Laura Osborne

Montreal’s neighbourhoods each have their own vibe—together, they create the city’s eclectic charm. Explore the city’s best neighborhoods for locals, and essential places where visitors can stay, included right here in this guide. Montreal has a big presence when it comes to culture, community, and character—and if you need proof, just look at the sheer wealth of some of the best things to do in Montreal alongside stellar experiences in the city’s best restaurants and best bars. Better yet, we're home to one of the world's coolest streets. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal50 best restaurants in Montreal right nowTop Montreal attractions for tourists and locals

Montreal is a playground for kids of all ages—especially during the winter. The city is full of attractions for young kids (and the young at heart), stellar free museums and excellent places to eat that are easy on the budget. Every borough has its own family-forward fun—not to mention the highest bungee jump in Canada—with easy access via public transportation (5 year-olds and under ride for free!).  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best free things to do in Montreal27 best Montreal attractions for tourists and locals10 best free museums in Montreal you need to check out

Bières locales, match diffusé sur grand écran, smash burgers primés, arcades, cocktails signature et ailes de poulet croustillantes… tentant, non? Retrouvez tout ça dans un immense espace réunissant certains des meilleurs chefs et restos de la ville sous un même toit, au Time Out Market Montréal. Niché à l’intérieur d’un de nos centres commerciaux préférés, le Centre Eaton de Montréal, c’est l’endroit ultime pour l’avant-match des Canadiens. Mais ne nous croyez pas sur parole, venez découvrir toute l’ambiance hockey ici. Où regarder le hockey au centre-ville? À partir du 22 septembre 2025, rendez-vous au Time Out Market Montréal pour profiter de la diffusion gratuite des matchs en direct, d’une excellente bouffe, de bons drinks et d’une ambiance parfaite pour les soirs de hockey. Pour plus d’infos sur le Time Out Market Montréal, cliquez ici. RECOMMANDÉ :Les meilleures choses à faire à Montreal maintenant50 meilleurs restaurants de Montréal

Local beers, the game on the big screen, award-winning smash burgers, arcades, killer cocktails, and crispy chicken wings—sound tempting? Find it all in a massive space featuring some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants under one roof at Time Out Market Montréal. Nestled inside one of our favourite shopping malls, the Montreal Eaton Centre, it’s the ultimate spot to hockey pre-game. But don't just take our word for it. Check out all the Habs vibes here. Where can I watch the Habs game downtown? Starting September 22, 2025, head to Time Out Market Montréal to watch free live-streaming of the games, great food, drinks, and a good game-night atmosphere. RECOMMENDED:Complete guide to the best restaurants in MontrealBest things to do with kids in MontrealBest attractions in Montreal

UPDATE, September 2025: Whether you're looking for the city's coolest new design hotel, the most spectacular hikes in and around Montreal or where to find its most secret bars, this town is full of amazing and free things to do—especially during the fall. Explore one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, the best cheap eats, where to find late-night eats or simply the best family-friendly activites. Time Out editors hit the streets of Montreal from one end of the city to the other looking for the coolest things to do, the most delicious places to eat and the most impressive events to see. Next step: we then pick only the very best things to do to make it to this list each month. This essential round-up of Montreal musts is your to-do list whether you're a tourist or a local: from the best bars and speakeasies to the most stellar free museums, this epic guide to Montreal rounds up the most outstanding things to do across the city. RECOMMENDED:Complete guide to the best restaurants in MontrealBest things to do with kids in MontrealBest attractions in MontrealBest Airbnbs in Montreal

UPDATE, September 2025: Welcome to Time Out's handpicked selection of the best restaurants in Montreal, home to the new Michelin-starred restaurants. This list is intended to put your finger on Montreal's pulse—it's all about what's best at the moment, whether it's the hottest new restaurant, a weekend brunch, something iconic, or a stellar cheap eats; these are the places you'll want to eat at again and again and again. RECOMMENDED:Most romantic restaurants in Montreal right nowMichelin star-calibre restaurants in Montreal

