Things To Do Montreal | St Cathys Blog

5 Things to do in Montreal This Weekend

It’s Friday!

Who doesn’t love a sunny weekend in Montreal? With such a rainy summer, the nice weather absolutely must be leveraged. Whether you’re looking to head out on the town or hang at a beach, we’ve compiled a list of perfect activities to check out this July weekend in the city.

Check out Montreal’s latest ‘gram-able food spot

Les Gourmandises de Peyto just launched the most aesthetic and delicious looking treat in the city! This newly launched Montreal cafe is not only quite charming but houses the city’s first official Doughnut-Smoothie. This is the perfect weekend treat, as it is a slightly healthier version of the popular doughnut-milkshake trend that has taken Instagram by storm.

Brunch on a boat

Do I really need to explain myself on this one – I mean what’s better than brunch? Brunch on a boat! Cruise around Old Port while enjoying afternoon snacks and a little bit of bubbly on Croisiere AML’s brunch cruise!

Hang out at Clocktower Beach

As mentioned, Montreal has definitely not had the warmest or sunniest summer. With nice weather this weekend, take the time to work on your tan or simply enjoy the sunshine at Clocktower Beach. This is one place that has to be visited at least once a summer, so why not this weekend?

Buy a Cactus

There’s a huge cactus and succulent sale this weekend in Montreal! Take this opportunity to add some greenery to your life. Whether you’re a seasoned cactus lover (and there are many in this city) or simply want to expand your horizons, Electrik Kopper Tattoo’s cactus sale is sure to be a nice outing for a sunny Saturday.

Get your cinema fix at Fantasia International Film Festival

Enjoy Montreal’s native film festival – Fantasia International Film Festival. This festival has gained some serious momentum since its inception in 1996, now being one of the country’s most popular cinematic festivals. Get you cinema critic on and check out one of the movies open to public viewing this weekend.

What will you get up to this weekend? Let us know in the comment section below or share your experience by tagging @stcathys on Instagram.

6 Reasons to Check Out Montreal’s La Ronde

You won’t regret this one.

With so many events to check out in the city throughout the summer, it can be hard to narrow down which ones are really worth doing on your days off. From brunch spots to concerts, the city is home to a plethora of daily and weekly activities. Today, we want to talk about one stop that simply can’t be missed. Montreal’s La Ronde is the city’s premier amusement park. Located at Parc Jean Drapeau, the Six Flags amusement park houses countless roller coasters and rides, sure to offer a thrilling experience. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 reasons you need to spend a day at Montreal’s La Ronde.

There are over 40 rides and attractions specifically designed for your enjoyment!
The park is offering an amazing sale! Tickets are only $40 for a limited time – a deal you surely won’t get again this summer.
They just launched a new ride called “The Titan” that looks absolutely amazing (check it out for yourself below).
The International Fireworks competition is going on at the parc. This is clearly the perfect way to finish off a day of thrilling adventures at the amusement park.
There is some seriously good food (and drinks).
It’s a great excuse to try something new!

Will you head out to La Ronde this summer? We sure will! Share your experience in the comment section below or by tagging @stcathys on social media.

Buy tickets here.

5 Free Things to Do in Montreal This Month!

Get busy!

Montreal can be quite an expensive city, but who doesn’t love going out when it’s completely free? We sure do! Next time you’re bored and feel like saving some hard-earned cash, check out one of these five awesome activities that are available to you this July and best of all, completely free!

Montreal’s Gay Village

Enjoy a walk under the rainbow balloons in Montreal’s Gay Village. These balloons are one of St Laurent’s must-see staples, with colours that change annually.

Atwater Market

Soak up the sun and fresh flowers and take a walk in the Atwater Market. Make sure you have your phone because this vegetation is one of the city’s most picturesque.

First Fridays

Check out Montreal’s world renowned food truck culture during the weekly First Fridays festival.

Free Yoga

Change things up and check out Parc Lafontaine’s free yoga classes! Namaste.

Beats & BBQ

Feeling like a party? Check out Abreuvoire’s Beats & BBQ event! We can’t help but check out a party with free admission and chill house music.

What are your favorite free things to do in Montreal? Let us know in the comment section below!

5 Trends to Embrace this Summer

#trending

As school comes to an end (for most of us), and summer trips and internships become top priority, this period marks the perfect time to try something new, make changes, or implement healthier habits. With that in mind, we’ve come up with our favorite lifestyle, fashion, party, and health trends for you to try this summer!

