in a beautiful place.

44.  Boxermans

This spot is as smooth as velour. Long, impeccably chosen wine lists, cocktails and menu are all complimented by the interior design. Think of it all as a hybrid between a bistro and wine bar, where both snacking and drinks balance out nicely and act as a choose-your-own-adventure kind of establishment.

45.  Vices & Versa

Part of the unofficial microbrewery collection that’s forming in Montreal’s Little Italy, this artisanal taphouse is among the best the city has to offer for both its quality and selection. With 40 taps in total, all flowing with the work of independent Québécois brewers and collaborations with the bar itself, Vices & Versa is commonly looked to as the great place to taste and test. Sure, you can sip at some scotch, whiskey or wine as well, but a trip here isn’t complete without trying at least a couple beers.

46.  Pub Bishop & Bagg

The term ‘gastropub’ has been increasingly bandied around without enough good food to back it up. That, plus offering an genuine pub experience with the most impressive collection of gins in town, drove the owners to create this local favourite. Sure, the food here is a definite plus, but coupling it with a frothing pint or a cool cup of gin from one of 19 national sources? That’s a win in our books.

47.  Isle de Garde

A microbrewery formed by a supergroup of five restauranteurs, chefs, and brewmasters, Isle de Garde gives a little bit of everything you’d want in a huge brewpub. 24 taps with beers sourced from across Québec and its own brewmaster come together to form a multifaceted selection that goes from bright and sweet saisons to dark and brooding stouts. Props to the chef who crafts some scrumptious ideas from the typical fare found in pubs elsewhere.

48.  Bar George

It’s one thing to gawk at this address’ stunning interior, but it’s the cocktail menus you should be paying attention to. With a relaxed hotel bar atmosphere on weekdays and a source of major parties on weekends, their blend of signature and classic cocktails are all crafted with a supreme level of attention. The level of class applied to the drinks arriving on your coaster is only matched by the amazing repurposing of a bygone tycoon’s personal manor.

49.  Bootlegger L’Authentique

A 1920s bar that specializes in whiskey and cocktails, the Bootlegger’s got heaps of fun to be had. With its tasteful use of jazz, swing and blues music alongside period decorations, this bar makes a point of pushing its theme a lot: A collection of cocktails named after famous mobsters, classic options, and a dizzyingly huge list of scotches and whiskies to choose from. To top it all off, this bar’s just as good for a bucket of beers and lounging as it is dancing along to the DJs playing electro swing.

50.  Bar Renard

When you're going to put a bar downtown, it had better be everything for everyone. Renard knows it, and they deliver with a full gamut of spirits, a festive atmosphere, happy hours we're always into, and signature cocktails that keep things fresh in the summer while comforting in the winter. The Village has nabbed itself a solid entry with this one, and proximity does make this one of our top picks for LGBTQ+ spots in Montreal , but make no mistake: It's welcoming and inclusive here. We'd expect no less from the folks who created spot-on places like Palco on Wellington Street—ranked world's coolest street .

51.  Bar Le Record

Vinyl bars are coming into fashion in Montreal (we tend to be late on trends, sue us), and this one is leading the pack so far with its combination of spinning 2,500 records from the 1940s onward to a collection of cocktail recipes, a "famous" popcorn, and their pride 'n' joy collections of scotch and bourbon. Situated in Villeray, they also offer curated mircobrews and a small but mighty wine list to sip at while you're lounging in some pretty bang-on modernist furniture. By the way: If they're making punch? Order it.

52.  Barraca Rhumerie

200 kinds of rum from over 20 countries? The best sangria in town? Karaoke, quiz nights and tapas menu? The word of the day is tropical every day at Barraca Rhumerie. Exotic cocktails are at their finest at one of the oldest—and best—rum bars in the city. 

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53.  Bar A

A bar so small and hidden and unassuming that many feel it qualifies as a  speakeasy , Bar A is the kind of spot you go to when you want to drink with some peace and quiet. Deemed the Plateau's "best kept secret" (sorry to spill the beans!), their beer and wine is well-curated and they mix a mean cocktail. There's little fussing about happening here, and that's why we like it: All the charm of a dive, but the svelte feel of a pro spot.

