Things To Do
in Longueuil
Longueuil is a mid-sized city on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, directly across from Montreal, combining suburban neighbourhoods with pockets of historic streets and green spaces. It serves as a transit hub for commuters into Montreal while offering riverside promenades, parks and easy access to island and regional nature destinations. The population is predominantly francophone with growing cultural diversity, lively neighbourhood markets and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Longueuil is often underrated by visitors but makes a convenient base for exploring both urban Montreal and nearby outdoor attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in the historic center of Longueuil, where you can savor freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the charming streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture and quaint boutiques that reflect the town's rich heritage. Don't forget to stop by the Longueuil Market to explore local produce and artisanal goods.
In the afternoon, visit the renowned Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Cathedral, an architectural gem with stunning stained glass windows and intricate details. Following your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Québécois dishes, allowing you to indulge in local flavors. Afterward, take some time to relax in Parc Michel Chartrand, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and perhaps even spot some local wildlife.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront along the St. Lawrence River for a picturesque view of Montreal’s skyline. Choose a cozy spot at one of the riverside restaurants for dinner, where you can indulge in fresh seafood or a classic poutine. Cap off your evening with a walk along the promenade, taking in the serene ambiance and the sound of the water lapping at the shore.
Begin your morning at the Longueuil Cultural Centre, where you can immerse yourself in local art exhibitions and cultural displays. Engage with artists and learn about their creative processes, as well as the cultural significance of their work. Enjoy a light brunch at the café within the center, surrounded by inspiring art pieces.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Maison de la Culture, which often hosts performances, workshops, and artistic events that highlight local talent. Attend a theatre performance or a music concert, experiencing the vibrant cultural scene that Longueuil has to offer. Take a moment to explore the surrounding area, where you can find local crafts and souvenirs to take home.
For dinner, venture to a local bistro that offers a fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine, perfect for a culinary adventure. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautifully illuminated streets, appreciating the artistic murals and public art installations. End the night with a live music performance at a local venue, soaking in the sounds of Longueuil’s lively music scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕️Café / coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way public transit fare (RTL/STM) | $3.50-4.25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
| 🛒Grocery (weekly, per person) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Montreal with lower-cost accommodations and calmer neighbourhoods
- Good network of parks, riverfront and access to island/nature activities
- Friendly, family-oriented atmosphere with local markets and community events
- Strong public transit connections (metro, buses, commuter rail) to Montreal
- Fewer late-night entertainment and fine-dining options compared with Montreal
- Winters can be harsh and limit outdoor activities for several months
- Some attractions are seasonal; quieter outside peak summer and festival months
Places to Visit in Longueuil
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside boardwalks and parks offer panoramic views of the Montreal skyline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Low-lying islands, reed beds, waterways and wildlife provide excellent nature and bird photography opportunities, with tranquil reflective scenes in the morning.
Forested trails, wetlands and seasonal colors make this a great spot for landscape and macro photography, especially in autumn.
Historic facades, colourful local shops and public art create nice urban frames and candid street-photography moments.
Food in Longueuil
Longueuil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Quebec classic of fries, cheese curds and gravy — find excellent versions at local diners and fast-casual spots across Longueuil.
Must-Try!
Traditional Quebec meat pie, especially common in markets and bakeries during the cooler months or at traditional restaurants.
Hearty deli-style sandwiches and smoked meats are widely available; Montreal-style smoked meat influences are common in casual delis.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets (spring–fall) offer produce, baked goods, cheeses and prepared foods — ideal for picnic supplies or trying local specialties.
In warm months look for food trucks and kiosks near parks and the waterfront selling everything from poutine and crepes to ethnic street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the dominant language; a polite Bonjour/Bonsoir and basic French phrases are appreciated. Many people speak English, especially younger residents, but initiating in French is respectful.
Queuing and polite greetings are standard—say hello when entering small shops and thank staff when leaving.
Quebeckers are generally casual but value modest politeness; dress is relaxed in most settings but layer for weather.
Smoking is restricted in many public spaces; respect no-smoking signs in parks, patios and near building entrances.
Safety
Tipping in Longueuil
Ensure a smooth experience
In Quebec tipping standards mirror the rest of Canada: typically 15–20% in restaurants for full service, $1–2 per drink at bars or round up for quick service. Taxi drivers, hairdressers and delivery workers commonly expect a small tip as well.
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) and contactless payments are widely accepted; carry some cash for small market stalls or summer vendors. Mobile wallets and tap payments are common; verify opening hours and payment acceptance for smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, often sunny weather with plenty of outdoor activities, festivals and markets; ideal for biking, boating and riverside dining. Expect mosquitoes near wetlands—bring repellent—and busy weekends, especially near waterfront and parks.
Cooler temperatures and vivid fall foliage in parks and nearby hills; a great time for hiking and photography. Layers are essential as days can be mild and mornings/evenings chilly.
Cold with snow from December to March; good for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and cozy indoor cafés. Roads and sidewalks may be icy—wear proper winter footwear and allow more travel time.
Variable weather with gradual warming, melting snow and budding greenery; ideal for early-season walks but expect muddy trails and occasional chilly, wet days.
Longueuil at Night
Hiking in Longueuil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy island trails, flat paths, wetlands and boardwalks suitable for walking, cycling and wildlife viewing; great for half-day trips and paddling.
Short drive east of Longueuil; offers forested trails, small peaks with viewpoints, and activities year-round including hiking and cross-country skiing.
Large municipal park in Longueuil with varied trails, wetlands and scenic routes for walking, running and birdwatching close to the city.
The nearby Montérégie area features multiple green routes and rural trails for longer day hikes and scenic drives through small towns and agricultural landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Longueuil by plane.
Primary international airport ~20–30 minutes by car from Longueuil (depending on traffic), accessible via taxi, shuttle services or a combination of commuter transit; offers wide international and domestic connections.
Regional airport located in Longueuil (Saint-Hubert sector) serving private, charter and some regional flights; convenient for general aviation and quick regional hops.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest group are French-speaking Quebecers who shape local culture, language and services.
A smaller English-speaking community exists, more common among older residents and certain neighbourhoods.
Longueuil hosts diverse immigrant populations (e.g., Haitian, North African, Latin American and others) contributing to multicultural dining and cultural life.
Many families and daily commuters to Montreal live here due to neighbourhood amenities and transit links.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is the dominant sport culturally—youth rinks, community leagues and strong local interest in NHL teams make it the most popular winter sport.
Soccer is popular in spring/summer with many youth and adult recreational leagues and municipal fields in use.
Cycling—both recreational and commuting—is widespread thanks to riverfront paths and regional bike networks.
Local amateur baseball and community leagues play in parks throughout the warm months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longueuil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and bistros; many places will adapt dishes and local markets have fresh produce and ready-made vegetarian items.
Larger restaurants and cafés in Longueuil and nearby Montreal offer vegan and gluten-free choices, but in smaller neighbourhood spots it’s good to ask ahead — French is more commonly spoken, so a translated note can help.
Carry clear information about severe allergies in French (e.g., 'Je suis allergique aux noix') and confirm with staff when ordering — many places understand basic dietary needs but always double-check.