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Feel that shift in the air? Spring has finally come to Montreal after a long, chilly winter. It’s time to embrace the warmth and longer days! As the last snow melts, our parks burst into life with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Spring, from March 19 to June 20, 2024, sees temperatures climbing from 5°C to 15°C in March to a comfortable 10°C to 20°C by May. This season breathes new life into the city, with a surge of activities, festivals, and dining experiences as Montrealers emerge from hibernation. Here are my top picks for the best things to do in Montreal in spring.
Shop at an Outdoor Market
Whether you’re starting your day with a leisurely morning stroll or unwinding in the afternoon sun, exploring Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market is an essential springtime activity. Step into a world of color and aroma as you wander through the bustling stalls, where an abundance of fresh produce, artisanal delights, and handcrafted treasures awaits. Here, the essence of Montreal springs to life as local producers, artisans, and merchants come together to share their passions with visitors. At Atwater Market, don’t miss the irresistible flavors of Satay Brother’s or indulge in a cheese-lover’s paradise at Fromagerie Atwater. Meanwhile, at Jean-Talon Market, treat yourself to freshly shucked oysters and sumptuous lobster rolls from La Boite Aux Huîtres, followed by a sweet or savory Breton crêpe from Crêperie du Marché.
Jean Talon Market: Open from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 8 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
Atwater Market: Open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
Admission: Free for both markets.
Experience the Adrenaline Rush at La Ronde
La Ronde, Quebec’s largest amusement park and the second largest in all of Canada, is the ultimate springtime playground to make you feel like a kid again. Located on Île Sainte-Hélène, it promises an adventure-packed day for visitors of all ages. Established as a legacy of Expo 67 and now under the ownership of Six Flags, this iconic park has been wowing guests since 1967. From thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly attractions and a plethora of entertainment options, including the renowned L’International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks competition, there’s something for everyone. Thrill-seekers will be in their element with over a dozen jaw-dropping rides, including the iconic hypercoaster, Goliath, towering at 174.8 feet and reaching speeds of 110 km/h, delivering a staggering 4 gs of force. Check out my ultimate guide to La Ronde here.
Opening Date: Saturday 18 May, 2024
Admission: A day ticket is $37.99
Visit Mont Royal
As the snow melts away, Mont Royal transforms into a lush oasis of vibrant greenery and blossoming flowers. Though it may not be a towering mountain by Canadian standards, standing at a mere 233 meters (764 feet), Mont Royal still dominates Montreal’s otherwise flat landscape and offers the perfect escape from city life! Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same visionary behind New York’s Central Park), Mont Royal has a variety of landscapes and activities to enjoy all year round and especially in Spring. Take a leisurely stroll along the Olmsted Trail to enjoy the fresh air or if you’re up for a bit of a climb, hike to Kondiaronk Belvedere for a breathtaking view of downtown Montreal. Plan your route here. For a more relaxed experience, head to Beaver Lake, where you can set up a picnic or hop on a paddle boat for a peaceful ride on the water.
Admission: Free
Admire the Botanical Gardens
The Montreal Botanical Gardens is spread across a massive 75 hectares (185 acres) is the perfect spot to enjoy the gorgeous colors of spring. The gardens feature over 20,000 different plants, fifteen thematic gardens and ten greenhouses and spring is the prime time to view cherry blossoms, daffodils, magnolias and tulips. You can take a stroll through the Japanese Garden for a Zen-like experience, or wander over to the Chinese Garden and feel like you are in an entirely new continent. Don’t forget to visit the Insectarium to meet some of the coolest bugs from around the globe. It’s also home to the Garden of Innovations, where you can learn about sustainable gardening practices, and the Frédéric-Back Tree House, perfect for getting a deeper look into the garden’s history. The Botanical Gardens is located minutes away from downtown at 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B.
Admission: $20.75
Explore Saint Lawrence River
The Saint Lawrence River, one of the largest estuaries in the world, bursts to life in spring when the ice melts. If you’re craving excitement, jet boating is a must. These high-speed boats take you on an exhilarating ride through the Lachine Rapids, where you’ll feel the power of the waves and get soaked in the process!
