Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Longueuil, Quebec

A suburb of Montreal, Longueuil is situated on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River directly opposite the city. It is a diverse commercial, residential, and industrial city with a rich history dating back to 1657.

Longueuil boasts numerous attractions, which are frequently overlooked by travelers, particularly due to its close proximity to Montreal. However, this city offers worthwhile experiences that can easily fill a day of exploration.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Longueuil:

1. Spend a day cross-country skiing or hiking

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy the expansive Parc Michel-Chartrand, which spans 1,850,000 square meters. This park is the largest and most frequented in the city, offering three lakes, a marsh, a playground, and a delightful garden.

Parc Michel-Chartrand’s renowned 12.5-kilometer cross-country skiing trail attracts many, alongside a toboggan slope and an ice rink for winter activities.

During warmer months, enjoy the 10 kilometers of hiking trails, picnic tables, and pétanque courts available.

2. Visit a wildlife reserve

Boisé du Tremblay is a biodiversity-rich wooded area located at the northeast edge of Longueuil. This 267-hectare nature reserve, protected by the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife, is ideal for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Visitors may encounter intriguing wildlife, including the Western chorus frog, alongside a variety of plant species. A scenic trail winds through Boisé du Tremblay, open year-round, with parking available at the entrance.

3. Listen to live music

A visit to Longueuil would be incomplete without experiencing the renowned International Percussion Festival. Held for six days each July, the festival features over 500 musicians and attracts more than 200,000 attendees annually.

This cultural event highlights both local and international artists, offering a year-round theme that contributes to its long-standing popularity.

4. Visit an island

Charron Island, part of the Îles de Boucherville archipelago, is situated in the St. Lawrence River between Boucherville and Montreal. Originally owned by French governor René Gaultier, it is now a protected green space.

The island can be accessed from both Montreal and Longueuil via the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Bridge-Tunnel, serving as the main entry point to the archipelago.

Charron Island features parks and scenic areas alongside a beautiful beach, which is reachable by road or ferry across the river.

5. Learn about Quebec’s history of great women

Musée De La Femme provides an insightful reflection on the contributions of women in Longueuil and across Quebec. Part of the Women’s Museums Network, it raises awareness of women’s roles in global development.

The museum boasts both permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing photographs, artwork, newspaper articles, and memorabilia. Educational lectures and workshops are also available for visitors.

Beyond its exhibitions, the museum is housed in a charming bungalow-style building on a tranquil street, symbolizing the historical role of women as homemakers.

6. Spend an afternoon in a park

Though numerous parks exist in Longueuil, Parc de la Cité stands out as one of the most frequented. Situated in the Saint-Hubert borough, this expansive park features a serene lake, ample green space, and an elevated area with views of the park and the city.

In summer, visitors can enjoy cycling, rollerblading, or hiking along the park’s eight kilometers of trails, while winter brings opportunities for ice skating on the lake.

Parc de la Cité also hosts various annual events, including Fête nationale and Lac en fête, and features film screenings, concerts, and family-friendly entertainment.

7. Gaze at art

Longueuil supports a vibrant art scene, offering ample opportunities for art enthusiasts. Various parks and public buildings throughout the city display sculptures created by local artists.

For a comprehensive overview of public artworks in the area, the Société historique et culturelle du Marigot provides a catalog detailing each piece and its artist.

If contemporary art interests you, visit Plein Sud, a center for modern art and animation that encourages young artists to express their creativity through diverse techniques, showcasing their works in an on-site gallery.

8. Go to the mall

Place Longueuil ranks among the largest shopping malls in the city, located on Rue Saint-Charles, Longueuil’s main commercial zone.

The mall features over 140 stores and services, including prominent retail chains like La Vie en Rose, Yves Rocher, Ardène, and Bentley.

Numerous dining options are available within the mall, primarily quick-service eateries, alongside a few full-service restaurants for those seeking a more leisurely dining experience.

9. Explore the old city

Strolling through Old Longueuil, visitors can appreciate the abundance of historic buildings, with over 450 structures dating back to before 1945.

The primary thoroughfare in this area is Rue Saint-Charles, which is lined with boutiques, eateries, and bars. City Hall is also located in Old Longueuil.

Notably, the Co-Cathedral of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue stands out, showcasing remarkable Gothic Revival architecture and housing the archaeological remains of Fort Longueuil, which extend beneath the church.

10. Be at one with nature

The Gault Nature Reserve, spanning 1,000 hectares, is managed by McGill University and is located in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, just east of Longueuil.

This stunning reserve preserves ancient forests and wildlife, featuring 25 kilometers of hiking trails ideal for immersing oneself in nature.

The reserve welcomes visitors year-round, also serving as a site for teaching and research initiatives undertaken by the university’s Faculty of Science.

11. Head to Montreal

Visitors staying in Longueuil should consider a day trip to Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, known for its rich cultural history.

Often referred to as the ‘Paris of Canada,’ Montreal is filled with remarkable landmarks, including Bonsecours Market, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Château Ramezay.

Montreal presents excellent shopping opportunities, particularly in the Downtown and Quartier Latin-Le Village areas, and features a vibrant nightlife, boasting an array of trendy bars, lounges, and nightclubs.

12. Pamper yourself

Take time to unwind by scheduling a spa day. Numerous exceptional spas in Montreal offer various treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Services such as massage therapy, flotation therapy, warm wraps, and body scrubs are available at various facilities throughout the city, with some offering services from an osteopath.

For an indulgent experience, consider the Spa St. James, situated within the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, known for its award-winning services.

13. Play a round of golf

While Longueuil does not host any golf courses, several exceptional clubs can be found in nearby suburbs. Visitors may wish to rent a vehicle to experience some of the finest golf courses in the province.

The Country Club of Montreal, established in 1910, is among the oldest and most prestigious. This private 18-hole course has been meticulously redesigned by Roy Dye.

Another noteworthy club nearby is La Vallée du Richelieu Golf Club in Sainte-Julie, which opened in 1967 and has hosted several significant events, such as the Canadian Open, the Peter Jackson Classic, and the Montreal Championship.

14. Go skiing

Not far from Longueuil, in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, lies Ski Mont Saint-Bruno, an alpine ski resort situated on the slopes of Mont Saint-Bruno.

The hill, rising to 175 meters, features 15 runs of varying difficulty levels, in addition to offering night skiing opportunities.

Home to Canada’s largest ski school, Ski Mont Saint-Bruno employs over 500 instructors each season, providing valuable lessons for skiers of all levels.

15. Walk along Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in the Saint-Lambert area, stretching from Riverside Drive to the neighboring community of Brossard.

This avenue, named in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned over Canada until 1901, hosts over 70 businesses along its length, many of which are boutiques.

The portion of the street spanning from Riverside Drive to the Saint-Lambert railway station is recognized as a popular shopping district known locally as ‘Le Village.’ The avenue is also lined with cafes, restaurants, and bistros, making it a vibrant destination.