Montréal est un terrain de jeu pour les enfants de tous âges—particulièrement pendant l'été. La ville regorge d'attractions pour les jeunes enfants (et les jeunes de cœur), ainsi que d'excellents endroits pour manger à petit prix en famille. Chaque arrondissement a ses propres divertissements pour les familles, avec de nombreux endroits facilement accessibles en métro (les enfants de cinq ans et moins voyagent gratuitement !).  RECOMMANDÉ :39 meilleures choses à faire à Montreal maintenantLes 31 meilleurs musées de Montréal

MISE À JOUR, septembre 2025 : Quels sont les meilleurs restaurants de Montréal en ce moment ? Avec l’arrivée du Guide Michelin pour la première fois dans la ville, la gastronomie montréalaise n’a jamais été aussi effervescente. Bienvenue dans la sélection soigneusement élaborée par Time Out des meilleurs restaurants de Montréal, offrant actuellement les plats les plus délicieux de la ville, servis avec une expertise inégalée. Voici notre liste des adresses à essayer absolument : restaurants étoilés, nouvelles tables branchées et spots qui font parler d’eux. RECOMMANDÉ :Les restaurants les plus romantiques de Montréal du momentLes meilleurs nouveaux restaurants de Montréal

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Visiting Old Montreal is a one-stop-shop for some of the best things to do in this city, and walking through the neighbourhood alone is one of the city’s best attractions. The near-400-year history of the area reveals itself as you wander through its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and shadows of its towering structures that once served as some of the most important facilities of the Port of Montreal. The distinct charm of this area can be chalked up to its charismatic architecture, ease of walkability and the diversity of bars, restaurants, museums and boutiques that line its streets in all directions. Any given walkthrough will help remind you that Montreal once stood as the economic heart of Canada, painting a beautiful portrait of the wealthy financial institutions once backed by Scottish and British merchants. There’s so much more than meets the eye: Here is a list of a few of the most fun and fascinating things to do in Old Montreal. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to the best things to do in Montreal50 best restaurants in Montreal Best things to do with kids in Montreal

Les meilleurs quartiers de la ville pour les locaux—et les endroits essentiels où les visiteurs peuvent séjourner—sont tous dans ce guide, y compris Saint-Henri, récemment classé parmi les quartiers les plus cools du monde. Montréal est très présente lorsqu'il s'agit de culture, de communauté et de caractère - et si vous avez besoin d'une preuve, il suffit de regarder la richesse des festivals de Montréal, certaines des meilleures choses à faire à Montréal, ainsi que les expériences exceptionnelles dans les meilleurs bars et restaurants de la ville.  RECOMMANDÉ :Guide complet quoi faire à Montréal50 meilleurs restaurants à Montréal en ce moment59 meilleurs bars de Montréal

Envie d’aventure et de moments inoubliables sans vider ton portefeuille ? Une foule d’aventures gratuites vous attendent aux quatre coins de la ville ! Montréal a tellement de choses incroyables à faire, surtout pendant l'été. Trouvez des activités qui correspondent à vos centres d'intérêt sans rien dépenser. Nous vous suggérons de sortir votre calendrier et de laisser le plaisir commencer... N'oubliez pas de visiter les meilleurs musées de Montréal à visiter gratuitement ! RECOMMANDÉ :Les meilleures choses à faire à Montreal maintenantLes meilleures choses à faire avec des enfants à Montréal

