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10 Things You Can Do to Have Fun in Montreal

10 Things You Can Do to Have Fun in Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, so you definitely won’t have trouble looking for fun and engaging activities for you or your entire travel group! 

You can have fun in Montreal by exploring the centuries-old neighbourhoods at Old Montreal, have fun at Cabaret Mado, enjoy a drink at one of Montreal’s bars and party in buzzing nightlife spots at night. 

You can also throw a rage by going to Axe Throwing place and then go on a shopping spree at the Underground City. 

From culture and nature, food and nightlife to outdoor sports, Montreal is the perfect blend of modern city life with an old-world charm. So read on and find out what more you can do to have fun in Montreal.

1. Go shopping at the Underground City

Go shopping at the Underground City's Homepage
Address747 Rue du Square-Victoria #247, Montreal
Websitehttps://montrealundergroundcity.com/ 
Operating HoursMon-Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM

Quick Fact: Over 1200 stores, including anything from grocery stores to restaurants to retail establishments, can be found in the underground city. 


This underground paradise has a length of more than 20 miles (32 km) and a floor area of four million square feet (400 000 m2).

Shopping at the Underground City offers visitors a unique experience unlike any other. With more than 1,700 shops and restaurants located within its walls, it’s easy to get lost in all that it has to offer. 

One thing that sets shopping at the Underground City apart from other malls is its climate-controlled environment. This means that no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be able to shop comfortably without worrying about the temperature outside.  

Another benefit of shopping at the Underground City is its accessibility. Located in downtown Montreal, it’s easily accessible by foot or public transportation. 

Additionally, many hotels and accommodations are situated nearby making it convenient for tourists who want to explore everything else Montreal has to offer.

Our Favourite Restaurants at Underground City
CafeDetails
Brasserie 701
Website: https://brasserie701.com/ 
Operating Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
The Keg Steakhouse and BarWebsite: https://thekeg.com/en/locations/place-ville-marie 
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Kyo Bar JaponaisWebsite: https://kyobar.com/ 
Operating Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM
Ferreira CaféWebsite: https://ferreiracafe.com/en 
Operating Hours: 11:45 AM – 2 PM,  5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Data sourced from: TripAdvisor
Go shopping at the Underground City

2. Enjoy a drink at a Montreal Bar

As someone who loves to explore cities for their unique and exciting activities, one of my favourite things to do in Montreal is to grab a delicious local beverage from one of the many bars. 

With a variety of bars ranging from locals dives to swanky hipster spots, there is definitely something for everyone. I would recommend heading over to either Bootlegger cocktail bar & cuisine or Atwater Cocktail Club.

Our Favourite Bars in Montreal

Bootlegger cocktail bar & cuisine

Address: 3481 St Laurent Blvd 2eme Etage, Montrea

Operating Hours: Mon to Sun: 5 PM – 1 AM

Atwater Cocktail Club

Address: 512 Atwater Ave, Montreal

Operating Hours: Mon to Sun: 5 PM – 3 AM

The Coldroom

Address: R. Saint-Vincent, Montréal

Operating Hours: Mon to Sun: 5 PM – 1 AM

Taverne Midway

Address: 1219 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal

Operating Hours: Mon to Sun: 4 PM – 3 AM

At Bootlegger cocktail bar & cuisine, you can indulge in some rare vinyl records while sipping on an Old Fashioned. Plus, with an intimate atmosphere and low lighting, this spot is perfect for an evening out or a romantic rendezvous. 

If you’re looking for something slightly more chic, definitely go for Atwater Cocktail Club. This is a hidden bar yet super cosy that offers creative cocktails such as Swan of the Alley and Kung Fu Panda.

3. Explore Mount Royal Park

Explore Mount Royal Park's Homepage
Address260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1A2, Canada
WebsiteMont-Royal Park
Operating Hours6 AM – 12 AM

Quick fact: This park is where Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier delivered his famous “sunny ways” speech in 1895.

