10 Things to Do in Montreal in June

The heat arrives in Montreal during June and you should take advantage of the outdoor plans during the season. Offering some of the best things to do in Montreal in summer, keep in mind that average temperatures range from 15° to 25°, so I recommend you bring light clothing, sunscreen and discover your favorite brewery to cool off.

June is the perfect month to enjoy the artistic murals typical of the month, as well as music and culture festivals, Formula 1-style car races or summer parties with fireworks decorating the sky. You can also celebrate Quebec's birthday, dance to the beat of drums, attend open-air movie screenings or buy tickets for a Montreal cruise.

Between the end of May and the beginning of June, the summer festivals arrive in Montreal, where the best parties and events of the year are organized. The weather is pleasant and allows you to enjoy outdoor activities.

If you plan to visit Montreal in 5 days, I recommend including these festivals in your itinerary.

Festival of Fire

If you like Latin music, I suggest you sign up for the Festival of Fire that takes place between the last days of May and the first days of June, you will be able to enjoy its activities in the open spaces of the Olympic Park. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be dancehall, trap, pop reggaeton and reggae shows to keep you warm and jumping.

It is important to bring your original passport, as without this document you will not be able to access the festival (photocopies are not accepted). I recommend you not to miss this event, as every year they have special surprises and a very entertaining repertoire of artists.

Details of interest: The general admission ticket costs approximately 130 €, VIP passes for over 18 years are around 270 € and includes a privileged view of the stage, food and beverage section, bathroom and more. During the festival dates, hotels tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance.

YATAI MTL or Itadakimasu Festival

The cultures of Japan and Canada merge in a very interesting event featuring food tastings, live music, open-air markets and temporary exhibitions. The YATAI MTL Festival, Itadakimasu or Japan Week in Montreal, is a celebration that focuses much of its activities on Japanese street food.

On their website you can find which are the cultural spaces, restaurants, cafes and ideal places to visit during this week. To better understand the event, keep in mind that there is a street food area and a cultural exhibition area.

You will also be able to appreciate activities that simulate the Yatai, which takes place in Japan during the summer and consists of a ritual carried out in rivers and temples.

Details of interest: You can download a free map on the official website and find out which restaurants are associated with the event.

MURAL Festival

Are you an art and mural lover? The MURAL Festival is an urban event that lasts at least fifteen days, it stands out because the lifeless walls of Montreal are transformed into real artistic paintings. The streets commemorate the summer with their best colors and the street party is accompanied by music.

Details of interest: On the official website you will find a dynamic map with the sites that will be protagonists during this event. There are many free activities in Saint-Laurent, but to enter some events you will need to buy tickets.

Portugal International Festival

June is considered Portugal History and Heritage Month in Canada, so I suggest you head to the Portuguese quarter to enjoy Montreal's Portugal International Festival, which offers gastronomic experiences, free concerts, cultural performances and a massive parade. It's a great way to celebrate Portuguese heritage with Portuguese clothing, art and food.

Details of interest: It's a completely free festival.

During the last days of June many summer parties are held in the city, one of the most fun is L'International des Feux Loto-Québec or the Montreal Fireworks Festival, considered one of the largest fireworks shows in the world. The show lasts approximately thirty minutes and takes place every Saturday from June to August.

To enjoy the lights and fireworks I recommend arriving early to La Ronde, from where you can have an unparalleled view of Dolphin Lake and the event in general. The interesting thing about this celebration is that there is a competition between fireworks artists from different countries, every Saturday you can enjoy a different nation including Portugal, Belgium, Ukraine, Finland and more.

Details of interest: The general admission is around 35 €, there is also a Summer Passport that grants access to all the fireworks presentations of the different countries, from 70 €.

Formula 1 lovers can live an adrenaline-filled adventure at the Grand Prix, a speed race that has been held in Montreal since 1961. You can enjoy three days of competitions, personalized classes, parties full of music and fun, gastronomic booths and a variety of events to feed the adventurer in you.

Passes for the three-day event range from 130 to 680 €, as ticket prices vary depending on the grandstand, there are a variety of options ranging from privileged views of the most daring curves to family areas ideal for attending with children. Detailed information about each grandstand can be found on their official website.

Details of interest: Please note that tickets sell out quickly, as it is an event that has an expected annual attendance of at least 100,000 people, so I suggest you buy your passes in advance.