Montrealers have been worshipping at the altar of this family-run sandwicheria since it opened in 2018. The lip-smacking magic happens when southern Italian recipes that hail back three generations meet Philly-style hoagies bursting with homemade ingredients—right down to the house burrata, hand-cut chips and fresh basil picked from the garden. It only takes one bite to see why these sandwiches have a cult following. MENU Hot Sandwiches PorchettaAioli, provolone, porchetta, carmelized onions, hot peppers, eggplants, coleslaw Porchetta and RapiniSpicy mayo, provolone, porchetta, rapini Cutlet 2.0Mayo, bomba, chicken cutlet, provolone, pickles, giardiniera, lettuce, tomato, O.G. House Vinaigrette CutletMayo, provolone, chicken cutlet, hot peppers, eggplants, coleslaw MeatballBasil, oil, mozzarella, burrata meatballs, tomato sauce, parmesan, hot peppers Cheese SteakSteak, cheese blend, cherry peppers SausageAioli, provolone, sausage, hot peppers, eggplants, carmelized onions, coleslaw Sausage and PeppersSpicy mayo, provolone, roasted red peppers, carmelized onions, coleslaw Sausage and RapiniOlive oil, provolone, sausage, hot peppers, rapini Eggplant ParmBasil oil, burrata, fried eggplant, tomato sauce, parmesan, hot peppers Chicken ParmBasil oil, mozzarella, chicken cutlet, tomato sauce, parmesan, hot peppers, rapini Steak and PepperoniSteak, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, OG sauce Cold Sandwiches Philly HoagieBalsamic reduction, olive oil, salami, capicollo, prosciutto, mortad

Montrealers have been worshipping at the altar of this family-run sandwicheria since it opened in 2018. The lip-smacking magic happens when southern Italian recipes that hail back three generations meet Philly-style hoagies bursting with homemade ingredients—right down to the house burrata, hand-cut chips and fresh basil picked from the garden. It only takes one bite to see why these sandwiches have a cult following. MENU Hot Sandwiches PorchettaAioli, Provolone, Porchetta, Caramelized Onions, Hot Peppers, Eggplants, Coleslaw Cutlet 2.0Mayo, Bomba, Chicken Cutlet, Provolone, Pickles, Giardiniera, Lettuce, Tomato, O.G. House Vinaigrette Chicken Parmesan and RapiniBasil Oil, Mozzarella, Chicken Cutlet, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan, Hot Peppers, Rapini Eggplant ParmesanBasil Oil, Burrata, Fried Eggplant, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan, Hot Peppers Cold Sandwiches Philly HoagieBalsamic Reduction, Olive Oil, Salami, Capicollo, Mortadella, Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Provolone, Hot Peppers, Marinated Eggplant, Lettuce, O.G. House Vinaigrette DiavoloAioli, Bomba, Giardiniera, Salami, Calabrese, Capicollo, Fontino, Provolone, Banana Peppers, Marinated Red Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, O.G. House Vinaigrette ClassicoOlive Oil, Pistachio Mortadella, Sliced Lemon, Burrata, Arugula CapreseBasil Oil, Arugula, Tomato, Burrata, Balsamic Reduction Salads Fennel and Arugula CaesarFennel, Arugula, Bacon, Croutons, Parmesan, Lemon, Caesar Vinaigrette House Salad(s)Mixed Lettuce, Cucumber, Red Onion, Tomato, Croutons

A life-sized, bedazzled pink unicorn? A DJ booth straight out of a fantasy world? And last but not least, free cocktails? Head to Time Out Market Montréal for Fabuleuse Fridays, where you can immerse yourself in a unique, sensory experience during a DJ set while sipping a complimentary cocktail. La Fabuleuse FAB Exposition—a dazzling world of wonder sprawled across three floors at the Montreal Eaton Centre—is bringing their magic to the Market, creating a custom DJ booth and fantastical installations. Photograph: Laura Osborne | Time Out  Come for the bedazzled unicorn and stay for the next-level cocktails.  Photograph: Laura Osborne | Time Out When are Fabuleuse Fridays at Time Out Market Montréal? Experience this one-of-a-kind event on Fridays from October 3 to November 14, 2025 (excluding October 31) from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.  A free cocktail is available with proof of ticket from La Fabuleuse FAB Exposition. Photograph: Mile End | Time Out Market Montréal What is La Fabuleuse FAB Exposition? La Fabuleuse FAB Exposition is an immersive exhibition that transforms the upper floor of Montreal’s Eaton Centre into a playground for the senses—one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Photograph: Laura Osborne | Time Out Spanning three levels and over 10,000 square feet, around 20 fantastical worlds created by a local entrepreneur invite visitors to explore dreamlike landscapes, touch the impossible, and get lost in grand, imaginative settings.  Photograph: Laura Os

