Thinking about heading to Canada this summer? Here are 5 reasons you should add Montreal to your trip, especially if you are on a budget.
Osheaga music festival
Cross over the bridge or jump on the metro to ‘the island’ for Osheaga music festival. Not only is it one of the most vibrant, artistic and friendliest festivals I’ve ever been to, Arctic Monkeys and Florence and the Machine are headlining this year.
Free Festivals all summer
If you don’t want to splash out on an Osheaga ticket, that’s ok, because Montreal hosts free festivals for everyone all summer. Streets are closed and stages are built around the city so that everyone can join in the fun. The international jazz festival and Les FrancoFolie are just two of the fantastic city festivals you have to look forward to this summer.
The International Firework Competition
In August, Montreal hosts an international firework competition. The bridge that connects Montreal to the island is temporarily closed off so that locals and tourists alike can sit on the bridge and watch the fireworks. It’s amazing.
Tam-Tams
When summer gets going and things heat up, the people of Montreal will show you how to have a good time. An example of this is Tam-tams, which takes place at the bottom of Mont Royal every Sunday in summer. People gather to picnic, dance, and drum together. It’s a real feel-good vibe.
Free swimming
When it gets hot, public pools open all over the city. You can also head over to the island to swim at the buzzing man-made beach or jump in St Lawrence River to cool down.