The best part of visiting a country with a different culture is taking advantage of its gastronomic offerings and checking out the street food. From hot dogs in New York to bug markets in Asia, every culture has a different menu to offer and Montreal is no exception, with its bagels, smoked meat sandwiches, French fries, grain cheese and more.

Les Premiers Vendredis has been celebrated since 2012 and you can enjoy its gastronomic activities during the first Fridays of each month of the summer, specifically the celebrations open in June, so I recommend you to sign up. In the streets of Montreal are installed more than 50 street food carts and some stands of important local restaurants.

Details of interest: Admission is free and you don't need to book, costs depend on the number of food stalls you want to visit.

Between late June and early July, Montreal hosts the annual International Jazz Festival, which is considered one of the largest jazz events in the world. Approximately 500 jazz shows are performed in the Quartier des Spectacles.

The event attracts around 3000 musicians from some 30 countries who perform outdoor and indoor concerts, with a variety of jazz styles.

Details of interest: Most activities are free, however some concerts have a cost that will vary depending on the location and the artist.

Every year during Quebec's birthday, a big party is held in the city, as Montreal is part of this province. The event, better known as La Fête National du Québec, takes place at Place des Festivals, an open-air square that is used as a concert hall.

This event has been held since 1834 and features the Quebec National Day Parade, you can wear the national or regional flag and dress up as something that represents Quebec culture. In addition, there are dancers, musical bands, people on skateboards and more, the duration is approximately one hour walk and you must register on the official website.

You can also participate in the Quebec National Day Dance which includes colorful outdoor and indoor dance floors, as well as other free activities.

Details of interest: Most activities are free of charge, but you must register in advance.

Another annual event not to be missed is Tam-Tams, a free outdoor festival held in the mountains of Montreal, which welcomes locals and tourists alike and is considered a multicultural event. You can enjoy drum circles, food booths, arts and crafts vendors, craft beers, mechanical games and live music.

Specifically, it takes place every Sunday in June at Mont Royal Park, accessible via the Mont Royal subway station or the 11 West bus stop.

Details of interest: Just bring your passport or ID and extra money to take advantage of the food stalls.

If you like laid-back plans, Picnik is the event for you, including electronic music shows and outdoor dancing. In addition, food booths, craft breweries and other attractions are set up for the whole family.

The price of admission will vary depending on the artist and is usually more expensive if you are located on the terrace. The general pass includes access to the selected show and food and beverage booths, while the terrace has skip-the-line access, exclusive restrooms and more surprises. It's one of the best things to do with kids in Montreal.

Details of interest: Several dates are set between May and October, I recommend you to keep an eye on the official website.

In June, locals take advantage of the good temperatures to attend outdoor movie screenings held in different parts of the city, especially in parks and squares. The event is usually held at the Cinéma sous les étoiles, also known as the cinema under the stars.

Details of interest: Admission is free, most films and documentaries revolve around social, cultural and political issues.

Montreal's Art Night is an event that carpets the streets with different art proposals during the summer, it starts in June and the activities end at the end of the season in Old Montreal.

It is one of the best things to do in Montreal, as when night falls artists take to the streets to offer quality entertainment, such as musical performances, dance shows, graffiti creation, mural exhibitions and much more.

Details of interest: Admission is free, but if it is your first time in the city I recommend opting for one of the best tours of Montreal that usually offer a guided experience ideal to make the most of the experience.

Summer is probably the best time to go to Montreal, as it offers endless tourist possibilities, such as outdoor activities and relaxing events. I suggest you don't miss:

• A free-stop bus tour of Montreal ideal for exploring hidden sites as well as the city's most sought-after attractions.
• A getaway to Quebec from Montreal, a plan destined to explore the best attractions of the province, such as the 83-meter high Montmorency Falls, the Plains of Abraham or the Place Royale, an iconic building related to the founder of the city.
• A guided sightseeing cruise on Montreal's St. Lawrence River is an ideal activity if you are in search of a summer tan. During this tour you will learn about the maritime history of the metropolis and explore the historic areas of the port.

• Montreal is a very busy city, especially during the month of June due to the high season. To get to the main attractions, do not drive, as parking is difficult to find. Instead, I suggest you opt for metro, bus or the best city tours.
• The format of the plugs is different from Europe, so I suggest you bring an adapter.
• Tipping is mandatory, it is recommended to leave 15% on the price to be paid.
• Bring waterproof shoes, as temperatures in Montreal are unpredictable.