Prévoyez-vous voyager en Europe cet été? Air Canada a annoncé que sa toute première liaison opérée par l’Airbus A321XLR reliera Montréal à Palma de Majorque dès juin 2026.  L’arrivée du révolutionnaire Airbus A321XLR marque une nouvelle phase de la croissance internationale d’Air Canada. Grâce à sa portée comparable à celle d’un gros-porteur et à son confort amélioré, cet appareil permettra à la compagnie d’ouvrir de nouvelles liaisons mondiales, à commencer par Palma de Majorque. Air Canada devient ainsi le premier transporteur canadien à offrir des vols vers cette île espagnole réputée pour ses plages, sa culture et son histoire. L’A321XLR est le premier monocouloir de la flotte d’Air Canada à offrir des fauteuils entièrement inclinables en Classe affaires, permettant une expérience de voyage digne d’un gros-porteur. Il pourra accueillir 182 passagers, dont 14 en Classe Signature Air Canada et 168 en classe économique. Ce nouvel appareil marque également le début d’une nouvelle ère dans l’aménagement intérieur des cabines, avec une conception repensée pour enrichir l’expérience à bord. Outre Palma de Majorque, l’A321XLR sera déployé sur plusieurs liaisons transatlantiques, notamment Montréal–Toulouse (vols annuels) et Montréal–Édimbourg (vols saisonniers dès 2026). À mesure que la flotte s’agrandira, de nouveaux itinéraires seront ajoutés au départ de Toronto, Ottawa et Halifax. Air Canada a commandé 30 appareils A321XLR d’Airbus. Le premier, loué auprès d’Air Lease (site e

Are you travelling to Europe this summer? Fresh from a strike that affected thousands of passengers, Air Canada announced Montréal to Palma de Mallorca as its first brand new route to be operated by its Airbus A321 extra-long range (XLR) aircraft.  Air Canada will begin taking delivery of its Airbus A321XLR fleet in early 2026, with the aircraft debuting in June on a new Montréal–Palma de Mallorca route.  The A321XLR, the first narrow-body in the airline’s fleet to feature lie-flat Signature Class seats, offers a wide-body experience for 182 passengers and introduces a new standard for cabin interiors.  Alongside the launch of its first-ever Canadian flights to Mallorca, Air Canada will deploy the aircraft on other routes, including year-round Montréal–Toulouse and seasonal Montréal–Edinburgh service starting in 2026, with additional routes planned from Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and more as deliveries continue. Air Canada has ordered 30 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with the first arriving in early 2026 on lease from Air Lease Corporation, followed by up to 10 more deliveries later that year. Photograph: Air Canada What is the difference between A321 and A321XLR? According to the Lufthansa Group, one of the few airlines still operating the original A321, notes that the A321-100 and -200 versions reach just over 3,000 nautical miles, while the new XLR extends that range to nearly 5,000 nautical miles, according to Airways Magazine. What is special about the A321XLR? Built on the s

