A local's guide to the best things to do in Montreal [May 2025]

UPDATE, May 2025: The month of May in Montreal is the real turning point. The tulips are out, festival banners are going up, and the terrasses aren’t just open—they’re full. The city finally starts to feel like itself again around this time, and we've changed what's listed here to reflect that.

From riverside raves to late-night steamés, mountaintop picnics to mile-long terrasses, Montreal in May is where the city hits stride, and you only one look at our guide to the best things to do in Montreal to see that. Festival season is heating up, park life is in full swing, and whether you’re chasing adrenaline in the Old Port or digging for records in the Mile End, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out the door. That’s why we’ve built this list: to help you make the most of Montreal right now.

This isn’t just a list of things to do—it’s a snapshot of how the city moves, eats (see: coffee shops and late-night eats plus poutine), parties, and shows up for its own. If you’re a first-timer or someone who’s been around the block a hundred times, we’re here to cut through the noise and highlight what’s actually worth your time: the essential, the unexpected, and everything in between.

Green means go at Montreal's best parks

The grass is greener, the trees are waking up, and that first park beer of the year is calling: After months of skating trails and snowshoe circuits, the best parks in Montreal are calling, and that means picnics at Parc La Fontaine, cycling the Lachine Canal, and plotting a lazy Sunday around Beaver Lake—or just posting up under the budding trees in your favourite neighbourhood spot.

Roller rink revival at Esplanade Tranquille

Spring in the Quartier des Spectacles means trading blades for quads as Esplanade Tranquille turns into a retro-inspired roller rink. On May 10, Skate with Marly hosts a throwback dance party featuring groovy choreography, DJ Plastik Patrik on the decks, and an open floor for skaters of all levels. The next day, the Montreal Roller Derby League brings the action with a friendly outdoor bout between their A and B teams—expect hits, spins, and a lot of attitude.

Both days also offer free beginner lessons with the crew from Lowlife boutique (gear included, while it lasts). Add in book browsing and chill time at Café Tranquille, and you’ve got your weekend plans on wheels.

Two wheels, one city

There really is no better way to experience Montreal than by bike, and if you're from out of town, by BIXI. With hundreds of stations across the island and a growing network of bike paths, the city turns into a massive circuit from spring through fall (winter too if you're so bold). Cruise the Lachine Canal, dip in and out of the Plateau—whatever grabs you.

For something slower, roll through the green corridors of Parc Jean-Drapeau. For something faster, test out the protected lanes on de Maisonneuve or Saint-Denis. Just watch out for potholes and rogue construction zones—this is still Montreal, after all.

Piknic Électronik returns to the island

Montreal’s favourite Sunday ritual is back. Starting May 17 and 18 and lasting until October, Piknic Électronik kicks off another season of open-air dancing, electronic beats, and Parc Jean-Drapeau lounging.

It’s part music festival, part citywide exhale—where big-name DJs, skyline views, and that distinct blend of chill and chaos collide under the sun. Dance all day or just sip something cold in the grass—whatever you do, Piknic is proof that nobody does public-party energy quite like Montreal.

New thrills in the Old Port

Two new attractions can be found in the Old Port, one for the laid-back day-trippers, the other for the full-throttle adrenaline junkies.

First up: Mini Putt Montréal, a new outdoor course with two 9-hole circuits—one for kids and families, the other with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. Set up along the Quai des Convoyeurs, it’s designed for everyone from casual players to corporate groups looking to ditch the boardroom. With city views, river breezes, and a built-in summer vibe, it’s a strong contender for your next low-stakes outing.

Then there’s Montréal Bungee, now home to the highest urban bungee jump in Canada. Perched 210 feet above the Saint-Lawrence on the restored Tour des Convoyeurs, this new drop from the team behind MTL Zipline promises jaw-dropping views, nighttime jumps, and enough adrenaline to carry you straight into festival season. Whether you’re diving off a tower or watching someone else do it, the Old Port is back in a big way.

