If you ask me when to experience Montreal, my answer is always the same. July.
Montreal in July is magical! The long summer days, lively terraces, world class festivals, welcoming neighbourhoods and vibrant atmosphere transform the city into one giant outdoor celebration. Every street has its own story, every park has music, and every neighbourhood invites you to slow down and enjoy life like a true Montrealer.
As Montreal’s Original Montreal Expert, I love sharing this incredible energy with my guests. A private bespoke tour is more than simply seeing famous landmarks. It is about experiencing the city through my eyes, discovering true hidden gems ( not advertised) and understanding why Montreal is unlike anywhere else in North America. You will fall in love.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or spending several days exploring, July is the perfect time to discover everything this remarkable city has to offer.
Celebrate the Legacy of the 1976 Olympic Games
This summer marks 50 years since the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, one of the most important chapters in the city’s history.
During my private tours, I love sharing stories about the Games, the athletes, the architectural vision behind the Olympic Park and how the event helped shape modern Montreal. We can visit the Olympic Stadium, admire its distinctive inclined tower and explore the surrounding district while learning about one of Canada’s most fascinating sporting legacies. Nadia Comenici will be in Montreal, the first to score a perfect 10 in gymnastics here in Montreal. It is an unforgettable experience for sports fans and history lovers alike.
Feel the Rhythm of the Montreal International Jazz Festival
The beginning of July belongs to music.
The world famous Montreal International Jazz Festival fills the downtown streets with free concerts, international artists and an atmosphere unlike any other. Even if you are not a jazz enthusiast, the festival creates an incredible energy that draws everyone into the celebration.
From intimate indoor performances to massive outdoor stages, music becomes the soundtrack of the city. I offer Jazz and Black Heritage tours and experiences to help you understand why Montreal and Jazz. July 3rd Choir Choir Choir will be getting us to sing along. Come join us I will be there.
Laugh Along at Just For Laughs
No Montreal summer would be complete without Just For Laughs. My favourite festival of all.
International comedians, street entertainers and outdoor performances bring smiles to visitors from around the world. The festival transforms downtown into a giant stage where something unexpected is always happening around the next corner. Be careful you may be pranked or be part of the Gags.
Watch the Night Sky Light Up
One of my favourite summer traditions is watching the spectacular fireworks over the city, after my Old Montreal Evening Walking Tour on the roof top sipping bubbles as we listen to the music choreographed to the fireworks.
Throughout July, visitors can enjoy breathtaking displays that illuminate the Montreal skyline. Whether viewed from the Old Port, the riverfront or one of the city’s many viewpoints, Laronde or on the bridge it is an unforgettable way to end a summer evening.
First Fridays at the Olympic Park
Food lovers should not miss First Fridays, held on the first Friday of every month at the Olympic Park.
Dozens of gourmet food trucks gather in one location, offering everything from traditional Montreal favourites to international cuisine. Live music, family activities and a relaxed atmosphere make it one of the city’s favourite summer events. It is the perfect place to sample Montreal’s incredible culinary diversity. I offer different type of culinary tours and food tours from ice cream to markets and more.
Discover Montreal’s Vibrant Neighbourhood Festivals
One of the things I enjoy most about July is that the celebrations are not limited to the city centre.
Across Montreal, neighbourhoods close their streets to traffic and open them to people. Residents are out enjoying a meal, then dancing to salsa, tango and line dancing. We stay out late into the night chatting with neighbours and sharing stories in English, French and many other languages.
Some of my favourite areas to explore include:
- Old Montreal, where history meets lively squares and waterfront entertainment.
- The Plateau Mont Royal, famous for colourful houses, murals and independent cafés.
- Little Italy, where excellent restaurants and community celebrations create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Wellington Street in Verdun, consistently recognised as one of the world’s coolest streets, filled with terraces and local businesses.
- Promenade Fleury in Ahuntsic, offering a relaxed village atmosphere with wonderful local shops.
- Plaza Saint Hubert, where shopping and outdoor entertainment come together beneath its iconic canopy.
- Sainte Catherine Street East in the Village, alive with colour, art installations and vibrant nightlife.
Each neighbourhood has its own unique personality, and exploring them is one of the best ways to understand Montreal’s rich cultural diversity. I offer unique Neighbourhood experiences and tours not to be missed.
Outdoor Living at Its Best
Montrealers make the most of every summer day.
Cycle along the Lachine Canal, relax in Mount Royal Park, stroll beside the St Lawrence River or enjoy one of the city’s beautiful public markets.
Outdoor terraces fill with friends sharing meals late into the evening, while parks host concerts, yoga classes and community gatherings. It is impossible not to be drawn into the city’s joyful atmosphere.
Taste Montreal
Food is at the heart of Montreal’s identity.
During my private walking tours, I introduce visitors to the city’s culinary traditions, from authentic bagels and smoked meat to local cheeses, maple products and neighbourhood bakeries. Along the way, I also recommend some of my favourite restaurants, hidden cafés and local markets that many visitors never discover on their own. Every meal tells part of Montreal’s story.
Experience Montreal with a Montreal so that you can be a Montrealer even for a day
The best way to explore Montreal is not by following a guidebook. It is by walking through its streets with Montreal’s Original Montreal Expert.
My personalised private walking tours are designed around your interests. Whether you are passionate about history, architecture, food, photography, festivals or local life, I will help you experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Together we will discover famous landmarks, hidden alleyways, vibrant neighbourhoods and the stories that make Montreal one of Canada’s most fascinating destinations.
After more than three decades as a professional licensed guide and having welcomed visitors from around the world, I know that every traveller is different. That is why every tour I lead is tailored to you, creating an authentic and memorable experience that goes far beyond the guidebooks, a social media post or a superficial best of tour.
Book Your Private Montreal Tour
If you are planning a visit to Montreal this July, I would love to show you why this is my favourite month of the year.
Experience the festivals, discover the neighbourhoods, enjoy incredible food and create unforgettable memories with Montreal’s Original Montreal Expert.
Book your private walking tour today at www.rubyroy.ca and experience the real Montreal with Montreal’s Original Montreal Expert. I look forward to welcoming you to my city.
See you soon !
