Summer outings for families in Southern Québec

Imagine a family vacation where everyone has a great time. The regions of Montréal, Laval and the Laurentides invite you to discover a wide range of activities, from exciting adventures to relaxing getaways. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and make unforgettable memories together!

Destination: Montréal

With its countless festivals, sidewalk terrasses and lively pedestrian streets, the city is a top destination for urban vacations. For families, planning a memorable stay is a breeze.

If the youngest members of your family are always asking, “why?,” check out Espace pour la vie (with its five natural museums), the Ecomuseum Zoo and the Science Centre. Want to share a magical moment with your teenager? The Museum of Illusions, the Grande Roue de Montréal and OASIS immersion to the rescue! If there are budding artists in your family, head to Café La Chouette to decorate the most adorable cookies in town, then admire the brushstrokes of the world’s greatest painters at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts.

1 / 5

Where to stay

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Montréal! The city has a fine selection of hotels for families looking for a place to retire for the night. Here are a few:

In Old Montréal, the newly opened SonoLux is an immersive art hotel where every space becomes a canvas for artists invited to express themselves. Even your teenagers will be impressed.

Both equipped with rooftop pools, the Hyatt Centric Montréal and Bonaventure hotels are perfect for unwinding with the family after a long day of exploration.

1 / 2

To put on the itinerary

Montréal Complètement Cirque

Every summer, for about ten days, the city comes alive celebrating circus arts in all their forms during the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival. The festivities take over theatres, parks and street corners, and surprise performances pop up in all sorts of places. Now a summer staple in Montréal, this event is all about sustainability and aims to bring people together and inspire action, while giving everyone a chance to reconnect with their inner child.

In front of a crowd gathered around a stage, an acrobat performs a balancing act on a tightrope above his troupe.

Destination: Laval

Straddling nature and city life, Laval is the perfect place for families to enjoy quality time together. Within a 20 km radius, you’ll find a wealth of delightful attractions for everyone to enjoy.

When it’s nice out, the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is the place to be, with its peaceful trails, islands and marshes. Want to try some local wines? Head to Château Taillefer Lafon, a magnificent vineyard located right in the city. Climbing centre, free fall simulator, mini-golf, arcades: anyone looking for a fun-filled day will find the playground of their dreams at Centropolis. Would you rather go shopping? Then head to CF Carrefour Laval.

The list of activities in Laval doesn’t end there! Two turnkey itineraries have been designed to help you plan a long (and action-packed!) family weekend in the region.

1 / 5

To put on the itinerary

Cosmodôme

With its brand new Destination: Space exhibition, Laval’s Cosmodôme invites young and old alike to embark on a journey to the far reaches of the universe. Immersive experiences and scientific discoveries transport visitors into the vastness of space. Go on a space mission with your family and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, one station at a time. A day at the Cosmodôme will make science enthusiasts’ eyes light up and spark the curiosity of young explorers.

A dark exhibition hall where you can see models and posters of space shuttles and planets.

Destination: The Laurentides

Wide open spaces, forests as far as the eye can see, sparkling lakes and rivers: the Laurentides are basically an open-air playground. This is a place where vacationers of all ages can slow down, soak in the fresh air and explore to their heart’s content.

By bike or on foot, explore Parc linéaire du P’tit Train du Nord, which stretches for 234 km through lush, green landscapes. At Centre de villégiature Tremblant, enjoy unique experiences such as summer skiing. To reconnect with nature in a different way, visit Gourmet Sauvage for an introductory workshop on the responsible foraging of delicious forest treats with your family.

1 / 4

Where to stay

In Mont-Tremblant, Les Refuges Perchés—one of many unique accommodations in the Laurentides region—invites you to fulfill a childhood dream: sleeping in a tree house. Each accommodation on site is unique; you get to choose your sanctuary in the canopy.

1 / 2

To put on the itinerary

Parc régional Kiamika

This summer Parc régional Kiamika is expanding into a new area: Blueberry Bay. It’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and have fun with your family! The site is fully equipped for a stay in nature, with camping spots for tents and trailers, a reception pavilion, an educational centre and restrooms. The 184 km² site, made up of 40 islands and islets with golden sand beaches, gives you access to lots of activities, including hiking, canoe camping and fishing.