Montreal is filled with stunning picnic-worthy green spaces, but some stand out for their scenery, vibe, and location. Here’s a curated list of the best picnic spots in Montreal, ranked not just by beauty but by how well they deliver the full picnic experience — whether you're a tourist, student, romantic couple, or family with kids.
Each listing includes:
Why Go, What to Try, and Quick Info to help you decide.
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Why Go:
The crown jewel of Montreal's parks, Mount Royal offers sweeping views of the skyline, serene wooded areas, and the famous Beaver Lake. Perfect for both lively hangouts and quiet moments. This is often ranked as the best picnic spot in Montreal for first-time visitors.
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Situated on Île Sainte-Hélène, this spacious island park offers expansive riverside picnic spots with stunning views of the city skyline. It provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Montreal. Ideal for group gatherings, the park features plenty of room to relax, enjoy BBQs, or arrive by bike for a fun picnic experience.
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Tucked in the Plateau, this neighborhood-favorite is a true local’s hangout. Kids run through splash pads while friends drink wine under shady trees. There are also tennis courts and a community vibe that feels very “Montreal.”
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Arguably one of the most romantic picnic areas in Montreal, this park is known for its lake, fountain, and soft-lit walking paths. Poets, students, and couples frequent this spot for quiet conversation and people-watching.
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One of the cleanest and most well-kept green spaces in Montreal, this park has an old-English garden charm with streams, flowerbeds, and reading benches. It’s ideal for peaceful picnics or book lovers.
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Nestled in the southwest, this lesser-known park offers a peaceful escape surrounded by dense woodland. Boasting more than 100,000 trees, serene ponds inhabited by ducks, and extensive walking paths, it creates a nature-filled atmosphere that feels miles away from urban life.
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This park is perfect for big groups or birthdays. It’s massive, has clear flat terrain, and sits right next to the Montreal Botanical Garden. Best for gatherings and potluck-style picnics.
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Stretching from the Old Port to Lachine, the Lachine Canal bike path features grassy knolls, picnic tables, and riverside views. Ideal for active folks who want a bike + picnic combo.
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Beyond the major parks and popular Instagram spots, Montreal is filled with under-the-radar picnic areas that even some locals overlook. These spots are ideal if you're craving solitude, unique scenery, or a break from the tourist trail. Here are lesser-known but highly rewarding picnic parks in Montreal, perfect for seasoned city explorers or introverts seeking peace.
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Tucked away in Montreal’s East End, this slender riverside park stretches along the water’s edge, providing clear, uninterrupted views of the Rivière-des-Prairies. Known for its tranquility and cleanliness, it’s a perfect spot for peaceful strolls or reflective picnics with a journal in hand.
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Located in the prestigious Outremont area, this charming park showcases beautifully maintained gardens, a tranquil pond, and shaded walking paths. Favored by nearby families and scholars, it remains a well-kept secret beyond the neighborhood. Its peaceful and pristine environment makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic.
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Located on a former landfill site turned eco-park, this futuristic green space features rolling hills, wind-powered lights, and large open spaces perfect for sprawling picnics. This is the best picnic area in Montreal for eco-conscious visitors or anyone who wants a unique backdrop.
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Just steps from Montreal’s Quartier Latin, this picturesque square is surrounded by pastel-colored Victorian houses, giving it a distinctly European atmosphere. Offering a peaceful and less crowded alternative to nearby Parc Lafontaine, it’s the perfect spot for relaxed picnics or creative afternoons with a sketchbook.
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Tucked between Ontario and Rachel streets, this underappreciated park has a relaxed Plateau East energy, with shaded benches, BBQ areas, and a very locals-only vibe. Great for introverts or anyone seeking a low-key picnic spot in Montreal.
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Quick Info:
Beyond the major parks and popular Instagram spots, Montreal is filled with under-the-radar picnic areas that even some locals overlook. These spots are ideal if you're craving solitude, unique scenery, or a break from the tourist trail. Here are lesser-known but highly rewarding picnic parks in Montreal, perfect for seasoned city explorers or introverts seeking peace.