Hot on the heels of the news that Montreal’s Samuel-De Champlain Bridge will be lit up during the Stanley Cup finals, comes another piece of NHL-inspired bridge news. Originally inaugurated as the Jacques-Bizard Bridge, the bridge connecting the Island of Montreal with Île-Bizard has now been renamed the Guy-Lafleur Bridge as a lasting tribute. Mayor Plante explained that the distinction was made because Guy Lafleur lived in Île-Bizard for nearly 30 years and was a devoted, caring member of the community. This news comes after Lafleur had a highway named in his honour in 2023. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Provencher_Roy (@provencher_roy) What is the main bridge in Montreal? The Jacques Cartier Bridge is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Saint Lawrence River, linking Montreal Island with the south shore city of Longueuil, Quebec. Who was Guy Lafleur? Guy Lafleur, once the star junior with the Quebec Remparts, was drafted by the Canadiens and went on to dominate the NHL for 14 seasons, winning five Stanley Cups before his first retirement in 1984.  He remains the Canadiens’ all-time points leader and second in goals behind Maurice Richard.  After brief stints with the Rangers and Nordiques, he retired in 1991. Honoured with the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec, his No. 10 jersey was retired by the Canadiens, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as well as Canada’s and Quebec’s Sports Halls of Fame.  Lafleu

From Bali to Bilbury, England, 50 of the most breathtaking villages on the planet have been revealed. Tucked along Canada’s East Coast, this charming village has earned a spot on the list of the world’s most beautiful places for 2025—and it’s not the one you might expect. With the help of Unforgettable Travel Company, Forbes has unveiled the 50 most beautiful villages in the world for 2025 and Canada made the coveted list. Victoria-by-the-Sea on Prince Edward Island’s southern shore feels like a postcard sprung to life.  How can you argue with rows of candy-coloured cottages that recall its nautical past, or the coastline that glows red beneath kayaks gliding the calm waters of the Northumberland Strait—gulls circling lazily above the Seaport Lighthouse.  Photograph: Shutterstock / Yingna Cai It’s a storybook fishing village and artistic community tucked along the south shore of Prince Edward Island. Established in 1819, it’s celebrated for its quaint streets, red-sand beaches, warm coastal waters, and iconic lighthouse.  Photograph: Shutterstock / Nicola Pulham Expect galleries showcasing local art, waterfront cafés, chocolate shops heaving with handmade sweets, and antique shops brimming with treasures.  Photograph: Shutterstock / Gareth Janzen At dusk, the streets fall quiet as the lanterns flicker on—the entire village humming with old-world, seaside magic. Highlights include the Victoria Seaport Lighthouse, the beloved Victoria Playhouse, and seafood restaurants se

Tous à bord du seul train touristique du Québec! Le Canada ne manque pas de voyages en train dignes de figurer sur votre liste. Offrant une expérience ferroviaire unique, le Train de Charlevoix part du parc de la Chute-Montmorency à Québec et emmène les passagers jusqu’à La Malbaie — en traversant des villages côtiers et pittoresques tout au long du trajet. Septembre et octobre signifient une chose au Québec : un feuillage automnal spectaculaire. Imaginez-vous glisser entre montagnes et rivière, alors que les arbres flambent de teintes vibrantes de rouge, de jaune et d’or. Photograph: Caroline Perron Grâce à ses immenses fenêtres panoramiques qui donnent l’impression d’être à l’extérieur, le train offre des vues imprenables sur le fleuve et les montagnes — des paysages souvent inaccessibles en voiture. En service au printemps, en été et à l’automne, c’est une sortie inoubliable, que vous planifiez une escapade romantique ou une aventure en famille. La saison 2025 s’étend du 13 juin au 2 novembre, avec des départs tous les jours de la semaine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Train de Charlevoix (@traindecharlevoix) S’étirant sur 125 km le long du fleuve Saint-Laurent, ce parcours ferroviaire unique de Québec à La Malbaie met en valeur toute la beauté de sept villages côtiers et perchés sur les falaises. En chemin, profitez-en pour descendre et vous imprégner de l’ambiance : flânez dans les rues animées de Baie-Saint-Paul, détendez-vous sur les pl

