Stroll through summer 2023’s seasonal installations

Laure Juilliard

Laure Juilliard has been writing for over 10 years. She specializes in lifestyle, tourism, travel and food, she writes for the media as well as for different companies, agencies, freelancers or associations. Always in search of innovative concepts and top places to be at, she is also constantly preparing her next trip.

This article was updated on July 31, 2023.

Once the good weather hits, outdoor markets, cool public spaces and beaches, reinvented parks and activities for the whole family pop up all over the city. Shop local and fill your basket to the brim thanks to a wide variety of fresh produce and handmade crafts from our very own artisans, producers and farmers.

Bohemian life in the Mile End

Marché des Possibles is back at L'Entrepôt 77 with a free program that highlights local initiatives featuring a gourmet market, creations by local artists and artisans, an open-air refreshment bar and beer garden, family activities, music, movies, and more.

5635 Saint-Dominique Street
From June 23 to September 24, 2023 (with a short break from July 23 to August 5, 2023 during the Construction Holiday).

 

Discover street food

Canada’s largest food truck gathering is back to delight young and old alike. Les Premiers Vendredis is a monthly street food get-together that takes the form of a real popular gathering on a huge ephemeral terrace. It’s the perfect spot to discover a new dish or try a new wine among the plentiful gastronomical offerings while catching up with friends and family. 

On the Sun Life Financial Esplanade of the Olympic Stadium (and a special 3-day event at the Quai de l'Horloge in the Old Port from August 4 to 6)
Every first Friday of each month, from June to October 2023, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Summer on Avenue Mont-Royal

Avenue Mont-Royal transforms once again into a 2.5 kilometre-long pedestrian park between Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Fullum Street. This large public space in the heart of the Plateau invites passersby to stop and relax awhile thanks to several temporary pit stops along the way. What you’ll find: wooden benches, umbrella chairs, long tables, play areas for kids, 800 linear feet of food gardens, satellite vegetable gardens, a harvest festival at the end of the summer, 20 urban agriculture workshops, photo exhibitions, cinema under the stars, BBQ evenings, concerts, XL live painting and many other creative surprises.

Pedestrian zone runs from May 14 until September 16, 2023.

 

Marché des Éclusiers: 5 à 7 by the water and Québec’s finest terroir products

How about a gourmet bite in a simply gorgeous décor? The Old Port’s Marché des Éclusiers is home to a seasonal restaurant, coffee bar, farmer’s market and fine food store teeming with delicious artisanal products from local producers. Enjoy small dishes on site or load up your picnic basket and bring your checkered blanket to the bucolic banks of the canal.

400 De la Commune Street West
From May 27 2023

 

Village au Pied-du-Courant: your waterfront getaway

The Village au Pied-du-Courant the one-of-a-kind riverside retreat in the heart of Montréal is back for another year. With its fun and beachy ambiance, this is an excellent spot to meet friends for cocktails.

2100 Notre-Dame Street East, along the St. Lawrence River, at the foot of the Jacques Cartier Bridge
Thursday to Sunday
From June to mid-September 2023.

The Jardin de La Pépinière: your new backyard

This space located on the lots of the Studios Giovanelli in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is like a giant family terrasse/garden with lush planters, vegetable and decorative plants and fruit tree. Open year-long, you can bring the kids here to play, have a snack on the large terrasse and inhale the aromatic scents of the kitchen garden and urban orchard. You can also telework in the shade of the trees, play petanque, take a yoga and dance class or attend an urban agriculture, zero waste or gardening workshop. Come check out this inspiring and verdant retreat!

3081 Ontario Street East (Studios Giovanelli)
Open all year.

Montréal’s Asian market: a spotlight on Chinatown

Montréal’s ultra-popular Asian Market is back with another exceptional culinary and artistic event comprised of shows, street performances, games, family activities and, of course, scrumptious eats to share! The artistry of Maylee Keo, presented by MURAL, will brighten up this wonderful event that brings the community together. It’s only for one weekend, so don’t miss it! 

Parc Sakura, de la Gauchetière Street and Place Sun-Yat-Sen
From August 24 to 27, 2023

Marché Angus: don’t miss it!

Looking for a place to enjoy that sweet sunny vibe, cool down and have a snack? Head to the Marché Angus, back for another summer season. Buy fresh local foods that come in a kaleidoscope of colours and flavours, and support local producers and artisans with your purchases. Fruit, vegetables, jams, herbs, cheeses, charcuteries: everything you need to create a diverse and delicious menu. Getting hot? You can always stop off at the terrasse and beer counter to quaff a cold one!

