Table of Contents
As winter finally loosens its grip and the city starts to bloom, Montreal in spring feels like a fresh start. The days get longer, patios start filling up, and the city buzzes with festivals, outdoor adventures, and the sweet scent of maple syrup in the air. From Cirque du Soleil’s jaw-dropping performances to biking along the Lachine Canal, from sugar shacks dripping with maple goodness to cherry blossoms in full bloom, spring 2025 in Montreal is packed with ways to make the most of the season. Whatever kind of traveler you are—foodie, festival-goer, outdoor explorer—spring in Montreal has something for you.
Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil
Montreal is the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, and there’s no better place to see its breathtaking mix of acrobatics, storytelling, and stunning visuals. The city doesn’t have a permanent Cirque show, but every spring, the iconic blue-and-yellow big top pops up in the Old Port, bringing the latest production to life.
For 2025, Cirque du Soleil presents “Echo”, running from April to June. Expect gravity-defying stunts, larger-than-life set designs, and a soundtrack that stays with you long after the final bow.
Indulge in maple syrup at a sugar shack
Quebec produces nearly 75% of the world’s maple syrup, and spring is the best time to experience it right from the source at a classic cabane à sucre (sugar shack). These rustic spots serve maple-drenched feasts, from hearty tourtière (meat pie) to maple taffy rolled on snow.
Some of the best sugar shacks near Montreal:
- Sucrerie de la Montagne – An authentic, old-fashioned sugar shack in Rigaud.
- Cabane à sucre Au Pied de Cochon – A gourmet, over-the-top experience created by chef Martin Picard.
- Érablière Charbonneau – Family-friendly, with scenic forest views and sleigh rides.
Most sugar shacks are only open from early March to late April, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Raise a glass at the Montreal Beer Festival
Beer lovers, take note: the Montreal Beer Festival (Mondial de la Bière) is back from May 22-25, 2025. Hosted at historic Windsor Station, this festival brings together hundreds of beers from Quebec microbreweries and international craft brands.
- Admission is free—you just buy tasting coupons.
- Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, fruity sours, or something experimental, there’s a new favourite waiting to be discovered.
- Breweries often debut special festival-only releases, so keep an eye out for those limited-edition pours.
Discover history and culture at Montreal’s museums
Montreal is packed with incredible museums, and spring is the perfect time to explore them. One of the biggest events of the season is Montreal Museums Day on May 25, 2025, when over 30 museums open their doors for free.
Some of the highlights:
- The McCord Stewart Museum – A deep dive into Montreal’s history and culture.
- The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) – Always an amazing mix of classic and contemporary art.
- The Biosphere – A one-of-a-kind environmental museum inside a futuristic dome.
- The Pointe-à-Callière Museum – Where Montreal’s history comes alive through archaeology.
Some museums even host late-night events with live music and cocktails, turning museum visits into a whole experience.
Explore Montreal by bike
Montreal is one of the best cycling cities in the world, and spring is the perfect time to hop on a bike and explore. With over 700 km of bike paths and the easy-to-use BIXI bike-sharing system, getting around on two wheels is a breeze.
Top biking routes in spring:
- Lachine Canal Bike Path – A scenic ride past old factories, green spaces, and waterfront cafés.
- De Maisonneuve Boulevard Bike Path – Perfect for a downtown ride, connecting museums, shops, and urban parks.
- Parc Jean-Drapeau – A car-free island escape with winding trails and stunning skyline views.
Whether you’re a casual rider or a cycling pro, there’s a route for every mood.