Looking for a scenic fall train trip in Quebec? All aboard the province's only tourist train! Canada has its share of bucket-list train trips. Offering a one-of-a-kind rail experience, Quebec’s Train de Charlevoix departs from Montmorency Falls Park in Québec City and carries passengers all the way to La Malbaie—winding through charming towns and coastal villages along the route.  September and October mean one thing in Quebec: spectacular fall foliage. Picture yourself gliding between mountains and river, with Quebec’s autumn leaves ablaze in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and gold. Photograph: Caroline Perron It's definitely a bucket list fall activity. Photograph: Shutterstock / Vincent JIANG With its massive panoramic windows that feel almost like being outdoors, the train takes passengers past breathtaking views of the river and mountains—landscapes that are often inaccessible by car.  Operating through spring, summer, and fall, it’s an unforgettable outing whether you’re planning a family adventure or a romantic escape. The 2025 season is from June 13 to November 2, 2025, with trains running every day of the week. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Train de Charlevoix (@traindecharlevoix) Winding 125 km along the St. Lawrence River, this unique rail journey from Québec City to La Malbaie showcases the charm and beauty of seven seaside and cliffside towns.  Along the way, you can step off to soak up the atmosphere—wander the vibrant stree

On the heels of the news that Montreal has topped the list of best student cities in North America, McGill university has made the world’s top 50 list. According to the newly released 2025 NTU rankings, thousands of universities were evaluated worldwide and McGill earned 50th place with a score of 64.4.  This marks a notable rise from previous years, when it ranked 57th in both 2024 (44.4) and 2023 (44.0). Photograph: Mario Melillo The NTU World University Rankings divided subjects into 6 fields, with them being Agriculture, Engineering, Life Science, Medicine, Nature Sciences and Social Sciences respectively, and categorized them in regards to the ESI research fields. What is the world's top 1 university? According to the NTU World University Rankings, Harvard University snagged the number one spot with a score of 94.7 Is McGill the number one university in Canada? Three Canadian schools made the top 50 list this year: University of Toronto (4th place) University of British Columbia (33rd place) McGill University (50th place) Photograph: Daph & Nico | Tourisme Montréal While McGill remains firmly in the global top 50, its nearest Quebec rival, the Université de Montréal, improved its ranking but did not break into the top 100, moving up from 129th in 2024 to 116th this year.  Université Laval ranked 291st, and the Université du Québec came in at 448th. Is McGill the Harvard of Canada? The Canadian university system has no equivalent to the American Ivy Leagues. Is H

La question que tous les Montréalais se posent : pourquoi y a-t-il autant de guêpes en ce moment? La fin de l’été rime avec couleurs d’automne et activités saisonnières que nous aimons tant, mais c’est aussi la haute saison des guêpes. Selon CTV News, les exterminateurs montréalais observent une hausse marquée des appels liés aux guêpes à la fin de l’été. Cette période de l’année correspond au pic de la saison, et les demandes d’extermination de frelons à face blanche sont en forte augmentation. Dans certains quartiers de Montréal, ce qui signifiait auparavant un ou deux nids peut aujourd’hui grimper jusqu’à 50. Photograph: Shutterstock / Dan4Earth Les experts précisent que cette recrudescence est davantage liée au cycle de vie de l’insecte qu’à une véritable explosion de la population. Le temps chaud accélère le développement des colonies et, combiné à l’abondance de déchets alimentaires dans la ville qui nourrissent les larves, ces conditions permettent aux colonies d’atteindre des tailles inhabituelles. Lorsque les températures commencent à baisser, l’activité des guêpes ralentit et la population disparaît au premier gel. Seules les nouvelles reines survivent à l’hiver, en trouvant refuge là où elles le peuvent — dans le sol, sous l’écorce des arbres ou d’autres cachettes naturelles. Au printemps, chaque jeune reine repart de zéro : elle construit son nid, pond ses œufs, chasse et élève les larves. Au fil de l’été, la population adulte croît de façon exponentielle. À la