William-Tremblay Street, facing Parc Jean-Duceppe

Every Friday from May 19 to October 27, 2023

 

Les Marchés Fermiers du Plateau: unleash your inner locavore

An initiative by the Maison de l’amitié community centre, this market is the ideal spot to do your grocery shopping. Stock up on Québec products such as bread, pastries, flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, maple syrup, honey and meat. Seriously, all these fresh and fabulous markets throughout the Plateau make you feel like you’re been transported somewhere else!

 

Marché Laurier, Place du Coteau-Saint-Louis, 475 Laurier Avenue East (Laurier métro station, north exit) // From May 18 to November 19, 2023 // Thursdays - 3 pm to 7 pm // Sundays - 12 pm to 4 pm 

Marché Saint-Louis, Square Saint-Louis (Sherbrooke métro station on the side of Saint-Denis Street) // From June 13 to October 24, 2023 // Tuesdays 3pm to 7pm

Marché BaldwinTerrasse Mercure, Parc Baldwin (corner Rachel and Fullum, 29 bus) //  From June 14 to October 25 2023 // Wednesday - 3 pm to 7 pm

Urban agriculture and blissful summer evenings

For its 9th season, Jardins Gamelin will feature a snack bar, a large furnished terrace, an eclectic cultural program, concerts, urban agriculture and giant games every Sunday afternoon with hosts. All activities are free and the space is open every day until 11 p.m. Long live summer!

Place Émilie-Gamelin
From May 25, 2023

 

Les Guinguettes: your staycation destination

Enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Les Guinguettes situated along the Lachine Canal in the Southwest and the St. Lawrence River. This large ephemeral space will come to life in June and in August for a few days with a great musical program, eight gourmet stations and the return of the Tropical Market with the best local Quebec artisans. Catch a vacation vibe here. 

At Parc de l'Ancienne-cour-de-triage, between the Canal and Saint-Patrick Street
June 22 to 25, 2023

At la Berge des Coursiers
From August 3 to 6, 2023

 

The Urban Forest: forest of colours in the city

With its colourful sculptural trees, the McCord Stewart Museum's The Urban Forest is a one-of-a-kind wellness space. This restful oasis flaunts vibrant colours with playful furnishings and a relaxing vibe. All the benefits of nature in the heart of the city.

Victoria Street, between Sherbrooke Street West and President-Kennedy Avenue
Until October 8, 2023

 

A green oasis in the heart of the District Central

Chabanel is the place to be for the best outdoor 5 à 7 of the summer, and Esplanade Louvain is the place to be! During the evenings, organised by the team of Aire Commune and featuring many local artists (KidCrayola, Yaffy, Santi, Sisi Superstar, Tallandskiinny and the Frikiton collective, to name a few), bring some friends for a mythical "golden hour" cocktail. The programming is here.   

From May 18, 2023

 

Urban oasis in the heart of downtown

Les moments du cœur de l’île make downtown THE place to be this summer. Take advantage of one of the many marvelous outdoor spaces set up in Jardins Gamelin, Esplanade Tranquille, Phillips Square or even the Esplanade Place Ville-Marie to stop, sit a spell and drink in the Montréal vibe. In all, 8 wonderful outdoor spots, plus over 300 summertime terrasses are waiting to welcome you as you explore the city. Don’t forget, of course, to enjoy the artistic programming that’s sure to heat up your summer!

 

Marché Masson market: a breath of fresh air along the Promenade Masson

For the 2023 edition, the Marché Masson is so much more than just a simple market: in a pop-up style format, it is an outdoor gathering spot for residents – and visitors! –  to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Promenade Masson in the heart of Rosemont. On the program: entertainment for the whole family, local products and yummy food to share.

Parc du Pélican, 2590 Masson Street
Select Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: June 17, July 22, August 19, 2023

 

Summer islands and stations: greendesking at its best

For this new edition, Aire Commune has set up a network of open-air workspaces, comprised of 20 cabins and 2 sleekly designed summer stations offering free WIFI and electricity. Solo or in small groups, you can set up comfortably in one of the various summer islands located across the island, no reservation required. Work al fresco on the riverfront in Lachine, in the heart of Little Italy, in the Central District or in downtown Montréal: the choice is yours! Two additional summer stations have also recently been designed for your outdoor meetings: Station CF and Station Place Ville Marie. Each accommodates up to 8 people, and is equipped with high-speed WIFI, electricity, air conditioning, a videoconferencing system and a whiteboard. Get outside for some fresh air and watch your creativity fly!

Spring and summer 2023 

Laure Juilliard

Laure Juilliard has been writing for over 10 years. She specializes in lifestyle, tourism, travel and food, she writes for the media as well as for different companies, agencies, freelancers or associations. Always in search of innovative concepts and top places to be at, she is also constantly preparing her next trip.

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