Drink, play, repeat: Montreal’s new wave of entertainment bars

Call it the return of the third place—or maybe it's just a sign that we’re all a little tired of staring into our drinks. Either way, bars with built-in entertainment are booming again, and Montreal’s taking it up a notch. Whether you’re slinging darts in a moody cocktail den, perfecting your backswing with a transfusion in hand, or crushing steamés between rounds of 10-pin, these spots are more than novelties. They’re fully formed experiences with design chops, sharp menus, and that rare ability to keep a group entertained for hours without feeling like you’re stuck in a theme park.

Start with Willie’s Clubhouse, where vintage pool hall meets martini bar inside the Forum. Then tee up a round at Muni, an alt-country club that swaps dress codes for high-tech swings and Southern comfort. Or dive into the retro revival at Montreal Bowling, a throwback that’s all vibes, glizzys, and glory.

Art, history, oddities, curiosities

The best museums in Montreal aren’t just for rainy days—they’re some of the city’s best portals into its layered, unpredictable cultural life. Whether you’re drawn to ancient artifacts, radical contemporary art, or exhibits that toe the line between science and storytelling, there’s something behind those walls worth your time.

At the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this month, two standout exhibitions are drawing crowds this spring: Bad Girls Only rethinks sin and femininity through centuries-old prints that feel eerily current, while Worlds of Wonder dives into the surreal mind of Montreal-born artist Alan Glass.

Terrasse season hits its stride

The real sign that winter’s finally over? The clink of glasses on a terrasse and that first awkward sunburn of the year. Once the city thaws, Montrealers waste no time claiming their spot in the sun. From corner cafés to rooftop stunners, May marks the moment when eating and drinking outside goes from possibility to priority.

Looking for where to post up? We’ve mapped out the best terrasses in Montreal and the best rooftop bars in Montreal worth climbing for—whether you’re after a spritz, a pint, or just somewhere to bask between bites.

Climb and explore Montreal’s namesake, Mont-Royal

Montreal’s namesake of Mount Royal is so much more than a scenic backdrop. It’s the city’s backyard, workout spot, and unofficial gathering place.

As spring hits, Mont-Royal starts shaking off the frost and filling up with runners, dog walkers, cyclists, and picnickers reclaiming their favourite spots. The trails are muddy in the best way, the stairs up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere still hurt (in a good way), and tam-tams start to pulse again near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument. Whether you’re here to break a sweat or just sprawl out in the sun with some takeout (try the nearby Romados), this is Montreal in full thaw.

Drink and dine with the latest and greatest 

Montreal’s dining scene runs like it’s got something to prove—and maybe it does. Every few weeks, there’s a new spot with a different take: some chasing nostalgia, others burning it down and starting fresh. If you’re tired of the usual haunts, skip the safe bets. The best new restaurants in Montreal are where the city’s newest kitchens are making noise.

If you’re more into cocktails than courses, the best new bars in Montreal are just as ambitious. You’ll find listening lounges spinning vinyl deep cuts, neighbourhood spots with serious wine lists, and bartenders turning seasonal produce into something borderline alchemical.

Explore the city’s upsurge in cowboy core

Montreal might not be the Wild West, but cowboy culture is having a moment—think bolo ties at dive bars, country nights in Mile End, and a full-blown honky-tonk revival. From vintage Western wear to dance halls serving up two-step lessons, the city is leaning into its long-overlooked frontier roots. Whether you’re in it for the fashion, the music, or just an excuse to break out the boots, now’s the time to ride the wave.

Visit an icon that's worth the shlep

Every city’s got its classics, but Montreal’s icons come with lineups, lore, and often a side of slaw. Ma Poule Mouillée keeps the Plateau smelling like charcoal and piri piri, dishing out Portuguese chicken that’s as juicy as the hype. Out in Pointe-Claire, Delibee's still serves smoked meat the old-school way—thick, hand-cut, and with zero patience for shortcuts.

If you’re up for a proper road trip, Le Roy Jucep in Drummondville claims to be the birthplace of poutine, and whether or not you buy the origin story, the gravy speaks for itself. And over in Granby, Chez Ben is a neon-lit time warp where steamés, soft serve, and Quebecois nostalgia flow in equal measure.