If you’re looking for a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time, then Mount Royal Park is the perfect place for you. 

Not only does it offer amazing views of the downtown area and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, but it’s also a historic site with plenty of stories to tell. When it’s time to explore, there are lots of things for you to do here. 

Take some time to admire the many gardens and green spaces, like Beaver Lake and Smith House. You can also  head up to Mount Royal Chalet for an unbeatable view of Montreal from one of its two observation decks. 

Moreover, you may also rent a bike and hit up one of the many trails that run through the park. No matter what activities you choose, Mount Royal Park is sure to be a highlight on your trip to Montreal!

Bike Rentals in Mount Royal Park
RentalsInclusionsRate
Dyad CyclesHelmetStarts at $20
Allo VelloHelmet, lock and bike map$35 per 4 hours
Caroule MontrealHelmet$35 per 4 hours

Local Tip: Once you are there, you can hike up to the top of Mount Royal, the highest point in Montreal. There are many trails and viewpoints along the way, so it’s best to bring a map with you.

4. Visit the Biodome and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

Visit the Biodome and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium's Homepage
Regular RateStarts at $22.75 to $62.75
Address4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal
Websitehttps://espacepourlavie.ca/biodome 
Operating Hours9 AM – 5 PM

One of the most fun things you can do in Montreal is to visit the Biodome and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. The Biodome is an ecological complex that recreates four ecosystems from around the world, with more than 4,500 animals and plants. 

You can explore different climatic regions, from the tropical rainforest to the Laurentian forest, as well as a polar zone where you will even get to see penguins.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is also a must-visit place for those who love astronomy. It features interactive shows that include everything from breathtaking 3D tours of our nearby solar system to immersive 5D simulations.

Visit the Biodome and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
Regular RateStarts at $22.75 to $62.75
Address4801 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal
Websitehttps://espacepourlavie.ca/planetarium 
Operating Hours9 AM – 5:30 PM

Plus, it has its own observatory, which offers public night viewing sessions every Saturday evening when weather permits.

5. Relax in the parks of Old Montreal

Relax in the parks of Old Montreal's Homepage
Guided Tours at Old Montreal
CategoryRate
Montréal: Small Group Walk Tour
Duration: 2 hours
$37.76 per person
Montréal: Guided Bus Tour 
Duration: 3.5 hours
$48.55 per person
Montréal: Double-decker Bus Tour (Hop-on and off)
Duration: 2 Days
$48.55 per person
Data sourced from: Get Your Guide

It’s hard not to fall in love with Old Montreal, especially if you’re a history buff like me! The historic district features cobblestone streets and beautiful old buildings will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

You can relax here or walk along the water and take in the sights, or stop at one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or drink. 

If you’re looking for something more active, you can rent bikes or rollerblades from one of the many shops along Rue Saint-Paul Street and explore on your own.

The best time to visit is during spring or summer when the weather is nice and warm, but you’ll still be able to see the snow-capped mountains even if it’s not winter time. 

Local Tip: You can take a picnic in any of Montreal’s parks as there are plenty of spots to eat outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot or just want to enjoy the weather, there will always be a perfect spot!

6. Go on a hike in forest reserves

Go on a hike in forest reserves' Homepage

There’s a lot of hiking trails in Montreal that are easy to find. Hiking is also a great way to get some exercise in, which is never a bad thing! 

The best thing about these places is that they’re free! Some of my favourite hikes are:

1. Montreal’s Lachine Canal

Montreal's Lachine Canal

Take advantage of all that nature has to offer with a hike along Canal Lachine. It’s not just any hike—it’s a trail that winds through the heart of the city, along its most famous canal. 

The park is also home to a variety of plants and wildlife, so it’s great for nature lovers as well. 

2. Plateau Mont-Royal 

Plateau Mont-Royal

This area has many trails that lead up into the mountain, offering great views of the city below. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try climbing up one of the peaks! 