Make/Drink Juices

Start your morning off right by ditching your first daily coffee for an organic juice. Whether made at home or a stopping it at Freshii, adding a juice to your diet is sure to have positive effects, and exhilarate your taste buds. Not only do many of these juices taste delicious, but wit active ingredients like ginger, they help speed up your metabolism too #winning.

Check out some of our favorite recipes.

Hit up a Music Festival

Okay, I know this seems like a basic summer element checklist item, but given the abundance of amazing festivals in Montreal, you can’t miss out on spending the day at least one festival. Feel the vibes and enjoy a day out in the sun, no matter your preferred type of music.

Go on a “Staycation”

Because vacations are so last summer. Whether it be a weekend in Tremblant, visiting Chicoutimi falls(link), or simply experiencing some of Montreal’s own tourist attractions, take some time to discover the coolest spots in your city or Province.

Try Photography

It seems like everyone’s taking up photography lately. Why not try it out? Expand your artistic portfolio and try getting behind the lens this summer! Montreal’s vibrant downtown, picturesque landscapes, and a constant stream of people make this city a perfect spot to get great shots, no matter the style you decide to try.

Enjoy Some Instagram-Worthy Bites

Okay so everyone and their mom post food pics on Instagram, but we can’t help but encourage it when Montreal is home to countless Instagram-worthy meals. Whether you choose La Diperie ice cream, bites from Mandy’s food truck, or a healthier choice from Vivalia, this city is home to many picturesque food options.

Go Paddle Boarding (SUP)

SUP boards have become huge over the past two years, and we can attest as to why; spending some time out on a board is both relaxing and fun. They also create a perfect afternoon no matter your vibes; adventurers can paddle across a lake, yogis can enjoy and challenge themselves with some SUP yoga, and chillers can just hang out and tan on their boards for a while. What are you waiting for? Rent a SUP board in MTL today!

You’re sure to enjoy these popular activities, we promise. After all, they’ve become trends for a reason!

15 PLACES TO GO OUT IN MTL

Where do we begin?

Montreal is one of the few cities with world-renowned nightlife. To ensure you get that level of experience, we have created a list with some of Montreal’s top 15 nightlife spots. How many will you make it to?

Join Montreal’s trendy at Apt 200.

Party well into the night at Stereo Afterhours club.

Grab some friends and hang out inside or on the patio at Pub L’abreuvoir Inc, while enjoying a selection of beers and some great live music.

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are absolutely lit at Montreal’s Ecole Privee.

Metal-heads, rock out all night long at Les Foufounes Electronique.

You can’t be a true Montreal student without hitting up Tokyo Thursday’s at least once in your career.

Get dressed up and celebrate lavishly at Le Rouge Bar.

Enjoy a great crowd and fun atmosphere at Muzique– with 2 dance floors you won’t be able to help dancing the night away.

Basically a giant glam mansion; Le Cinq is your premier party spot in the city (especially on New Year’s). Check out their lavish parties, awesome DJ’s, and cool atmosphere and terrasse.

The secret bar, behind the secret door: Montreal’s (very) mysterious Big in Japan bar.

Don’t go thirsty! Le Lab is Montreal’s mixology bar- featuring a staff of drink artists ready to make you some very delicious, very unique, drinks.

Keep your eyes peeled for a show you would like to see at the Metropolis Montreal- this venue is awesome but makes our list for the crowd. You’re sure to make some new friends, meet some crazy characters, and be treated to an awesome show when partying at the Metropolis.

Chasing a sleek, luxurious night? Blvd 44, inside Hotel 10, is your spot. Featuring Dj’s, bottle service, and awesome outdoor seating, this bar is sure to knock your socks off!

Check out one of New City Gas’ huge EDM shows. This is the premier venue for big names such as Dadalife, Hardwell, Dillon Francis, and more.

Party hard first -year style, at PinQ Taco. With loud music, cheap drinks, and a ton of young people, you may get messy but you will definitely have a good time.

17 MONTREAL DATE DAY/NIGHT IDEAS

Leave a lasting impression.

Everyone can google a good restaurant or two, but we like to do things differently here, with some unique date ideas! Next time you’re heading out with your s/o, refer to our comprehensive list of 17 exciting, unique, and classic Montreal date spots:

Rooftop Terrace

Hangout lavishly at one of Montreal’s many rooftop terraces like Terrasse Place D’Armes or Six Restolounge.

iSaute Trampoline Park

If feats of strength and flipping around are your thing, check out the always entertaining iSaute Trampoline Park.

Montreal Casino

Dress up, and test your luck (and charm), at the Montreal Casino for the night. Just make sure to gamble responsibly!