54.  Grumpy’s

Every borough in this city's got a pub in some shape or form, many of which fall into the ‘Irish’ or ‘English’ category. Not to knock those traditions, but Grumpy’s is exceptional in how it offers its own Montreal-style take. No nationalistic kitsch, no fancy cocktails, no gimmicks; just fresh kegs on tap for cheap, shots of whiskey, a stage to host folk jams on Thursdays, jazz nights on Wednesdays and visiting talent of every musical creed on weekends. Don’t come here expecting to have the most amazing night of your life; you come here because you want an honest, clean dive bar without any bullshit. Salt of the earth and all that.

55.  Canal Lounge

Aboard this retooled bateau-mouche floating on the Lachine Canal, Montrealers and tourists alike enjoy grabbing one of its nautically themed cocktails or a glass of wine. As gimmicky as it may seem, it’s far from a tourist trap when considering how well recipes both classic and novel are executed. Open from late May to the first week of October, this 45-year-old canal boat’s one of the most unique bars in town to enjoy a hot day in the sun.

56.  Terrasse St-Ambroise

The homegrown and homebrewed work of McAuslan Brewing has gone from a locally powered operation in 1989 to a far-reaching brand sporting dozens of beers. That’s the history. The real fun, however, is had in the beer garden attached to the brewery’s back. Facing the Lachine Canal and with a view of the Canada Malting Silos, it’s scenic area to relax and enjoy one of the taps after a day spent along the water. Open in the warmer months, there’s always its Annexe bar in colder months.

57.  Big in Japan

You’ll walk past the non-descript door to this slick speakeasy at least twice before finding it, but once you’ve been, it’s hard to forget. First-timers will be rewarded with a cocktail den decked out with candles and a wrap-around-and-around bar serving a stellar wine list, a touch of saké and killer whisky sours. Locals and returning customers might enjoy purchasing a full bottle of whisky to hang from the ceiling which they can return to at their leisure over the course of a year.

58.  Red Tiger

This Vietnamese pub in Centre-Sud is a dinner-and-drinks place all in one, with a cocktail game featuring Asian flavours like five spice and kefir lime leaves and a few interesting private import beers. The Vietnamese street fare is worth the visit in itself—your mouth will burn from the authentically spicy green papaya salad, the spring rolls have a resounding crunch and the pillowy pork or shrimp cakes will have you coming back again and again. Don't forget to visit the Time Out Market Montréal outpost, located in the Eaton Centre downtown.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Red Tiger Pub Vietnamien (@leredtiger)

59.  Système

This Rosemont spot is two-faced. In the front you’ll walk into a welcoming drinkerie/social club serving cidres by the bottle, macerated wines and genuinely tasty mocktails, not to mention delicious food. (Their steamed smashburger hits the spot every time.) The back room, meanwhile, turns it up as the night goes on, when the volume rises and the crowd migrates to the small but memorable dancefloor. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Système (@systeme_mtl)

60.  Nestor

A true neighbourhood bar, Nestor has drawn the locals in droves since it opened pre-Plaza Saint-Hubert renovations, way back in 2015. It’s got all the staples, from karaoke Sundays to pub-quiz Mondays, not to mention a great selection of Quebec beers, cheap shots (as in affordable, not below-the-belt) and fun snacks like Fritos loaded with chilli and Jamaican patties. The warm months mean one thing: sidewalk terrasse.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Nestor | Bar de quartier (@lenestorbar)

61.  Chez Ernest

Nestor, Ernest—all the Saint-Hubert Plaza needs now are bars called Alphonse and Ludovik! Set aside your mental images of old men, though, because Ernest is a grand ole time for all of drinking age, with weekly theme nights (like swing night, quiz night and live music night) plus punctual performances that take advantage of its great stage. There’s a whole panoply of tartines to choose from if you get hungry, plus an extensive drinks menu including 14 different absinthes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chez Ernest (@chezernest.plaza)

62.  Snowbird Tiki Bar

Escape the city for tropical shores at this neon-tinged purveyor of seriously yummy beverages: start the house mai tai as a palate cleanser (cleanser from sobriety, that is) before diving headfirst into one of the overflowing sharing cocktail bowls. The décor screams tiki, from the Easter Island heads to the Hawaiian shorts to the retro movies on TV screens all around the bar. Go on Dump Me Wednesday for dollar dumplings with the purchase of a drink.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snowbird Tiki Bar (@snowbirdtikibar)

63.  Kabinet

On Laurier Street Ouest lies Kabinet, home to caviar, blinis and primo cocktails served in vintage glassware, perfect for a post-work or pre-club stopover. It’s a pinkies-up type of place that starts civilized at dinnertime but revs up the atmosphere as the evening extends into night, thanks to its primo nightlife location (so close to so many clubs and show bars) and a selection of classic cocktails that includes a whole selection of mules (from Moscow to Mexico).

