Getting Outside In Montreal: Exploring Food Art And Culture

A diverse city made up of distinct neighbourhoods, Montreal is rich in culture and history – much of which can be enjoyed al fresco. Discover the essential eats and key outdoor experiences to seek out in Quebec’s biggest city.

Set at the confluence of Francophone and Anglophone cultures, Montreal is Canada’s second largest city and the cultural capital of Quebec. From enjoying urban vistas of Mont Royal (Mount Royal) and soaking up the sun at the beach to diving into history in the streets of Old Montreal and kayaking on the Lachine Canal, here’s our curated selection of experiences that will help you discover the best of outdoor Montreal.

1. Marvel at the views from Mont Royal

Park

Ever wondered how Montreal got its name? Look no further than Mont Royal. This majestic (if, admittedly, not super tall) mont (mountain) is both the city’s namesake and its prime viewpoint, offering impressive vistas across the city and down to the Saint Lawrence River. Set within a 692-acre (280-hectare) park, in the summer months Mont Royal is definitely strolling and picnicking territory, while in the winter you can rent equipment to ski, sledge or skate.

2. Seek out street art

Architectural Landmark

Montreal has become a hub for urban art and graffiti. One of Montreal’s main streets, Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a great place to begin a mural-spotting adventure, thanks not least to the annual MURAL international street art festival. A second top pick for urban creativity is the Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood, which is also home to a range of charming boutiques and coffee stops to fuel your artistic adventure. Start your tour of this area on the Mont-Royal Avenue.

4. Hit the beach

Natural Feature

Montreal might not be your first thought when planning a beach break, but the city isn’t short of options when it comes to stunning waterside spots. Just 30km (18.6mi) from downtown, the sandy L’Île Charron beach is free to access and open year-round. This prime swimming destination on the southern shore of Longueil is also home to volleyball courts and a public golf course. An ideal choice for a day trip, L’Île Charron beach is accessible via public transport during the summer months – take the RTL Bus des Îles shuttle on summer weekends from the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station or the Croisières Navark river boat. Even closer to the centre of Montreal, Jean-Doré beach on Île Notre-Dame has a huge swimming area and plenty of watersports activities. To get there via the metro, exit at Jean-Drapeau station and walk to the left of the metro exit to catch the 767 bus.

5. Picnic on poutine

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

No trip to Montreal would be complete without sampling poutine – fries, gravy and cheese curds that come together to create one of the most quintessential Quebecois dishes. Pick up a takeaway portion from La Banquise – go for a classic or perhaps try La Royale with pulled pork, apples and bacon – and eat it picnic-style beside the lake in La Fontaine Park.

6. Visit a farmers’ market

Farmers' Market, Market, Fusion

Dating back to 1933, Jean-Talon Market is one of the oldest public markets in Montreal. Set at the heart of the city’s Little Italy district, the farmers market hosts the best local farmers, bakers, fishmongers, and butchers, while it’s also a one-stop shop for flowers, ice cream, spices and alcoholic drinks. As one of North America’s largest open-air markets, Jean-Talon is famed for its lively atmosphere and colourful produce. Consider picking up picnic supplies here before heading to Jarry Park.

7. Go back in time in Old Montreal

Historical Landmark

For a journey into the past, take a self-guided tour of Old Montreal. This historic neighbourhood set on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River dates back to the 17th century and is undoubtedly the city’s most opulent and elegant quartier. Stroll through the area’s most prominent public squares – Place d’Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques-Cartier – and check out the 18th-century Château Ramezay residence with its French colonial-style Governor’s Garden. If it’s impressive architecture you’re after, marvel at the Palladian-style Bonsecours Market and the Notre Dame Basilica, before stopping by the Second Empire-style City Hall and the former “Wall Street” of Canada, St-Jacques Street. Pro tip: to snap a picture of the oldest building in Old Montreal, head to the Sulpician Seminary, opened in 1687.

8. Experience urban nature at Parc Jean-Drapeau

Amusement Park, Casino, Park

Just five minutes by metro from downtown Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau is one of the city’s key hubs when it comes to outdoor pursuits. This 662-acre (268-hectare) park boasts hiking trails – including a 10-km (6.2-mi) cultural route – and a beach, along with outdoor gyms and opportunities for swimming, rock climbing, rollerblading and rowing. To get there, simply take the metro to the Jean-Drapeau station and voilà.

9. Kayak on the Lachine Canal

Natural Feature

From mid-May to mid-October, the calm waters of the 14.5-km (9-mi) Lachine Canal are a haven for kayaking enthusiasts. Stretching from the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis along the Island of Montreal’s southwestern side, this lengthy waterway is a historic site (opened in 1825) and boasts stellar city views. Kayaks, canoes, pedalos and electric boats can be rented from H20 Adventures. Prefer to stay on dry land? Cycle on the bike path that runs alongside the canal.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.