There are also plenty of great restaurants here if you’re looking for a place to rest after your hike. You can also explore some of the best neighbourhoods nearby. 

The Plateau neighbourhood is one of our favourites because it has so many unique shops and restaurants. It’s also one of the best neighbourhoods to visit during springtime when all of its flowers are blooming!

Local tips: Plateau Mont-Royal has many different types of restaurants, from French bistros to sushi bars so you’ll have a lot of options whenever you need to have a bite.

7. Take in a concert at Mtelus

Take in a concert at Mtelus' Homepage
Address59 St Catherine St E, Montreal
Websitehttps://mtelus.com/fr  
Contact Details (for reservations)+1 514-492-1775

One great way to have fun in Montreal is by checking out some live music. There are a number of venues where you can go and listen to some great music, including Mtelus. 

The venue has a wide range of music for all tastes, from classical to rock. The MTELUS was also a cinema theatre, nightclub, opera and theatrical house, and even an ice skating field! 

The Cite Musicale even hosts other types of events like comedy shows and theatre productions too. You can also attend workshops or lectures here if you want something educational as well as entertaining.

8. Try a different kind of pastime and go to Rage: Axe Throwing

Try a different kind of pastime and go to Rage Axe Throwing's Homepage
Regular Rate$30 – $32 per person for 1 hour
Address1436 R. Atateken, Montréal
Websitehttps://www.rageaxethrowing.com/  
Operating Hours2 PM – 9 PM

If you’re looking for something to do that’s a little bit more active than just sitting on a couch, then axe throwing may be right up your alley. The new rage that is sweeping our city is Rage: Axe Throwing, an indoor facility where you can learn how to throw axes at targets.

The concept is simple: you go into a room with your group, throw axes at wooden targets, and see who gets the most points. The more targets you hit, the higher the score you’ll get. 

The first time I tried it, I was nervous because it’s not like any other sport. But, the best part of this activity is that it’s not just fun but also educational! 

Not to mention, their venue is clean and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They often have special deals where they offer free entry for first-time visitors or special discounts for groups of people who want to spend their evening together.

9. Have a laugh at the Cabaret Mado

Have a laugh at the Cabaret Mado's Homepage
Regular Rate$25 per person with free drink.
Address1115 St Catherine St E, Montreal
Websitehttp://www.mado.qc.ca/ 
Operating Hours4 PM – 3 AM

Cabaret Mado is one of the most famous cabarets in Montreal. It’s located in the heart of Old Montreal and offers great entertainment all year long. 

This famous cabaret has been entertaining audiences with its vaudeville acts, drag queen performances and burlesque shows.  

The shows there are always great, and they feature some amazing performers who will entertain you with their music and dancing skills. 

You can even join in on the fun by singing along with them or coming up with your own unique dance moves!

Local tip: The cabaret has been around since 2002 and it’s still going strong today. If you want to see some excellent comedy acts, this is the place to go!

10. Find your way out at the Ezkapaz Escape Game

Find your way out at the Ezkapaz Escape Game's Homepage
Regular Rate$22 per person ($25 on weekends)
Address3955 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal
Websitehttps://www.ezkapaz.com/
Operating Hours11: 10 AM/ 1 PM – 10:45 PM

Escape Games are the newest craze around the world and they’ve already made their way here in Montreal! If you  enjoy solving puzzles, the Ezkapaz Escape Game is the perfect place for you.

Here, you can work together with your friends or family members in order to solve all of the puzzles in one room before time runs out. It’s a great way for people to test their wits and see how much they really know about each other (this is where I realise my friends are traitors- kidding aside!).

The Ezkapaz Escape game is also great for team building as well as solo players. But if you want something more challenging than just solving puzzles, then the Ezkapaz Escape Game also offers murder mystery games. 

To be honest, if I were to rate this escape game, I’d rate it as one of the best in Canada. It is because it offers several different rooms that vary in difficulty level so everyone can find something challenging for them!

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