The rays of an unforgiving sun have descended upon Montreal. The air, hot and heavy, depletes you of energy, sweat, and sanity. In an attempt to escape this stagnant summer heat, you duck into your apartment. But alas, what should be your sanctuary from the elements proves to be only artifice: you have no A/C. How, then, will you find solace in this humid, feverish heat without the comfort of cold air blasting over you?
Worry not, students with hot apartments. //The Tribune// has you covered with five spots to beat the lingering summer heat while exploring Montreal.
Dip your dogs in the local pool
Country clubs and fancy gyms are not the only places you can relax by the water. Montreal’s public-pool system provides clean and safe facilities throughout the city, all without charging you a cent. Whether you are interested in lane-swimming, jumping off the diving board, or simply having a laid-back day in the water, the neighbourhood pool is the place to go. While many of Montreal’s outdoor pools are set to close at the beginning of the school year, you can still make a splash at one of the many indoor pools the city has to offer.
Enjoy great art at Musée des Beaux-Arts Montréal
Exhausted from soaking up the summer heat? Why not soak up the masterpieces of the art world instead? Montreal’s Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a journey through art history, culture, and climate-controlled exhibition spaces. From Renaissance-age works by the old masters to contemporary Indigenous art, you are sure to find majesty anywhere you go in this museum’s excellent collection. And with free admission to most exhibitions for those under 25, it is the perfect activity for the student on a budget.
Support independent cinema at Cinéma Du Parc
Whether you are a //bona fide// cinephile or a casual moviegoer, Milton-Parc’s Cinema du Parc has something for everyone. Conveniently located under New Residence Hall in Les Galeries du Parc, the theatre offers three screens, $11 CAD student tickets, and a wide range of films. If you are a real film buff, check out their ongoing “Minuit Au Parc” program for re-screenings of popular favourites and cult classics. Their upcoming series, entitled “Creatures,” features films which showcase the diverse world of monsters within the horror genre from Sep. 5 to Nov. 2.
Explore different environments in the Biodôme
Brave the coasts of Labrador, the maple forests of the Laurentides, the islands of Canada’s sub-Antarctic region, and more—all in a single day at Montreal’s famed Biodome, housed in the iconic Olympic Stadium. You cannot control the weather outside, but with a student ticket for just $14.50 CAD, you can explore the flora and fauna of more temperate biomes. With guided activities like penguin feeding times and natural history exhibits, a visit to the Biodome should be on every overheated Montrealer’s bucket list.
Winter sports in the summer at Atrium le 1000
Busy and bustling downtown Montreal might be the last place you would expect to escape the heat—unless you know about the indoor ice-skating rink that remains open all year. Located on the first floor of the 1000 Building lies Atrium le 1000, a lively rink under a magnificent glass atrium. With rentals available, upbeat music, and an animated atmosphere, Atrium le 1000 makes the perfect activity both for winter enthusiasts and anyone tired of run-of-the-mill summer activities.