Cacao 70

Calling all chocolate lovers! Not only does Cacao 70 serve literally all of your choco-holic needs, but is also an incredibly charming and relaxing atmosphere.

Le Lab Mixologie

Take your babe and your taste buds out tonight! Le Lab Mixologie is an intimate mixology bar featuring some serious drink artists, and many feature cocktails. Le Lab also hosts mixology workshops for those couples who like to learn (and drink).

Le Belmont

Dance the night away at Montreal’s Le Belmont. This venue hosts many shows and events, and every Wednesday night is opened for their renowned Dubstep nights. Trust us when we say, you won’t be able to stop your feet from feeling the beat.

New City Gas

Couples who rave together, stay together? If that’s your motto, check out the amazing shows and crowd at Old Montreal’s New City Gas. With a top-of-the-line lineup, a huge gorgeous venue, and a friendly, music-loving crowd, you’re sure to feel the vibe during your night out at NCG.

O.Noir

The only restaurant included on the list because it’s so unique- O.Noir is a completely original experience. Unlike typical dine in the dark experiences, O.Noir features a blacked out dining room, a menu complete with surprise dishes, and is served by a visually impaired staff. This is sure to be a fun experience for the books!

Drive-in Movie

Taking a page from Danny Zuko’s book, take a little road trip with your date just outside of Montreal to St. Eustache’s Drive-in Movie theater. Sure to be a romantic evening, and with 5 different screens, there’s sure to be a movie that suit your tastes.

Scandinave Spa Montreal

Two words, Spa. Day. We have recently mentioned Bota Bota Spa as a place to celebrate your birthday in Montreal, but to quote DJ Khaled:

Scandinavian Spa Montreal is located in Montreal’s Old Port is a gorgeous top-of-the-line spa in Montreal, perfect to spend the day at while relaxing in lux.

Randolph Pub Montreal

If you and your hunny like board games and snacks, go with each other or grab a group to Randolph Pub Montreal- Montreal’s premier board game lounge. From Cards Against Humanity to Risk, all of your favorite board game options are there!

Old Port Adventure Day

There is literally never a dull moment in the Old Port of Montreal. Aside from the gorgeous views, you can sight-see incredible Montreal historical landmarks, bike ride, bungee jump, zip line, escape the labyrinth, indulge in food trucks, or absolutely kill the immaculate obstacle. Either way, you and your significant other are bound to have a day filled with adventures and memories.

Allez Up Rock Climbing

If you like to get physical, spend the day at Montreal’s Allez Up Rock Climbing. Just out of Downtown Montreal, Allez Up offers a huge (and safe) rock climbing gym, coaches, and positive and energetic atmosphere; perfect for a first-timer, beginner, or an avid rock climber.

Le Champagnerie

Live in lux, and check out Old Port’s Le Champagnerie. This upscale bar has an extensive list of available bottles and serves some American plates. It’s perfect for a special celebration or champagne lovers a like and has an extensive list of import bubbly for every taste and budget- sure to be a special treat.

North Star Pinball Bar

Leave it to Montreal to literally have every type of bar you can imagine. North Star is absolutely no exception- being Montreal’s first pinball bar. With vintage pinball machines, home-made ginger beer, tavern snacks, and great cocktails, it shapes up to be a prime Montreal date spot.

Haunted Mountain

Horror/spook fanatics, this one’s for you. The Haunted Mountain in a spooky lantern-lit Ghost Walk up Mount Royal, featuring many places with actual ghost sightings. I’m not going to say this is a good way to get your s/o jumping into your arms, but I won’t deny it either.

Dom Perignon Bar

Splurge at the Dom Perignon Bar at the Ritz Carlton, Montreal. Although this won’t be a weekly, or evenly monthly outing (on a student’s budget anyways), take advantage of a special night with the finest champagne at this upscale bar in Montreal’s top hotel’s famed Palm Court. This outing will be the epitome of luxury and sure to be a wonderful surprise.

THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL- AUGUST 2016

There’s nothing quite like summer in Montreal.

As you may have read by now, Montreal is the place to be, rain, shine, or snow. To ensure you get the absolute best out of your summer, we have put together a list of Montreal’s best activities going on this August, much like we did last month.

Ile Soniq

If you’re born to rage, check out Ile Soniq at Parc Jean Drapeau.

http://www.ilesoniq.com/

Picnik Electronik

If you haven’t spent a Sunday at Picnik Electronik yet, you know what to do!

http://piknicelectronik.com/en/

Eleganza

Eleganza – Italian Fashion Show. Can you say models and champagne?? The show will also features styles from 1945 all the way until current fashion.

http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en/exhibitions/italian-style-fashion-since-1945/

Slide the city- Montreal!

