Parc Jean-Drapeau: where festivals and nature collide

Originally home to a British fort, Parc Jean-Drapeau became Montréal’s first major public park in 1874. The land then doubled in size for the monumental event known as Expo 67: Engineers added land to each end of Saint Helen’s Island, expanding its surface area, and built Notre Dame Island entirely from scratch, using excavated dirt and rock excavated from the construction of the city’s underground metro system.

The city later renamed Parc Jean-Drapeau in honour of its late mayor and made the park more accessible by extending the metro line under the St. Lawrence River. Today, vestiges of Expo 67 remain throughout the park alongside new attractions such as Espace 67, a contemporary gathering site just steps from Jean-Drapeau metro station. 

In celebration of the park’s 150th anniversary, the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) announced several major developments for the transformation of the space, including the long-awaited rehabilitation of the ceremonial heart of Expo 67, Place des Nations.

With panoramic views of the river and Old Montréal, Parc Jean-Drapeau boasts over 25 kilometres of walking and biking trails, sunny Jean-Doré Beach, the Aquatic Complex, kayaking and canoeing tours, and race track Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve that can be used for recreational purposes, such as cycling. For something tranquil, head to the park’s riverside walkway, recently revamped to maintain its natural quietude next to the fast-moving St. Lawrence River.

Several works of public art, including Alexander Calder’s iconic and massive sculpture Trois disques, and gorgeous flower gardens showcase Montréal’s artistic side. Meanwhile, the Biosphère – Espace pour la vie environment museum (housed within a Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome) enchants and educates all ages, and the Casino de Montréal and the Six Flags’ La Ronde amusement park provide all kinds of entertainment!

In the colder months, take advantage of Parc Jean-Drapeau’s many winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fatbiking and a refrigerated ice skating path – you can even learn how to ice climb! Bring your own equipment or easily rent on site.

All year long, an event village provides space for year-round activities, large lawns welcome picnickers, and some restaurant options are available – though be sure to check opening times on the park’s website. In spring, be sure to check out the urban sugar shack.

Standing out among the park’s recent renovations is a new outdoor amphitheatre area for major festivals and events, providing more space and ease-of-use for summer festival crowds and winter activities. The biggest music festival of its kind in Canada, Osheaga brings the sounds of indie-rock, hip hop and electronic music to the park in late July and early August, bookended by electronic dance music festival îleSoniq Montréal and country music festival Lasso Montréal.

All summer long, dance outdoors at the weekly electronic music event Piknic Électronik, happening every Sunday afternoon (lasting into the evenings). And, for something different and educationally entertaining, there’s even an outdoor science celebration, Eureka! Festival, which kicks off the festival season in late May.

Each summer, the skies light up around the park for several nights as the international fireworks competition L’International des Feux Loto Québec takes place at La Ronde. In June, engines rev and crowds cheer for the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Notre Dame Island; the new Espace Paddock offers a prestigious way to watch the Grand Prix, with two grand terraces and grandstands, as well as a multi-function hall for year-round events.

A destination for all ages, Parc Jean-Drapeau balances contemporary new designs with the nature and entertainment it’s always been known for. Follow the park’s website and social networks to stay updated on the flurry outdoor concerts and events throughout the year!