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Vacationing in Your Own City

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Vacationing in Your Own City

Ten ways you can get out of the house and explore Montreal, all while staying healthy and safe.

As we all know, these are very interesting times to be living in. Since Canada declared a state of pandemic on March 11th, business and schools have been closed and countless events and social gatherings have been postponed. That being said, famous Montreal summers, full of music festivals, the Grand Prix, Sunday Tam Tams and more, cannot take place in their usual glory. In addition, travel is also restricted to ensure everyone’s safety. So, your summer plans may not be looking the same as they usually do, but Montreal is in the midst of reopening!
There are still plenty of ways you can get out and enjoy the city. We compiled a list of both classic and new Montreal activities so you can experience a mini vacation in your own city!

  • It is important to note that the Quebec government is in the process of making masks mandatory in all indoor public spaces. While you are out and about this summer, we recommend you stick to the guidelines and wear a mask to protect yourselves and those around you.

Visiting the Lachine Canal

Biking

A Montreal favourite! A great way to spend a sunny day in the city. You cover a lot of ground (around 30km!) and travel through the diverse pockets that are the neighbourhoods of Montreal. If you do not own your own bike, we recommend renting from Bixi, as they have taken their sanitization protocol very seriously and they have stands conveniently placed all over the city.

Biking

A Montreal favourite! A great way to spend a sunny day in the city. You cover a lot of ground (around 30km!) and travel through the diverse pockets that are the neighbourhoods of Montreal. If you do not own your own bike, we recommend renting from Bixi, as they have taken their sanitization protocol very seriously and they have stands conveniently placed all over the city.

Le Petit Navire

Not only can you explore the canal on wheels, but also on the water! This cozy boat offers tours on the Saint-Lawrence River and the Lachine Canal. You can even book a private tour for dinner and drinks. Below is the link to Le Petit Navire’s website: https://lepetitnavire.ca/en/

Picnics

The canal and on the shores of the Saint-Lawrence are great places to enjoy some of Montreal’s famous food. For a picnic lunch, we recommend the following places:

  • + Adamo Pizza
  • + Arthur’s Nosh Bar
  • + Satay Brothers
  • + Venice MTL
  • + Rossi Panini
  • + Atwater Market

Artisanal Ice Cream Around the City

With Montreal’s recent mini heatwaves and extreme humidity, why not cool off with some of the city’s best desserts?

  • + Ca Lem, an NDG favourite, has a new flavour every week and a brand new location in Le Plateau
  • + L’Art Glacier is a new business on Greene Avenue, with a line out the door almost every day
  • + Le BlueBoy, located in Le Plateau, brings original recipes to life!
  • + Dalla Rose on Notre-Dame has vegan options for their artisanal ice cream and cookies
  • + Kem Coba in the Mile End is a vibrant counter spot for sorbet, ice cream and soft serve

Rainy Day? No Problem!

Just because Montreal gets the occasional rainy day, doesn’t mean the summer fun has to stop. Our city is full of great indoor, spontaneous activities. For instance, enjoy glow-in-the-dark mini putting at Putting Edge (various locations) or put your mind to the test with an escape room challenge.

La Ronde is Reopening

Good news for all the adrenaline junkies out there. Montreal’s biggest amusement park recently announced its reopening date (July 25th, 2020), as well as their new COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety, sanitation and to protect the guests and employees. Reservations will be required, so make sure to book ahead!

Out in Nature

Museums and Art

  • + A new exhibit is coming to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: jewelry, glass and ceramics. It will display work by envisioned by gallerists Jocelyne Gobeil, Elena Lee and Barbara Silverberg
  • + Walk around the city guided by mural experts! The tour will take you through several neighborhoods, passing famous street art you may never knew existed!
    https://spadeandpalacio.com/tours/official-montreal-mural-tour

Drive-In Movie

The city’s newest addition! During a time when isolation and distance are new realities, Royalmount Drive-In was created in the effort to (safely) bring people together during the summer of 2020. Visit their site to see their upcoming schedule on what is playing and how you can purchase tickets! https://driveinmtl.com/

Just Relax

Spas and salons have been given the ‘go-ahead’ from the government to reopen! With safety protocols in place, the city’s finest relaxation hot spots are here to ensure you still have a great experience that meets your expectations!

  • + Bota Bota
  • + Scandinave Spa
  • + Spa St-James
  • + Spa Espace
  • + Rainspa
  • + SweatFx
  • + SpaEastman