Montreal is about to have a giant slide going through it. REPEAT. Montreal is about to have a giant slide going through it. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

Slide The City

Montreal Pride Parade

Have a great time and surely make a new friend or two at the Montreal Pride Parade.

http://www.fiertemontrealpride.com/en/pride/

The Colour Run

The Colour Run is in town this August!!!

http://ca.thecolorrun.com/locations/montreal/

Montreal’s Fashion and Design Festival

Calling all aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts- check out this month’s Montreal Fashion and Design Festival, after-all you are in one of Canada’s biggest fashion hubs.

http://2016.festivalmodedesign.com/en

See Celine Dion in Concert

Go see Celine Dion in concert (oh so Quebec) at the Montreal Bell Centre. You can’t miss her because she will be performing NINE shows.

http://www.celinedion.com/tour

First Friday’s

Eat your heart out at First Friday’s – the annual food truck gathering.

http://cuisinederue.org/en/les-premiers-vendredis/

Otakuthon

Head to Otakuthon and check out some different culture! This Japanese cosplay and pop culture festival is sure to teach you something new.

http://www.otakuthon.com/2016/home/

WHERE TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY IN MONTREAL

For your special day.

When that time of the year comes around, make sure you know where to spend it. Check out our list:

Le Beachclub

Head to Le Beachclub for an unforgettable day. You can rent a private cabana, get VIP tickets, or enjoy a private deck for your celebration. Get tickets and more info here: http://beachclub.com/

Bota-Bota Spa

Relax in lux at Old Port’s Bota-Bota Spa, you won’t regret this one. Get tickets and more info here: http://botabota.ca/en/

Le Bateau Mouche

Cruise, dine, and celebrate in style! Le Bateau Mouche is your destination to eat and celebrate on the water. Get tickets and more info here: http://www.bateaumouche.ca/en/home.html

Rosewood Pub

If you’re a bruncher, head over to Montreal’s Rosewood Pub, with the mimosas flowing and their delicious brunch selection, you won’t be disappointed. Get more info here: http://www.rosewoodmontreal.com/en/

Old Port of Montreal

For the adventurous type, check out ziplining in old Montreal. Get tickets and more info here: http://www.oldportofmontreal.com/activity/tyrolienne-urbaine-montreal

Croisieres AML

Croisieres AML for the ones who want to cruise AND brunch (you know you want to). Get tickets and more info here: http://www.croisieresaml.com/en/plan-your-cruise/montreal/tout/

White Water Rafting

If ziplining doesn’t satisfy your adventure craving, you can always check out white water rafting with your crew. Get tickets and more info here: http://raftingmontreal.com/en/rafting-jet-boating-downtown-montreal/

Host a Private Party

Rent a venue and throw a private party- check Clubzone.com for private rentable venues like Club Soda or Cabaret Underwood. Get more info here: http://clubzone.com/montreal/places/private-rental-venue/

Le Balcon Cabaret Music Hall

Head to Le Balcon Cabaret Music for fine drinks, food, and a creative dinner experience you surely won’t forget! Get tickets and more info here: http://www.lebalcon.ca/

Montreal Casino

Get dressed to the nines and hit the Montreal Casino for a poker night with your friends. Get tickets and more info here: http://casinos.lotoquebec.com/en/montreal/home

3 Amigos

Have a fiesta, many margaritas, and a free birthday sombrero at 3 Amigos. Get more info here: http://www.3amigosrestaurant.com/

Electric Avenue

Enjoy a free bottle of champagne for you and your group from Club Electric Avenue. Reserve guest list and get more info here: http://www.clubsmontreal.com/en/

Skorpion Paintball

Have a (painfully) fun time playing paint ball with your friends at Skorpion. On top of that, birthday boy/girl gains free admission. For more info check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Skorpion-Paintball-157268990967666/

Rooftop Pool

Take a rooftop dip at the Hilton Bonaventure or L’Apartement hotel’s rooftop pool. Although you need to rent a room to do so, with 5 friends it comes to just over $25 each!

Calypso Waterpark

If all else fails, take a road trip to Calypso Park- huge waterslides, an intense wave pool, lit up bars, totally greasy irresistible snacks, what else do you need to celebrate? Get tickets and more info here: http://www.calypsopark.com/en/waterpark/