Anne-Charlotte PasseraIt is back to school season but that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your Summer. People, we still have a good month to go before having to start switching wardrobes! So let’s get to it. Here is a list of family activities to enjoy during the last month of Summer in and around Montreal.
SPECIAL MONTREAL EVENTS
Garden of Lights
The Botanical Gardens of Montreal lights up annually in September. This year, from September 2nd to October 31st, come and visit the Chinese gardens at nightfall and enjoy the Garden of Lights. They have now included in the festival the Japanese Garden and the Autochtone part as well.
As visiting the Botanical Gardens doesn’t come cheap ($22 for adults), arrive mid-afternoon if you can. You will get more for your money that way. Also, you can visit during the day and then come back at night for the garden of lights.
More information about the pricing HERE. Obviously, it’s more crowded on weekends.
If you can swing a visit during the week, you’ll find it a lot more enjoyable. Of course, there is the matter of being a school night. Pack a late-night picnic and have it there. It doesn’t need to be completely dark for you to enjoy the lights.
If you decide to make a whole afternoon and evening out of it, make sure to go and say hello to the sheep who are ‘mowing the lawn’ daily from 9 a.m to 7 p.m in Park Maisonneuve until mid-september.
In-Water Boat Show (2021 edition is canceled)
Another annual event, held at the Old Port. Checking out old boats can be fun while strolling around the Old Port. It’s FREE for kids and only $5 for adults. On your way there or afterward, grab a scoop at Ben & Jerrys on Place Jacques Cartier. My favorite is Mint Chocolate Chip and raspberry. What about you?
This event will take place from September 6th to September 8th. For more information on this event and the available activities, read HERE.
First Friday
Last food truck festival of the season? ( Not quite, the last one will be on October 7th) I love checking out food trucks. They do have a tendency to get pricy and sometimes the portions aren’t enough for a full meal. Still, it makes for a fun family activity. Since it’s located by the Olympic Stadium, near the botanical gardens, you could pair the two activities together.
Date: September 3rd, starting @4 p.m.
LEARN MORE about this gathering.
Ukrainian Festival
This festival celebrates the Ukrainian culture in Montreal. Held in Rosemont every year, it’s gaining in popularity. This year the festival will be held on September 10th from 10 am to 5pm in Maisonneuve Park.
Piknic Electronik
Believe it or not, after over 10 years of living here, I have yet to go there. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t only a place for youngsters or Millenials to come and recover from their late night of partying. Families are welcome there. So bring your picnic and $22 (purchase tickets online HERE for the best prices) and enjoy an afternoon of music. It’s FREE for children under 12 and dogs aren’t allowed on site.
They also have a Petit Piknic for youngsters with various activities in a non-smoking area. LEARN MORE.
The Piknic Electronik takes place each year every Sunday throughout the Summer at Parc Jean Drapeau. It starts in May and this year it will end on October 8th. Due to the Pandemic they changed things around a little. You can now attend the Piknic on Saturdays as well.
Don’t forget to bring ear covers to protect your little one’s ears (just in case).
Journées de la Culture
September 24 to 26. While preparing this article, I couldn’t find any practical information about the event. Here is the link nonetheless (in French). Hopefully, when we get closer to it, more information will be made available.
FREE FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL
Verdun Beach
If you hadn’t heard or you haven’t been following our Facebook page, there is a new beach in town. Located close to Metro De L’Eglise in Verdun, it’s open to the public every day from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. The access is FREE.
What I have heard and read:
No dogs are allowed on the beach. It isn’t very big and therefore gets packed really quickly. The water is nice and clean.
Tam Tam of Montreal
This festival is held annually near the monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier and in Mount Royal Park’s surrounding green spaces every Sunday from May to September weather permitting. This year it will be until September 26th.
This is a FREE activity and a great way to spend a Sunday relaxing to the beat of drums. You want to participate in the drum circle? No Problem! Just bring your drums and get in there! Here is a little history of the event.
Friendly reminder: this is a very pot-friendly event. That being said, a lot of families go there to picnic and relax.
It has a very colourful atmosphere. Dogs, of course, are welcome on a leash. Afterward, you can go and stretch your legs on top of the Mount Royal and enjoy the view from the Kondiaronk Belvedere or the Cafe Suspendu. Check out their Facebook page and find out more about special events that are held there (yoga, live music, dancing).
It is not uncommon to spot raccoons in this area, so make sure to put your litter in the trash cans.
Promenade Fleuve Montagne
Created and inaugurated in time to celebrate Montreal’s 375th anniversary, this promenade is 3.8km long.
Stretching from the Mount Royal all the way down to the Saint-Laurent river, New York‘s High line might have found a North American rival. Although it still remains a secret, it is gaining in popularity.
Here, you’ll find more information about what to do and see along with a map of the path. This is a great way to have a leisurely walk and trigger your senses through art and architecture.
