Adventurous Things to Do in Montreal

May 23, 2025

Montreal is more than a city of smoked meat subs, solo coffee houses, and cobblestone. You might be scaling walls, leaping into new flavors, or braving the biting blasts of a Mount Royal winter, but Montreal will coax you out of your element and treat you to a maple-honey reward at the end. In short, there are lots of things to do in Montreal. If you're seeking to add some excitement to your city days with a little adrenaline or just want to live life with a bit of edge (or altitude), this guide is for you.

1. Crowning the Walls—Literally: Indoor Rock Climbing

To begin with there are a lot of adventurous things to do in Montreal. It has a great climbing culture, and climbing gyms like Bloc Shop, Verticale, and Allez Up are making it convenient to get started. If you love bouldering (no ropes, but plenty of crash mats) or top-roping (yes, ropes and harnesses), you'll have routes ranging from easy to "how-is-that-even-humanly-possible?"

2. Zipline Over Old Montreal

Yes, you heard right. You can zipline over Old Montreal. MTL Zipline lets you fly over Bonsecours Island with stunning views of the historic district and St. Lawrence River. It's only 30 seconds, but the 30 seconds are pure adrenaline- a must-visit on the list of adventurous things to do in Montreal.

3. Bike the City Like a Local Maniac

Next in the list of fun-filled things to do in Montreal is riding a bike. Montrealers take their biking seriously. The city is crisscrossed with bike lanes, trails, and paths that range from scenic to borderline insane. Want a real challenge? Rent a bike and ride up Mount Royal. It’s a serious uphill workout, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views at the Kondiaronk Belvedere. If you prefer your risk served with traffic, go right ahead and cycle the Jeanne-Mance or Rachel bike paths during rush hour. Just kidding… well, sort of.

4. Explore the Underground City… and Get Lost

It sounds dull, isn't it? But Montreal's Underground City (RÉSO) is 33+ kilometers of twisting tunnels, malls, works of art, and hidden exits. It's the perfect place to go "urban exploring" without endangering yourself to frostbite in winter. Some places are properly marked. Others? Not exactly. Attempt to paddle it without a map for some "choose your own adventure" excitement. Bonus points if you end up somewhere totally unexpected like a random shopping mall in Westmount - a must-visit on the list of adventurous things to do in Montreal.

5. Paddle a Kayak Down the Lachine Canal

Water babies, there are lots of adventurous things to do in Montreal. Kayaking down the Lachine Canal is a must. It's serene, scenic, and quite adventurous, actually, if you go early spring or late fall (when the wind picks up and the water gets choppy).

6. Ghost Hunt in Old Montreal

Not necessarily full-blown "paranormal investigator" mode, but taking a ghostly walking tour of Old Montreal is an adventure in itself. The fairy-tale old city features cobblestone streets, spooky anecdotes, and buildings older than the country itself. Tours like Guidatour's Ghost Walk combine history, suspense, and some genuine shivers—especially if you're doing it off-season when it's quaintly deserted (no joke)- a must-visit on the list of adventurous things to do in Montreal.

7. Winter Adventure? Less Said. Snowshoe or Ski Mount Royal

If you do visit Montreal during the winter, you're fortunate—and also a little susceptible to frostbite. But there's a silver lining. There are lots of adventurous things to do in Montreal. Mount Royal Park is an outdoor winter wonderland. You can ski cross-country or use snowshoes and ski the mountain trails. There's also ice skating at Lac aux Castors, with fairy lights and a chalet where you can get warm and have hot chocolate. Tip from the pros: Wear layers and don't stress about looking cool. This is survival-level fun, not Instagram-model-on-ice.

8. Take Canyoning Outside the City

If you're willing to go a little outside of city limits, canyoning in the Laurentians (about an hour north of Montreal) is where it's at. We're talking waterfall rappelling, swimming through gorges, and scrambling along rock faces with a helmet on - a must-visit on the list of adventurous things to do in Montreal. Canyoning Quebec, for instance, offers tours and equipment. It's muddy, dirty, and not to be forgotten. Blunt tip: Not for the squeamish—but you'll be a superhero afterward.

9. Eat Adventurously: Explore Beyond Poutine

Folks, there are lots of adventurous things to do in Montreal. Montreal's food scene is full of strange and wonderful treats. For a more lively experience, take the road less traveled. Have insect tacos at Taqueria Arturo, or seal tartare at Kuujjuaq (if it's in season, and sustainably harvested). Or take a food tour of Little Maghreb or Chinatown, sampling foreign spices and street food. Candid tip: Food-loving Montrealeans, though, will not have menus hold their hands. Ask questions, embrace the weird, and explore beyond smoked meat. According to the most recent reports, by the end of 2025, the city's visitor count is predicted to rise by 9.2% over the previous winter season.

Final Thoughts

Montreal is more than French pastries and festivals. It's a city that dares you to say oui to new experiences, to new heights, and unexpected escapades. From zip lining over Old Montreal to exploring a phantom back street, there are always lots of adventurous things to do in Montreal. For more details, check out our website. Also Read: What Do You Need To Know About Flying First Class For The First Time.