How should one celebrate a birthday? No matter what kind of experience you’re seeking—chill or exhilarating—Montreal has lots to offer. Here are a few of our top recommendations for the city’s top birthday activities.

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Top 10 Birthday Ideas in Montreal

If you’re looking for birthday ideas in Montreal, you’re in luck. The city is full of great places to eat, drink, and be merry. Here are 10 ideas to get you going.

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For the Foodie

Dinner at one of Montreal’s many excellent restaurants is always a good idea. It’s even better to get a group together and make a reservation at a private room or patio.

Here are some restos to consider for your birthday:

1. Joe Beef:

• Cuisine: French, Canadian
• Address: 2491 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1N6, Canada
• Highlights: Known for its lively atmosphere and decadent dishes, Joe Beef is a staple in Montreal’s culinary scene. The menu changes often but always features creative, high-quality dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

2. Toqué!

• Cuisine: French, Contemporary
• Address: 900 Jean Paul Riopelle Pl, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 2B2, Canada
• Highlights: Led by renowned chef Normand Laprise, Toqué! offers a sophisticated dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to celebrate with fine dining.

3. Le Club Chasse et Pêche:

• Cuisine: French, Seafood, Canadian
• Address: 423 Rue Saint-Claude, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B6, Canada
• Highlights: Offering a cozy, intimate setting, Le Club Chasse et Pêche serves inventive French cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and game. It’s a great choice for a special, intimate celebration.

4. Liverpool House:

• Cuisine: Seafood, Canadian
• Address: 2501 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1N6, Canada
• Highlights: Part of the Joe Beef family, Liverpool House offers a similar vibe with a different menu. It’s known for its fresh seafood and inviting, casual atmosphere.

5. Le Mousso:

• Cuisine: French, Canadian
• Address: 1023 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 1P8, Canada
• Highlights: Chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard leads Le Mousso, a restaurant celebrated for its tasting menus. If you’re looking for an innovative and artistic culinary experience, this might be the ideal spot.

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For the Party Animal

The best way to celebrate your birthday is with a night out. Drinks at a bar to start, then move on to a club to dance. You can be sure it will be a memorable evening!

1. La Distillerie No.1:

• Type: Cocktail Bar
• Address: 300 Rue Ontario E, Montreal, QC H2X 1H6, Canada
• Highlights: Known for its extensive cocktail menu and upbeat atmosphere, La Distillerie offers a fun and casual environment. The bar often gets praised for its creative and delicious cocktails, as well as its friendly staff.

2. Baldwin Barmacie:

• Type: Lounge/Cocktail Bar
• Address: 115 Laurier Ave W, Montreal, QC H2T 2N6, Canada
• Highlights: Baldwin Barmacie offers a sleek, stylish setting that’s perfect for a more laid-back, sophisticated birthday celebration. With a wide selection of cocktails and a cozy ambiance, it provides an excellent backdrop for a night out with close friends.

3. Bar Le Lab:

• Type: Cocktail Bar
• Address: 1351 Rachel St E, Montreal, QC H2J 2Y2, Canada
• Highlights: With its expert mixologists and innovative drinks, Bar Le Lab is a favorite for those who appreciate finely crafted cocktails. The atmosphere is vibrant, making it suitable for a lively birthday celebration.

4. Big In Japan Bar:

• Type: Speakeasy/Whisky Bar
• Address: 4175 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2W 1Y7, Canada
• Highlights: This speakeasy-style bar is known for its unique and atmospheric interior, offering a different vibe from the typical bar. If you’re a whisky enthusiast, you’ll appreciate their extensive selection.

5. Le Sainte-Elisabeth:

• Type: Pub
• Address: 1412 Sainte Élisabeth St, Montreal, QC H2X 3C6, Canada
• Highlights: Offering a beautiful, vine-covered terrace, Le Sainte-Elisabeth is a popular spot during warmer months but provides a welcoming atmosphere year-round. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed and open space with a wide range of beers and pub fare.

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For the Cultured Type

A terrific way to celebrate a birthday in Montreal is to visit a museum or art gallery. Or, for something really different, take a tour of one of the city’s historic landmarks.

1. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA):

• Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3G 1J5, Canada
• Highlights: MMFA is one of the most prominent fine arts museums in Canada, featuring a vast collection of art from around the world. With its various exhibitions and stunning permanent collections, this museum offers a visually captivating experience for art enthusiasts.

2. Montreal Science Centre:

• Address: 2 Rue de la Commune O, Montreal, QC H2Y 4B2, Canada
• Highlights: If you’re interested in science and technology, this interactive museum is a fantastic choice. It’s family-friendly, with many hands-on exhibits and displays that are both educational and entertaining.

3. Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex:

• Address: 350 Place Royale, Old Montreal, QC H2Y 3Y5, Canada
• Highlights: Located in Old Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière offers a deep dive into the city’s history and archaeology. It’s an excellent spot for those interested in learning about the origins and development of Montreal.

