I love Montréal in summer. The week stretches out like a string of Saturdays – nothing is rushed, and each moment is enjoyed to its maximum. And, in Montréal, there is so much to enjoy.
The city itself offers a plethora of things to do and explore: There are coffee shops to linger in, bookstores to browse, and walks to take. There are bike paths, farmer’s markets, restaurants, and neighborhoods to discover. And top of that, each summer Montréal hosts a multitude of events — many free.
One of the aspects I particularly love about visiting Montréal is that, somehow, you rarely feel like a tourist. Instead, I feel more like a visitor.
Perhaps this impression is due to the fact that Montréal doesn’t contain as many major tourist sites — not like Rome or Paris, anyway — so you avoid the pressure to “see everything.”
Or maybe, because rather than “visiting Italy,” and rushing around the country to see multiple cities and historic locations, when I visit Montréal I stay in one place.
Or perhaps, the real reason I don’t feel like a tourist in Montréal, is because when I visit Montréal, I slow down.
What Could A Summer Day in Montréal look Like?
Each day you wake up without an alarm clock – you have no need to be anywhere so you stretch lazily and contemplate staying in bed a little longer. Maybe, if you’re feeling ambitious, you go out for a morning run. Or maybe you don’t. Breakfast is a luxury. There is no multi-tasking to get ready for work; no massive tourist “must see” list you need to accomplish before lunch. Instead, you linger over a second cup of tea, and read (or try to read) the French newspaper.
Eventually, you meander up to the sunny terrace to do a little “work” and “plan your day.” In reality, neither of these tasks are approached with much urgency. You sink into the shade of the terrace, stare out the blue sky, watching as the sparrows flit and land on the wall. You gaze at the pale, pink flowers that wind around the white trellis. You read your email, some pages of a book you picked up off the hostel shelf, then, stare at your bare feet and wonder if that bright salmon toenail polish really suits you. You notice how your legs have become tanner in the days you’ve spent wandering the city. 
Later, you might meander out into the streets in search of a coffee shop. Or take a picnic down to the Lachine Canal and let time drift by at the pace of the current. Or perhaps you’ll just wander; taking whatever street you fancy, enjoying street art, or following the sound of music to see what is around the corner.
Other days, perhaps you’ll have more of a plan. To visit this museum, take that hike, or go shopping on that street. But most often, your days are gloriously unfix and fluid, flowing naturally as you drift through them in a blissfully carefree fashion.
6 Reasons Why Montréal Is So Enjoyable:
- Montréal is Très “Cool”: Montréal is fully a city, and yet, somehow, doesn’t have the stressed out “Go! Go!” vibe you often feel in London or New York. People work to live, they don’t live to work. As the sun dips down, and the heat of summer cools, people move to terraces, outdoor seating at restaurants, and picnics in the parks. There is always wine, and good company. Everything is unhurried.
- There’s Always Something On: Montréal has loads of events in summer, but they don’t necessarily have a “for tourists” feel. Instead, they seem to be for everyone – locals and tourists alike. During my visits, I’ve attended festivals and drum circles, listened to music, watched circus performers, and marvels at the fireworks.
- Take Advantage of Green-space: The parks and, particularly the Lachine Canal, are some of my favorite places in Montréal. Spending time walking or sitting in these places is so lovely and so relaxing.
- Location Makes a Difference: The Old Port is definitely the most touristy section of Montréal. For this reason, I don’t stay in this neighborhood. Rather, I chose the lovely Plateau neighborhood. I’m still within the heart of the city, but am somewhat removed from the touristy hub.
- It’s Affordable: If you are coming from the US (or another country where the currency exchange is in your favor), a visit to Montréal can be fairly affordable. Plane tickets from larger cities tend to be better priced (especially if you start searching in advance), and, again, there are lots of free and low-cost things to do in Montréal.
- Take a Cue From the Locals: Montréalers know how to enjoy life. If you pay attention to how they are spending their free time, you’ll get ideas for how to enjoy yours. Free music? Yes, please! How about board games in that little café near the park? And yes, joining friends for a picnic along the canal with does seem a great way to spend an entire afternoon.
And You?
What do you enjoy about Montréal in summer? Or is there a different city that you enjoy relaxing in?
Tea & Hiking Boots 