Marché Jean-Talon
This is a place I recommend to everyone who isn’t from around here. A few of my Airbnb guests have gone to it and absolutely loved it. It’s a great place to go with kids all year long. Obviously, it’s better to go during Spring and Summer as there are more stands.
It’s a colourful market where you can taste as much as you want from the stands. Buy local and teach your kids all about fruits, vegetables, herbs and colours.
I find that activities where food is involved always works better with kids. A trip to this market will bring on another family activity: cooking. Buy your vegetables and fruits at the market and then prepare your family meal the same day together. Cooking together creates a bonding experience full of laughter and tears (those dam onions!).
Located in Little Italy, after the market, grab a pizza at either Gema Pizzeria or the popular Pizzeria Napoletana. Neither don’t seem to take reservations, so arrive early to secure a spot outside. For Pizzeria Napoletana, if you get lucky you can eat on the rear end of an old truck. Sounds odd right? It’s a lot more spacious though then their standard tables.
You can also check out Marché Atwater, but it’s smaller and not the same vibe.
Tip: don’t taste everything from one stand, they might start charging you! Just kidding.
Classical concert
On September 9th, on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park assist at a FREE classical concert. Yes, kids can enjoy it too.
Beforehand, take the kids to the outdoor climbing gym to burn some energy. It’s brought to you by Nomad Bloc. The activity is $17 + taxes and on the Esplanade as well.
FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL OR CLOSE BY ($$)
Voiles en Voiles
In keeping with the theme, pair up this activity while checking out the in-water boat show.
This is an aerial adventure course suitable for ages 3 and up. It does come with a cost and can get expensive if you have a big family. We went there some time ago to celebrate Blondie Bear’s birthday just the three of us (Junior wasn’t in town).
Although we do love occasional thrills and are adventurous, Blondie Bear and I got stuck at the highest point. So the higher u you go the scarier it gets. As we couldn’t turn back, we finally sucked it up and went for it. We overcame our fears!
So although it can be challenging for some (like Blondie Bear and me), it can be a breeze for others (Big Boss).
It’s located at the Old Port, so you have a beautiful backdrop for your adventure. LEARN MORE
Miniature Golf
Located only 15 minutes outside of Montreal, this outdoor mini-golf will surely keep entertained children and grown-ups alike. This is a great activity to practice your hand-eye coordination.
Centre de la nature de Laval
You want to get out of the city but not too far? This place could do the trick. It’s fun to go there with younger kids (0-5). Older kids might find it a bit boring.
There is a 5km walkable path throughout the park and tons of different things to discover with your kids. Check out their website for more information (French only).
SPECIAL EVENTS – FAMILY ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF MONTREAL
Duché de Bicolline (2021 edition canceled)
Feel like stepping back to medieval times? About a 1h30 away from Montreal you’ll be able to do so. We went there once during one of their events and it was fantastic! Just walking around the site is gorgeous. Add to that learning the fine arts of archery or medieval combat or even attending a knight tournament and you will be fulfilled.
For more information about this place, read about it HERE. They also have a special event in August, mark your calendars for the 2022 edition.
Quinn Farm Fall Festival
Apple picking is a fun family activity and doesn’t cost a fortune, at least it shouldn’t. Included in the $10 per person admission price are pony rides, tractor rides, access to barn animals and live music. For more information about their event, check out their site. No dogs allowed.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES AS DAY TRIPS FROM MONTREAL
There are tons of activities to do outside of Montreal all year long. Right now, we’ll focus on the ones that are worth doing in September. However, some of these places can be accessed throughout the year.
Beach Time
It’s still summer after all. So hit the beach while you still can. Here is a list of beaches you can check out.
Parc Nature du Cap Saint-Jean
This parc actually runs a shuttle from Center City on Saturdays until October 10th. This is perfect if you don’t have a car. Here is more information about it.
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach.
Access: $5,25 for adults.
Pointe-Calumet Beach
This is a popular spot with Montrealers. They too offer a shuttle from Metro Montmorency. However, it is expensive, $18 for an adult on weekends. LEARN MORE
Recréo Parc
A more affordable option for families, Recréo Parc has a large sandy beach along a river. It also has a bike path and you can take a stroll along the River Saint-Laurent through the woods.
Magog
Located a bit further away from Montreal (1h30 by car), you can actually bring your dog to the Plage des Cantons de l’Est, in Magog. The access is FREE for all.
There are picnic tables and a playground. Parking is free until 2pm.
There are two beaches. The dog beach has grass and lots of dogs for your furry friend to play with. If you don’t have a dog, you can just head down to the sandy beach.
Family Outdoor Activities
Parc Omega
A great place and a great way to learn and discover Canadian Fauna is at Omega Park. Located about 1h30 outside Montreal, the distance and the cost will absolutely be worth it.
