Things To Do
in Boisbriand
Boisbriand is a suburban city on the north shore of Montreal in Quebec’s Laurentides region, known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, commercial centres and green spaces along the Rivière des Mille Îles. It serves as a residential and light-commercial hub for commuters working in Montreal while retaining easy access to regional parks and the Laurentian mountains. The town blends modern shopping complexes and services with quiet riverside parks, seasonal outdoor activities and a bilingual French–English culture.
Visitors find a low-key, convenient base for exploring both urban Montreal and nearby nature destinations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Boisbriand, admiring the historic architecture and vibrant storefronts. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture some photos of the picturesque surroundings.
Visit the Boisbriand City Hall, where you can learn about the rich history of the area through informative exhibits. Next, head to the local art galleries to appreciate works from regional artists, immersing yourself in the cultural scene. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the nearby Parc de la Rivière, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and perhaps spot some local wildlife.
For dinner, treat yourself to a delightful meal at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Quebecois cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the riverbank, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere as the sun sets. End your evening with a cozy visit to a local pub, where you can unwind with a craft beer or a glass of wine.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast packed with energy before heading out to the nearby nature reserve. Spend the morning hiking the scenic trails, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the stunning views of the lush greenery. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife as you explore the area's diverse ecosystems.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas in the reserve, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or participating in a guided nature walk, learning about the flora and fauna of the region. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a kayak to paddle on the serene waters nearby.
Return to Boisbriand for a casual dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. After your meal, visit a local ice cream shop to treat yourself to a sweet dessert as you reminisce about your day. Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll through a nearby park, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚖Taxi start + per km | $5 start + $1.50/km |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-160 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per litre) | $1.10-1.60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Montreal while offering quieter suburban life and good access to nature
- Family-friendly parks, riverfront recreation and easy access to the Laurentians
- Bilingual community and convenient shopping and services
- Nightlife and cultural venues are limited compared with Montreal
- Reliance on a car is practical for many activities; public transit is more limited
- Winters can be long and require adapting to cold weather and snow
Places to Visit in Boisbriand
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside parks and lookouts offer serene water views, birdlife, and reflections at sunrise or sunset—excellent for landscape and wildlife photography.
Tree-lined paths, seasonal foliage and small bridges provide attractive compositions in spring, summer and especially fall.
Farmland, fields and orchards near Boisbriand produce classic rural scenes —apple blossoms in spring and harvest colors in the fall.
Short drives to towns like Sainte-Thérèse and Saint-Eustache reveal heritage architecture, churches and main streets that photograph well.
Food in Boisbriand
Boisbriand Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Quebec’s iconic comfort dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy; available at diners and fast-casual spots throughout Boisbriand.
Must-Try!
Traditional Quebec meat pie often found in local bakeries and restaurants, especially around holidays but sometimes year-round at Quebec-themed eateries.
Deli-style sandwiches influenced by Montreal’s smoked-meat tradition; available at some delis and sandwich shops in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small seasonal markets and roadside stands selling fruits (apples, berries in season), vegetables and baked goods—great places to try fresh local produce.
Convenient spots inside major commercial centres offering a variety of quick eats, from poutine and kebabs to sushi and pizza.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the majority language; a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' goes a long way. Many locals are bilingual—asking 'Parlez-vous anglais?' is acceptable if you need help.
Quebecers are generally polite and value courtesy—small talk when entering shops and saying thank you (merci) are common. Respect queues and waiting your turn.
Recycling rules are taken seriously—use labelled bins and follow local sorting rules when disposing of waste.
Safety
Tipping in Boisbriand
Ensure a smooth experience
In Quebec, tipping is customary in restaurants and for services: typically 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down service, $1–2 per drink at bars, and rounding up or 10–15% for taxis and hairdressers. Tip more for exceptional service.
Credit and debit cards (including contactless/tap) are widely accepted; Interac debit is common in Canada. Cash is still useful for small vendors and tipping. Mobile wallets (Apple/Google Pay) are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and damp early on, with blossoms and migrating birds; trails can be muddy—pack layers and waterproof footwear. Allergy season can affect sensitive visitors.
Warm and humid with long daylight hours—ideal for paddling, cycling and farmers’ markets; expect mosquitoes near rivers and parks so bring insect repellent.
Crisp air and vivid foliage make this a popular time for scenic drives and photography; cooler evenings mean warmer layers are needed. Apple-picking and harvest festivals are common nearby.
Cold with snow and freezing temperatures; excellent for skiing, snowshoeing and skating in the region. Roads and sidewalks can be icy—wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Boisbriand at Night
Hiking in Boisbriand
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 30–40 minutes’ drive; offers coastal trails, forest walks and beach areas on Lac des Deux Montagnes—good for hiking, biking and summer beach activities.
A long linear park and trail system in the Laurentians reachable within 30–60 minutes—excellent for multi-day cycling, scenic rides and small hikes from trailheads.
Within a short drive are several regional parks with a variety of trail difficulties, viewpoints and waterways for day hikes and nature outings.
Airports
How to reach Boisbriand by plane.
About 30–40 minutes by car from Boisbriand depending on traffic; the primary international airport serving Montreal with rental cars, shuttles and taxis available.
Located northwest of Boisbriand; formerly a passenger airport and now largely used for cargo and some private flights—ground transport options are more limited.
A smaller regional/maintenance/general-aviation airport on the south shore of Montreal; useful for some private and charter flights and located within reasonable driving distance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are francophone Quebec families who commute to work, with a strong local community life focused on schools and parks.
Many residents are bilingual and commute to Montreal or Laval for work, contributing to a mix of cultural influences and services.
The suburb has a growing number of newcomers and people from diverse backgrounds, bringing multicultural businesses and food options.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is deeply popular across Quebec—local rinks host youth leagues and community games throughout the winter.
Soccer fields are busy in spring to fall with youth and adult recreational leagues.
With the Laurentians nearby, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are popular seasonal activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Boisbriand.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés and bistros (salads, grilled vegetable plates, vegetarian poutines). Larger shopping-centre restaurants and Montreal nearby have broader vegetarian/vegan menus.
Vegan choices exist but can be limited in smaller suburban restaurants—look for dedicated cafés, health-food shops, or head into Laval/Montreal for more variety.
Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and specialty shops with gluten-free products can be found in the region but may require some searching.