Montreal in Summer — 48 Hours of Food, Bikes & Live Music (Friends)
A fun, fast-paced 2-day weekend for a group of friends who want vibrant food halls, energetic live music, a playful active outing, and local neighbourhood vibes. Easy splits, group-friendly spots, and plenty of photo ops.
Highlights
- Old Montreal & Notre-Dame Basilica
- Time Out Market Montréal food-hall lunch
- BIXI bike ride along the Lachine Canal
- Live jazz & late-night craft beer
- Escape room challenge + Mount Royal lookout
- Late-night poutine at La Banquise
Itinerary
Day 1
Old Port + Plateau loop: historic sights, a big-group food-hall lunch, an active BIXI ride and a lively night with jazz and craft beer.
Breakfast — Olive & Gourmando (Old Montreal)
Kick off with generous pastries and sandwiches at this beloved Old Montreal café — easy to share plates and great coffee to fuel a day of exploring.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table if your group is 4+; indoor seating fills fast on summer weekends.
- Try sharing a few sweet pastries and a sandwich to taste more — great for split bills.
- Old Montreal is cobbled — wear comfortable shoes and grab takeaway if you want to walk the waterfront after.
Walk to Notre-Dame Basilica & Short Self-Guided Visit
Brief visit to the striking Notre-Dame Basilica and the picturesque square — quick cultural stop for photos and awe-inspiring interiors.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance to avoid lines, especially on sunny July mornings.
- Sit near the choir for the best view of the stained glass and ceiling details — it's dramatic in photos.
- Security is minimal for quick visits, but keep backpacks zipped; the square is stroller-friendly if someone brings one.
Leisurely Stroll — Old Montreal & Waterfront Photo Stops
Wander the cobbled streets, visit boutiques and the Old Port piers — relaxed pace to soak in architecture and street performers.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk toward the Old Port for great skyline photos with the St. Lawrence River — perfect group shots at sunset too.
- Pop into local shops (hat, vintage, ceramics) if someone wants unique souvenirs — many take cards.
- If it’s hot, grab a gelato to share from a local vendor and sit on the quay benches.
Lunch — Time Out Market Montréal (Old Port food hall)
Big, lively food-hall with multiple kitchens — perfect for groups who want different dishes and easy split bills at communal tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early-ish (12:15) to grab a large communal table for 4–6; vendors hand you a buzzer so you can mix-and-match.
- Order a few shared plates so the group can taste multiple cuisines — the seafood and falafel stands are local favorites.
- Keep receipts from different stalls for easy bill split; there are many outlets to charge phones if you need them.
Transit & BIXI Setup (pick up bikes)
Walk to a nearby BIXI docking station and get everyone set up on BIXI bikes for a scenic ride along the Lachine Canal.
Tips from local experts:
- Download the BIXI app and set up payment before you arrive; group members can share one-time access codes.
- Bring a small lock or helmet if you have them; helmets are recommended in summer and often available for rent nearby.
- Plan to use short trips (30–60 min) if you prefer switching riders or stopping for photos along the canal.
Active Outing — BIXI Bike Ride Along the Lachine Canal
Group-friendly, mostly flat cycling route alongside the canal — mix of nature, waterfront views, and converted industrial neighborhoods.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick together in small packs of 3–4 and use hand signals; Quebec cyclists appreciate predictable group riding.
- Stop at the Atwater Market stretch or the canal locks for photos — the greenery is at its best in July.
- Carry water and sunscreen; Montreal sun can be strong and there are stretches with limited shade.
Coffee Break — Café Olimpico (Mile End)
Classic local espresso bar in the Mile End/plateau area — small, lively, and perfect for regrouping after the ride.
Tips from local experts:
- This spot is popular with locals — go inside for the authentic vibe, but there’s limited seating for big groups; prepare to stand or take away.
- Try an affogato or share a pastry if you want to snack light after biking.
- Mile End is full of indie shops nearby — a quick browse while someone watches bikes is a nice mini-exploration.
Early Evening Chill / Hotel Check-in (flexible)
Short break to refresh, change, and recharge before dinner — time for everyone to regroup and prepare for the night.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this hour to swap to evening clothes and charge phones for nightlife photos — portable battery packs help for long nights.
- If someone wants extra downtime, suggest splittable rideshare options to meet the group at dinner.