4. McCord Museum:

• Address: 690 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 1E9, Canada
• Highlights: The McCord Museum is dedicated to the preservation, study, diffusion, and appreciation of Canadian history. It offers a fascinating look into Canada’s past, with a special emphasis on Montreal’s cultural heritage.

5. Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA):

• Address: 1920 Rue Baile, Montreal, QC H3H 2S6, Canada
• Highlights: For those interested in architecture and design, the CCA offers an insightful perspective into the field of architecture both in Canada and around the world, with its innovative exhibitions and extensive collection.

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For the Sporty Type

A day spent cycling or hiking in one of Montreal’s many parks is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air on your birthday. It’s also a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Cycling Spots:

1. Lachine Canal Path:
   • Location: Lachine Canal National Historic Site
   • Highlights: A scenic 13.5 km path that runs along the Lachine Canal, offering picturesque views of the waterway and the city. It’s a flat and easy route, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels.
2. Mount Royal Park:
   • Location: Mount Royal Park
   • Highlights: Although challenging due to its hilly terrain, the cycling paths in Mount Royal Park reward you with stunning views of Montreal’s skyline. The park also has various lookout points and picnic areas where you can relax and celebrate.

Hiking Spots:

1. Mount Royal Park:
   • Location: Mount Royal Park
   • Highlights: Aside from cycling, Mount Royal Park is a popular destination for hiking. There are various trails winding through the park, each offering different perspectives of the city and the mountain’s natural beauty.
2. Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse:
   • Location: 3555 Douglas-B.-Floreani St., Saint-Laurent borough
   • Highlights: This nature park offers a network of easy to moderate trails through diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It’s a great spot for a tranquil hike away from the city’s bustle.
3. Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation:
   • Location: 2425 Gouin Blvd E, Montreal, QC H2B 1X7, Canada
   • Highlights: Offering hiking trails along the Rivière des Prairies, this park provides beautiful water views and plenty of spots for picnicking. The trails here are suitable for all levels of hikers.

Combo (Cycling & Hiking):

1. Parc Jean-Drapeau:
   • Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal
   • Highlights: With its expansive network of cycling paths and hiking trails, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The park also hosts various events and activities year-round, offering something for everyone.

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For the Ultimate Indulgence

Spend a day being pampered at one of Montreal’s numerous spas or salons. It’s the ideal way to unwind and revitalize before your special day.

Here are a few spas to consider:

1. Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau:

• Address: Vieux-Port de Montréal, Entrée McGill coin De la Commune, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E2, Canada
• Highlights: This unique spa is located on a boat in the Old Port of Montreal. Bota Bota offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the cityscape, providing a serene and visually captivating environment for relaxation. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and more.

2. Spa Scandinave Montréal:

• Address: 71 Rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 2C6, Canada
• Highlights: Situated in Old Montreal, Scandinave Spa provides a tranquil, Nordic-inspired spa experience. The spa is known for its Scandinavian baths, which are said to energize and relax guests through a cycle of hot, cold, and rest periods. There’s also a range of massage therapies available.

3. Strom Spa Nordique Île-des-Sœurs:

• Address: 1001 Boulevard de la Forêt, Verdun, QC H3E 1X9, Canada
• Highlights: Located on Nuns’ Island, Strom Spa offers a peaceful retreat with a range of thermal experiences and massage therapies. The spa’s design is harmonious with the natural surroundings, creating an idyllic escape from urban life.

4. Rainspa:

• Address: 55 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, QC H2Y 3X2, Canada
• Highlights: Located in Old Montreal, Rainspa is a luxurious spa offering a wide array of treatments, including traditional hammam, massages, facials, and body treatments. Its central location makes it easily accessible for those staying or living in downtown Montreal.

5. Espace Nomad:

• Address: 4650 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1R3, Canada
• Highlights: Espace Nomad is a holistic spa that offers a range of organic and eco-friendly treatments. Its atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a comfortable place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

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For the Thrifty Type

Not everyone likes spending a lot of money on their birthday, so why not do something that won’t cost you a dime? Take a walk around one of Montreal’s many neighborhoods, explore a new park or people-watch in a busy area like Place des Arts or Crescent Street.

Best park in Montreal to have a birthday in:

1. Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal):

• Address: 1260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada
• Highlights: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also co-designed New York City’s Central Park), Mount Royal Park is a vast green space offering stunning views of the city skyline. It has multiple picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails, making it versatile for all sorts of celebrations.

2. La Fontaine Park (Parc La Fontaine):

• Address: 3933 Avenue du Parc la Fontaine, Montréal, QC H2L 0C7, Canada
• Highlights: With its picturesque ponds, graceful fountains, and extensive green areas, La Fontaine Park is a charming place for a birthday picnic. It offers playgrounds for children and sports facilities, and it’s also host to various cultural events during the summer.

3. Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau):

• Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC H3C 1A9, Canada
• Highlights: Located on two islands, Saint Helen’s Island and the artificial island Notre Dame Island, Jean-Drapeau Park offers a range of recreational and cultural facilities. The park is known for hosting events and festivals and has several rentable spaces for private gatherings.

4. Angrignon Park (Parc Angrignon):

• Address: 3400 Boulevard des Trinitaires, Montréal, QC H4E 4J3, Canada
• Highlights: Angrignon Park provides a tranquil, natural setting with its large pond, extensive green areas, and numerous trees. It has barbecue areas, playgrounds, and walking trails, making it suitable for family gatherings and celebrations.

5. Jarry Park (Parc Jarry):

• Address: 285 Rue Gary-Carter, Montréal, QC H2R 2W1, Canada
• Highlights: Jarry Park is a versatile and lively urban park with a range of facilities, including playgrounds, tennis courts, and a public swimming pool. It’s a great spot for a casual, fun-filled birthday celebration.

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For Those with A Sweet Tooth

A visit to one of Montreal’s many bakeries or ice cream shops is sure to please anyone with a penchant for sweets. You might also attempt baking your own cake or ice cream if you’re daring!

Here are a few bakeries and icecream shops to consider for your birthday. 

Bakeries:

1. Première Moisson:
   • Various Locations
   • Highlights: A renowned bakery in Montreal, Première Moisson is known for its artisan bread, pastries, and cakes. They offer a wide range of delicious options perfect for birthday celebrations.
2. Mamie Clafoutis:
   • Various Locations
   • Highlights: Offering a cozy and delightful atmosphere, Mamie Clafoutis specializes in French pastries and baked goods, with a selection of beautifully crafted cakes and tarts.
3. Boulangerie Kouign-Amann:
   • Address: 322 Avenue de Mont-Royal E, Montréal, QC H2T 1P7, Canada
   • Highlights: Named after its signature pastry, the kouign-amann, this bakery is beloved for its buttery, flaky, and irresistible baked goods.
4. Pâtisserie Rhubarbe:
   • Address: 1479 Avenue Laurier E, Montréal, QC H2J 1H8, Canada
   • Highlights: Known for exquisite pastries and cakes, Pâtisserie Rhubarbe offers a variety of delightful treats that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Ice Cream Shops:

1. La Diperie:
   • Various Locations
   • Highlights: La Diperie is famed for its customizable soft-serve ice cream. You can choose from various dips and toppings to create your perfect ice cream cone.
2. Kem Coba:
   • Address: 60 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2, Canada
   • Highlights: Offering unique and tantalizing flavors, Kem Coba is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Their homemade ice cream and sorbets are must-tries.
3. Bilboquet:
   • Various Locations
   • Highlights: Bilboquet has been serving artisanal ice cream and sorbets since 1983. With a wide range of flavors, it’s a delightful spot to grab a birthday treat.
4. Ca Lem:
   • Address: 6926 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1P9, Canada
   • Highlights: Known for its vibrant and exotic flavors, Ca Lem offers both traditional and unique ice cream options, including some inspired by Vietnamese desserts.

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Bonus Ideas:

For the Nature Lover

On your birthday, venture outside the city and discover some of Montreal’s stunning countryside. Take a drive to one of the nearby towns or villages, go for a hike in the woods, or enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For the Ultimate Montreal Experience

A birthday is a perfect excuse to try something new, so why not take a Segway tour of the city or go kayaking on the St. Lawrence River?

For Those Who Want to Stay In

Sometimes, the best way to spend a birthday is in the comfort of your own home. Have a few friends for dinner and drinks, or spend the day relaxing with a good book or movie. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy your special day!

How Do You Celebrate a Low-Budget Birthday?

 

Not everyone has a lot of money to spend on their birthday, but that doesn’t mean the day can’t be special. Here are some ideas for celebrating a birthday on a budget:

 

• Have a potluck dinner party with friends or family. You can reduce the expense of the meal by having everyone bring their preferred dish.
• Do not eat lunch or dinner out; instead, have a picnic in the park.
• Have a cake and ice cream party at home. You can make your own cake or buy one from the store.
• Spend the day engaging in your favorite activity, such as reading, taking a walk, or watching a movie.
• Make your own gifts or decorations instead of buying them. Online, you can find a tonne of fantastic DIY instructions for everything from making a photo collage to making your own birthday card.
• Get together with a few friends and do something for someone else, like volunteering at a local shelter or delivering meals to the elderly.
• Have a board game night or karaoke party instead of going out to a bar or club.

Conclusion

Whatever your budget, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate a birthday. The most important thing is to spend the day doing something you enjoy with the people you love. Make your birthday a day to remember by doing something that you’ll always remember!

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• Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
• Photos from Unsplash & canva.