64.  Cicchetti

Tucked away in an offshoot of Parc Avenue in Mile Ex is this wine bar specialized in Venetian snacks and Italian-style tartines—and wines, including a nice selection of macerated vintages. It’s a friendly, velvety and low-lit spot with a casual, happening atmosphere. The terrasse makes the most of the unique off-Parc location in the warmer months.

65.  Taverne Atlantic

Behind the Parc Avenue snack bar dolling out delish wood-oven pizzas and scratch-made curry dogs lies this cavernous tavern, where the resounding good time bounces off the high ceilings to create an instant vibe. The cocktails are scrumptious (as is the bar staff… are we allowed to say that?) and the rooftop terrasse is the best in the neighbourhood by far. Grab a sticky toffee pudding (à la mode, of course) if you’ve saved some room.

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10 Things to Do in Montreal at Night

Montreal is one of the most important cities in Canada and offers many activities to do during the day, but also when the sun goes down. Here I tell you the best alternatives to discover this destination during the night.

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Picture taken from the Belvedere, Montreal |©Aurélien B

Montreal is considered the second most important city in Canada, only behind Toronto, and part of its appeal lies in the fact that it is a major industrial, commercial and cultural center of North America, but also in the fact that it offers a wide range of attractions to discover, both day and night, including viewpoints, entertainment venues and gastronomic alternatives.

Among the best things to see and do in Montreal to discover the city at night are taking a night cruise on the St. Lawrence River, checking out the local casino, discovering the panoramic views from Mont-Royal, taking a night bike tour, visiting the bars on Boulevard Saint-Laurent and attending a live jazz session.

1. Take a night cruise on the St. Lawrence River

Taking a night cruise on the St. Lawrence River is a fascinating experience that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Montreal from a unique perspective. After sunset, the lights of the city turn on and the river becomes an ideal setting to explore an alternative side, making it one of the best things to do at night.

During your tour, from the cruise you will be able to distinguish Montreal's most iconic buildings, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The city, with its numerous walkways, creates an unmissable atmosphere that you can also enjoy from the tranquility of the St. Lawrence River, which is distinguished by its calm waters.

Depending on the excursion option you choose, you can have different services on board, as is the case of the best cruise tours in Montreal that include gastronomic alternatives ranging from local dishes to international elaborations. In addition, some of these cruises include live music shows or entertainment for the whole family, making it one of the best activities to do with children in the city .

In addition to the scenic beauty, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Montreal through informative narrations on board the cruise . The guides will provide you with interesting facts and amazing anecdotes about the highlights along the St. Lawrence River.

Book a Montreal cruise tour

2. Meet the Montreal Casino

Located in the Île Notre-Dame building, this casino is one of the most popular destinations for those looking for some nighttime fun in Montreal, especially because this place not only stands out for the gaming tables and entertainment options, but also for the bright lights outside and inside.

The casino offers a wide range of options for every type of player, from slot machines to blackjack, poker and roulette tables. In addition to the games, the casino also has bars and restaurants where you can spend the evening and attend musical shows, as Montreal is one of the most cultural cities in Canada.

From concerts and performances by international artists, to comedy shows and special events, you will always find an exciting alternative at the casino, especially if you plan to visit Montreal during the summer .

In addition to the excitement of gambling and shows, the casino offers a very interesting visual experience, as the modern and elegant design of the building, combined with the artistic lighting and contemporary art installations, make visiting the casino a must-see aesthetic experience, which is why it is often included during the tours of the best tours of Montreal .

Book a guided tour of Montreal

3. Take in the nighttime views of the city from Mont-Royal

Contemplating the night views of the city from Mont-Royal is a magical experience that will allow you to appreciate the illuminated skyline. Located in the heart of the city, the Mont-Royal is a natural oasis that offers a panorama of Montreal, especially if you manage to climb to the top, where you will find a panoramic view that extends to the horizon.

