Montreal Travel

An immersive exhibition that plunges visitors head first into the bustle, effervescence, and energy of Belle Époque Paris. Circus and carnival, cinema, café-concerts and music halls, salons d'artistes, the Chat noir, the Moulin rouge, Sarah Bernhardt, Toulouse-Lautrec... close to 250 artifacts and works of art testifying to the creative ferment of late 19th, early 20th century Paris. Find out how the city became the European cultural capital of its time, as you discover the iconic people, events, and places that epitomize those remarkable days.

• When: June 19, 2013 to February 23, 2014
• Where: Musée de la civilisation (View Map)
• Official Exhibition Website

This year marks the 10th anniversary of this American popular music legend's death. Johnny Cash's story and music have touched millions of people throughout the world and have been marked by his quest of truth, inner peace, love and redemption. He lived a rebel life that continues to fascinate an entire generation of brand new fans all around the globe. The Man in Black pays a tribute to the musical genius of Johnny Cash by presenting his work at the height of his career. Shawn Barker, a larger than life performer who portrays the character with a breathtaking authenticity, plays Cash, and five musicians and two backup singers accompany him on stage.

• When: June 18 to August 31, 2013
• Where: Cabaret du Capitole de Québec (View Map)
• Official Website

One of the most original musical events in Montréal, Mount Royal's Tam Tams gathers a colorful group of drummers, dancers, vendors and their admiring audiences near the monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier and in Mount Royal Park's surrounding green spaces. The weekly event has been going on every summer for twenty years for the enjoyment of Montrealers and visitors, who come to play music and dance, or just watch and listen.

• When: Every Sunday, noon to sunset, May 5 to September 29, 2013
• Where: Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument, Mount Royal (View Map)

Enter into the private world of artist Alfred Pellan (1906-1988) through an astonishing and participative space inspired by the studio of this Québec master. This exhibition highlights Pellan's creative process and sources of inspiration as well as the countless facets of his career spanning almost half a century. Paintings in a rich range of colors, a wide variety of pictorial experiments, transformed objects, an infinite variety of graphic compositions and personal documents - in many cases never before seen publicly - present a wealth of opportunities to be touched, fascinated and amused by the whimsical imagination and creativity of a remarkable artist.

• When: June 13 to September 15, 2013
• Where: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (View Map)
• Official Exhibition Website

Since 1989, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal has been the flagship event of the thriving French-speaking music world. Nearly 70 indoor shows and 180 free outdoor concerts allow locals and visitors alike to enjoy the quality, diversity and energy of a music-rich and diverse program.

• When: June 13-22, 2013
• Where: Around Place des Arts (View Map)
• Official Website

Comedy festival featuring more than 250 well-known and up-and-coming comedians. Six gala evenings and over 100 shows are scheduled at both indoor and outdoor venues. A pass ($25) is needed to attend the festival, but individual tickets are also sold for some shows. Note: All shows are in French.

• When: June 12 to 23, 2013
• Where: Different venues across the city
• Official Website

By shining a light on Grace Kelly's personality, talent and values, the exhibition presents the woman behind the celebrity and trace her extraordinary life journey through some 100 objects and archives, testimonials, love letters, notes of friendship, photos, film clips and above all clothing and accessories from designers who helped shape fashion in the 20th century.

• When: June 6 to October 6, 2013
• Where: McCord Museum of Canadian History (View Map)
• Official Exhibition Website
• More Information About McCord Museum

For the 4th edition of the Quebec National Parks Day, you are invited to discover on of the province's 23 national parks. The program planned for this occasion is intended to provide guests with a special opportunity to get out of the house and into the open air. Activities include rafting, canoe, hiking and cruises.

• When: June 9, 2013
• Where: Throughout the province; closest to Quebec City: Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier (View Map)
• See all participating parks and full activities list

June's most exciting event in Montreal is certainly the Formula 1 Grand Prix, happening just steps away from downtown, on Île Notre-Dame. The race follows the circuit named after Québec's own racing hero, Gilles Villeneuve, in a heart-stopping succession of tight curves and lightning fast straight lines. It's one of the most impressive sights for race fanatics and novices alike. During the Grand Prix weekend, the whole city is buzzing with activities and parties, with most of the action happening along Crescent Street, where a schedule packed with concerts, car demos, and celebrity sightings keep the crowd excited day and night.

• When: June 7-9, 2013
• Where (Race): Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (View Map)

• All about Canada's Formula 1 Grand Prix (schedule, tickets, how to get there, etc.)
• All about the Crescent Street Canadian Grand Prix Festival
• Finding Crescent Street too packed for your taste? Check out St. Laurent Boulevard's "Grand Prix on the Main" 4-day event. Lively terraces and beautiful people abound.
• See a slideshow of all that's happening during the Grand Prix weekend, from fashion shows to glamorous parties.

This month marks the beginning of the most exciting season both in Montreal and Quebec City: Summer! Not only are the streets and terraces bustling with smiling people, but an impressive lineup of festivals and special events is just getting started. Here are my recommendations to start your summer right in Montreal and Quebec City.

• June Events In Montreal
• June Events in Quebec City