How to staycation this summer in Montreal

Summer 2020 is different, there’s no denying it. Amidst the panic of the COVID-19 crisis, vacationing abroad no longer seems to be an option for Canadians. Long gone are the days of hopping on a plane and jetting off to an all-inclusive resort for 2 weeks full of sun and sand. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a vacation, it’s time to embrace the staycation.

As travel advisories warn against travelling internationally, why not swap your beach towel for some independent spirit and embrace the wonders of travelling locally in Montreal? If you travel locally, you’ll not only save a few bucks, you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by not boarding a plane. We promise you, with a gamut of fun activities on your doorstep avoiding non-essential travel never felt better!  

So, what is a staycation?

According to the Cambridge dictionary, a staycation is “a holiday that you take at home or near your home rather than travelling to another place”. A staycation doesn’t mean that you have to stay cooped up under the covers – but that’s an option too! A staycation is the chance for you to explore your city, indulge yourself a little, and do something different. It’s time to carve out a little “You time” and treat yourself. 

Staycation in Montreal

Busbud is based in Montreal, and we love exploring our city. So, we put together some ideas for a perfect summer staycation. Want to know some of our favourite hangouts? 

Beach bum?

You don’t have to leave Montreal to satisfy that beach craving. Verdun has its own beach (with free access) and you can dip your toes in the water or curl up with a good page-turner, without travelling far. 

If you feel like cooling off from these heatwaves, head to the beach. You can hop on the bus or get off the metro at De L’Église station. Voilà, vacation style relaxation guaranteed, right here in Montreal.

Maybe you’re more of a culture buff?

If you’re more into wondering around museums to soak up the culture, you should hit up Montreal’s museum scene. The Pointe-à-Callière museum reopened its doors to the public on the 25th of June, so you can explore Montréal’s history while meandering through the museum’s eclectic exhibitions on offer. 

Of course, if you’d rather spend your staycation from your own home (or yard), you can check out the museum’s virtual tours too!

You can tour the Pointe-à-Callière museum virtually below. #museumathome

Unleash your inner thrill seeker as you zipline across the Old Port

For the more adventurous souls, a staycation wouldn’t be complete without some adventure. Did you know that Montreal is the first Canadian city to have an urban zipline circuit? You can let off some steam and fly high above the city while taking in some pretty impressive views of the Old Port. 

If you want to add some excitement to your staycation, then this is definitely an activity not to miss. Come rain or shine, the zipline is open. If it’s raining, turn up in your bathing suit and you’ll get a 10% discount!

Transport your taste buds with a delicious treat

Let’s be honest, a vacation wouldn’t be complete without ice cream, right?  Being on a staycation is no exception. One amazing way to cool down this summer is by heading to the Plateau neighbourhood to sample the flavours of the world at Unicone. They constantly create innovative flavours that allow you to travel through your treat. 

If flavours such as passion fruit and mint-pineapple, or strawberry-rosewater Turkish delight twisted together with apricot sorbet whet your appetite, you should pay Unicone a visit to discover the weekly flavour. Another firm favourite to add to your list is Ripples, located in the Plateau and in the Mile-end, they serve up scoops of fun flavours. Top it off with a gentle stroll through Parc Lafontaine, located a stone’s throw away. Trust us, staying at home never tasted better. 

Tempted by a staycation?

As the old saying goes, home really is where the heart is. With so much to see and do on your doorstep, staycationing is the best way to relax and be a tourist in your own city. There are so many things you can do either from the comfort of your own home, or in and around the city that you’ll never get bored. How will you staycation?

Comments

What would your perfect staycation look like? Share your own ideas for your dream #staycation.