There aren’t many places in North America that can genuinely pass for Europe, but having French as an official language is certainly a strong start.
Don’t worry; oui will stick to English…
As Canada makes a tourism comeback, whether it’s more travelers uncovering hidden gems or tackling the main cities, we’re declaring none other than Montreal as the North’s summer hotspot this year, as a new report claims travelers are flocking here from all across the globe.
Winter is the least appealing time to visit, as negative temps and icy sidewalks can make even a quick coffee run feel like a survival mission.
Summer, though?
It’s a whole new ballgame — and no, that’s not a dig at the Expos.
Boasting Old World charm, deep-rooted French culture, incredible cuisine, and a stacked festival calendar, let’s dive in and see why this city just across the U.S. border is well worth being your next sunny getaway.
Montreal Feels Like San Diego In Summer
Be sure to double-check Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.
While there are no staggering coastal bluffs or pristine beaches here, Montreal offers the same weather report as places like San Diego — a far cry from this city’s winter dread.
Typically hovering between 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 21 – 27 Celsius for our metric-system-using neighbors), the three-month stretch of June to August is primetime to explore one of the continent’s most culturally rich destinations.
Even as of this writing, it’s 50 degrees today, but over the next few months, its already-vibrant neighborhoods such as Old Montreal and Plateau-Mont-Royal become even more enticing to explore, where you can wander cobblestone streets, snag a patio table, and let the city’s Euro-style charm work its magic.
It’s crazy to think Montreal sees such extreme weather during winter and then flips into a full-blown summer playground.
You’ll actually crave being outside, wandering on foot, renting a kayak, and taking part in one of the city’s many festivals, as Montrealers really know how to show out during the most welcoming season for tourism.
Here are a few festivals coming up in summer that earned the Travel Off Path stamp of approval:
- MURAL Festival: From June 4 – 14, Montreal turns Saint-Laurent Boulevard into an open-air art party with massive murals, street art, live music, pop-ups, and creative minds at work spilling into the streets
- Just For Laughs Montreal: From July 16 – 25, one of Montreal’s biggest summer staples brings stand-up, shows, and plenty of reasons to stay out late
- Fantasia International Film Festival: From July 16 – August 2, Montreal leans weird in the best way with cult films, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and off-the-wall screenings that feel way more exciting than your average night at the movies
Unmissable French Flair: Should You Brush Up On French?
Wanna know a crazy stat?
Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, meaning actual cities in France such as Marseille, Nice, or Toulouse still don’t cut it.
Whether it’s turning back the clock at Pointe-à-Callière, where you can explore archaeological remains tied to Montreal’s original French settlement, or indulging in more modern delights like authentic pâtisseries and cozy wine bars, the city’s unmissable French culture never disappoints.
Yes, French is the official language of Quebec, and you’ll absolutely hear plenty of “bonjours” while wandering the aforementioned Old Montreal, Plateau-Mont-Royal, and the city’s endless summer patios.
But don’t panic if your French lessons stopped at “croissant” (guilty as charged).
Government statistics show more than 1.2 million people in Montreal could hold a conversation in English back in 2021 and we can’t imagine that number has swung dramatically in either direction.
How Affordable And Safe Is Montreal?
According to data plucked from our Travel Dashboard, travelers visiting Montreal this summer can expect the following:
- Hotel (per night): $150 – $280
- Dinner for Two: $70 – $130
- Beer: $5 – $8
- Coffee: $3 – $5
- Taxi / Uber (10 min): $10 – $16
As for safety, travelers are reporting in real-time that Montreal passes the vibe check, currently scoring an 80/100 aligning with the U.S. State Department’s “Level 1” designation:
A Double-Dip Destination
Call it a “French Dip”, if you will, but the province of Quebec is so wondrous, you can’t just visit one city.
If you find yourself in Montreal, another French-speaking city is close-by via train.
Quebec City is a dreamscape — a real-life postcard.
Even if you can only pack in a day or two, it’s truly worth soaking up anytime you can with its fortified Old Town, cobblestone streets, and castle-like Château Frontenac views.
In fact, it’s one of only a pair of remaining walled cities in North America, sharing that title with another timeless getaway, Campeche, Mexico.
Better yet, according to our own real-time data, Quebec City is said to be even safer than Montreal right now with a score of 85/100.
