Montreal is the kind of city that wakes you up with a canadiano coffee, then feeds you an epic bagel still warm from the oven, charms you in two languages, and then surprises you with a riverfront sunset or a street festival you didn’t even know was happening. It’s creative, a little gritty in the best way, full of character, and absolutely obsessed with good food, and yes, poutine included.

During JACKALOPE Montréal 2025 (September 12-14), the city’s energy shifts into high gear. Athletes take over the Old Port, the sound of skateboards echoes down the cobblestones, and the air smells like summer. If you’re coming for the festival, make a weekend out of it, explore the neighbourhoods, fuel up at local cafés, and throw in an adrenaline rush or two. Here’s how we’d plan it if we were showing a friend around.

Old Port: JACKALOPE’s Weekend HQ

The Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port is where it all goes down: world-class action sports, live music, food trucks, and that electric late-summer vibe. Between events, you’re steps away from some of Montreal’s best spots to climb, eat, relax, or get your heart racing.

While you’re here, check out:

• Zab Café: Cozy, welcoming, and serving up rich espresso,  a great starting point before diving into a day of festival action. (Pro tip: Montreal is packed with amazing coffee shops. Located Saint-Denis St, Zab is just one of many worth the stop.)
• Montréal Bungee: The highest urban bungee in Canada is right here in the Old Port. If you’ve ever thought about taking the leap, now’s the time.
• MTL Zipline: Not quite ready for a bungee? The zipline gives you the thrill, the views, and the perfect festival selfie from above.
• Warehouse Crescent: A Montreal classic for budget-friendly bites and post-session hangs. Everything at the Warehouse is under $12, so you can save your cash for another coffee (or poutine). Oh, and also: our after-party will take place there… Stay tuned!
• Bota Bota: A floating spa on the St. Lawrence River. After a day of adrenaline, trade your harness for a bathrobe and soak with a view.
• TRH Bar: The unmissable bar for every skaters since they have a bowl (yes a skateboarding bowl) inside. Grab a drink and bring your board!

Also, while you’re in Montréal, go check our partners out:

• Allez UP: More than just one gym, Allez UP has locations in Mile-End, Pointe-Saint-Charles, and Verdun. Mile-End is hip and artsy, with indie cafés and legendary bagels such as Fairmount and Saint-Viateur. Pointe-Saint-Charles has that post-industrial cool, and Verdun is all about riverside strolls and community vibes. But the real show‑stopper? The two outdoor silos, towering 38 m high, they host 9 routes with one of the most stunning urban vistas in town. These silos are actually the tallest artificial climbing structures in Canada. Whichever you pick, it’s perfect for warming up before the bouldering comp or trying climbing for the first time.
• Arc’teryx Montréal: The GO TO spot if you want your Montréal signature beanie! Sleek, functional, and built for the outdoors. Arc’teryx is located on Sainte-Catherine Street, pop into their boutique to browse top-tier gear, or just to get inspired before your next climb or hike.

 

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Une publication partagée par Vieux-Port de Montréal (@vieuxportmtl)

Local Tips to Make the Most of It

• Start your day with coffee and a bagel, Montreal’s café culture is huge. Beyond Zab, check out Café Olimpico (an institution), Paquebot (playful and creative), or Crew Collective & Café (inside a stunning old bank). Pair it with a sesame bagel from St-Viateur or Fairmount for the full experience.
• Eat poutine like you mean it. Poutine isn’t just fries, gravy, and cheese curds, it’s a lifestyle. La Banquise is the go-to, open 24/7 with endless toppings, while Poutineville lets you customize every detail.
• Wander without a plan, the Old Port and Old Montreal are perfect for aimless exploring: street performers, hidden alleys, art galleries, and cobblestone streets leading to the water.
• End the night right: If you still have energy, grab a drink in the Plateau, catch a live show, or just sit by the river and watch the lights reflect on the water.

 

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Une publication partagée par Zab Café (@zabcafe)

Whether you’re here for the adrenaline of JACKALOPE or simply soaking in Montreal’s charm, the city has a way of making every moment feel special. Your trip can be as packed or as laid-back as you want it to be.

Want more? Grab your VIP tickets and unlock exclusive experiences, register now and make the most of JACKALOPE 2025!

One thing’s for sure, once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be counting the days until you come back.
We’ll catch you there!