Looking for unusual activities to do in Montreal? Ideal for travelers who are visiting Montreal for the second time or for those who are seeking something unique, this list of unusual things to do in Montreal should give you fun ideas.
If you’re still planning your Montreal itinerary, you can also mix the traditional things to do in Montreal with this epic list.
Axe & Knife Throwing Workshop
Axe throwing is a popular activity in Canada, so you’re likely to find a few axe throwing facilities in Montreal. If you’ve never thrown an axe before, the experience can feel a bit daunting – aside from a safety briefing, you’d have no idea what you’re doing. At this 60-minute workshop, you’ll do more than just chuck hatchets at a piece of wood.
The instructor will guide you and your group through the best throwing techniques, and you’ll get to try a variety of axes, knives, and lances. Unlike at a typical facility, these instructors work closely with their groups to ensure that everyone’s having a blast!
This experience is hosted through Airbnb for $22/person.
Montreal-Style Bagel Baking Workshop
No two region’s bagels are exactly alike. Once you’ve tasted Montreal’s bagels, join this private bagel baking workshop with Will, a chef who was raised in Quebec. The instructor of this 2-hour class will teach you how each ingredient sets Montreal’s bagels apart from the rest.
You’ll get to knead your own dough, shape the bagels, coat them with toppings, and eat your handmade bagels fresh out of the oven. Every guest brings home a detailed recipe to help them recreate their bagels at home. There’s no better way to experience a region’s food than by making it with a local!
This Airbnb experience costs $59/person, and it’s worth every penny. Will hosts the workshop in his home kitchen, and he offers free parking in front of his home.
Dogsledding
If you thought Montreal was too warm for dogsledding, think again! At Laforce Expedition just outside of Montreal, you and your family can ride a sled pulled by beautiful huskies. This dog sledding experience is far from an extreme sport – rather, it’s a relaxing trot through the snow. Laforce Expedition’s sleds can accommodate up to 4 people, but they can also work with solo riders. You may even get to lead the team!
Once you’re done with your dogsled ride, you can rent snowshoes from Laforce Expedition. You’ll have a chance to hike through the forest, a 2km-long trail, and a 4km-long trail.
Arcade MTL
Seven dollars grants you unlimited access to over 20 arcade games from the 1980s. Choose from retro fan favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat II, Galaga, and Tetris.
Players can also enjoy a themed microbrew or cocktail – where else can you sip on a Mario Brosse lager or Ping Pong IPA? If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, try the Orangina of Time. Based off of the hit game Ocarina of Time, this cocktail is made with rum, triple sec, lime juice, and orange juice.
Since Arcade MTL is also a bar and arcade, you must be 18 or older to enter.
Lutte ICW Wrestling
At ICW Wrestling, theatrical wrestling matches are a family business! The Proulx family hosts these dramatic sporting events every Saturday at 8pm, and they ensure that each match is filled with excitement.
You may even see former Olympic champions in the ring, like Xavier Black! For an organization that isn’t very well-known, Lutte ICW Wrestling puts on some great wrestling performances.
While there’s no explicit age restriction on their website, you’ll likely want to leave your youngest kids at home. Visit their Facebook page to get a better idea of what to expect at each match.
Cat Café
Enjoy a light lunch surrounded by friendly felines at this Montreal café! The Café Chat L’Heureux serves delicious sandwiches, salads, and desserts in a restaurant filled with cats rescued from shelters. Their smoothies are named after the resident kitties – Sheldon was given a chocolate and banana smoothie, while Milday’s smoothie is made using peaches, raspberries, and maple syrup.
To maintain hygiene standards, customers eat in one room and play with the cats in another.
While the cats at this café are selected from shelters, they won’t take in just any cat. Each cat is evaluated by a feline behavioralist to make sure they’re sociable enough to be around customers and to ensure that they’ll be happy in their bistro home.
French-Canadian Language Lesson
Even if you already know French, you may not be familiar with French-Canadian vernacular. At this language lesson, you’ll first learn about the basics of French-Canadian expression – the history of Quebec’s dialect and how phrases are assembled in French Canada.
Your instructor will teach you common phrases that you may hear around Quebec, along with popular and funny expressions. At the end of your session, you’ll have an easier time immersing yourself in Quebec’s culture!
For $18/person, you’ll get a private language lesson from someone who’s truly passionate about teaching this region’s dialect. You’ll also get a take-home document with examples of slang usage and expressions.