Jet Boating Rates: Prices for jet boating start at $69.95 for a one-hour ride, and you can easily book online here.
For those wanting to explore beyond the city, you can catch a ferry from Montreal to nearby islands like Île Sainte-Hélène or Île Notre-Dame. Operated by Montreal River Shuttle, these ferries give you a unique view of the city and are a fantastic way to discover new places without the stress of traffic.
River Shuttle Rates: start at just $5.50 for a one-way ticket, so it’s a very budget-friendly activity. Plan your route here.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of scenic cruises to choose from. Board a comfortable boat for a leisurely trip down the river, where you can soak in the stunning views of Montreal’s skyline and iconic landmarks like the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Olympic Park, and the Old Port. If you’re in the mood for something extra special, opt for a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise and enjoy a meal while you take in the sights.
Explore the City by Bike
Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of Montreal’s extensive bike paths, with longer days and warmer temperatures. The Lachine Canal is a classic choice, with its flat, beautiful waterside scenery, dotted with boats, breweries and even wildlife (I recently saw a beaver along the canal)! For a bit of a challenge, head to Mont Royal and cycle up to the lookout points—you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and beyond. Montreal’s neighborhoods like Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End are perfect to explore on wheels. These areas are full of eclectic shops, buzzing cafes, and vibrant street art. And if you don’t have your own bike, no worries! The BIXI bike-sharing system has got you covered, with stations all over the city.
Bixi Rates: Prices for a regular bike start at 20c per minute. Find out more here.
Al Fresco dining at a Terrasse
Terrasse season in Montreal runs from late April to September, an iconic time when restaurants, cafes, and bars open their outdoor patios and terraces, offering the perfect setting for al fresco dining. We’re spoiled for choice with so many options, especially in Old Montreal – here are some of my top recommendations:
- Terrasse Place D’Armes at Hotel Place D’Armes offers sensational views directly onto the lively Place d’Armes square and the historic Notre-Dame Basilica. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the happy hour atmosphere with a refreshing cocktail
- Terrasse Nelligan boasts incredible views of the Saint Lawrence River and Notre-Dame, creating the perfect backdrop for your dining experience. One of the most popular terrasses, Nelligan also has an amazing selection of wine, cocktails, a raw bar and appies.
- Perché Bar Terrasse on the fourth floor of Hotel William Grey provides amazing views of La Grande Roue along with sensational cocktails and a west-coast inspired menu. This is one of my favorite spots to catch the sunset during the warmer months
- Terrasse sur l’Auberge offers unparalleled views of the iconic Jacques Cartier Bridge and serves up the yummiest caesars in town. Check out my blog post here for 5 reasons to visit Terrasse sur l’auberge.
In Mile End, don’t miss Siboire for fantastic beer flights and a prime spot for people-watching in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. And in Griffintown, head to Perles et Paddock for a sidewalk terrace paired with amazing cuisine, or relax at Brasseur de Montréal or Lord William Pub for a laid-back beer garden experience.
Price: Expect to pay $5-$20 for a drink
Experience the Thrill at the Canadian Grand Prix 2024 – F1 Race
The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal is one of the most exhilarating events on the Formula 1 calendar, drawing fans from all over the world. This year’s race takes place from June 7 to 9, 2024 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on the man-made Île Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River. If you can’t secure tickets to the official event, Montreal comes alive with energy during the weekend, hosting countless concerts, parties, and other events. One of the highlights is the Formula Peel – Grand Prix, where Peel Street in downtown Montreal is transformed into a festival, attracting over 400,000 visitors, with live entertainment, food stalls, and interactive exhibits. Find out more here https://montrealgrandprix.com/parties-events/.
General Admission Tickets: Grand Prix tickets start at $110 for a one-day pass and you can find out more here.
Whether you’re soaking in the energy of the Canadian Grand Prix, taking a scenic cruise down the Saint Lawrence river or sipping a cocktail on a lively terrace in Old Montreal, springtime in Montreal is truly something special. Get ready to experience the warmth, excitement, and vibrant culture that make spring in Montreal truly amazing!
