Open House Day at the Olympic Basin

Things to do at the Parc Olympic Basin

The 50th anniversary celebrations of the Olympic Games continue with a discovery day highlighting the sporting heritage of Parc Jean-Drapeau. The event celebrates the achievements of past champions while inspiring today's and tomorrow's athletes.

Usually reserved for sports clubs, the Athletes' Quarters opens its doors exceptionally: visitors can explore the space and try out various training equipment. The Basin will also be accessible for testing different types of boats.

Athlete meet-and-greets, musical performances, and food offerings bring the site to life in a festive atmosphere filled with games and activities for all ages.

A lively, active, and spectacular summer day awaits!

As part of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, the Open House Day was specially created to showcase the sporting heritage of Parc Jean-Drapeau. Designed as a unique commemorative event, it invites visitors to discover a space usually reserved for sports clubs and to enjoy a festive experience connected to the legacy of the Games.

Explore the 50th anniversary activities

Schedule

July 4, 2026

Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rates

Free

What's On

Athlete Panel

Hosted by Meeker Guerrier and presented by Intact Insurance, join us for an engaging discussion featuring Olympic athletes. They will share highlights from their journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the lessons sport has taught them—both on and off the field.

Panel guests at 10:30 a.m.:

  • Thomas Hall
    Olympic canoe sprint athlete
  • Laurence Vincent-Lapointe
    World champion and Olympic canoe sprint athlete
  • Marie-Andrée Lessard
    Olympian in beach volleyball
    Senior Director at the Canadian Olympic Committee


Athlete Meet-and-Greets

Meeker Guerrier, host and sports commentator, leads these discussions offering a unique look into the Olympic journeys of the invited athletes: participation in the Olympic Games, competition preparation, sport-study pathways, and women's experiences in sport.

Guylaine Bernier
1976 Olympic rower
11:30 a.m.
 
Emilie Fournel
Sprint kayaker
1 p.m.
 
Lyne Tremblay
Paralympic athlete
2 p.m.

Training Sessions

As part of this special day, dragon boat, canoe-kayak, and rowing clubs will be training on the Basin in the morning, a great opportunity to watch them in action.

Sportswear is recommended, as water splashes may occur.

Training sessions 10 a.m. to Noon

Guided Tours

Guides invite you to discover the Athletes' Quarter and explore its history. Through anecdotes and key highlights, they bring to life the moments that shaped this iconic site and its sporting legacy.

Led by certified guides from Montréal — ITHQ

Tours 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Watercraft Activities

Visitors can discover the joys of being on the water by trying different types of boats, including rowing shells, dragon boats, and canoe kayaks.

Supervised introductory sessions by sports clubs 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pontoon Boat Excursions

Step aboard a pontoon boat for a guided tour of the Basin. Led by passionate guides, discover its history, hidden features, and fascinating details while enjoying a relaxing ride on the water.

Hosted by certified guides from Montréal — ITHQ

Excursions 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sporting Heritage

An original, participatory activity where hosts invite visitors to explore Montréal's sporting heritage through a selection of objects from MEM, the Centre des mémoires montréalaises. A unique opportunity to discover how sport has shaped the city's collective life and identity.

Led by MEM's Vélos citoyens

Drop-in 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Games and Activities

Take part in giant games led by professionals and enjoy the energy of the trampolines. A fun and dynamic experience for all ages, at the heart of the festive atmosphere of the Open House Day.


Photo Booth

Capture your visit in backdrops inspired by the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Olympic Games. A fun and memorable moment to keep a lasting souvenir of this special day.


Musical Performances

Throughout the day, music will accompany your discoveries and activities, adding rhythm and atmosphere to the event.

Qualité Motel

A Quebec electro-festive group from the band Valaire, blending electronic beats, remixes, and original compositions. Their music creates a contagious party atmosphere, perfect for experiencing the energy at the heart of the event.

Show 4 p.m.

Urban Science Brass Band

A Montréal collective that blends the energy of a New Orleans—inspired brass band with modern hip-hop rhythms. Their vibrant and infectious sound reimagines urban classics in a festive, interactive atmosphere.

Show 3 p.m.

Tasty Breaks

A variety of meals and treats will be offered throughout the day by food trucks, with something to suit every taste and appetite. A chance to grab a bite, refresh yourself, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Also worth discovering

The future of the Parc

Relying on open governance that stimulates commitment and collaboration, Parc Jean-Drapeau is mobilizing to implement a series of actions aimed at achieving its ecological transition, enhancing its rich heritage, and creating vibrant, enriching experiences for its users.

Learn more

Mosaïcultures

Three monumental mosaïcultures artworks are now permanently installed at Parc Jean-Drapeau. An immersive trail celebrates art, nature, and culture within the Floralies Gardens, open to all. An invitation to rediscover this unique and inspiring site.

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Voyage des îles

Discover Parc Jean-Drapeau through the Voyage des Îles, an interactive experience showcasing more than 20 cultural, heritage, historical and artistic points of interest.

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Outdoor Exhibits

Discover the outdoor exhibits created for the 50th anniversary of the Montréal Olympic Games. These temporary installations offer visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the Games and their lasting legacy at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Learn more

Hiking

With more than 25 kilometres of roads and trails, Parc Jean-Drapeau provides an outdoor escape in the heart of nature, just a few steps from downtown Montréal.

Learn more

Floralies Gardens

To let you discover the marvels of nature in Montreal for free, the Gardens combine thousands of flowers, many types of trees and shrubs, lagoons and public art works!

Learn more

Learn more

To obtain more details concerning the event, available services or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.

Mobility

Getting to the Olympic Basin

Here is the exact location of the Olympic Basin at Parc Jean-Drapeau, marked on the map to make getting there easier.

Directions and coordinates

Directions and coordinates

 

Whether you're coming by subway, bike, car, or even on foot, explore all the ways to get to the Parc.

Nearby parking: P2

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