April marks the transition from winter to spring. I personally love the way the city comes back to life with warmer temperatures. After months of snow, there’s nothing better than finally shedding winter layers and stepping outside to experience the city’s contagious energy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Easter festivities, sugar shacks, patio dining, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, festivals, or guided tours, things to do in Montreal in April are endless.
Easy Ways to Explore the City
There are many ways to explore Montreal. Choose from metro, bus, bike, or walking tours to discover Montreal’s top sights.
As for me, I always book a hop-on hop-off tour when I arrive in a new city. It helps me get familiar with the layout and figure out how to move around efficiently. This kind of tour helps me discover places I wouldn’t have otherwise and learn about the city’s history.
The best part? You can hop off whenever a stop intrigues you, explore at your own pace, and then hop back on to continue the tour. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend the Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker bus Tour.
It’s an easy and fun way to experience the city. Should it also still be a little cold, you can shield from the wind.
How to Dress for April Weather in Montreal
April in Montreal can be unpredictable. Some days feel like early spring with mild temperatures, while others may bring chilly rain or even a late snowfall. Here are my tips on how to dress:
- Layer Up – Mornings and evenings can be cool, so wear a light jacket and warm sweater underneath.
- Waterproof Footwear – With the snow melting and spring rain, waterproof shoes or boots are the best way to keep your toes dry.
- Umbrella & Raincoat – Be prepared for sudden rain, especially when exploring outdoor markets or parks.
- Sunglasses & Sunscreen – On sunny days, to protect your skin and eyes.
Sweet Activities to Do in Montreal in April
Spring in Montreal is a time of indulgence, discovery, and tradition. April offers countless ways to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, especially if Easter turns out to be during this month.
Sugar Shack Season: A Springtime Tradition
Nothing says springtime like a visit to a sugar shack. Some of my fondest childhood memories are filled with music, the sweet taste maple taffy, and laughter around the table with family.
If you’re in Quebec during spring, this is an experience you absolutely must try. Want to learn more about our delicious tradition of cabane à sucre? Read my article What Is a Cabane à Sucre? Discover Quebec’s Sweetest Tradition.
Curious about Sugar shack history and learn about Maple syrup farms? Read Jennifer’s article Quebec Maple Syrup Farms: Tours, Tastings, and Traditions.
With the sugar season in full swing during April, you can experience the cabane à sucre in different ways:
Looking for a cheap flight to Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair I use regularly. Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Montreal and surrounding cities with Busbud.
Urban Sugar Shack at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Located on Île Sainte-Hélène, just a few minutes from downtown Montreal, the Urban Sugar Shack at Parc Jean-Drapeau offers a traditional sugar shack experience in a city setting.
From mid-March to mid-April, you can enjoy maple taffy, hearty Quebecois dishes, and live folk music, all in a festive atmosphere. It’s a great way to experience an authentic cabane à sucre without leaving the city.
How to Get to Parc jean-Drapeau and Île Sainte-Hélène
- By Metro: take the yellow line from Berri-UQAM Station to Jean-Drapeau Station (5-minute ride).
- By Bike: accessible via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge, with bike paths leading directly to the park.
- By Car: about a 10-minute drive from downtown Montreal, with paid parking available on-site.
- By Bus: STM routes 767 and 777 provide direct service to the park.
Authentic Sugar Shack
For a truly immersive experience in the heart of nature, surrounded by Quebec’s breathtaking forests and crisp spring air, I highly recommend booking a guided tour to a traditional sugar shack.
You’ll get the chance to explore an authentic Quebecois maple farm on a private 5-hour day trip from Montreal. Watch firsthand how maple syrup is made—from tree tapping to bottling—and indulge in a classic sugar shack meal that will leave you wanting more.
Montreal Easter Celebrations & Chocolate Shops
Indulge in Montreal’s best chocolate treats just in time for Easter! Montreal is known for its artisanal chocolate scene, and we have incredibly talented chocolatiers that you simply must try.
The quality, originality, and use of local ingredients make Montreal’s chocolate truly top tier. Whether you’re looking for high-end confections or unique flavours infused with Quebec terroir, the city has plenty to offer. Here is a list of Montreal’s best Chocolate shops.
Mister Rabbit’s Circus – A Magical Toy Exhibition
Step into a whimsical world at the McCord Stewart Museum with Mister Rabbit’s Circus, an interactive 2025 exhibition inspired by the beloved children’s book series Monsieur Lapin.
I had the chance to experience the interactive activities with my children, and it was one of the most positive learning experiences we’ve had together. The exhibit is designed for children aged 3 to 9. In my opinion, it’s the perfect place to introduce kids to museums in a fun and engaging way. Best of all, admission is free for children 12 and under!
Lively Spring: Outdoors Things to Do in Montreal in April
I love how we Montrealers embrace spring with such contagious enthusiasm! As soon as the sun peeks out, the entire city seems to move outdoors, and I can’t help but follow suit.
The energy of the city transforms as locals step outside to enjoy the sun, sip drinks on patios, and roam through bustling markets. The vibrant atmosphere can be felt in every corner—whether you’re people-watching from a terrace, admiring fresh-cut flowers at a market, or indulging in seasonal fruits.
