camp site

Top 10 Birthday Ideas in Montreal

 

Top 10 Birthday Ideas in Montreal

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.

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.


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.


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.

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.


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!


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

 

10 Best Montreal Farmers Markets

Montreal is not only famous for its fast-food scene but also for its farmers’ markets with fresh produce at reasonable prices. Read Here!


Best Montreal Farmers Markets

Farmers’ markets are the most widely visited places for people to purchase fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, plants, and flowers. Unlike grocery stores, Montreal farmers’ markets are lively and festive, thanks to the affordable seasonable produce and related products. Today’s article will list the ten best Montreal farmers’ markets. Read on!

1. Concordia Farmers’ Market

Concordia farmers’ market drives hundreds of people during the winter season. The market opens every Wednesday between September and April, allowing people of all ages and walks of life to buy fresh produce.

In addition to veggies and fruits, this farmers’ market also has various food establishments to taste the most delectable food made from organic greens. We recommend eating vegan desserts.

2.  Marche Jean-Brilliant

Marche Jean-Brilliant is near the Cote-des-Neiges, boasting a comfortable environment, thanks to the white-and-green striped canopy and tents. Here, you can find and purchase fresh produce, including green veggies, fruits, and flowers.

The best thing about this farmers’ market is buying apples sourced directly from the orchard. It is one of Montreal’s oldest farmers’ markets, serving the community for decades. It also has kiosks to enjoy delicious food made of pumpkins and try the maple syrup. Don’t forget to buy homemade honey.

3. Marché Solidaire Frontenac

Marche Solidaire Frontenac is a community farmers’ market in Montreal, boasting a wide range of items, including fresh produce like fruits and green veggies, seasonal products, food establishments, and workshops, such as pizza making, gardening, and food-centric essentials. The best thing about these workshops is that they are free to join.

4. Marche Saint-Jacques

Marche Saint-Jacques is a crowded place that drives people from all over Montreal and nearby regions to shop for groceries and fresh produce, including veggies, fruits, flowers, and plants for gardening. You will interact with vendors in their shops set up under the canopies. We recommend visiting the market’s official website to know details of unique festivals and events.

5. Lachine Market

Lachine Market is famous for fresh vegetables, fruits, and flower blooms. Visiting this market is the best thing to do during the summer season because you will see different floral arrangements and flowers hanging from low-roofed spaces.

6. Maisonneuve Market

Maisonneuve market is the best place to buy fresh fruits, such as cherries, plums, and peaches. You will also find cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. All these items are ripe, field-grown, and fresh. Don’t forget to pick up cinnamon and vanilla at Merci and cheeses at Aux Champetreries.

7. Atwater Market

Atwater Market is a versatile place to visit in Montreal. It is the oldest market in the city and has been operating for more than nine decades. Visiting the market allows you to relish the picturesque views of the Lachine Canal and shop for offal, wild tuna, and yellowfins. You can also find fresh produce at affordable prices, including seasonal veggies and fruits.

8. Marche des Possible

Marche des Possible is another market to visit in Montreal. Unlike other farmers’ markets in Montreal, this one is slightly different because it offers culturally diverse weekend events with food stalls, vegetable and fruit shops, and local musicians playing live music. You will also find artisan and movie stalls.

9. Jean Talon Market

Jean Talon Market is the best place in Montreal to shop for artisanal Quebec Cheese and honey, olive oil, and wine. The place has numerous stalls and shops, allowing visitors to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.

10. Birri

Birri is a family-owned farmers’ market in Montreal. It has been serving the local community for more than five decades, offering a wide range of local products, including fresh vegetables and fruits. In addition, you can shop for plants, seeds, flowers, etc. Visiting Birri is a must-go for everyone, including locals and tourists.

Final Words

Farmers’ markets have fresh veggies and fruits at the peak of the growing season. So, if you want to buy and taste something fresh, visiting these markets in Montreal is worth your time and money. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
10 Best Jazz Bars and Spots in Montreal

Are you looking for the best jazz bars and spots in Montreal? If yes, this article is for you. Check out this post to get the list and know the details!


10 Best Jazz Bars and Spots in Montreal

Montreal is one of the most beautiful and widely visited cities in North America, boasting incredible museums, historic churches, beautiful amusement parks, nightclubs, restaurants, and bars.

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Montreal to relish the city’s unique architectural buildings, explore lush green spaces, admire the French-Canadian culture, eat delectable food, and visit the best jazz bars. Here is the list of the best jazz bars to explore in Montreal. Read on!

1. House of Jazz

House of Jazz is an excellent place to listen to live music and sip on delicious, mind-soothing alcoholic drinks. House of Jazz offers delectable barbeque stakes in a fantastic and comfortable environment. The customer service is excellent, the staff is friendly, and the food is fresh. We recommend tasting burgers, ravioli, filets, and vegetable lasagna.

2. Modavie

Modavie is one of Montreal’s most widely visited jazz bars, allowing people to enjoy live music, eat delicious food, and sip on their favorite alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, wine, and beer. The bar has an excellent and comfortable ambiance with mouthwatering dishes, including French Onion Soup, Calamari, Mediterranean Penne, and Parmesan Shaving.

