About Montréal
Montréal is an exciting and vibrant city in the province of Quebec known for its rich history of European exploration and colonization, which continues to shape the city's culture today. Montréal was founded in 1642 by French settlers as Ville-Marie and has since grown into one of the top cities in North America.
Although it may be centuries old, Montréal has collections of modern attractions. From world-class museums like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Musée d'art Contemporain de Montreal to chic restaurants and bustling nightlife scenes, there is always something going on in Montréal!
Celebrations are a big part of life here; whether hosting an unforgettable birthday party or gathering friends for an intimate dinner, selections of venues throughout Montréal cater to all kinds of needs. From luxurious ballrooms within its historic hotels to unique spaces with hidden gardens, you can find different event spaces depending on your budget or desired atmosphere.
Party Options in Montréal
- Catering
A catering company can provide food and beverages for any party. It creates a unique experience by providing various dishes tailored to the theme. In addition, caterers often offer dining options such as china service, tablecloths, linens, and other decorations to improve the look and feel of a venue.
- DJs and Musicians
Music is essential in setting the tone of any party; hiring a DJ or musician takes care of the entertainment aspect. Whether you prefer upbeat hits to get people on the dance floor or something more mellow that will let people talk and mingle, professional entertainers can provide what you need.
- Decorations
Well-planned decorations create a festive atmosphere and leave lasting impressions on attendees. From garlands, balloons, streamers, or banners, decorating for a celebration creates an exciting environment for all involved! Party decorations also provide unique opportunities for personalization, adding a special touch that makes each gathering unique.
- Photographers
Experienced photographers provide event coverage services and capture all of the moments during the occasion. Photos also give people something tangible to take home. It helps create memories that last long after the party ends!
Party Vendors in Montréal
- Philippe Manh Photography
Philippe Manh Nguyen is a professional photographer who captures striking portraits and attention-grabbing commercial photographs. With his spontaneous and provocative approach, he made a lasting impact on the fashion industry, collaborating with top brands and earning recognition from renowned local talents like Karine Saint-Michel and Calamine. International publications, such as GMARO Italia and Vanity Teens LA, have featured his work.
- DJ MAJD
DJ Majd of Back to Basics Entertainment is an internationally-renowned and award-winning DJ and MC known for his exceptional musical talents. With a vast knowledge of multiple genres, including Hip-Hop, House, and Reggaeton, he offers unparalleled experiences for private events, high-end clubs, and venues across Montreal. His unique skill set allows him to read the crowd effortlessly and bring energy to any occasion.
- La Petite Mangue
La Petite Mangue is an innovative catering service founded in 2013 to provide authentic cuisine for events across Montreal. Led by Dylida Mao, a professional Canadian chef and food lover born in Cambodia, La Petite Mangue specializes in creating delicious buffets, cocktails, lunch boxes, and wedding banquets for private and corporate events. The company offers a flexible and affordable menu with both traditional Asian dishes as well as tasty contemporary recipes.
Pros and Cons of Party Venues in Montréal
Montréal is renowned for its lively nightlife and diverse culture, making it a perfect location for any party. Whether to host a party or attend one in Montreal, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Montréal has a unique geographical position between the north shore of the St-Lawrence River and Mount Royal, making it an ideal spot to host parties with stunning views.
- As a major Canadian city with excellent transportation networks, it is easy for guests to get to the party venue.
- Even during winter, Montréal often experiences mild temperatures compared to other cities in Canada, which makes it an ideal place for hosting outdoor parties or activities.
Disadvantages
- Despite its scenic views, some areas around Montréal can have high levels of noise pollution, which could pose difficulties for hosting quieter events.
- There is limited parking available in the downtown core during peak hours on weekends, making it difficult to find spots for all guests.
- Parties taking place late into the night may not be allowed due to noise restrictions in certain areas disallowing loud music or gatherings past certain times.
Tips on How to Organize Parties in Montréal
Partying in Montreal provides a unique cultural and culinary experience. With a diverse population, the city has selections of activities and venues for memorable parties. To plan an enjoyable gathering, here are tips to plan a party in Montreal.
- Set Up a Bar Area: A well-stocked bar area is essential for providing drinks to guests throughout the evening and can help elevate any gathering regardless of its size! Consider stocking up on beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages such as soda or juice boxes to give everyone access to refreshments throughout the night without spending too much money on expensive cocktails!
- Pick Your Music Carefully: Music is the backbone of any good party, so pick something everyone likes. If you want people dancing all night, consider hiring a DJ or playing music through streaming services. If you prefer something mellow, go for acoustic musicians or background jazz.
- Ensure Entertainment is Available: To keep guests engaged, provide entertainment. It could include activities such as karaoke, dancing games, or playing music throughout the night. Alternatively, if you have reliable Wi-Fi, movie screenings or board games streamed online may also be suitable options for entertainment.
- Organize Transportation For Guests: An often overlooked factor when hosting a successful party is having organized transportation options available for guests who wish to drink alcohol during the evening. Access to taxis or ride-sharing services ensures guests return home safely without any issues occurring due to drinking and driving laws in Montréal.
- Track & Follow-Up With Guests Post-Party: Remembering to contact guests after a party is over will help them remember how much fun they had and reflect on enjoyable moments during their time at your event. Follow-up calls or sending postcards thanking them for attending may bring people back together for future parties!
Famous Locations in Montréal
- Place Jacques-Cartier
Place Jacques-Cartier is a bustling public square located in Old Montréal. This lively spot offers a range of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from street musicians and performance artists to outdoor terrace restaurants. The square has a rich history, transformed into a public market after a devastating fire in 1803. At the top stands the controversial Colonne Nelson, a monument installed to celebrate Admiral Lord Nelson's defeat of Napoleon's fleet at Trafalgar. Despite its divisive history, this square remains an essential destination for those looking to discover the vibrant culture of Montréal.
- Marché Atwater
Located near the Canal de Lachine, Marché Atwater is a remarkable farmers’ market that offers an impressive array of locally sourced produce. The market also has a wide selection of quality wines, fresh bread, exceptional cheeses, and other irresistible treats. Apart from specialty shops that are accessible all year round, the market also has outdoor food stalls that operate from March to October. Housed in a vintage brick hall built in 1933 with a clock tower and a grassy bank overlooking the canal, it’s an excellent spot for a picnic.
- TOHU
TOHU is a unique circus complex located in the St-Michel district of Montréal. The name "TOHU" comes from the French phrase "tohu-bohu," which means commotion or chaos. Its arena showcases circus arts and Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters, and the National Circus School surrounds it. The center feature is its location on North America's second-largest waste dump, which now produces methane gas to power the center. Along with live circus shows, TOHU hosts various events like pétanque tournaments and bike rallies, making it an entertaining and enjoyable destination for visitors.