Multigenerational activities in Montréal

Mount Royal: for a leisurely stroll

To truly feel the pulse of the city, nothing beats Mount Royal. The more athletic among you can take the trails leading up to the belvedere, while the rest can opt for a more leisurely stroll around Beaver Lake or stop for a break at the Mount Royal Chalet. And of course, that’s where everyone meets up for the traditional group photo, with the city as backdrop. 

Plan smart: don’t aim to complete a three-hour hike. For a group with differing fitness and energy levels, a short walk followed by a stop at the belvedere is often the best formula.

In summer, watercraft activities on Beaver Lake add more variety to the program. And once winter brings snow, the mountain becomes a playground for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, and ice skating. The more risk-averse among you can simply enjoy the winter landscape from the Beaver Lake Pavilion. 

Parc Jean-Drapeau: nature and fresh air for all 

In the summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau, Mosaïcultures makes for a lovely walk through the Floralies Garden before a lunch break at the brand-new, spacious terrace at Buvette des Floralies. The more active among you can do some kayaking or pedal-boating on the lagoons, while children and teens can head to La Ronde for the rides. 

The Biosphère, an architectural icon since Expo 1967, invites visitors to reflect on our planet and environment. 

Winter completely transforms the park: ice skating with views of the river, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and even fat biking are great ways to enjoy the snow without leaving the island. 

The Old Port: everyone at their own pace

The Old Port is a sure bet, especially because it’s easy to tailor a visit to the energy levels of your group. A walk along the river, a break on a terrace, a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, or a cruise makes for a host of fun options all in one place. 

Younger children, for their part, will adore climbing the Voiles en Voiles pirate ship, while teens and other adrenaline addicts will love the MTL Zipline and the indoor mega maze at SOS Labyrinthe. 

And while some of you enjoy more dynamic activities, others can simply sit by the river, on the Grand Quay, rent a quadricycle or pedal boat, or visit the Port of Montréal Tower for breathtaking panoramic views. 

Downtown as a starting point 

Downtown allows you easy access to Sainte-Catherine Street and the “Underground City”, with its 1001 boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. Get the whole family on board a double-decker tour bus and take a group photo in front of the outdoor art installation, The Ring.

Explore the Espace pour la vie universe

Here’s a spot designed for multigenerational families: Espace pour la vie combines several destinations that allow everyone to satisfy their individual curiosity. 

• At the Biodome, you can explore different ecosystems and see an impressive variety of animals. 
• At the Insectarium, curious kids and adults alike will discover a fascinating and sometimes surprisingly spectacular world. 
• At the Jardin Botanique, themed gardens and greenhouses invite visitors to slow down for a leisurely stroll.
• And for a complete change of scale, head to the Planetarium where you can leave Earth behind and explore the Universe. 

Plan smart: don’t try to do four or five museums in a single day. Pick one or two and leave plenty of time to explore the area. It will be much more pleasant with several generations in tow. 

With a stroller: the complex is especially practical for avoiding multiple trips across Montréal. You can also take a break at the Jardin Botanique when the weather permits.

A cultural education without any homework 

In the Old Port, discover Montréal from another angle at Pointe-à-Callière. The museum is located at the birthplace of the city and allows visitors to travel back in time through its archeological remains and exhibitions. It’s a great way to show children the history of Montréal instead of having them memorize dates. 

Also in the Old Port, the Museum of Illusions has other tricks up its sleeves: immersive exhibits featuring optical illusions, holograms, and stereograms. Travel back in time again at the Château Ramezay, then admire the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, whose beauty and history are sure to impress (especially during the immersive light show AURA). For art aficionados, the city’s galleries are worth a visit, including the PHI with its avant-garde exhibitions. 

For the curious, the Montréal Science Centre is one of the best bets for a group of kids, teens, and adults. Interactive exhibitions invite visitors to touch, test, and experiment. There’s always someone in the group who’ll want to challenge the others to an experiment.

On a rainy day: combine your visit with lunch in Old Montréal at Olive et Gourmando or, for instance, at the Vietnamese restaurant Le Petit Sao. 

Then head back downtown to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, which allows art lovers of all ages to get lost in its collections, while the family programming regularly offers engaging ways to interact with art. 

For more cultural ideas, check out our cultural guide for families, which is tailored to multigenerational groups as well as our selection of free activities in Montréal in spring, summer, fall, and winter. 

On rainy days, switch to “indoor activities”

Montréal has plenty of indoor activities to keep a rainy day from ruining your get-together.

Watch a movie together

Downtown, Cinéma Banque Scotia, Cineplex Forum and Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin offer a varied programme to please everyone. And if tastes diverge, nothing stops you from splitting into two groups and then meeting back up for a meal. Also check out the programming at Montréal’s independent cinemas. 

Pick a game that everyone can play

Nothing brings people together more than a round of bowling: it requires no athleticism and multiple generations can play on the same team. 

In Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the Darling adds a good dash of retro flair to the experience. For a more kid-friendly vibe, Quilles G Plus is a sure bet. And for groups who want options, BoulZeye has bowling, laser tag, arcade games, escape rooms, and virtual reality.

Plan smart: form mixed-age teams. Grandparents plan gameplay, teens master the arcades, and kids throw bowling balls with more gusto than precision, which makes for a formidable team. 

Relax at the hotel 

If you prefer a day of “cocooning”, indulge yourself at one of the spots on our lists of hotel pools to plunge into and family-friendly hotels. They can instantly transform a grey day into a mini-vacation. 

Watch hockey with the Canadiens or the Victoire de Montréal, football with the Alouettes, soccer with CF Montréal or with the Roses de Montréal, or basketball with the Montréal Alliance: you can’t beat the atmosphere at a live match. It’s a must for sports-loving families.

This may be where Montréal shines best: eating together without having to share everything. 

For big families with varied tastes, the fancy food halls are often a great option. At Time Out Market Montréal, LE CENTRAL, or Le Cathcart, everyone can choose their own meal before meeting up to eat together. It’s especially practical with kids, famished teens, and adults who want to have time to chat. Another option: check out our suggestions for kid-friendly restaurants and cafés. 

For a brunch without bickering, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy several generations, whether you’re looking for a culinary world tour or want to try some of the city’s hottest brunch spots. For a typical Quebecer brunch, we highly recommend Janine Café, Régine Café, Le Vieux Vélo, Le Toasteur Villeray, La Binerie Mont-Royal, and L’Avenue. 

Public markets are also an excellent multi-generational option. At Jean-Talon Market, you can stroll between stalls, taste different specialties, and buy local products before taking a break to give tired little legs a rest. Meanwhile, Atwater Market near the Lachine Canal allows you to combine treats with a leisurely stroll. 

Of course, you can’t leave Montréal without stopping to taste one of its famous bagels. St-Viateur or Fairmount? That debate will get the whole family involved. 

Willing to leave the island? 

To extend the family reunion, take a detour to some worthy nearby destinations. In Beloeil, Oceania offers a vast indoor aquatic experience that makes for a complete change of scene not far from Montréal.