3. Grumpy’s

Do you want to unwind and relax while relishing the live jazz music? If yes, no other place in Montreal is better than Grumpy’s Jazz bar. It offers a fantastic and cozy ambiance with live jazz music, cocktail drinks, and other alcoholic beverages. You will love the interior design with beautiful wooden décor and a low ceiling. It is a perfect place for romantic couples to have a memorable date.

4. Bootlegger

Bootleggers are one of the oldest jazz bars in Montreal. The 19th-century jazz bar has a comfortable environment and offers cocktails, alcohol, wine, whiskey, beers, etc. You will love relaxing in the delightful ambiance and live music.

5. Snack’n Blues

Snack’n Blues is a unique jazz bar in Montreal, boasting live blues and jazz music brands. It offers a fantastic indoor décor and a comfortable atmosphere with tasty food and inviting cocktails. You can also munch on complimentary snacks and relish the cozy seating arrangements to have a splendid time with your friends.

6. Upstairs Jazz Club

Upstairs Jazz Club is located in the most serene Montreal neighborhood, offering an exceptional ambiance. Eye-catching interior décor, live background music, and a comfortable seating arrangement. We recommend drinking wine, whiskey, and beer and eating freshly prepared food items, including BBQs.

7. L’Escalier

L’Escalier is another fantastic establishment in Montreal with beautiful interior décor, exceptionally organized seating arrangements, large windows for natural light, and a unique ambiance. The staff is friendly, well-trained, and professional, providing excellent customer service. We recommend eating Salad Escalier, Le Shimisha, Samosa, and Cake Aux Olives.

8. Nestor

Nestor has a friendly, professional, and experienced staff who provide customers with exceptional services. The interior décor is mesmerizing, modern, and unique, and the drink menu is diverse, including craft beers, cocktail drinks, wines, and scotch whiskey. The food prepared is fresh and aromatic, allowing people to soothe their minds and satisfy their taste buds.

9. Jardin Nelson

Jardin Nelson offers a tranquil and relaxing environment in Montreal’s historic square. It is one of the most widely visited jazz bars with live music and fantastic interior and exterior decors.

We recommend tasting the freshly prepared meals and refreshing cocktails. Some of the best items on the menu are maple ice, cream cup, giant cookie, egg burrito, waffle, and a pork sandwich.

10. Diese Onze

Diese Onze allows visitors to enjoy live jazz music and relish the delectable good. Thanks to the nicely arranged seats and couches, the bar has a vibrant and energetic interior with a comfortable atmosphere. The air-conditioned environment and colorful ambiance lighting further improve the overall atmosphere.

Final Words

The intimate atmosphere, live jazz music, friendly staff, luscious décor, delectable food, and tasty drinks make these ten bars the best in Montreal. These bars offer one-of-a-kind experiences to locals and tourists, allowing them to create memories. So, if you want to relish something unique and spend quality time with your adult friends, make sure you visit these jazz bars. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
10 Best Zoos Near Montreal

What are the best zoos near Montreal to see and observe diverse animal species? Check out this post to get a list of the ten best zoos! Read Here!


Best Zoos Near Montreal

Everyone loves animals, and zoos near Montreal are the best places to observe different species from far and wide up close. Quebec has many zoos, observation centers, and animal centers, allowing people, including kids, to watch and interact with their favorite animals. Here are the ten best zoos near Montreal. Read on!

1. Biodome

Biodome, located in Montreal, has more than 250 different species of animals. The total number of animals in Biodome is over 4,500. It is a natural paradise for people of all ages and a perfect family destination. You will see rocks, water bodies, plants, and animals.

2. Parc Safari

Parc Safari is one of the oldest zoos near Montreal. It has been operating for over forty years. Parc Safari has glass tunnels, allowing people to see the big cats. Children can also visit the waterpark with more than forty water games, including eight slides. There is also a picnic area for families to relax after seeing the animals.

3. Parc Omega

Parc Omega is one of the most picturesque areas near Montreal, with diverse landscapes, including valleys, meadows, lakes, rocky hills, and forests. The park is best for families to watch their favorite animals and take photos. Parc Omega is open year-round, allowing families and friends to spend quality time at any time of the year.

4. Zoo Sauvage De Saint-Felicien

The zoo is famous for its exotic species, such as the Siberian tiger, Japanese macaque, and Mongolian-based Bactrian camel. The zoo also has a petting area for children to play and love with animals. The zoo offers entertainment of all kinds, including water games and educational tours. You will also see bears, lynx, musk oxen, and caribou.

5. Zoo de Granby

Zoo de Granby is one of the largest zoos near Montreal, with diverse flora and fauna. The zoo offers lush green trails and allows people to see more than 1,500 animals. There are over 225 exotic species. These include hippos, anacondas, tigers, gorillas, giraffes, elephants, snow leopards, tiny baby sharks, and giant kangaroos.

6. Montreal Insectarium

Montreal Insectarium is a zoo dedicated to insects. Here, you will find weird, incredible, colorful, beautiful, and fascinating insects. We recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the insect species in Montreal Insectarium. Don’t forget to take pictures of exotic animal species.

