Why Visit Montreal in Spring?
Why visit Montreal in Spring? I unapologetically love Montreal. Spring may be one of the best seasons to visit. Although I would recommend any season.
Furthermore, spring temperatures can be moderate. But late spring is probably the best. Being in Canada, early spring can mean snow up to mid-May. However, if you are a skier, if there is enough winter snowpack, spring skiing could be in order!
Spring is a time of new beginnings, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than in Montreal. The city is bursting with activity and the melting snow provides a refreshing change of scenery. You’ll discover a city of contrasts that are rich in history and brimming with contemporary culture. We’ve compiled a list of things to do, both indoors and outdoors, so you can plan to have a memorable trip to Montreal in springtime. From seniors to people with mobility issues, we’ve got you covered.
Indoor Activities in Montreal
- To start, we would recommend taking the Hop On, Hop Off bus tours run by Gray Line in Montreal. While technically not an indoor activity, if you choose to sit on the lower level, you are “inside”. This tour will take you to many of the locations throughout the city that we will talk about later on. As a result, you will become familiar with the layout of the city and where the major attractions are located.
- Visit one of Montreal’s many museums and art galleries: For a cultural experience, take some time to explore the city’s many museums, such as The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux Artes), The McCord Museum, and the Château Ramezay Historic Site and Museum of Art.
- Take in a show or comedy: With its vibrant nightlife and world-class entertainment, Montreal is the perfect place to catch a show. From musicals to plays and stand-up comedy, you can find something for everyone.
- Why not spend a day exploring the grandiose Notre-Dame Basilica, marveling at the colorful stained-glass windows?
- St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is also worth a visit. It is one of the world’s most renowned religious sites and offers stunning views of the city.
Outdoor Activities in Montreal
- Take a stroll through Mont Royal Park: The iconic and majestic Mount Royal is the centerpiece of Montreal’s skyline and what better way to take it in than to walk or bike along one of its many paths? Don’t forget your camera!
- Bike along the Lachine Canal: This scenic 12-mile path stretches between downtown Montreal and the old port. It’s a great way to take in some of the city’s history while getting some fresh air. Plus, it’s an easy and enjoyable ride for cyclists of all skill levels! Even better you can easily rent bikes at many street stands throughout the city.
- Further, we will add if you want to expand your cycling experience beyond the port that Montreal has one of the best cycling networks that we have seen. Many of the cycling lanes are separated from the traffic by raised curbs. We wish Toronto would do this too!
- Explore one of Montreal’s many green spaces: There are so many parks and gardens in and around the city that it’s hard to choose just one. For some urban greenery, head to Parc LaFontaine or the city’s Botanical Garden for some peace and tranquility.
- Take a boat tour: Spending an afternoon on a riverboat touring around Montreal is always a great way to take in all that the city has to offer from the water.
- As the days get longer and warmer, you may find outdoor performances whether it be dance, music or short plays in the outdoor plazas at the Place des Arts or at Berri Square.
- Are you a shop-a-holic? Why not make a day of it strolling along St. Catherine Street or the Golden Mile (Sherbrooke St.)?
Where to Eat in Montreal?
Breakfasts or Brunches in Montreal
- Montreal is a foodie paradise, with many restaurants and cafes to choose from. Start your day off right with a visit to one of the city’s famous brunch spots like L’Avenue or Lawrence Restaurant.
- For something a little more exotic, try La Bremner for its delicious French-Canadian fare. Or, for a taste of the city’s Jewish heritage, enjoy what’s widely considered to be Montreal’s best bagel at St-Viateur Bagel.
- Cafe Santropol is another great spot for breakfast and lunch. They serve up delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
- Our personal favourite for breakfast is Allo, Mon Coco which has several locations throughout the city. The portions are huge! So, bring your appetite.
Lunches in Montreal
- For lunch, why not try one of the city’s famous smoked meat sandwiches at Schwartz’s? Be forewarned: the lineup for Schwartz’s can be quite long!
- Enjoy classic Italian cuisine at Impasto or head to Joe Beef for their delicious seafood dishes.
- Our pick for lunch is Rueben’s Delicatessen. We never miss an opportunity to treat ourselves to their Montreal smoked-meat sandwich. Again it is a huge serving but worth every penny.
Best Dinner Spots in Montreal
- When it comes to dinner, there’s plenty of options. You can enjoy an upscale French meal at Restaurant Europea or try some classic Quebecois dishes at Chez L’Epicier.
- Or, venture over to Little Italy for some delicious Italian food like what you’d find in the old country at Pizzeria Napoletana.
- And don’t forget to save room for dessert! There are all kinds of delicious treats and pastries like what you’d find at any one of Montreal’s patisseries.
- One go-to dinner spot is Les 3 Petits Bouchons, which serves up some of the best French-Canadian cuisine in town.
- In the event that you want to experience a unique dining spot, our recommendation is L’Originel located in Old Montreal near Notre Dame. This hidden gem on St. Nicolas Street is cozy and warm any time of the year. This family-run business is a “must-not-miss” for any budget.
Night-life Suggestions in Montreal
- After dinner, it’s time to explore what the city has to offer in terms of nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a bar with live music or a sophisticated lounge, Montreal will not disappoint.
- For a great selection of craft beers and an amazing view head over to Notch8 on Peel Street.
- Or, for a fun night out with friends, check out the sprawling nightclub District 3.
- If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, grab a drink at one of Montreal’s many pubs like Rockaberry or Hurley’s Irish Pub.
- For an escape from the hustle and bustle of the downtown, check out what’s happening at Bar Le Ritz PDB. This is a great spot to catch some live music in a more intimate setting.
- In the gay village, check out what’s going on at Le Drugstore, or for some karaoke fun visit Club Date.
Cautions for Seniors or Those With Mobility Issues
We want to remind seniors and those with mobility issues that Montreal can be a large city with cobblestone sidewalks and steep inclines. It is best to take your time when visiting the city and plan ahead if you need any special accommodations or assistance. With some advance planning, it is possible to enjoy what Montreal has to offer!
Additionally, if you are planning to use the Montreal transit while we highly recommend it, we find Montreal is a little behind in making their Metro stations fully accessible. What you will find though, is that there are bus routes near and parallel to the Metro that may be easier to access. All the buses have the capability to raise and lower the entrance!
What is the Spring Weather Like In Montreal
Springtime in Montreal is a beautiful time of year to visit. This is the time when flowers are blooming and streets are coming alive with outdoor activities and festivals. The weather is mild, usually ranging from 5-20°C (41-68°F). However, it can get rainy so make sure you bring an umbrella and a light jacket just in case. Dress in layers because the weather can change quickly!
What to Do in Montreal This Spring - Conclusion
Montreal is the perfect place for anyone looking for a unique city experience, especially during the spring season. From wonderful restaurants to fun attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Montreal has something to offer everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore what Montreal has to offer this spring!
Check out our other blogs about Montreal: Tourism Montreal: What to See and Do and Montreal: My Fav Getaway
Please note: Information provided in this article is not meant to be taken as advice. The information is based on our personal experiences and also on our personal likes and dislikes. You may not share the same. You are unique. You are special. Get out there and enjoy the world in the ways that please you.