From the Mont-Royal, as night falls, the lights of the buildings and streets begin to glow, creating a scene that contrasts with the dark sky . From there you will be able to observe the sparkling skyscrapers, the illuminated bridges and the neighborhoods that are lost in the horizon.

This visual spectacle will allow you to distinguish the enormous size of Montreal, which is why it is often included in night tours of the city.

In addition to the views, Mont-Royal also offers a calm and serene atmosphere at night. You can find a quiet corner to sit and enjoy the peace and calm found at the top of the mountain. It's a perfect place to reflect, relax and enjoy the fresh air while gazing at the night glow of the city at your feet. If you visit Montreal during Christmas , you will also be able to make out the eve decorations from there.

Book a night tour of Montreal

4. Visit the bars of Boulevard Saint-Laurent

Visiting the bars of Boulevard Saint-Laurent in Montreal will allow you to immerse yourself in the city's nightlife. Known as the Boulevard of bars, this iconic street is a gathering place for fun and music lovers, as along the boulevard you'll find a variety of bars and clubs offering experiences for all tastes.

Each bar on Boulevard Saint-Laurent has its own ambiance and style, from cozy cocktail bars to venues with live music and dance floors. You can walk down the street and choose the place that appeals to you or even take a tour of several bars to enjoy different experiences in one night or take shelter from the cold, especially if you plan to visit Montreal in winter .

Montreal's cultural diversity is reflected in these bars, where you will find a mix of music, from rock and pop to jazz and electronic music . You can also enjoy local drink highlights, including craft beers, creative cocktails and regional wines.

Note that the bars on Boulevard Saint-Laurent are especially popular on weekends, so you're likely to find a large crowd and an even livelier atmosphere on those nights. Don't forget to check the hours and special events at each bar to make sure you don't miss out on any unique experiences during your visit.

Book a craft beer tour in Montreal

5. Take a night bike tour

Taking a night bike tour in Montreal is a unique way to explore the city under the stars, especially for those who prefer physical activity to car tours or sightseeing tours on Montreal's hop-on-hop-off bus . The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails that allow you to ride safely and enjoy the illuminated cityscapes.

During the night bike tour you can tour Old Montreal and admire the historic architecture of its buildings . You can also stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and stop at the most emblematic sites, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica or the City Hall, which look even more impressive under the moonlight, so you can take some of the best pictures of your trip there.

Another option is to explore the Lachine canal, which offers lovely scenery and a peaceful cycling experience. The canal trail will take you through green areas, historic bridges and beautiful views of the water . It is especially attractive at night, when the lights of the city are reflected in the canal, creating an unparalleled atmosphere.

If you are looking for a more lively experience, you can head to Sainte-Catherine Street, one of Montreal's main shopping arteries. This street is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and bright lights, especially in the Quartier des Spectacles area. You can cycle along the street, enjoy the illuminated shop windows and stop at the bars and restaurants in the area to rest and enjoy refreshments.

Book a bike tour in Montreal

6. Attend a show in Quartier des Spectacles

To attend a show in Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles is to immerse yourself in a world of culture, art and entertainment. This vibrant area of the city is known for being the epicenter of cultural and artistic events. There you will find a wide variety of shows, from concerts and festivals to theatrical performances and audiovisual screenings, as well as the city's best museums .

The Quartier des Spectacles is famous for its iconic Place des Festivals, a central square that becomes the stage for numerous events and festivals throughout the year. At night, the square is filled with lights, creating an exciting atmosphere . You can enjoy open-air concerts, light shows and multimedia projections that will transport you to a world of sound and visual wonders.

In addition to the Place des Festivals , the Quartier des Spectacles is home to a large number of theaters, concert halls and cultural venues. You will find live music performances, plays and contemporary dance. The diversity and quality of the events held in this area attract renowned local and international artists.

During your visit to the Quartier des Spectacles, you will also have the opportunity to explore its lively streets, full of restaurants, bars and cafés. You can enjoy a delicious dinner before the show or have a drink afterwards to extend the evening . The area is known for its festive atmosphere and varied gastronomic offerings, making it the perfect place to enjoy a full evening.

7. Stroll through the illuminated streets of Old Montreal.

If you want to immerse yourself in the ancient history of the city, you can't miss a stroll through the illuminated streets of Old Montreal. With its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, this neighborhood comes alive at night to become the absolute protagonist of the local past.