Springtime in Montreal is a celebration of renewal, and there’s no better way to experience it than by immersing yourself in its outdoor culture like terrasses and markets.
Top Terrasses in Montreal
As the weather warms up, Montreal’s patio season begins! Enjoy drinks and meals at some of the city’s most stunning terraces. In Montreal, you’re never too far from a sunny terrace once the warm weather arrives.
Whether you’re strolling along Mont-Royal Avenue, Saint-Hubert Street, or downtown Sainte-Catherine, you’ll spot lively patios spilling onto the sidewalks. Some even extend into former parking spaces! All to make more room for the joyful crowds catching up over cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed, social, and uniquely Montreal.
Jean-Talon & Atwater Markets: Spring Awakens the Markets
Montreal’s public markets come alive in April, offering fresh local produce, flowers, and gourmet treats. A visit to Jean-Talon Market or Atwater Market is a must to experience the city’s vibrant food culture and meet local farmers.
Want a deeper experience? Take a guided tour and discover Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems.
Outdoor Adventures in April in Montreal
Montreal is one of my favourite cities to explore whether on foot or by bike. Tours make the experience even better. You get to safely wander through the city without the hassle of planning an itinerary, while learning fascinating stories from a local expert.
Here are some other amazing tours in Montreal you may want to book!
- Try your hand at a bagel making workshop, an iconic Montreal institution!
- Vélo Festif MTL partying with friends (or new acquaintances) and biking collide.
- Combine bike and spa for sore joints with Fitz Tours.
- Spade & Palacio lead activities like Beyond the Bike Lanes, Beyond the Market, Beyond the Basilica, Mural Tours, and Beyond the Village.
- Secret Montreal offers hidden history tours of the Montreal red light district around what we now call the Quartier des Spectacles.
- Watch a Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Bell Centre.
- Take a History Walking Tour of Old Montreal with Guidatour.
- Quartier des Spectacles offers a free walking tour around the Place des Festivals in the summer.
- Urban Marmotte and his owner Michel take you around the city for a Montreal by Night tour!
- Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City + Downtown Tour.
- If you’re into architecture and quirky living spaces, Habitat 67 tours are for you!
- Indulge in some of the best bites in the city with Secret Food Tours.
- In the Shadow of the Mountain: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour.
- The Montreal Street Art & Mural Tour with Fitz Montreal.
- Montreal’s Sin City Era & Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours.
Why Montreal is a Great City for Biking
Montreal is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America, making it an excellent place for both seasoned cyclists and beginners. The city boasts an extensive network of pistes cyclables (bike paths) that run through scenic parks, bustling neighborhoods, and along the St. Lawrence River.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or a more immersive sightseeing experience, biking is a fantastic way to explore. For those new to cycling in the city, many guided bike tours include bike and helmet rentals, making it an accessible and stress-free option to discover Montreal’s top landmarks. Here are some:
Hidden Gems Bike Tour – Plateau, Mile-End, Jean Talon Market
This tour takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, exploring Montreal’s hip neighbourhoods and hidden gems. Ride through Mile End, Little Italy, and the Plateau, discovering street art, local food markets, and vibrant culture.
One of my personal favourite stops on this tour is Marché Jean-Talon. There’s nothing like strolling through this bustling market, sampling fresh produce, and experiencing the flavours of Montreal firsthand. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the city like a local while learning about its artistic and multicultural history.
Downtown and Old Montreal Highlights Bike Tour
For a classic sightseeing experience, this tour covers Montreal’s historic and modern highlights. Ride through Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets, see the impressive Notre-Dame Basilica, and pedal past landmarks like Place Jacques-Cartier and the Old Port. If it’s your first time in Montreal, this tour is a great introduction to the city’s rich history and architecture.
Designed for travellers who love off-the-beaten-path experiences, this tour takes you to spots that locals love but are often overlooked. In my opinion, these hidden corners of the city deserve way more attention, like the charming back green alleys where local children play year-round.
Expect quirky stops, local favourites, and insights into Montreal’s underground and creative scene. It’s a fun and colourful ride that highlights a different side of Montreal!
Here are some other great tours in Montreal: 46 Ultimate Best Quebec Guided Tours You Should Book Now in the Province.
Experience the Best of Montreal This April
April is truly the best time to experience all the best things to do in Montreal. It’s my favourite month to rediscover the city. Whether you’re indulging in Easter chocolates, visiting a sugar shack, or biking along the Lachine Canal, the city offers countless ways to enjoy the season and I hope you’ve enjoyed those I suggested!
Here are some other Montreal tips:
- Train Travel from Montreal to Quebec City: What’s It Like?
- Best Hiking Near Montreal: Where to Go Outdoors
- Top 5 Things to Do Alone in Montreal
- Is Montreal Safe?
- Montreal Airport Taxi to Downtown: Everything You Need to Know
- Best Montreal Ice Cream Spots
- Walking Tour: Old Montreal Self-Guided Itinerary: a Step Back in Time
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