Each one is a pilgrimage in its own right—and absolutely worth the detour.

Settle in for live jazz at a Montreal institution

Montreal’s jazz scene runs deep, and a night at a proper jazz club is still one of the best ways to take it in. Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is a mainstay, offering a mix of local talent and international acts in a setting that keeps the focus on the music. Whether you’re settling in for dinner or just grabbing a drink at the bar, the vibe is intimate, the sound is rich, and the lineup rarely misses. Here’s why Upstairs still sets the standard.

Plan a date night that actually feels special

Montreal doesn’t do romance halfway. Whether it’s a candlelit bistro, a vibey wine bar, or a spot that makes even a casual night out feel like something more. From timeless French classics to intimate hideaways with natural wine and shareable plates, the city has no shortage of settings for a memorable evening. Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or just a good excuse to dress up, here’s where to go when you want to impress.

Dig through Montreal’s best record shops and bookstores

For those who love the thrill of the hunt, Montreal’s indie record and bookstores are goldmines. Cheap Thrills has been a go-to for vinyl heads and underground finds for decades, while Encore Books & Records offers a treasure trove of used books and rare LPs, complete with a staff that knows their stuff. Whether you’re after first editions, forgotten gems, or just a place to lose track of time, the best bookstores in Montreal deliver.

Working for the weekend? Plan a brunch

 You’ve made it through the week—now it’s time to do brunch right. Go all in with a feast at Larrys, where the small plates lineup never misses, or lean into old-school diner comfort at Arthurs Nosh Bar. If you’re chasing that perfect pastry-to-coffee ratio, Butterblume has you covered. And for those who like their eggs with a side of natural wine, Janine Café delivers. However you brunch, make it count. Here’s where to find the best in Montreal.

Explore the seasons at local markets

As the city thaws, Montreal’s public markets shift back into full bloom. Jean-Talon Market bursts with early greens, foraged finds, and the first local asparagus, while Atwater Market’s outdoor stalls start to slowly buzz again with flowers and fresh bread before the smell of grilled food arrives in May. That's when terrasses return, the baskets fill up, and suddenly grocery shopping feels more like a celebration.

Treat yourself with unique boutiques in Montreal

Montreal’s boutique scene is built for those who like their shopping with a little more personality. Whether it’s curated vintage, indie fashion labels, handcrafted home goods, or design-forward accessories, the city’s independent shops offer a mix you won’t find anywhere else. From tucked-away ateliers to beautifully designed concept stores, these spots make browsing as much of an experience as the buy itself. Ready to splurge a little? Here’s where to start.

Catch pop-ups and weekend events before they're gone

Montreal moves fast—one weekend it’s a buzzy food pop-up, the next it’s a secret vinyl market or an underground art show. Blink and you’ll miss something great. Stay ahead of the game with The Bulletin, our weekly rundown of the best things happening in the city. From last-minute shows to can’t-miss openings, we’ve got your weekend plans covered. Subscribe here and never miss out.

Explore neighbourhoods according to locals

You can Google the top sights, or you can ask the people who actually live here where they go.

From muralist Kevin Ledo’s go-to spots in Little Portugal to artist Pony’s favourite haunts along Plaza Saint-Hubert, and punk mainstay Hugo Mudie’s tried-and-true picks in Hochelaga, these guides come straight from locals who live and breathe their neighbourhoods. No fluff, no tourist traps—just the cafés, bars, shops, and corners that give each area its pulse.

Enjoy a sonic escape

For those who like their coffee black and their records deep-cut, Montreal’s listening bars and vinyl cafés offer a slower, more intentional kind of escape. These are spots where the sound system matters as much as the drinks menu, and crate-diggers, audiophiles, and curious passersby all find common ground in the glow of tube amps and warm analog tones. Post up with a cocktail or flip through LPs between espressos—whatever you do, these venues prove that in this city, good taste isn’t just about what’s on the plate, it’s also what’s spinning.