After a long, cold winter, there is no greater feeling for a Montrealer than seeing the terraces on Saint Laurent and Saint Denis finally open, making way for summer. For those staying in the city, planning your summer itinerary can leave you wondering what to do during summer in Montreal.
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When most think of summertime in Montreal, some typical ideas come to mind. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to party on Crescent and the Main, or to attend The Jazz Festival and Grand Prix Weekend. Apart from those summer staples, here is a list of additional events and must-dos, if you are spending your summer in Montreal.
Osheaga Music Festival
Montreal is often referred to as the festival capital of North America because we have festivals for, well, almost everything. Every summer since 2006, Montreal’s music lovers join together at Parc Jean-Drapeau for a weekend of music and art. There is nothing better than sitting on the park’s mountain with a cold glass of beer under the scorching sun, and discovering an indie band at Osheaga. With past performances from big names such as Coldplay, The Arcade Fire, Metric, and Weezer, this year’s Osheaga will be even bigger with the festival’s expansion to three days and with Eminem as the headliner. Other bands in this year’s lineup include: Death Cab For Cutie, Kid Cudi, Janelle Monae, City and Colour, Broken Social Scene, Sam Roberts Band, Bran Van 3000, The Sounds, Lights, Natalia Kills, and many more. So grab your sunglasses, some music-loving friends, and spend the weekend at Osheaga.
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Hotel de la Montagne’s Terrasse Magnétic
Want to feel the luxurious, worry-free joy of being on vacation, but don’t have the cash? Spend your weekend sunbathing on Terrasse Magnétic while sipping on a cosmopolitan, and overlooking the entire city of Montreal. Located on the roof of Hotel de la Montagne, the 20th floor of the hotel is filled with tourists and young people enjoying the sun and swimming in the pool, while others are enjoying cocktails and a bite under an umbrella during the day. By night, the area fills with a cool mix of Montreal’s party scene enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Terrasse Magnétic is open to everyone; there is no need to worry about not being checked in at the hotel. Simply walk into the hotel lobby and take the elevator to the top floor. Expect a line-up at the elevator on those beautiful summer nights.
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The Old Port
When spending the summer in Montreal, going to the Old Port at least once is a must. Whether you want to have a drink or a chic lunch at one of their outdoor terraces, or whether you want to stroll along the quays of the old port or rent a pedal boat, there is always something to do in the Old Port, day or night. There are also many landmarks to visit, as well as plenty of activities to choose from. If you’re strapped on cash, something as simple as grabbing an ice cream or a beaver tail, and walking along the river will definitely do the trick. There are many festivals held at the Old Port throughout the summer that you can either buy tickets for, or enjoy from afar.
Festival Mode & Design Montreal
You don’t have to go to New York City to get your fashion fix for the summer. Instead, the Festival Mode & Design Montreal showcases the best of Montreal’s fashion scene every summer. For four days, McGill College Avenue is replaced with a fashion runway by day, and a music concert venue by night. The majority of Montreal’s malls and fashion boutiques take part in the festival, and the itinerary is available in many downtown stores. Many international, as well as local fashion designers, are showcased. Prominent Canadian fashion brands that have participated in the last few years have included: The Bay, Karv, Jacob, La Senza, Point Zero, and Le Château, while past musical performances have included Montreal’s own Misstress Barbara and Creature. This festival truly alters the atmosphere of downtown Montreal, so take a walk on Saint Catherine and enjoy the various activities and performances!
Summer is our reward for making it through Canadian winter’s harsh conditions; hence, we take it very seriously. Montrealers strive to make their summers better than the last, as well as one to remember. So take advantage of this beautiful city’s summer, because before you know it, it will be over, and winter will quickly follow.
Osheaga
July 29-31
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Metro Station: Jean-Drapeau
http://www.osheaga.com
Terrasse Magnétic
1430 de la Montagne
(514) 288-5656
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m
Metro Station(s): Peel or Guy-Concordia
http://www.hoteldelamontagne.com/en/bars_and_clubs/terrasse_magnetic
The Old Port
(514) 496-7678
Metro Station(s): Place d’Armes or Champ-de-Mars
http://www.quaysoftheoldport.com
Festival Mode & Design Montreal
August 3-6
McGill College Avenue
Metro Station: McGill
http://www.festivalmodedesign.com
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