As temperatures cool down and we pull our knit sweaters out of hibernation, fall is in full swing! There’s so much to love about Montreal in October, and it’s undeniable that fall activities are some of the best of the year. While it’s great to take advantage of all the fall attractions that the city has to offer, it can be a challenge to do so inexpensively. This doesn’t mean that budget-friendly activities don’t exist, however. To help you have a fun-filled fall season, here are five low-cost activities that will make your October the best month of the year. If you’re looking to explore Montreal this fall without breaking the bank, then sit back, relax, and keep on reading.
Gardens of Light
From now until October 31st, the Montreal Botanical Garden is hosting an event called the Gardens of Light. This event highlights three of the most well-known cultural gardens located in Montreal. The Gardens of Light is no ordinary exhibition, as it takes place solely at night. If you’re a night owl or want to see the beautiful gardens lit up in the dark, be sure to check out the illuminated Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, and First Nations Garden. Each one is sure to make you feel as though you’ve taken a step into a fairytale. If you’re looking for something a little more interactive, the Montreal Botanical Garden is additionally offering a “Wolves Chorus,” in which you can experience what it’s like to be a wolf howling at the moon. With ticket prices at $12.75 for students 18+, the Gardens of Light is sure to be a priceless experience at a fairly low cost. Click here to learn more about the event!
Farmers’ Markets
One of the best fall-themed activities that can be done during the month of October is visiting a farmer’s market. Montreal has lots of great markets, and the best part about them is that they’re completely free (unless you choose to buy something, of course)! The Jean-Talon Market in Montreal is just one example of an affordable farmer’s market. Located in Little Italy, the market has a wide variety of vendors designed to suit anyone’s fall-themed wants and desires. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruit, pastries, or just want to browse, farmers’ markets are a great low-budget activity that will keep you occupied for hours!
Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal
If you’re a movie lover, then the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal is for you. This year marks the 50th edition of the FNC where movies will be screened throughout the month of October, both online and in-person. The FNC is screening an array of movies in many different languages, including feature and short films from a wide variety of categories, such as animation, documentary, and fiction. With so many choices, the FNC has films that suit everyone’s interests, and who doesn’t want to spend a nice fall evening watching a movie! Single tickets are only $10 for students, which provide a luxurious experience minus the burden of a luxury price tag. If you want more information on the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal, check out this link.
Bike Tour of Montreal
If you like being active and exploring the outdoors, then a bike tour of Montreal is the perfect fall activity. Although there are a lot of hills, it’s fairly easy to travel around Montreal by bike. If you don’t own a bike, no worries. You don’t need to own one to go on a bike tour of the city. BIXI is a bike share system in Montreal that allows you to rent bikes for temporary use at an affordable cost. A one-way pass requires a $0.50 unlocking fee, and either $0.10 per minute for a regular BIXI, or $0.25 per minute for an electric BIXI. It’s good to be active before the cold winter months creep in, and going on a bike tour of Montreal is a great way to explore the sights of the city during the fall season!
Fall Drink Taste Test
What’s better than fall itself? Fall-themed drinks. Whether you prefer chai or pumpkin spice, there’s a wide array of seasonal drinks that are only available at this time of the year. This October, treat yourself to a fall-themed drink from a local coffee shop or cafe. There are plenty within walking distance of downtown Montreal, each with their own unique take on fall-style blends. Some of my favourites are Le Club Espresso Bar and Café Olimpico! You can find many inexpensive coffee shops and cafes, meaning that you don’t need to break the bank to find something delicious. While you may be attached to a certain drink, it’s always nice to try something new. You never know what you’ll find!
Having fun in Montreal doesn’t have to be expensive. There are lots of ways to explore the city and try new things, while still sticking within a budget. If you’re looking to get into the fall spirit but don’t know where to start, I recommend that you check out some or all of these five activities. Not only will they prove to be enjoyable, but an added perk is that they all cost under $13, which is perfect if you’re looking to save a little extra money.