As you walk the streets of Old Montreal , you will marvel at the French colonial architecture and century-old buildings that house stores, art galleries and restaurants and that gave the city its character as the main French-speaking capital outside of France in the past . The illuminated facades and vintage signs create an enchanting scene that will transport you to another era.

In addition to enjoying the architectural beauty, you can explore the hidden corners of Old Montreal at night. Cobblestone alleys and interior courtyards highlighted by dim lights create a cozy and quaint atmosphere . You can discover small boutique stores, cafes with terraces and bars with live music, which add even more charm to your evening stroll.

A must stop on your stroll through Old Montreal is the Old Port, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the illuminated waterfront. It's a perfect place to take pictures, relax and enjoy the serenity of the river under the starry blanket of the night sky. You'll also find the Pointe-à-Callière museum and La Grande Roue Ferris wheel.

8. Take a ghost tour

Taking a ghost tour in Montreal will allow you to immerse yourself in the mystery and haunted history of the city. With a rich heritage and a wealth of legends and ghost stories, Montreal offers the opportunity to explore haunted places and discover the stories behind them on night walks.

During these ghost tours, you will be able to visit different historical points of interest, such as old buildings, cemeteries and dark alleys. Guided by an expert in paranormal stories, you will discover the secrets and unexplained events that have occurred in these places over the years.

The ghost tour will take you through the darkest and creepiest corners of Montreal, where you will hear tales of spectral apparitions, strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena. Each story is rooted in the history of the city and will give you a sense of the unknown . In addition, they are usually short tours, compatible with an express visit to the city. If that is your case, here is a list to discover Montreal in 3 days .

If you like mystery and are excited by the idea of delving into the world of paranormal phenomena, a ghost tour in Montreal offers you a unique alternative experience. Get ready for chills and thrills as you discover the fascinating and spooky history hidden behind the city's stately facade.

9. Tour the Montreal Botanical Garden

Touring the Montreal Botanical Garden at night could prove to be a magical experience. This green oasis, known as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, takes on a new life under the moonlight . As you explore the garden's paths and spaces, you will be immersed in a calm and serene atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

During your nighttime visit to the Botanical Garden you can enjoy special exhibits and themed events that take place exclusively at night. You can delight in the artistic lighting and ambient music that enhance the natural beauty of the garden's flowers, plants and sculptures, creating a visual and sensory experience not to be missed.

One of the Botanical Garden's most popular attractions is the Garden of Light, a light display that transforms the landscape into a spectacle of colors and shapes. As you enter this illuminated garden, you'll be amazed by the interactive light installations and projections that envelop the environment in an enchanting atmosphere, whatever time of year you visit Montreal .

In addition to enjoying the garden's nocturnal beauty, you can also participate in special activities, such as guided tours, workshops and educational presentations on the flora and fauna . These opportunities allow you to learn and discover more about nature and conservation while enjoying a unique and captivating environment.

10. Enjoy a live jazz session

Enjoying a live jazz session at night in Montreal will allow you to get right into the city's vibrant music scene. Known as the birthplace of jazz in Canada, Montreal offers a wide variety of clubs and bars where you can enjoy the improvised music and intimate atmosphere that characterizes this genre.

During your visit you can enjoy talented local and international musicians who come together on the city's jazz stages to create captivating melodies. From traditional jazz to contemporary jazz and fusions of styles, there are options for all tastes and musical preferences.

Jazz clubs in the city tend to have a cozy and warm atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a memorable evening. You can sit at a table near the stage, enjoy a drink and let yourself be carried away by the rhythms and improvisations full of passion and talent. In addition, you can take part in special festivals and concerts, especially if you plan to visit Montreal in June or during the summer months.

In addition to live music, many of these clubs also offer dining options so you can enjoy a delicious dinner while indulging in jazz. The combination of good music and delicious food creates a complete and satisfying experience for music and culture lovers.

The Best Travel Guide to Montreal

• Montreal Canadiens Tickets
• CF Montreal Tickets
• Formula 1: Canadian Grand Prix Tickets
• 6 Best Day Trips from Montreal
• Best tours of Montreal
• Montreal in 2 Days: everything you need to know
• 10 Things to Do in Montreal in June
• Montreal Airport Transfers
• 10 Things to Do in Montreal in March
• How to Buy Tickets for Hockey Game in Montreal
• 10 Things to Do in Montreal with Kids
• Montreal Cruises Tickets

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Looking to see the planetary parade June 3? NASA says you may be disappointed. Here's why.

