Outdoors
Parc Jean Drapeau is one of Montreal's most famous parks, spread over Notre-Dame and Sainte-Hélène islands. Public art, including pieces leftover from the 1967 World's Fair, are located on both islands. Also on the Île Notre-Dame are 62 acres of gardens, originally designed for the 1980 Floralies Internationales horticultural fair. Enjoy the changing colors of the foliage in autumn and the new blooms of spring. Pack a lunch and take a picnic break under the park's famous weeping willow.
Parc La Fontaine has been a cultural center in Montreal's Plateau neighborhood for more than a century. It has a mini-soccer field and volleyball courts open to the public. Meander along the trails to the park's waterfall, which joins two ponds. In the winter, one of them is open for skating. When the weather is warm, take a dip in the wading pool, or enjoy one of the free summer evening concerts.
Some of Montreal's most popular attractions—the Botanical Gardens, the Biodôme, Insectarium, and Olympic Stadium—are just a hop, skip, and jump away from Parc Maisonneuve. During the winter, enjoy the park's ice skating rink for free. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent a pair for a small fee. Other free rinks around the city include Lac aux Castors, Beaver Lake, at Parc Mont Royal and the lakes at Parc Angrignon and Parc LaFontaine.
If you're closer to Montreal's center, head to Parc Jeanne-Mance for free ice skating in the winter. In warmer months, take advantage of picnic areas and playgrounds. There is also a soccer field for public use.
Mont Royal, at more than 760 feet high, is the hill after which Montreal was named. Parc du Mont-Royal is one of the city's best-known and best-loved spots. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also co-created New York City's Central Park. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and spectacular views of the entire city. The Chalet du Mont Royal is a great lookout spot.
The Mont Royal cemetery is a popular attraction bursting with nature—from crab apple and chestnut trees to Japanese lilacs. The idyllic scenery makes for a lovely stroll. Take a guided tour to learn about famous Montrealers buried there.
One of the city's most popular festivals is L'International des Feux Loto-Québec. Every year, leaders in the pyrotechnics field go to Montreal to participate in the competition. This spectacular fireworks show occurs on about ten different nights over the course of the summer. The pyro-musical show, a choreographed display of fireworks set to music, can be viewed for free from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
Put on your dancing shoes. Summertime lessons at various parks throughout the city are open to the public, regardless of age or experience. On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday nights throughout the summer, dance instructors lead free ballroom dancing lessons in Parc Jean Drapeau.
If the weather's warm and the stars are out, you can find a place to tango in Montreal for free almost any night of the week. Tango Libre, a dancing school and studio, offers free trial classes and introductory lessons throughout the city. every Sunday evening in July and August, tango at St. Viateur Park. Take beginner's lessons at the park in the Verdun borough on Wednesday evenings during the summer. Or on Fridays in August, join a free one-hour class starting at 8:15 p.m. at the Old Port. A dance that is open to the public follows.
