A local's guide to the best things to do in Montreal [April 2025]

UPDATE, April 2025: Montreal in April is all about the thaw. The snowbanks are retreating, the terrasses are cautiously reappearing, and the city’s energy is shifting from hibernation mode to full-on anticipation. Festival season is already in motion, and sugar shacks are wrapping up their feasts before ceding the spotlight to warm weather.

From underground parties to mountaintop picnics, five-star meals to legends that have made names for themselves by selling little more than hot dogs and poutine, there’s always something happening in this city—and that's why we've created this handy guide to the best things to do in Montreal right now.

We don't just run on caffeine and late-night eats, but an expanding local pride based in culture that turns every block into a destination, and that's what this guide is all about. Good for both first-timers and lifers, this is where we seek to cut through the noise and highlight both what's essential and unknown in equal measure.

Art, history, oddities, curiosities

The best museums in Montreal aren’t just for rainy days—they’re some of the city’s best portals into its layered, unpredictable cultural life. Whether you’re drawn to ancient artifacts, radical contemporary art, or exhibits that toe the line between science and storytelling, there’s something behind those walls worth your time.

At the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this month, two standout exhibitions are drawing crowds this spring: Bad Girls Only rethinks sin and femininity through centuries-old prints that feel eerily current, while Worlds of Wonder dives into the surreal mind of Montreal-born artist Alan Glass.

Terrasse season begins, ever so slowly

As soon as the temperature creeps above freezing, Montreal’s great seasonal migration begins—from indoors to any terrasse with a chair, a drink, and a sliver of sun.

It’s not just about al fresco dining; it’s a ritual. A reset. A collective exhale after months of hibernation. From sun-soaked rooftops to hidden courtyard gems, the city’s best terrasses are reopening for spring and filling fast. Whether you’re chasing an after-work apéro, a lazy brunch, or a golden-hour glass of wine, our guides to the best terrasses in Montreal and the best rooftop bars in Montreal has the spots that get it right.

All of Canada’s contemporary scene under one roof

Plural isn’t your typical art fair—it’s a full-spectrum snapshot of where Canadian contemporary art is at right now. Taking over the Grand Quay from April 11 to 13, this annual gathering (formerly known as Papier) brings together over 45 galleries from across the country, showcasing work that spans painting, sculpture, photography, performance, and the in-between.

It’s a rare chance to see heavy-hitters and rising voices side by side, all under one roof. The vibe is part gallery crawl, part insider hangout—expect artists milling around, dealers talking shop, and enough inspiration to fill several mood boards.

Film, art, and a portal to other realities

April in Montreal doesn’t ease in—it cracks open with all kinds of events throughout the month. Festival Vues d’Afrique kicks things off with a lineup of films that refuse to flatten African and Creole cultures into clichés, instead offering sharp, human portraits across genres, languages, and borders. With year-round programming and workshops, it feels like a living archive in motion.

Mid-month, MAI hosts Guāng Yīn (The Lightest Dark is Darker Than the Darkest Light), a sci-fi-meets-dance experiment from Canadian-Taiwanese artist Nien Tzu Weng. Here, movement collides with video mapping and AR to build a world where memory gets re-coded in real time. It’s philosophical, glitchy, and strangely intimate—less of a show, more of a transmission from another plane.

There's also Jean-Marc Vallée: Mixtape at Centre PHI, less of a traditional exhibition and more a headphone-guided dive into the late director’s creative brain. This free, all-ages show leans into Vallée’s obsessive relationship with music—his real scriptwriting partner—and uses soundscapes, archival material, and testimony from collaborators like Denis Villeneuve and Reese Witherspoon to trace how mixtapes shaped everything from C.R.A.Z.Y. to Big Little Lies.

Hit up a sugar shack

April is the last month to experience sugar shack season, so get while the getting's good. There are some holdouts in May, but it's not the same thing.

Whether you’re making the pilgrimage to a classic cabane à sucre or diving into the city’s maple-drenched menus, expect the full spread—sticky taffy on snow, hearty bowls of pea soup, baked beans, and crispy oreilles de crisse. It’s tradition, indulgence, and a little bit of a sugar coma, all in one. These are the best sugar shacks near Montreal.

Climb and explore Montreal’s namesake, Mont-Royal

Montreal’s namesake of Mount Royal is so much more than a scenic backdrop. It’s the city’s backyard, workout spot, and unofficial gathering place.

As spring hits, Mont-Royal starts shaking off the frost and filling up with runners, dog walkers, cyclists, and picnickers reclaiming their favourite spots. The trails are muddy in the best way, the stairs up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere still hurt (in a good way), and tam-tams start to pulse again near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument. Whether you’re here to break a sweat or just sprawl out in the sun with some takeout (try the nearby Romados), this is Montreal in full thaw.

Dine on the latest and greatest 

Montreal’s restaurant scene doesn’t do downtime. Every season, there’s a fresh crop of openings pushing the envelope—whether it’s boundary-blurring tasting menus or laid-back joints rethinking comfort food. Hungry for something nostalgic with a twist? Or a plate that makes you question everything you thought you knew about pasta? This is where the city’s newest kitchens are flexing hard. Skip the usual spots—here’s what’s cooking now.

