Montreal

Victoria Day weekend: What's on in Montreal

Victoria Day, or National Patriotes' Day in Quebec, marks the unofficial start of summer across the country. The long weekend is a coming out party for Montreal's patios and parks with plenty of activities on offer around the city.

It's time to celebrate summer with outdoor activities

The aquatic complex at Parc Jean-Drapeau opens May 21 and will stay open until September 5. (Radio-Canada)

Victoria Day, or National Patriotes' Day in Quebec, marks the unofficial start of summer across the country. The long weekend is a coming out party for Montreal's patios and parks with plenty of activities on offer around the city.

Here are some things to check out around Montreal.

Make a splash

The aquatic complex at Parc Jean-Drapeau opens Saturday. It will be open to swimmers from noon to 7 p.m. during the long weekend.

In Old Montreal

Projections are bringing Montreal's past to life in the Old Port. 

This is one of the giant projections from Cité Mémoire, a project created by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon as part of Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations coming next year. (Cité Mémoire)

During the next four years, the trees, buildings and cobblestone streets of Old Montreal will be lit with a series of projections inspired by the history of the city.

The images are screened from 80 projectors located on the rooftops of buildings in Old Montreal and accompanied by words and music.

The projections are best seen at night so expect to see them after the sun sets around 8:30 p.m.

For cyclists

The Champlain ice bridge has opened just in time for the long weekend.

The bike path connects the existing St. Lawrence Seaway bike trail to Nuns' Island.

The new bike path on the Champlain ice bridge opened May 20, 2016. ( The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated/Twitter)

Off island activities

La Ronde has their Grand Opening Weekend planned.

This year's new rides include a virtual reality roller coaster. 

The outdoor electronic music festival Piknic Electronick starts on Sunday and runs until Oct. 2. It takes place in Parc Jean-Drapeau.