If you're wanting to see a parade of planets, experts say later this month may be better for viewing an actual celestial show..

Folks who are expecting to see a dazzling parade of planets on Monday June 3 may be disappointed by what they end up seeing in the sky and, instead, experts are saying they should manage their expectations and wait until the end of the month to see the planetary alignment .

The past couple of months have been pretty eventful for backyard astronomers. First, the solar eclipse in April, then the northern lights made a rare appearance in May, and now a parade of planets will make its 2024 debut.

Stargazers are supposed to be able to see six planets, Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune and Saturn, aligned.

However, experts from NASA and Astronomers Without Borders both agree that it won't be the best time to see the planetary parade. That's because Uranus, Mercury and Jupiter will be swallowed up by the sun's light and be too close to the horizon to be visible.

Northern lights: Northern lights in US were dim compared to 'last time mother nature showed off': What to know

Experts say be patient: Planet parade will be more of a show later in June

"To me, the closest thing to a planet parade is June 29th, when you’ll have Saturn, the third-quarter Moon, Mars, and Jupiter arrayed across the sky at dawn," Preston Dyches, a public engagement specialist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory told USA TODAY. Dyches has a background in astronomy and hosts NASA's " What's Up ," a monthly video series that describes what's happening in the night sky.

Andrew Fazekas, the communications manager for Astronomers Without Borders, says that when it comes to the planetary parade on June 3, it will be nearly impossible to see all the planets with the naked eye.

Both Fazekas and Dyches agree that it's better to see the planetary parade on June 29, instead.

On June 3, Jupiter, Mercury and Uranus are going to be "way too close to the sun," said Fazekas. So, it will be difficult to see those three planets.

So, folks who do decide to rise before the sun does on Monday morning just to get a glimpse at this celestial phenomenon could be setting themselves up for disappointment.

In this case, good things come to those who wait. And waiting until the end of the month will give stargazers a better chance at viewing the planets.

"If you're patient and you wait until the end of the month, these planets will move farther away from the sun higher up in the early morning sky," Fazekas told USA TODAY "So, that you will get an easier chance to pick them out in the sky.

Folks will not only get a better view of the planetary parade if they wait until June 29, but they'll be able to gaze at the stars on Friday night into Saturday morning, instead of having to view it during the work week like they would this Monday morning.

Excitement from solar eclipse, northern lights creating planet parade hype

People are expecting to see something amazing the morning of June 3, said Fazekas. But, he's worried the expectations set by two very viral celestial events, the solar eclipse and northern lights, and sensationalization on social media could raise people's expectations a bit too high and lead to a lackluster experience.

He adds that he's concerned one bad experience that was overhyped online could steal people's enthusiasm about astronomy.

"What worries me is that we set people up for disappointment," said Fazekas "And then they won't want to do it again."

According to Fazekas, he's never seen so many people interested in sky-watching, and he doesn't want the excitement to end.

What will you be able to see?

According to a program called SkySafari Pro, you will be able to see the following during the planetary parade on June 29:

• Jupiter, which will be closest to the horizon.

What is a planetary parade?

Basically, it's when the planets form a straight line and look like they're marching across the night sky and form a sort of space parade.

It's also known as a large planetary alignment, states Delaware Online , a part of the USA TODAY Network.

What equipment do you need to view a planetary parade?

According to Fazekas, you will still need binoculars and telescopes to see some of the planets.

"Neptune is a planet that you need strong binoculars or a small telescope to be able to see," said Fazekas. "And it's not easy to find either."

Folks who go out to stargaze on June 28, will be able to see Neptune right next to the moon. On June 29, it will be farther away from the moon, and be above it instead.

Apps, like Skyview on the Apple app store, can turn people's phones into a tool that helps them identify celestial bodies in the night sky.

Where will you be able to see the planetary parade?

According to Fazekas, people will need to do the following to get a view of the planetary parade:

• Get up early, before sunrise.
• Find a spot with a clear view that faces the east or southeastern sky.
• Have your binoculars or telescope ready to view planets that aren't visible to the naked eye.