Explore the city’s upsurge in cowboy core

Montreal might not be the Wild West, but cowboy culture is having a moment—think bolo ties at dive bars, country nights in Mile End, and a full-blown honky-tonk revival. From vintage Western wear to dance halls serving up two-step lessons, the city is leaning into its long-overlooked frontier roots. Whether you’re in it for the fashion, the music, or just an excuse to break out the boots, now’s the time to ride the wave.

Visit an icon that's worth the shlep

Every city’s got its classics, but Montreal’s icons come with lineups, lore, and often a side of slaw. Ma Poule Mouillée keeps the Plateau smelling like charcoal and piri piri, dishing out Portuguese chicken that’s as juicy as the hype. Out in Pointe-Claire, Delibee's still serves smoked meat the old-school way—thick, hand-cut, and with zero patience for shortcuts.

If you’re up for a proper road trip, Le Roy Jucep in Drummondville claims to be the birthplace of poutine, and whether or not you buy the origin story, the gravy speaks for itself. And over in Granby, Chez Ben is a neon-lit time warp where steamés, soft serve, and Quebecois nostalgia flow in equal measure.

Each one is a pilgrimage in its own right—and absolutely worth the detour.

Settle in for live jazz at a Montreal institution

Montreal’s jazz scene runs deep, and a night at a proper jazz club is still one of the best ways to take it in. Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is a mainstay, offering a mix of local talent and international acts in a setting that keeps the focus on the music. Whether you’re settling in for dinner or just grabbing a drink at the bar, the vibe is intimate, the sound is rich, and the lineup rarely misses. Here’s why Upstairs still sets the standard.

Plan a date night that actually feels special

Montreal doesn’t do romance halfway. Whether it’s a candlelit bistro, a vibey wine bar, or a spot that makes even a casual night out feel like something more. From timeless French classics to intimate hideaways with natural wine and shareable plates, the city has no shortage of settings for a memorable evening. Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or just a good excuse to dress up, here’s where to go when you want to impress.

Dig through Montreal’s best record shops and bookstores

For those who love the thrill of the hunt, Montreal’s indie record and bookstores are goldmines. Cheap Thrills has been a go-to for vinyl heads and underground finds for decades, while Encore Books & Records offers a treasure trove of used books and rare LPs, complete with a staff that knows their stuff. Whether you’re after first editions, forgotten gems, or just a place to lose track of time, the best bookstores in Montreal deliver.

Working for the weekend? Plan a brunch

 You’ve made it through the week—now it’s time to do brunch right. Go all in with a feast at Larrys, where the small plates lineup never misses, or lean into old-school diner comfort at Arthurs Nosh Bar. If you’re chasing that perfect pastry-to-coffee ratio, Butterblume has you covered. And for those who like their eggs with a side of natural wine, Janine Café delivers. However you brunch, make it count. Here’s where to find the best in Montreal.

Explore the seasons at local markets

As the city thaws, Montreal’s public markets shift back into full bloom. Jean-Talon Market bursts with early greens, foraged finds, and the first local asparagus, while Atwater Market’s outdoor stalls start to slowly buzz again with flowers and fresh bread before the smell of grilled food arrives in May. That's when terrasses return, the baskets fill up, and suddenly grocery shopping feels more like a celebration.

Treat yourself with unique boutiques in Montreal

Montreal’s boutique scene is built for those who like their shopping with a little more personality. Whether it’s curated vintage, indie fashion labels, handcrafted home goods, or design-forward accessories, the city’s independent shops offer a mix you won’t find anywhere else. From tucked-away ateliers to beautifully designed concept stores, these spots make browsing as much of an experience as the buy itself. Ready to splurge a little? Here’s where to start.

Catch pop-ups and weekend events before they're gone

Montreal moves fast—one weekend it’s a buzzy food pop-up, the next it’s a secret vinyl market or an underground art show. Blink and you’ll miss something great. Stay ahead of the game with The Bulletin, our weekly rundown of the best things happening in the city. From last-minute shows to can’t-miss openings, we’ve got your weekend plans covered. Subscribe here and never miss out.

Explore neighbourhoods according to locals

You can Google the top sights, or you can ask the people who actually live here where they go.

From muralist Kevin Ledo’s go-to spots in Little Portugal to artist Pony’s favourite haunts along Plaza Saint-Hubert, and punk mainstay Hugo Mudie’s tried-and-true picks in Hochelaga, these guides come straight from locals who live and breathe their neighbourhoods. No fluff, no tourist traps—just the cafés, bars, shops, and corners that give each area its pulse.

Catch a Montreal Canadiens or Laval Rocket game

Hockey is a cultural cornerstone in Montreal. A night at the Bell Centre watching the Canadiens is as electric as it gets, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the atmosphere (and the steamies). Want a closer look at the future of the game? The Laval Rocket deliver fast-paced action with a rowdier, up-close experience at Place Bell. Either way, you’re in for big energy, big hits, and a crowd that lives and breathes every play.

Enjoy a sonic escape

For those who like their coffee black and their records deep-cut, Montreal’s listening bars and vinyl cafés offer a slower, more intentional kind of escape. These are spots where the sound system matters as much as the drinks menu, and crate-diggers, audiophiles, and curious passersby all find common ground in the glow of tube amps and warm analog tones. Post up with a cocktail or flip through LPs between espressos—whatever you do, these venues prove that in this city, good taste isn’t just about what’s on the plate, it’s also what’s spinning.