Make it a family getaway in Montréal this summer

Beautiful Montréal is just a comfy train ride away and it’s brimming with family activities that are near the train station or a short public transit ride away. From not-to-be-missed events and scrumptious delights to free festivals and cool indoor venues, a trip to this vibrant city has something to please everyone in the family. Check out our top recommendations for a memorable stay.

Montréal, an active city

Summer in Montréal always offers some kind of excitement. Once you’ve arrived at Central Station, you can easily make your way on foot or by public transit to a wide range of activities.

You can start your trip in the Old Port at Voiles en Voiles, a family adventure park inspired by the world of 18th-century pirates offering climbing walls, archery, aerial courses, and so much more.

Also in the Old Port, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city from a zipline. One-of-a-kind sights and a thrilling experience are guaranteed.

Speaking of adrenaline, La Ronde is the place to be for daredevils, with legendary rides like the Monstre and the Orbite. And getting to the amusement park is simple—just hop on the metro.

The more nautical-minded will love Saute-Mouton, which gives you views of Montréal from a jet boat as it makes its way through the Lachine Canal.

For a more laid-back experience by the water, you can spend some time at the beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau and enjoy the summer sun.

You can also visit the Olympic Stadium in a different way with Îlots76, which fills the park beside the landmark with fun inflatable games that kids will adore.

Festivities and free events galore

Montréal is well-known as the City of Festivals, and your whole family can join in the fun.

No one can resist the circus, and Montréal Complètement Cirque is an international festival that celebrates all things circus over 11 colourful days of incredible performances.

Nothing says summer in Montréal like the world-famous Festival International de Jazz de Montréal for music lovers young and old. Jazz is everywhere!

L’International des Feux Loto-Québec lights up the night sky in Montréal with a dazzling international fireworks competition that’ll take your breath away. The action happens on Île Sainte-Hélène at the La Ronde amusement park, but the fireworks can also be seen from the Old Port and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Immerse yourself in the richness of francophone culture through music. The Francos is a festival that features French-language performers from all over the world. Experience the joie de vivre for yourself!

And if you love the roar of Formula 1 engines, you can’t miss Montreal Grand Prix weekend, with parties and events throughout the city—there’s nothing else like it in Canada.

Iconic on-the-go delights

Having a snack attack? No trip to Montréal is complete without savouring some of the tasty items it’s famous for—there’s something to make every family member’s mouth water.

The city’s classic bagels are great any time of day. Handmade and wood-fired, these delicious goodies come in a wide variety of flavours, but sesame seed and poppy seed are the most popular. Enjoy them warm straight out of the bag!

Craving poutine? You’ve come to the right place! Enjoy the classic version of this quintessential Québec comfort food or if your family is feeling more adventurous, you can each try some new creative twists, like with pulled pork, smoked meat or foie gras.

Another absolute must is a Montréal-style smoked meat sandwich. Tender slices of beef brisket on rye bread with yellow mustard, and maybe some fries and a dill pickle on the side. Is your mouth watering yet?

Tempted by fresh local products? Our beautiful public markets, like the Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market, showcase the bounty of artisans and fruit and vegetable producers. Go for a stroll and indulge in the many delicious offerings.

And if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, we’ve got you covered with warm, fresh churros that can be dipped in chocolate, artisanal ice cream shops for cool refreshments to help you beat the summer heat, and sensational donuts that go beyond the traditional. Yum!

For rainy days and curious brains

Montréal has no shortage of things to do indoors, rain or shine!

Take a walk through five ecosystems under one roof at the Biodôme. Marvel at the plants and animals as you walk through everything from the warmth of the Tropical Rainforest to the chilliness of the Sub-Antarctic Islands. And don’t forget to say hello to the enchanting penguins!

Experience Montreal’s history at Pointe-à-Callière, a national archaeological and historic site with exhibitions to please the whole family, including Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers? and Archaeo-Adventure.

If your kids are curious about astronomy, black holes and a Martian adventure, then the Planétarium needs to be on your list. It’s a galaxy of wonder.

For something really different, be sure to check out Canada’s largest immersive destination—OASIS immersion. This walkable museum experience features three immersive galleries and two dazzling light installations that feature the latest in state-of-the-art technology. It’s your opportunity to walk through paintings, nature and other wondrous landscapes.

You and your family will be fascinated for hours at the Montréal Science Centre located in the Old Port of Montréal. Invent and build things at Fabrik2, go on a northern expedition at Nanualuk or discover the science behind motion, air, light and more at Explore. Whatever you may be curious about, the answer is likely to be found at the Montréal Science Centre.

A food odyssey

Eating well is the sign of a successful trip to Montréal. There are a number of iconic locations that can help you discover the city through local flavours.

Early birds and brunch lovers are in for something special too at Fabergé, a beloved breakfast spot in the heart of Mile End. And family-friendly Café Les Oubliettes is a lovely place to take a little break and enjoy some coffee and sweet treats.

The Time Out Market brings together a host of restaurants of all kinds. It’s perfect for a family lunch where everyone wants something different.

If variety is what you seek, another option is Le Cathcart, where the selection of eateries is equally impressive. Just 10 minutes away from Central Station, it’s an excellent place to start exploring Montréal.

Notre-Dame Street is brimming with restaurants that’ll make your mouth water. From sandwiches to steaks, there are offerings from every corner of the world to tempt your taste buds. Be sure to check it out!

Credit: © GouvQc Dominique Lafond

Experience all the joy that Montréal has to offer you and your family this summer! Come aboard a VIA Rail train with your kids!