A new park on the waterfront in Lachine
This summer, the Lachine borough is partnering with Aire Commune to create a new park along the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy quick meals, non-motorized boat rentals, 5 distinct activity areas and, once public health restrictions are lifted, musical programming courtesy of Festival de musique émergente. All this while you look out at the water, of course! Things get started on June 10.
More on this topic: Water Fun in Montréal.
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© Tourisme Montréal - Madore - Daphné CARON
Along the river banks at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Over a 14.5-km area that stretches from the Old Port to Lac Saint-Louis, cyclists, strollers and pleasure boaters can stop on the banks of the Lachine Canal for a bite to eat. We recommend a snack from the very pretty Marché des Éclusiers or Atwater Market, where you can also stock up on local products. For drinks, check out the floating Canal Lounge café/bar or even the industrial/verdant setting of the St-Ambroise Terrasse.
More on this topic: Montréal's Top Summer Spots.
© Eva Blue
Recharge by the river at Park Monseigneur-J-A-Richard
Featuring extensive parks along the St. Lawrence River, Verdun is one of the few neighbourhoods in Montréal that offer unlimited access to the river shoreline. Watch the waves ripple by at Crescendo, a restaurant that appeals to the masses with classic fare. It's the ideal spot to fuel up before heading to Verdun Beach for some serious relaxation or go peddling down the 21-kilometre waterfront bike path.
More on this topic: Montréal’s southwest borough and Verdun.
© Eva Blue
Your choice of panoramic views at Mount Royal Park
A number of restaurants punctuate Mount Royal Park, the spectacular site designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also the mastermind behind New York City's Central Park). Café des Amis has three locations within the park. You can also stop in at the Beaver Lake Pavilion, which looks out over the eponymous lake, relax on the terrace at Smith House or sip a drink at the historic Mount Royal Chalet offering breathtaking vistas of the city and beyond.
More on this topic: A guide to Montréal's parks and green spaces.
© Alison Slattery
Kicking back at Le K in Square Saint-Louis
On the Plateau, in the middle of the charming Square Saint-Louis, which is bordered by brightly-painted Victorian houses, Le K can sate your cravings with a café au lait and a sorbet at tables around a kiosk that is truly sweet.
More on this topic: Vegetarian-friendly diners to try in Montréal.
© Espace La Fontaine
Culture and foliage at Espace La Fontaine bistro
Cool off under the big white parasols of Espace La Fontaine, right at the heart of Parc La Fontaine, and enjoy gourmet sandwiches, vegan dishes and brunches in a friendly family ambiance. It’s also perfect for a 5 à 7 (happy hour) with friends under a beautiful leafy canopy. Cultural activities, including exhibitions, conferences, music performances, dance evenings and theatre for kids are all on the program. If you'd rather dine beside the pond, you can also get take-out boxed lunches or bring your own picnic basket.
More on this topic: Montréal picnic and park pairings.
© Montréal Botanical Garden, Vincent D'Alto
Art Deco at the Botanical Garden restaurant
The restaurant of the Montreal Botanical Garden features art deco style and fresh dishes made with seasonal products, many of which are local and organic! The food is 100% vegetarian and served on an outdoor patio that abounds with flowers. For those who prefer to picnic in the park, there are lunch options to go.
More on this topic: The ultimate guide to vegan eating in Montréal and Where to eat healthy in Montréal.
It’s totally beachy at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Over at PJD, each activity has its own little place to sit and snack. At the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit and Espace 67, there are snack bars offering incredible panini sandwiches, fresh salads, snacks, beverages and frozen treats. Over at Jean-Doré Beach, la Roulotte serves mouth-watering summer classics that appeal to people of all ages. For beer or cocktails, stop by Bar-terrasse and grab a table under a parasol or in the sun—the choice is yours.
More on this topic: The ultimate guide to beaches and pools in and around Montréal.
Laure Juilliard
Laure is a writer, community manager and the founder of the blog Une Parisienne à Montréal. She’s also an epicurean globetrotter who’s always on the hunt for innovative concepts and must-try restaurants. In 2016, she co-founded Slow Journeys, a webzine that focuses on ecotourism and design.