Looking for a fall adventure? With the autumn colours starting to peak, there’s no better time to explore the hiking trails in and around Montreal—or hit the road for a fall-friendly road trip. Only a short drive from Montreal, this easy, family-friendly hike leads to a stunning turquoise lake framed by fiery red and gold foliage. Pink Lake in Gatineau Park, located about 2 and a half hour drive from downtown Montreal, is one of just 58 meromictic lakes in Canada where the bottom and surface waters never mix.  Photograph: Shutterstock / CK-TravelPhotos What is Pink Lake’s secret?  Most people think that’s it’s all in the name.  Pink Lake is named after the Pink family who settled in the area in 1826.  Despite its name, the lake is actually turquoise, thanks to microscopic algae.  But the lake's true "secret" or unique characteristic is its unusual layering of water—a rare phenomenon that scientists study. Pink Lake is a rare meromictic lake, meaning its water layers never mix, unlike most lakes that circulate in spring and fall.  A dense layer of water separates the levels, preserving unique organisms. And because of its fragile ecosystem, swimming, dogs, and boats are prohibited.  This rare phenomenon makes Pink Lake an ecologically significant part of Gatineau Park. How long does it take to hike Pink Lake? Expect to hike 2.5 km on a well-maintained trail, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.  There are also several sturdy stairways to help hikers navigate the trail’s s

It's official: Formula One and the sport’s governing body the FIA just announced that Montreal will host sprint races for the first time in history in 2026.  Next year’s Formula 1 calendar will feature six sprint events, including debuts in Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore.  RECOMMENDED: Montreal Grand Prix weekend: guide and best events The season opens in Shanghai, followed by Miami, while Silverstone returns after last hosting in 2021.  As Time Out Montreal previously reported, Formula 1 has shifted the Montreal race from June to May next year, aligning it with the Miami Grand Prix as part of efforts to better regionalize the calendar. Another change: this year, the Montreal race will start at 4 p.m. local time to avoid a clash with the Indy 500. Photograph: Eva Blue What is the Formula 1 2026 race schedule for Montreal? Here is the Formula 1 2026 schedule and start times for the Canadian Grand Prix: FP1: 12:30 p.m.  Sprint Quali: 4:30 p.m.  Sprint: 12 p.m.  Quali: 4 p.m.  Race: 4 p.m. When is the Canadian Grand Prix 2026? The Canadian Grand Prix will be held on May 22, 23 and 24 in 2026. Photograph: Eva Blue | Tourisme Montréal Where is the Canadian Grand Prix 2026? Located on a man-made island in the St. Lawrence River, Montréal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve has been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar for more than four decades. When do tickets for the Canadian Grand Prix 2026 go on sale? Tickets go on sale on September 19, 2026. For more information, click on the li

The question on every Montrealer’s mind: why are there so many wasps right now? While the end of summer brings fall colours and so many of our favourite autumn activities, it’s also peak wasp season. According to CTV News, exterminators in Montreal are seeing a surge in wasp-related calls at the end of summer. Late summer marks the height of wasp season, and according to the report, calls to exterminators are pouring in with a marked rise in requests to remove bald-faced hornets.  In some Montreal neighbourhoods, what would normally mean one or two nests can now reach as many as 50. Photograph: Shutterstock / Dan4Earth According to Espace Pour La Vie Montréal, the surge has more to do with the insect life cycle than with an actual population boom.  Warm weather accelerates the development of colonies, and combined with the city’s abundance of food waste which provides nourishment for larvae, these conditions allow colonies to grow larger than usual. Once temperatures begin to drop, wasp activity slows and the population dies off with the first frost.  Only new queens make it through the winter, finding shelter wherever they can — in the ground, under tree bark, or other hidden spots.  When spring arrives, each young queen starts from scratch, building a nest on her own while laying eggs, hunting, and raising larvae.  As summer unfolds, the colony’s adult population grows at an accelerating pace. By late summer, the number of wasps is dramatically higher than it was in the s