Businesses across Montreal are reopening!
While Montreal won’t be able to host as many festivals as usual, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do during the summer months.
Clock Tower Beach
Located a short distance from the historical district, Old Port’s urban beach officially opened on July 3. While you may not be able to go on a tropical vacation, you can still enjoy the vacation atmosphere, “...with its fine sand, parasols and refreshing mist.”
Please note that because of COVID-19, the Clocktower beach furniture (lounging chairs and tables) won't be deployed. You are allowed to bring your own chairs, but as usual bringing your own beach umbrellas is prohibited.
Visit one of the Markets
At the end of April the City of Montreal announced that seasonal markets could resume their activities during the summer season. So if you, like many other people, decided to improve your cooking skills, you now have somewhere to go for fresh ingredients.
“Seasonal markets provide access to quality local products at reasonable prices. We thus support our producers, traders and artisans and ensure a diversified diet, particularly in the food deserts where Montrealers are impatiently awaiting the return of seasonal markets to stock up on fresh produce," said mayor Montreal, Valérie Plante.
Of course, there will be measures in place to ensure the health and safety of vendors and customers.
For example, outdoor areas will be secured with fences to limit access and occupancy and there will be handwashing stations in the markets’ central areas.
Reduced hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Saint Raphael Ruins
Drive about an hour and half west and you’ll arrive at the St. Raphael’s ruins. It’s a national historic site in South Glengarry County, Ontario. In 1970 a fire destroyed St Raphael's roof, its 1830's tower and all of its interior decorations. Now, all that remains are the outer walls.
Citrouille et Tournesols
Located in Orford, Citrouilles et Tournesols allows free visits to their fields and guided tours. Both allow you to admire their fields of sunflowers and view of Mont-Orford. Unlike previous years, there are few extra precautions in place due to COVID-19.
The site is only open for private group events so you will need to call in advance. They have 350 acres of “pure gourmet pleasures and first-rate infrastructure: Bistro space, panoramic terrace, a sugar shack, sunflower fields, etc.”
La maison lavande
Picnic areas are available in the lavender fields or enjoy something from their bistro! However, they suggest that you bring your own reusable containers and cutlery. (Bamboo, reusable & compostable tableware is available at the fields).
For summer 2020, the bistro will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the high season. Lavender lemonade, lavender iced coffee, apple & lavender sparkle juice & the famous lavender frozen yogurt will still be available!
Mont-Tremblant
Most people know Mont Tremblant for skiing, but they are also home to beautiful walking and cycling trails, nautical activities and rock climbing. If you want to spend an afternoon cycling you can try the Le P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park, and la Villageoise-de-Mont-Tremblant as well as the official course of the IRONMAN race. Follow the circuits and you will also discover the vast natural territory of Mont-Tremblant and the surrounding municipalities such as Lac-Supérieur, La Conception and Labelle.
Take a Chocolate Tour
Making, drinking, cooking with chocolate and its confection! You’ll go behind the scenes with people who live and breathe chocolate. This is a guided tour through the Plateau and Mile End neighborhoods.
You’ll have the chance to, “Learn about chocolate throughout history, from Mesoamerican and precolonial history, colonial production, industrial production, and the bean-to-bar movement.”
Due to COVID-19, they are prioritizing small, private tours. This means that bookings may need to be converted to private tours to be honored.
Dorwin Falls
Dorwin Falls Park is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm until Labor Day. There are two lookout points, a 2.5 km ecological trail and a picnic area.
Enjoy a Coffee (+ adopt a plant in the process!)
Cafés such as Leaves House have reopened their doors! Come in-store to enjoy a 100% plant-based drink or adopt one of many plants available at both locations.
Leaves House isn’t just a café. We would also like to become the ultimate aggregator of 100% Animal-Free products and services mainly from Montreal based start-ups. It contemplates two forms: via a physical place in Montreal and via an e-commerce platform. Visit us in-store to enjoy a coffee and pastry or visit our website to find plant-based milk, fashion and cosmetics.
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