- Confirm dinner reservations and live-jazz set times — Modavie fills up early on weekends.
Dinner & Live Jazz — Modavie (Old Montreal)
A cozy jazz bar/restaurant with a menu that’s easy to share — classic choice for groups who want music and conversation over dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance and mention you want to be near the stage; the best seats fill fast.
- Order a few plates family-style and split the bill in parts — servers are used to group orders.
- Arrive early to catch the first set and then plan a post-dinner bar hop if the group’s still lively.
Late-Night Craft Beers — Dieu du Ciel! (Plateau)
Iconic Montreal microbrewery with an energetic atmosphere and rotating taps — great for a late-night toast and local brews.
Tips from local experts:
- Try to arrive as a group early in the evening for a table; late-night seating can be standing-room only.
- Ask the bartender for flight suggestions if you want to sample several local styles without committing to large pours.
- Noise levels are high and friendly — perfect for a lively group but not ideal if anyone wants a quiet chat.
Day 2
Mile End, an escape-room challenge, a Mount Royal lookout, and a classic late-night poutine — active, playful and perfect for a friend group.
Brunch — L'Avenue (Plateau)
Famous Montreal brunch spot with generous portions and a playful menu — communal vibe and great for fueling a big day.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early or expect a line; put your name on the list together and explore the nearby shops while you wait.
- Large groups should be ready to split across nearby tables; many friends order one big dish each and share.
- Try lighter options if you plan the escape room later — portions are generous and Instagram-worthy.
Mile End Stroll & Bagel Stop — Saint-Viateur Bagel
Wander indie shops and bakeries in Mile End and taste classic Montreal bagels at the famous Saint-Viateur counter.
Tips from local experts:
- Grab fresh bagels to share — the wood-fired ones are best eaten warm and are an affordable group snack.
- Mile End is compact; split up to browse record shops and vintage stores then regroup at the bagel shop.
- Carry small cash for some vendors; many spots accept cards but small vendors sometimes prefer cash in summer markets.
Group Challenge — Escape Room (Escaparium)
A playful, puzzle-focused escape room experience for teams — perfect for bonding, cheering and split prize bragging rights.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a 4–6 person room so everyone can participate; tell the venue you’re a friend group and they’ll suggest the most social rooms.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; rooms can require crouching or moving between tight spaces.
- Discuss split payment beforehand — most places accept one card but dividing the cost beforehand keeps things simple.
Transfer — Short Ride to Mount Royal Park
Quick ride or rideshare up toward Mount Royal Park to reach the main lookout and park entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Use a short rideshare if you want to save time and energy for the lookout — many drivers can drop you near the Kondiaronk Belvedere.
- If you brought bikes, there are bike-friendly routes up the park in summer; expect a gentle climb.
- Bring a small snack and water from a corner store — picnic benches at the lookout are limited on sunny afternoons.
Mount Royal Lookout — Belvédère Kondiaronk (photo + chill)
Hike or stroll to the famous Kondiaronk lookout for sweeping views over the city — iconic Montreal group photo spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the lookout for golden-hour photos; in July the light stays late and the city views are spectacular.
- Bring a lightweight blanket for an impromptu picnic and to stake out the best photo angles with the group.
- If anyone prefers less walking, there are easier paved routes to the lookout from the east-side entrance.
Early Dinner — La Banquise (Plateau) — Poutine for the Group
Late-afternoon / early-evening poutine institution that satisfies the whole group — a lively late-night staple and perfect for sharing.
Tips from local experts:
- La Banquise is casual and perfect for groups; order a few different poutines to share and sample the classics.
- It can be busy late at night — coming early (around 17:30) means shorter waits and better chances at a big table.
- Cash and cards accepted; if splitting the bill, ask the server for separate receipts to avoid confusion.
Evening Option — Trivia or Live Pub Night at Hurley's Irish Pub
Cap the trip with local pub energy: books a trivia table (if it’s trivia night) or enjoy live music and bar games — social and group-friendly.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the pub’s weekly calendar before you go — many nights have trivia or live music; reserve a spot if trivia is listed.
- Pubs allow casual splits and rounds — consider rotating who buys a round to keep the vibe flowing.
- If you prefer something quieter after heavy food, ask for a corner table; otherwise the bar area is lively and great for meeting locals.