Look up! Bright auroras possible across Canada Friday night

This may be the first of several opportunities to see the auroras over the next few weeks.

The active sunspot region that sparked brilliant auroras around the world in early May is picking up right where it left off, and that could result in more auroras across Canada Friday night.

On May 10, 2024, an immense solar storm slammed into Earth's geomagnetic field, producing the strongest geomagnetic storm and the brightest and most expansive displays of the aurora borealis seen in over two decades.

After a roughly two-week hiatus on the other side of the Sun, the sunspot region responsible for this intense space weather, Active Region 3664 (AR3664), has rotated back onto the Earth-facing side of our star. Now renamed AR3697, the sunspot group isn't as big as when we saw it last, but it still packs a punch.

Starting around 10:37 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, AR3697 blasted out an exceptionally long duration X1.4-class solar flare, which lasted for more than an hour.

The X1.4-class solar flare from May 29 (left), and a closeup of AR3697 from the morning of May 30 (right). Sunspots are regions of tangled magnetic fields at the Sun's surface, which appear dark as they radiate more heat into space than the areas around them. (NASA SDO/Scott Sutherland)

Solar flares are explosions of energy, intense ultraviolet light and x-rays, that result from tangled magnetic fields at the Sun's surface suddenly and violently unravelling or reconnecting amongst themselves. X-class solar flares are the strongest type of flare the Sun produces.

On its first pass across the face of the Sun, as AR3664, this active region emitted nearly a dozen X-class flares. The last of these, just as the sunspot group was swinging out of view on May 14, reached X8.7-class. It was the strongest flare emitted so far by the Sun in solar cycle 25 and the most powerful flare since September 2017.

During its first X-class flare as AR3697, an immense coronal mass ejection — aka CME or solar storm — erupted from that same region of the Sun. It was captured by the NASA/ESA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).

Five frames captured by SOHO are overlapped here, starting at 14:36 UTC, just after the flare, showing it expanding out into space. Solar storms are immense clouds of charged solar particles that sweep out through the solar system. When one passes by Earth, these charged particles interact with the planet's magnetic field, causing a disturbance known as a geomagnetic storm, which can result in bright aurora displays. (NASA/ESA)

DON'T MISS: Once-in-a-lifetime northern lights dance across North American skies

According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, this CME is expected to reach Earth, scoring a glancing blow on the planet's geomagnetic field starting Friday afternoon, and continuing through Friday evening (Eastern Time).

As a result, they have issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday night into Saturday morning.

The green swath of colour on the above map represents the potential for spotting auroras overhead during Friday night's geomagnetic storm. The more intense the green colour is, the greater the possibility. Thus, northern regions of the eastern half of Canada will likely be favoured, while much of the prairies could be treated to aurora displays that night.

The two solid lines that arc across the map denote the southernmost visibility of the auroras (where they will likely be seen along the northern horizon) — light blue for low solar activity (aka "sub-storm"), and yellow for during a moderate geomagnetic storm.

The brightness and extent of Friday night's aurora activity is not expected to reach the same levels as what occurred on the night of May 10. However, it is possible for much of Canada to see them throughout the night.

READ MORE: Strongest solar flare since 2017 just blasted out from the Sun

Cloudy or clear skies?

Having a clear sky is very important for aurora watching, as a thick layer of cloud will completely obscure our view of this phenomenon.

For the best chance to see the auroras, get far away from urban light pollution, to view from under the darkest sky possible.

Thumbnail courtesy Tree and Dar Tanner, of TeamTanner Aurora and Weather Chasers , who photograph both space weather and Earth weather from central Alberta. They captured this image during the March 23, 2023 solar storm.

Watch below: This Alberta duo is celebrated for capturing magic of northern lights

Six planets will align in the night sky on June 3. How to see the 'planetary parade'

T he cosmos has put on a show for us this spring, from the total solar eclipse in April that impacted the entire continental U.S. to the geomagnetic storm that led to northern lights in May.

Next up, a “parade of planets” will illuminate the sky.

Starting June 3, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will dazzle the sky as they near each other in the solar system, giving stargazers something special to look at in the morning.

Even though the view may be obscured by the sun and light pollution, astrologers — like me — say it will have astrological effects.

What is a 'parade of planets'?

A parade of planets occurs when several planets are visible in the night sky at once, and appear to form a line.

