by Abby Schachter for Curtains Up
-When all you can afford is localities.
Montreal in summertime is anything but boring.
Embrace that ‘staycation’ of yours and take advantage of our festival filled and activity packed city.
-St –Amboise Fringe Festival Fringe ( June)
Budding artists and musicians take to numerous stages and showcase their creative vices and theatrical originality. From art installations to drag Queen shows, plays and comedy routines; Fringe has it all. Shows are cheap, cheap, and cheap and you will be so impressed by the local talent. This weekend marks the end of the fest so now is the time to check out the schedule. The orgniazaiont depends mainly on volunteers too, so if you’re interested in participating next year, then sign up via the site now. http://montrealfringe.ca/en/horaire
-The Fantasia Film Festival ( July)
Movie buffs unite. If you love film or are perhaps a bit sick of Hollywood blockbusters and you don’t mind being completely terrified, grossed out, enlightened and enamored in the course of two hours…Then buy your tickets in advance. Think Terantino times a thousand and on crack. The amount of films and genres to choose from are ridiculous (-because there are so many! From B-horror flicks, to Korean action thrillers and Sundance film contenders. Fantasia has it all. Plenty of people travel to Montreal mainly for this fest and the film prices are exceptionally fair. Film goers are also encouraged to meet and mingle with directors and participate in discussions/ Q&A’s concerning the film they just watched. Here’s a video from the Fantasia site it’ll give you an idea just how world renowned the fest has become. http://www.fantasiafestival.com/2014/en/pre-festival
Trailers: http://www.fantasiafestival.com/2013/en/trailers
-Surfing
I am not kidding. This is not your usual ocean high tide/hang five type of surfing though. Montreal offers a new style called ‘River Surfing.’ Introduced in 2004 by KSF (Kayak Sans Frontières) this new sport allows surf enthusiasts to ride a never ending wave. Surf classes are available as are package deals for groups. Also, since the river isn’t necessarily the cleanest, wetsuit rentals are available. Extra note, participants are encouraged to chug a coca-cola afterwards in order to kill any bacterium that may have been ingested while catching ‘the’ wave. http://ksf.ca/en/forfait/ either way, it sounds like a fun adventurous way to spend a day off.
-Hot Air Ballooning ( all summer)
This is super cool. Imagine seeing your city in aerial view without being in an airplane or on Google maps. Adventure flights offer promotional packages during the month of June. We’re talking $150.00 for a flight and champagne popping mini party once the excitement is over. You can also choose from a multitude of packages, sunrise, sunset, nighttime etc… You basically select your own adventure. Imagine doing that for your birthday, anniversary or graduation celebration this year instead heading to a supper club where you will spend twice as much on dinner and booze… Take a look at these photos from Adventure flights and opt for an adventure that doesn’t force you to leave the province. http://www.montgolfiereaventure.com/en/Photos-and-videos/Photo-zone/ there is also a cool little contest going on for the month of June, where you can win yourself an exclusive VIP flight package. http://www.montgolfiereaventure.com/fr/Concours/Concours
Whale Watching (all summer)
Now this requires a bit of travelling but within the Quebec region, so at most a two hour-three drive…? If you do not own a car, don’t worry. Train fare is very affordable. Did you know that Quebec Maritime is more popular than the actual Maritimes? Or at least when it comes to Whale watching that is… The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park is the only place in North America where you can spot several species of Whale. Experienced guided boating tours are available, however if you have a fear of boats or just get sea sick you can still participate in the fun. The Marine Park allows you to see whales without having to step foot on a ship. Prices vary in accordance to season and packages. Quebec City also has Whale watching so do you a favor and take a break from city pollutants by breathing in that salty maritime air while a break from city life for a day or two. http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/nature-getaways/whale-watching
Spa Getaways (every single season)
If you are stuck’ staycationing’ in Montreal all summer then pampering yourself is a must. You know the term ‘Treat yo self’? Well spa deals should use those three little words as their catchphrase.
Nothing screams I’m worth it and or I’m bordering on a burnout like a little spa getaway. Montreal is full of great deals. If you really need a weekend away however, check out the packages offered in Mont Tremblant. There is a lot of affordable stuff out there; it just takes a bit of research. Groupon always has deals so sign up and see what kinds of offers are available.
Free Museum Day ( all year round)
Every Wednesday is free Museum Day in Montreal. Who needs the L’Ouvre when we can see travelling world exhibits for free? Interested in Prehistoric artwork? One temporary display this summer is ‘The Cave of Lascaux.) The findings are originally from France’s Southwestern Perigord region in Montignac. The cave masterpieces date back about 20,000 years. So not only would you be seeing some super historic pieces you will also be learning and time travelling sedentary style to the past. This specific exhibit takes place at Montreal’s Science Center but there are various other displays to watch out for like : The Marco Polo exhibit in Old Montreal; Fabulous Faberge: Jeweller to the Czars; Les Grecs-Agamemnon to Alexander The Great.
Here is a list of a few other events to keep an eye out for-
-Montreal Jazz Fest
-Francofolie
-Folk and Country music fest
-Just For Laughs
– Divers/Cité art/music fest
– Festival of lights
-Lotto Quebec’s Fireworks fest
-Mural Festival
-Under Pressure (Skate boarding, breakdancing and graffiti art)
-Carifiesta
-Circus Fest- Montréal Complètement Cirque
– Heavy MTL
-Osheaga
-Fashion adn Design Festival
– Gay Pride Parade
…To name a few!
