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Things to see and do in Montreal

Leisure activity for solo and couple in Montreal
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Updated byCharlotte Hoareauon 21 March 2024

Whether you're a couple, a family, a group of friends, or a solo traveler, Montreal offers everything you need to have a fantastic time and make lasting memories. In this article, you'll discover a few activity suggestions.

La Ronde

If you're a fan of amusement parks, you definitely shouldn't miss La Ronde in Montreal. This park, open from mid-May to late October, offers around 40 rides and attractions for all ages.

Tour Old Montreal on the trail of ghosts

For a unique way to explore Montreal, consider joining guided night tours that revolve around the spookiest legends of the old city. With various actors leading these tours and the old-fashioned charm of the Old Port's streets, you'll be transported to another world and discover a different side of Montreal.

Le Village au Pied-du-Courant

Perfect for those who want to enjoy great music while sipping cocktails by the river, the Village au Pied-du-Courant invites people of all ages, including furry friends, for entertaining afternoons throughout the summer. Admission to the site is always free.

The Museum of Illusions

Since its opening in June 2023, this museum has provided an interactive experience to play with your senses and alter your perception of the world, all in a fun way. It adds to the already extensive list of museums in Montreal.

Mount Royal Tams-Tams

Wrapping up the weekend in style, a visit to the Tams-Tams is perfect. It's also an excellent opportunity to socialize and make new friends in Montreal, especially if you're on your own. Every Sunday afternoon in the summer, Mount Royal Park becomes a lively gathering spot for musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Montreal's festive vibe and connect with the locals!

Discover Montreal as a couple

Dinner in a restaurant with a view

What could be more delightful than sharing some quality one-on-one time with your loved one against a breathtaking backdrop? Restaurants like Portus 360, Terrasse William Grey, Terrasse Nelligan, and Les Enfants Terribles, among others, offer scenic views that'll let you take in the sights while enjoying a fine meal.

A trip to the spa

For a cozy and intimate experience, consider indulging in one of Montreal's spas. Bota-Bota or Scandinave SPA du Vieux-Montréal, both situated in the Old Port, are classics. Nevertheless, there are a dozen more scattered throughout the city to explore.

The Gardens of Light

The Gardens of Light are undoubtedly one of Montreal's most romantic places. Every autumn, hundreds of lanterns adorn part of the Montreal Botanical Garden, giving it a magical atmosphere.

Putting Edge: a fluorescent mini-golf course

For a break from the usual restaurant scene, give this indoor golf course a shot. The fluorescent, hyper-colored courses are meant to be played in the dark. You can find one in downtown Montreal and another in the suburbs, specifically in Laval.

A bateau-mouche outing

Montreal's bateaux-mouches provide 60- and 90-minute tours, along with dinner cruises. Placed on the St. Lawrence River, you'll have a great view of the city and its skyline. For an extra romantic experience, opt for a time that lets you enjoy the sunset or, during the right season, the Loto-Québec fireworks.

AURA at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica

During the night, lights, orchestral music, and architecture come together to provide a four-act multimedia and immersive experience in Montreal's main church. Alternatively, you can explore this sacred site during the day with your partner.

Time Out Market Montreal

Embark on a culinary world tour for two at this downtown food court, a favorite among both tourists and locals. Pair your meal with a nice bottle of wine or a cocktail expertly crafted right in front of you at the bar.

Discover Montreal with your family

The Montreal Ferris Wheel

Ascend to a height of 60 meters to enjoy the panoramic view, whether it's winter or summer! Situated in the Old Port, the Ferris Wheel features private ventilated cabins and VIP cabins, with a family package option available.

Olympic Park

L'Espace pour la vie is an expansive complex housing a planetarium, a vast botanical garden, an insectarium, and the Montreal Biodome, a museum replicating the ecosystems of the American continent. It's the perfect spot to keep the whole family engaged and cultivated. As a bonus, after your visit, you can head to the top of the world's tallest inclined tower located nearby to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.

L'Atrium le 1000

L'Atrium le 1000 is a shopping mall that boasts a year-round skating experience with an indoor rink open in both summer and winter. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are even reserved times for children aged 12 and under. Additionally, lessons are offered for both the young and the young at heart!

The Biosphere

The Biosphere is a massive metal sphere situated on Île Saint-Hélène, right across from Montreal and near Parc Jean-Drapeau. Inside, you'll find an environmental museum where you can learn about topics such as biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development.

Good to know:

In addition to Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Biosphère, the island is also home to an Olympic Basin, an automobile race track, a climbing wall, a beach, and the La Ronde amusement park.

The children's museum

Located on the outskirts of Montreal, in Laval, the Children's Museum is a paradise for little ones. It allows children aged 2 to 8 to discover over 22 trades presented in a mini-city setting.

Ilumi Laval

Immerse yourself in various enchanting worlds along this enormous trail of lights. Illumi Laval by Cavalia offers a 3-kilometer pathway featuring 25 million LED lights and around twenty captivating scenes, each more impressive than the last. It's the perfect setting for creating some fantastic photos!

Discover Montreal on your own

If you're flying solo, you have the freedom to explore Montreal at your own rhythm and based on your preferences. The good news is that you don't need a companion to enjoy snowshoeing in one of the city's parks or meandering through the charming streets of the Plateau-Mt-Royal. According to Statistics Canada, Quebecers lead the nation in living independently. Don't worry, you're not alone. Montreal provides a plethora of activities for making new connections.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

A journalist turned travel writer, Charlotte has seen almost 30 countries as a digital nomad. She has been settled in Canada for two years (Montréal then Vancouver).

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