Parc La Fontaine

Parc La Fontaine is the Plateau-Mont-Royal's crown jewel park and one of the best free family destinations in Montreal. This 34-hectare green space, bounded by Sherbrooke, Rachel, Papineau, and Parc-La Fontaine Avenue, has been a gathering place for Montreal families since 1874, and its mix of playgrounds, water features, green spaces, and cultural programming makes it a year-round destination.

The park's centerpiece is a pair of linked ponds connected by a fountain and small waterfalls. In summer, the ponds come alive with paddle boats — families rent boats and cruise the calm water while ducks and geese paddle alongside. The fountain creates a picturesque backdrop that has been photographed and painted countless times.

In winter, the ponds freeze and become one of Montreal's most popular outdoor skating rinks, surrounded by snow-dusted trees.

For young kids, the play fountains in the family area are a massive draw. These are not decorative fountains — they are interactive water jets designed specifically for kids to run through, splash in, and play with. On hot summer days, the splash zone is packed with laughing, soaked children, and parents love that it is completely free.

The playgrounds are modern, well-maintained, and suitable for toddlers through age 10, with climbing structures, swings, and slides.

The park's wide, tree-lined pathways are perfect for stroller walks, and the large grassy lawns invite picnics, games of frisbee, and lazy afternoons. The mature trees provide welcome shade, and the park has an easygoing, neighborhood atmosphere that feels worlds away from the tourist bustle of Old Montreal.

The Théâtre de Verdure, an open-air amphitheater in the park, hosts free performances throughout the summer — concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and cultural events. Families spread blankets on the lawn and enjoy evening entertainment under the stars. Check the schedule before your visit.

The park's location in the Plateau makes it perfectly situated for combining with neighborhood food adventures. La Banquise (Montreal's most famous poutine) is literally a 5-minute walk from the park, making a playground-then-poutine afternoon a classic Plateau family itinerary. Romados, Beautys, and dozens of Plateau cafés are all nearby.

Parc La Fontaine is free, open year-round, and works for every age. It is the kind of park where local families spend every weekend, and visiting families should do the same.