The sparkling oases of Montréal's summer
This article was updated on June 6, 2022.
Simply put, Montréal loves summer—and it’s easy to see! From leisurely hanging out on charming terrasses to picnicking and playing in the city’s leafy parks, Montréalers make the most of the season from sunrise to far after sunset. As part of 2022’s the city’s Les aventures du cœur de l’île roster of summer programming, the Quartier des Spectacles and Downtown Montréal are once again unveiling eight Oases rest areas designed by local designers and creatives. Each offers the perfect opportunity for a moment’s rest, some musical accompaniment and prime people-watching—not to mention some killer backdrops for your travel photography.
Urban oases in the heart of the city
Montréal’s summer Oases spaces make for recharging resting spots on a wander through the city center quartiers, featuring groundbreaking urban planning and cutting-edge design. Tucked into some of the city’s most bustling intersections, these Oases make for picturesque punctuation on the cityscape. Perfect for picnics or meet-ups, each Oasis is sure to make an impression. Easily traversed by foot, bike or via public transport, you’ll not want to miss any of them!
- Plage Saint-James turns Saint-James United Church’s front steps and place into a sandy beach at 463 Sainte-Catherine Street West.
- Place des Festivals at the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles offers shade, fountains large-scale arts installations and over 100 potted trees and plants in the heart of the city’s performing arts district.
- Quartier latin, known for its theatres, cinemas and terrasses, plays host to Agora Maximus, inspired by the Roman agora and Circus Maximus on pedestrianized Saint-Denis Street.
- The Gay Village on pedestrianized Sainte-Catherine Street is home to one of North America’s biggest and most vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Rest under the rainbow!
- Jardins Gamelin offers games and outdoor drinks and snacks under a leafy canopy accompanied by a packed programme of on-stage performances.
- Esplanade Tranquille at the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street West and Clark Street pays tribute to Montréal’s literary past with comfortable seating areas and site-specific performances and installations.
- Quartier chinois presents the return of the Marché Asiatique and an awe-inspiring gathering point at the corner of René-Lévesque Boulevard East and Saint-Laurent Street by the borough’s iconic entrance gate.
- Esplanade Place Ville Marie unveils one of the city’s newest iconic artworks in an outdoor space where performers, tasty snacks and modernist design unite. The circle marks the spot!
Summer 2022 promises to be one for the record books, full of surprises and unforgettable #mtlmoments.
Keep tabs on all of Les aventures du cœur de l’île's summer programming via their website, Instagram and Facebook pages. Meet you at the Oases!
Mark Hamilton
Mark Hamilton is the community director for QueerMTL, an internationally-touring musician with his projects Woodpigeon and Frontperson and a graduate studies student of history researching LGBTQ+ activism in the city. He’s lived in Montréal since 2015, during which time he’s most often spotted atop a BIXI bike usally running a few minutes late.