While we definitely want you to check out stand-up comedy in Montreal, we also want you to spend time discovering all the wonderful things our city has to offer. While you likely know about the many top tier attractions, there are many other things to discover in Montreal. Here are five hidden gems in Montreal you may want to check out.
Clock Tower Beach
When most people think of Montreal, a day at the beach probably does not come to mind. However, one of the hidden gems of Montreal provides you with all you need for a perfect beach day! You will find Clock Tower Beach in the Old Port area. This area is typically open from mid-June to early September and provides a place for Montreal residents, and visitors alike, to lounge in the sun and sand.
Additionally, a visit to Clock Tower Beach is free unless there is a special event. Relax under an umbrella, play in the sand, or enjoy delicious food from the beach’s bistro. For an added treat, check out the programming schedule. You can relax with a yoga class or dance the night away to a DJ while watching stunning fireworks during Montréal’s annual international fireworks (L’International des Feux Loto-Québec) competition!
Musee de Lachine
While Montreal is home to many excellent museums, one that often may not make your itinerary is the Musee de Lachine. This is actually the oldest still-standing complete building in the city. You will find it near the Lachine Canal as well as on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. This museum focuses primarily on the city’s history and archaeology.
When you visit this museum, you will find a wide collection of artifacts, exhibits tracing Lachine’s heritages and Montreal’s history, and a fur trading discovery space. You will also see the Le Ber-Le Moyne heritage site, featuring Montreal’s oldest preserved buildings. All of this can be found next to Montreal’s iconic rapids on the Saint Lawrence River.
Hidden Waterfall at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Parc Jean-Drapeau is one of the most popular things for people to do in Montreal. Thus, it may be surprising to find it on this list. However, one thing many people do not know about Parc Jean-Drapeau is its secret waterfall. This waterfall can be found within a ten-minute walk from the Jean-Drapeau metro station. While there are many small secret waterfalls around the island, but this is definitely the one to check out.
Of course, Parc Jean-Drapeau is well-known as the site of the 1967 World’s Fair (Expo 67). The island was turned in a public park in 1874 and has been a place to relax and attend recreational activities ever since. If visiting the park, be sure to explore some of the area’s more well-known sites like Jean-Dore Beach, La Ronde amusement park, or the Montreal Biosphere.
Canadian Centre for Architecture Sculpture Garden
If you are a fan of art and sculpture, you will find many wonderful places to visit around Montreal. However, one of the places you should definitely add to your agenda is the sculpture garden at the Canadian Centre for Architecture. You’ll find this public park on the Ernest-Cormier Esplanade. Founded in 1990, it features a mixture of materials, shapes, and styles. It is a great location to visit during your time in Montreal.
If you have spare time after wandering through the sculpture garden, consider visiting the museum where you will find many different exhibitions and a large collection. The goal of the museum is to “make people think,” citing architecture as an important public concern that highlights both functional, historical, and cultural issues.
Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery
Another unique aspect of Montreal that many visitors are unaware of is Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery, which serves as the largest Catholic cemetery in Canada. Established in 1854, over 900,000 people have been buried in these lush grounds on Mount Royal.
One of the highlights of a visit to this historic cemetery is the war graves, located at the opening between this cemetery and Mount Royal cemetery. The site symbolizes the unity of Protestant and Catholic soldiers in their sacrifice during the World Wars. Notre-Dame-des-Neiges is also a popular location for activities such as walking and bird watching due to the flora and fauna which include several rare trees.
Comedy Shows in Montreal
This concludes our list of 5 hidden gems in Montreal. Our city’s thriving comedy scene is also something we’re particularly fond of. You will find a wealth of comedy shows in Montreal, providing the perfect evening entertainment. Whether you are a comedy afficionado or just want a little laugh after a busy day, stand-up comedy in Montreal is great to checkout.
You might be surprised to find that Montreal has a fairly strong history of stand-up comedy shows. Today, we have some of the best talent in Canada and often see internationally famous comedians perform in our city. If you would like to add some laughter to your evening in Montreal, you can find the best shows for you here.
Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.