7. Eco-Museum Zoo

Eco-Museum Zoo aims to promote eco-friendly practices. Whether you want to come to this place with your spouse, romantic partner, family, or friends, Eco-Museum Tourist allows for observing and mingling with diverse wildlife and learning about animal safety and welfare. Here, you can see raptors, birds, and other aviary species.

8. Papanack Zoo

Papanack Zoo is a few hours’ drives from Montreal. The place is ideal for people looking to see the most exotic wildlife. If you have children, a day trip to Papanack Zoo is the best thing to do in Quebec because your kids will have a guided tour to learn about the animals’ habitats and habits.

The primary goal of Papanack Zoo is to provide animals with a safe living space and excellent, caring facilities. Spend a day with your family, wander around the beautiful enclosures, and come face-to-face with your favorite animal species.

9. Little Rays Reptile Zoo

Little Rays Reptile Zoo has more than 150 animals, allowing kids to see them from a close distance. The guided tour offered by the zoo’s administration team is a fantastic way for adults and children to learn about these animal species. You will love seeing alligators, pythons, marmosets, cobras, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, etc.

10. Pavilion de la Fauna

Last but not least, Pavilion de la Fauna is more of an observation center than a zoo. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Montreal. It boasts outdoor enclosures with live wild animal species. Pavilion de la Fauna has hundreds of animal species, including the 25 species native to Quebec.

Final Words

Spending a day at the zoo is one of the best things to do near Montreal, especially if you are an animal lover and want to know more about rare-to-find species. These ten best zoos near Montreal will make your animal exploration experiences memorable. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
10 things to do in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area

Do you want to explore the natural side of Quebec province? If yes, visit the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area and do these ten things. Read Here!


Things to do in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area

Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area is one of the most picturesque regions in Quebec, boasting beautiful landscapes, mountains, and water bodies. The region is famous for its water activities, such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

However, it also has several campgrounds, biking, and hiking trails. You will also enjoy the lush green national parks and participate in relishable activities in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area. Here are the ten best things to do here. Read on!

1. Beaches

Saguenay Lac-St-Jean is the most popular place for tourists during the summer season. It offers fantastic beaches around the lake, allowing people to relax and soothe in the pleasant atmosphere. Most of the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area places have municipal beaches, allowing locals and tourists to chill and relax.

2.    Biking

Biking is one of the best things in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area during the pleasant spring and summer months. It offers a biking circuit, also known as the Blueberry Route, allowing people to circle the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean. It is 256 kilometers long track that passes through 15 municipalities and goes from the estuary to the lake.

3. Museums

Val Jalbert is a historic village in Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area, boasting several museums dispersed around it. These museums allow locals and tourists to know the history of this place and explore artifacts, paintings, and artwork of the yesteryears. You can also explore more than 12 historic places that adjoin the museum circuit.

4. Val Jalbert

Val Jalbert is one of the ghost towns in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area. It attracts photographers and documentary makers from all over the world to discover the abandoned buildings and let their viewers know about the history of this ghost town. In summer, we recommend visiting this place to make the most out of your trip to Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area.

5. Ouiatchouan waterfall

Nothing is more beautiful than the Ouiatchouan waterfall in the heart of the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area. It offers a beautiful campground for adventure enthusiasts, and you can also hit the beautiful hiking trails to see the picturesque beauty of the surrounding areas. You can complete the route in less than 30 minutes.

6. Hiking

If you want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature, we recommend hiking the Sentier Ouiatchouan, one of the most beautiful trails in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area.

Not only does this trail allow you to relish the scenic beauty, but you can also explore the flora and fauna of the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area. The trail is challenging for beginners, so make sure you bring all the necessary equipment to stay comfortable.

7. National Parks

Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area is home to some of the most beautiful national parks. There are four national parks in this region, and each offers unique landscapes, wildlife species, and outdoor activities.

For instance, you can visit the Pointe-Taillon National Park, famous for its sandy beaches and scenic cycling paths. You can also explore the natural beauty of Saguenay fjord national park, famous for its picturesque landscapes and impressive hiking trails.

8. Eat Blueberries

There is no other place in the Quebec Province except Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area to taste the most delicious blueberries. If you want to eat sweet, delicious, and fresh blueberries, we recommend visiting the place in mid-July.

9. Specialty Food and Beers

Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area is famous for its fine dining and state-of-the-art breweries, allowing people to have the most memorable culinary experiences. If you want to try the region’s delicious food or specialty beers, make sure you visit Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area and explore the breweries and wineries.

10. Enjoy the Sunset

Sunset in Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area is the most magical and romantic thing to do for couples. We recommend visiting the Roberval Marina and Alma Marina to watch the most beautiful sunset. You will love the blended orange and yellow colors from the top of the mountain in the Fjord-du-Saguenay national park.

Final Words

There are many places to explore and things to do in the Quebec region. However, nothing will give you more memorable experiences than the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean Area, a place full of picturesque landscapes, hiking and biking trails, beautiful municipality beaches, flora and fauna, waterfalls, and outdoor activities.


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