A Year in Montreal: North America's Best Student City
Summer, fall, winter, and spring all have lots to offer Concordia students in beautiful Montreal!
As North America's best student city, Montreal shines no matter the season. Forget the idea that Canada is always cold: we have winter, but also three other unique times of year! Montreal is a place where people love to be involved in their city — and here's how.
Summer
Festivals happen year-round in Montreal, but things really heat up in summer. Dance under the sun or stars with the city's endless stream of music and art performances — most of which are free! Montreal summer traditions include Tam-Tams, a weekly drum festival in a park, and renowned music festival Osheaga, whose headliners this year include Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish.
Concordia's classrooms might seem quieter, there's plenty of life on campus. Every year, our downtown Sir George Williams Campus rolls out the red carpet for the world-class Festival Fantasia. Over at our Loyola Campus, the gardens are abuzz with organic activity and flavourful harvests all summer long.
Notable events in Summer:
Fall
Red and gold aren't just the Concordia colours — they're also the hues that cover Montreal in October and November! Temperatures get cooler while the foliage gets warmer, making for beautiful hiking views from the top of Mont Royal (only steps from campus!).
In the fall, Concordia looks like a university from a movie set. Meet on the Loyola quad for a coffee with friends, or cheer on the Stingers as football and rugby season start back up.
Notable events in Fall:
Winter
Colder temps don't mean that Montrealers stay indoors. A snow-covered city means plenty of opportunities for winter fun, like sledding with your friends, ice skating or cross-country skiing. Montreal is even home to the world's coldest music festival: Igloofest!
On the SGW Campus, snowy days are best observed from the rooftop Concordia Greenhouse where you can enjoy the beauty of falling snow while snuggled in the warmth of tropical plants.
Notable events in Winter:
Spring
Warmer weather means park hangouts are in season and art pedestrianizes the streets for weeks on end! Picnics, games, sports, and free concerts are great reasons to be outside with your new friends. Explore rejuvenated life in the city by bike along the Lachine Canal or cross the city on Montreal's 900+ kilometers of bike lanes.
Want to make the most of the nice weather? Outdoor study dates on Loyola's sprawling lawn make your assignments a lot more pleasant!
Notable events in Spring:
Want to visit Montreal yourself? Concordia gives tours of its two campuses, both in-person and online. Come visit us in person or link up virtually!
Visit Concordia in-person or online