Here, you’ll see Caribous, Elks, Moose, Bears, and Wolves, just to name a few. It’s no ordinary zoo, it’s actually a wildlife park. Aside from the bears and wolves, all the animals walk around freely while you stay and slowly drive around in your car.
There are plenty of places to stretch your legs and picnic. The best spot to do so is close to the farm where you just might come head to head with a deer. To access the farm from the parking lot you can either walk or take the carriage ride. This is an all-day activity.
The park opens at 9 a.m and if you want to be able to check everything out and take part in the various activities, be there for the opening. Also, by arriving early, you will be able to have all the animals to yourselves.
Remember to respect the speed limits, this is not a marathon.
LEARN MORE about Omega Park.
Kayaking or canoeing
There are so many parks around Montreal. The closest one, Iles de Boucherville, is only 30 minutes away. You can rent canoes and kayaks by the hour or for the day. There isn’t much surface to conquer, but if you are new to this, it’s a nice place to test the waters.
Otherwise, you can go to:
- National Park of Mont-Tremblant (2h),
- Labelle (2h),
- National Park of Mauricie (2h) to name a few places.
In Labelle, in the Laurentians, you can stay in a Sheperd’s hut or at the wonderful Camping Chutes aux Iroquois where dogs are allowed and you have even access to a beach. They even have some very comfortable ready-made tents if you don’t have camping gear.
You can read more about this low-cost hidden gem in our dog-friendly, kid-friendly article on The Laurentians.
Ziplining and Aerial Course
If you are an adventurous family and need to get out of the city, this family activity will be perfect. Test out your balancing abilities and your fear of heights within a forest at Arbraska. As they say, there is something for everybody.
Parc de la Rivière Doncaster
September in Montreal can still bring in warm weather. If such is the case, plan a family activity road trip (1h30) to this beautiful park where a river runs through it. Dogs are allowed on leash. Picnicking there by the water surrounded by fall colors is absolutely wonderful and it won’t break the bank!
Cantons de l’Est – Wineries
Visiting wineries is always fun. There are quite a few not too far out from Montreal. They make for a nice backdrop to a family picnic. Here is an article about all the different wineries you can check out.
Upper Canada Village
I love this place located less than 2 hours away from Montreal.
Immerse yourself for a day in the life of the 1860s at Upper Canada Village. This is a fantastic family activity to do outside of Montreal. If you want to extend your day, you can sleep nearby or make your way a little further south and check out Kingston.
So what is this place all about? There is so much to learn and explore there.
Learn and see all the different trades that were needed to make a village alive. Your kids will love learning how to milk a cow or hanging out with the piglets. Of course, there are tons of other things to be done, but usually, that’s what the kids remember the most first hand.
If you can afford to (not that it is pricy), have lunch at the Inn. The food there is delicious and pretty much everything on your plate is locally grown. Also, if you can, buy a loaf of bread at the general store at the entrance. As it’s very tasty and made on-site, it runs out quickly. Therefore, you might want to buy one when you arrive and not when you leave. Last but not least, dogs are welcomed there!
Don’t miss out on the 1860’s Fall Fair or starting on September 24th, Pumpkinferno.
Mont-Orford National Park
Go there at the end of the month and catch the beginning of fall colors! They do have a beach area as well. So if that is what you are looking for, it’s a good place to take a dip.
The park has great campsites and it’s a good place to admire clear evening skies. If you are lucky, you might catch a few shooting stars.
If you want more ideas on things to do in the Eastern Townships, we talk about our 4 day roadtrip HERE.
Mont Saint-Hilaire
If you are more of an adventurous family, this could do the trick. Getting all the way up there to the viewpoint is not a simple affair. It will take endurance and patience. I went there with Blondie Bear when he was almost 4. All I remember from my experience there is his TANTRUM.
If you are planning on doing some hiking with kids, this would be a good way to test things out.
Don’t forget to bring your picnic as you’ll be starving and thirsty once you get up there. Make sure to get there early if you want a decent spot to sit down. The rock is not that big up there but the view surely is.
If you still have energy afterward, you could go and do some apple picking at Domaine du Flanc Nord or Domaine du Flanc Sud (dogs allowed). But Mont-Saint-Hilaire offers a couple other fun family activities from horseback-riding and walking with an alpaca. Discover them HERE.
Apple Picking
Back to school rhymes with apple picking time. Ok not quite.
Nonetheless, this is a great activity to ease you into the fall season. If you go at the end of the month you might see some pumpkins as well.
Usually, the orchards we go to make you pay either per bag of apples you have picked or you pay a set fee and pick as much as you want.
Some orchards have, along with hayrides, corn mazes you can get lost in. That always makes it fun 🙂
One of the best one is located at Verger Labonté. You can also check out the one in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Domaine du Flanc Sud, where dogs are actually allowed on a leash there. Going through a maze with a dog is quite an experience. Not all orchards accept dogs, so we were happy with this one and the orchard is beautiful.
WHAT’S NEXT IN OUR SERIES: FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL
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