July is a fantastic time to visit Montreal, with hot sunny days and a packed schedule of summer festivals and events. The city comes alive with outdoor concerts, street performances, food festivals, and other exciting cultural happenings. If you’re planning a summer trip to Montreal in July 2023, here are some of the top attractions and activities not to miss:
Attend the Montreal Jazz Festival
From late June through early July, Montreal’s biggest music festival takes over the Quartier des Spectacles downtown. This world-renowned jazz fest brings over 1,000 concerts to indoor venues and outdoor stages absolutely free. Headliners, local Quebecois musicians, international artists, street performers, late-night jam sessions – you can catch it all over the 11-day event. Don’t miss the outdoor action at the main Rio Tinto Stage and General Admission Stage in the heart of the festival.
See a Show at Just For Laughs Comedy Festival
Also happening in July is the massively popular Just for Laughs comedy festival, the largest of its kind in the world. For over two weeks, Montreal welcomes standup comics, improv troupes, sketch shows, galas and more from Canada and around the world. Check the schedule for free outdoor shows, ticketed performances at venues like Theatre Sainte-Catherine, and appearances by comedy legends.
Wander the Old Port
Right along the Saint Lawrence River you’ll find Montreal’s lively Old Port area, with shops, restaurants, activities and street performers. Stop into the picturesque Marché Bonsecours and grab lunch or a drink on one of the sunny outdoor patios. Rent a bike, pedal-boat or Segway and cruise around the waterfront. Visit the Science Centre, go rock climbing, play mini-golf, or work up a sweat at the beachfront workout equipment.
Ride La Grande Roue (Ferris Wheel)
For amazing views of Montreal, hop aboard the striking 60-meter high La Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris wheel at the Old Port. Its 42 fully enclosed climate-controlled gondolas provide stunning 360° panoramas of the river, city and mountain. It’s especially beautiful at night when the wheel is all lit up.
Taste through Jean-Talon Market
No visit to Montreal is complete without browsing the stalls at the bustling Jean-Talon public market. Sample local cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, craft ciders, maple products and more. Grab an iced coffee and a crepe and watch the crowds. On hot July days, look for the fresh local berries, stone fruits and refreshing gazpacho.
Picnic at Parc La Fontaine
Pick up some tasty provisions at a bakery or deli, then head over to the lovely Parc La Fontaine in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood. Here you’ll find grassy areas perfect for an al fresco picnic by the central lake and fountain. People watch, play some pickup sports, rent a paddle boat, and let the kids play on the playgrounds.
Dine Al Fresco in Little Italy
For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Montreal’s Little Italy along Boulevard St-Laurent. Grab an outdoor table at one of the Italian cafes, bistros or gelato shops and enjoy the charming ambiance and people watching. Try Monza Pizzeria for thin crust wood-fired pizza or Kitchen Galerie Poisson for seafood with a view of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.
Bar Hop on Museum Row
Montreal has an amazing bar scene. Head to Museum Row on Avenue du Musée where you’ll find the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art and McCord Museum. Mix and mingle with hip locals over craft beers at Le Lab Comptoir Culinaire, sip G&Ts in the garden at Sparrow or enjoy Molecular Mixology cocktails at Ateliers & Saveurs.
Day Trip to the Laurentians
Less than an hour’s drive from Montreal, the Laurentians region offers stunning lakes, forests, villages and outdoor adventures. Rent a cottage, go boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, or try activities like golf, ziplining and mountain biking. Stop for homemade treats in St-Sauveur, lunch overlooking Lac Monroe or tour an artisan chocolate factory.
With incredible festivals, vibrant neighborhoods, entertainment, and nearby nature, Montreal sizzles in July. Use this guide to experience the very best of Montreal’s hot summer energy and joie de vivre!