"The planets will orbit the sun in roughly the same plane (called the ecliptic plane), and at certain times, like we’ll see in June, their positions line up in a way that makes them look to us like they’re close together in the sky. It’s happening because of the specific orbital speeds and paths of the planets around the Sun," John Conafoy, CEO of Integrate Space, tells TODAY.com.

These alignments have different names depending on the number of stars visible.

• Three planets constitutes a mini alignment.
• Four planets are a small alignment, which we saw during April 8’s eclipse.
• Large alignments, like the one we're seeing this June, contain five to six planets.
• A great or full alignment includes all planets and occasionally Pluto.

When will June's 'parade of planets' take place?

The parade of planets starts on the morning of June 3.

How to actually see the parade of planets

The parade of planets will be visible throughout the northern hemisphere and will peak on June 3.

While there are six planets in play, we’ll only be able to view two easily with the naked eye, per NASA : Saturn and Mars.

The space agency explained that Jupiter and Mercury “won’t likely be visible because they’ll be at or below the horizon in morning twilight.”

If you want to use binoculars or a telescope, then you might catch a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune as well.

How do I know it's a planet, not a star?

There are a few key indicators you're looking at a planet and not a star. First, consider the twinkle. If it's not twinkling, then it's a planet.

"Planets look more like a steady light, while stars often twinkle because their light is affected by Earth’s atmosphere," Conafoy says.

Planets also might take on "distinctive colors," Conafoy says. Mars looks reddish, and Venus is more bright and white.

Finally, if you're a regular stargazer, you'll notice stars stay in similar fixed patterns whereas planets will move over days and weeks, Conafoy says.

When will the next planetary alignment occur? 

There are few more celestial alignments coming up.

• Aug. 28 will include the same six planets.
• Jan. 18, 2025 will also include the same six planets.
• Feb. 28, 2025 and Aug. 9, 2025 will have seven planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. 

How will it affect us astrologically? 

The “parade of planets” will bring lot of celestial energy to us earthlings.

Mercury moves into Gemini at 3:36 a.m. ET on June 3, making communication clear and concise.

Action planet Mars will be in Aries, philosopher Jupiter will be in Gemini, rule-maker Saturn will be in Pisces, revolutionary Uranus is in Taurus and dreamy Neptune will be in Pisces. 

Together, the planets urge us to move towards our personal visions and communicate them freely to others. This will be a time in which we will be able to share our deepest secrets and desires — and we'll have a cosmic push to help make them a reality.

On June 3, the waning crescent moon will be in earthy Taurus, while the sun is in airy Gemini. We will feel curious about our goals and have the foundation needed to work toward them.

The following day, Venus and the sun power together in the “cazimi” effect, also known as the Venus star point (a phrase innovated by the astrologer Arielle Guttman ). This offers yet another opportunity to discuss our aspirations, investments, work projects and relationships.

With the new moon in Gemini occurring on June 6, we are deciding what we want to keep and discard in every realm of our life, since it is a pivotal time for a fresh start. Think hard and contemplate these choices. They’re going to lead us towards our future. 

Disclaimer: Astrology is not based in science. These posts are not intended to act as a directive

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

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Northern lights possible over parts of Ontario on Friday night

The northern lights could return to the sky over parts of Canada as a sunspot that contributed to a recent stunning aurora display rotates back Earth-side. A person takes a photo of the northern lights in Vancouver, on Saturday, May 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

The northern lights could return to the sky over parts of Canada as a sunspot that contributed to a recent stunning aurora display rotates back Earth-side.

A sunspot that earlier this month unleashed a series of solar flares and the largest in nearly two decades has turned back toward Earth and let loose another powerful, but less intense, flare this week. 

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which rates geomagnetic storms on a five-point scale, is forecasting a moderate G2 storm peaking Friday, compared to the severe G4 storm in early May. 

NOAA's Friday night aurora forecast shows the view line, the most southern extent of where the northern lights might be seen, cutting across the Toronto area and through the Atlantic Region around Moncton, N.B. 

The forecast shows a low likelihood of spotting the northern lights along a path from Vancouver through to Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, Ont., with a higher likelihood in northern parts of the provinces and territories. 

Space Weather Canada also issued a major geomagnetic storm watch for what's known as the auroral zone, a band covering much of the territories and northern parts of the provinces.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2024.

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