Why Go:
Located in Montreal’s East End, this tranquil, narrow park stretches along the riverbank, providing clear, uninterrupted views of the Rivière-des-Prairies. Known for its cleanliness and calm atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for peaceful strolls or reflective picnics with a journal in hand, away from the usual crowds.
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Tucked away in Montreal’s upscale Outremont area, this tranquil park offers lush, carefully tended gardens, a quiet pond, and shady paths perfect for leisurely strolls. Loved by neighborhood families and local academics alike, it’s a peaceful oasis that few tourists know about—making it a perfect, serene spot for enjoying a picnic.
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Located on a former landfill site turned eco-park, this futuristic green space features rolling hills, wind-powered lights, and large open spaces perfect for sprawling picnics. This is the best picnic area in Montreal for eco-conscious visitors or anyone who wants a unique backdrop.
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This charming square near the Quartier Latin is lined with Victorian homes painted in pastel colors and feels like you’re in Europe. It’s a quieter alternative to Parc Lafontaine just a few blocks away — ideal for casual picnics or sketchbook sessions.
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Tucked between Ontario and Rachel streets, this underappreciated park has a relaxed Plateau East energy, with shaded benches, BBQ areas, and a very locals-only vibe. Great for introverts or anyone seeking a low-key picnic spot in Montreal.
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These hidden picnic gems show that Montreal’s green beauty extends well beyond Mount Royal and Lafontaine. Whether you want riverside solitude, experimental design, or European-style ambiance, there’s always a quiet corner in this city to call your own.
Montreal isn’t just a city of festivals and food — it’s a city of parks, people, and picnic baskets. From iconic locations like Mount Royal to quiet gems like Parc de la Promenade-Bellerive, this island city offers some of the best picnic spots in Canada, each with its own charm, ambiance, and local flavor.
Whether you're planning a romantic lakeside evening, a sunny group BBQ, or a solo afternoon in nature, there’s a perfect picnic setting waiting for you. Just remember:
Pro tip: Always check the weather and arrive early on weekends — especially at popular spots like Parc Lafontaine or Parc Laurier. The best picnic real estate goes fast!
“A picnic is more than a meal — it’s a way to experience Montreal like a local.”
Pack a crusty baguette, select some delicious cheeses, gather your favorite company, and set out to explore your own perfect spot among Montreal’s best picnic locations.
Yes, alcohol is allowed in many Montreal parks — but only if it's consumed with food. This is the city’s official rule. So you can enjoy a glass of wine with your baguette and cheese, as long as it’s part of a meal. Avoid glass bottles, and always check signage at specific parks like Mount Royal or Lafontaine.
Yes, but only propane BBQs are allowed in designated parks like Parc Jean-Drapeau, Parc Maisonneuve, and Parc Angrignon. Charcoal or wood fires are not permitted. Make sure to bring a small, portable propane grill and use the posted grilling areas.
For couples looking to enjoy a romantic picnic, some of Montreal’s best spots include Mount Royal Lookout, where you can watch stunning sunsets over the city skyline. Parc Laurier offers a peaceful and intimate atmosphere, especially in the evening when the park is calm and quiet. Another charming option is Square Saint-Louis, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and cozy ambiance. These locations provide serene settings with fewer crowds, making them perfect for a memorable and tranquil date.
Yes, most Montreal parks are dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area (like parts of Parc Lafontaine or Parc Baldwin). Always carry bags to clean up after your pet and keep them away from playground areas.
Yes! Many top parks are walking distance from metro stations, including:
Parc Jarry – close to De Castelnau or Jarry Metro
Mount Royal Park – via Peel or Mont-Royal Metro
Parc Jean-Drapeau – direct access via Jean-Drapeau Metro
Parc Lafontaine – near Sherbrooke Metro
Parc Laurier – right by Laurier Metro
Yes, Montreal parks are generally very safe, especially during the day. Popular parks like Mount Royal and Lafontaine have plenty of people around. Just follow common sense: don’t leave valuables unattended, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
