8 Picnic Spots in Montreal You Need To Experience
Imagine yourself eating delicious food, lying in the shade of a large tree, and taking in the beautiful scenery around you. With harsh winters, unpredictable Springs and chilly falls, Summer, is the best time to enjoy a picnic in Montreal.
Most Montrealers probably have a go-to spot picked out. Charming nature parks and picnic areas can be found all over Montreal. It can be overwhelming to choose on where to go. Well, to make your life easier, here is a list of the best picnic spots in Montreal you need to try out! Get your basket, blanket and some good company. Let’s picnic!
1. Westmount Parc
Montreal’s inhabitants have been picnicking for many centuries. Westmount Park has been providing locals with some scenic spots since 1917! This lush park is also in close proximity to the Westmount Library and its greenhouse, a wading pool, an outdoor pool, a tennis court, and some delightful landscaping jobs to check out.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a great picnic here. Just remember that winters in Montreal tend to come pretty quickly!
2. Île Sainte-Hélène
For those of us who are looking for something a bit more adventurous, Île Sainte-Hélène is the place to go. There is certainly no shortage of activities in the island that hosted the infamous ”Expo 67” Fair in the 60’s.
Cycle on the Gilles Villeneuve track, take some memorable photos at the biosphere and, marvel at the rich gardens.
Haven’t had enough? Dance at Picnic Électronique, swim at Jean-Doré Beach and visit La Ronde. Tired from all that fun? Settle down for a calm picnic by the lake. With so much to do and see, this island is most definitely worth multiple visits.
3. Angrignon Parc
Looking to see a rich, green, landscape full of trees? Angrignon Park is everything you desire and more. This park has room for everyone. It is also accessible by metro and, provides visitors with BBQ pits. Angrignon Park will seriously have you feeling like you’re in a fairytale!
Get lost in gorgeous trees without the hustle and bustle of the city.
4. Pointe-Claire Village
Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, Pointe Claire Village is the perfect place to have a delicious picnic. With delicious Ice Cream joints like Wild Willy’s and Bilboquet at your fingertips, this is an amazing picnic spot complete with picnic tables. Settle down by the lake and watch some boats. Wanna walk around a bit?
Take a walk by the historic, 18th century, Saint-Joachim de Pointe-Claire church. Visit an old mill where you can do some good old fishing. This picturesque village is a must visit if you wanna add some historic charm to your picnic.
5. Mount Royal Parc
Explore one of Montreal’s most infamous locations while having a plentiful picnic. No matter how many times you’ve been here, there is always something new to see. Hike up the hill and take some gorgeous pictures.
City and nature views are visible in this photographers dream of a park. Mount Royal Park is well-known to locals and tourists alike. There is always a new treasure to discover.
6. Jarry Parc
Jarry Parc, a huge nature park in the city of 100 steeples, always has room for one more picnic blanket. A perfect place to catch up with your friends, this park is fun and pretty relaxing at the same time. Make yourself comfortable by the lake and have a great time.
It’s perfectly spacious for kids to play tag in. Bars along Jean-Talon are close by and save you a trip to the store. Jarry Park is the park that comes to mind when you think of fun for the whole family.
7. Verdun
Verdun provides visitors with a number of parks to choose from when it comes to picnicking. Champion Park, Verdun Park, Woodland Park, Turtle Wharf Park, J.-Albert-Gariépy Park complete with a beach, and the Rapids Park which features a bird sanctuary.
A whole entire summer could be spent travelling around Verdun’s abundant parks. You can even rent a canoe or kayak. The choices are endless and there is so much to do. If you wanna get though these parks, the time to start is right now.
8. Lachine Canal
This national park spans all the way from Old Montreal to Lachine. According to Timeout, the best spot is by the Atwater Market. Buy some tasty treats from the plentiful market and get cozy by the canal. Chess tables and ping pong tables are also available for your amusement.
Atwater Market is especially great because you don’t even need to bring your own food. Endless choices are laid out in front of you at the bustling market. What are you waiting for? Get your blanket and enjoy this summer treat.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, bring your dog or pack your favourite book for some alone time. Montreal is full of some great parks! Have free fun while enjoying the city’s scenic summer days.
Picnicking is a great alternative to eating at restaurants. Just uphold social distancing guidelines and you’ll have a blast! IF adding cocktails is a picnic-must for the party picnic types, here is a great product you can support local in Bold Vodka.
Been to any of these parks? Which is your favorite picnic spots in Montreal? Share it with us in the comments!
Sera is a student in Montreal. Having traveled all her life, she finds herself at home in Montreal with its vibrant culture and endless events. Her greatest interests are music, art and philosophy.