Schools out, long weekend is in. Montreal is brimming with fun, family-friendly activities to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday. Most of them are free to start summer off on the right foot, eh?
Celafete
Old Montreal’s celebration includes a children’s village full of inflatables and games. On-site face painting and entertainment easily make this an all-day destination.
Free; 12pm-6pm; Quays of the Old Port; www.celafete.tv
Dorval Celebration
The fireworks display at this party is a must-see, as well as performances by the group FLIRT. A shuttle bus runs between Pine Beach and the community centre.
Free; 3pm-10pm; Sarto-Desnoyers Community Centre; www.ville.dorval.qc.ca
Swim at the Beach
Make it a real holiday by hitting the beach at Parc Jean Drapeau. Complete with trampolines and boat rentals, this really is a small oasis in the heart of the city.
$20/Family, 10am-7pm; Parc Jean Drapeau; www.parcjeandrapeau.com
Cote St. Luc Celebration
A model airplane show, live music, cupcakes, balloons, face painting, a magician… sounds like a party to us!
Free (except inflatables); 1pm-10:40pm; Pierre Elliot Trudeau Park; www.cotesaintluc.org
Beaconsfield Celebration
This party has a special children’s corner featuring games, shows and music. Plus, there’s a BBQ and fireworks presentation for everyone to enjoy.
Free, 12pm-10:15pm; Centennial Hall Park; www.beaconsfield.ca
Picnic in the Park
Pack up a healthy lunch, a bag of balls, racquets and sand toys and head out to Mont Royal Park to take in one of our city’s top outdoor attractions on this special day.
Free; Mont Royal Park; www.lemontroyal.qc.ca
Dollard Celebration
This family-friendly, West-Island community is pulling out all the stops with face painting, inflatables, arts and crafts, balloons, fireworks and a BBQ.
Free; 5pm-10pm; Dollard Civic Centre; www.ville.ddo.qc.ca
Ice Cream Action
Pick up a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream in flavours like pink grapefruit and pineapple, while taking in the sights, scents and beautiful colours along the Lachine Canal and Atwater Market.
Havre aux Glaces; Atwater Market; 514-278-8696
Day at the Zoo
Celebrate Canada Day at the Ecomuseum by learning about our country’s local animals. Plenty of prizes and surprises are planned for this special day.
$15/Adults, $9/Kids, 9am-4pm; Ecomuseum; www.ecomuseum.ca
Pointe Claire Celebration
A parade in the village sets the stage for an afternoon of fun including games, face painting, music, fireworks and plenty of musical performances.
Free; 1pm-10pm; Bourgeau Park; www.ville.pointe-claire.qc.ca
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: