Picnic

Things to do at the Parc

Take a break from your hiking trek, guided tour or after your sports activity at Parc Jean-Drapeau to have a meal or snack in the great outdoors.

Whether it's a picnic lunch on the grounds near the Jean-Doré Beach lake or at one of the many tables tucked away in the gardens, the Parc is a fantasy spot for any outing, either by yourself or with a companion.

Parc Jean-Drapeau is teeming with places that will astound you by the diversity of their flora, vantage points overlooking the lakes or river, and their overall tranquility. Head off on an adventure of discovery of the two islands that compose the Parc and find your next peaceful oasis.

Picnic tables

More than 200 picnic tables are available at Parc Jean-Drapeau, including around thirty that are adapted for people using wheelchairs.

They are located throughout the Floralies Gardens, at Espace 67, near the Aquatic Complex and the Biosphere, as well as in a newly designed area specifically created for picnics.

Barbecues

Planning to use a barbecue during your next visit? Discover the available options:

Important — The use of personal charcoal briquette barbecues is strictly prohibited at Parc Jean-Drapeau.


Propane BBQs

Propane BBQs are permitted only on picnic tables.

This simple and convenient option is perfect for making the most of the many available spaces in the Parc.

Self-serve Charcoal BBQs

Parc Jean-Drapeau offer four self-serve charcoal barbecues, located in specially designated areas near the picnic shelter, in the heart of the Plaine des Jeux:

  • Three standalone grills for simple and accessible cooking
  • One shared grilling station for enjoying a friendly group experience

These facilities are available without reservation, on a first-come, first-served basis.


To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for everyone, please follow the usage guidelines and regulations posted on-site or available online:

Regulations for self-service charcoal barbecues May 29, 2025, 179 KB

Schedule

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Today: opened
January 2025
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July 2025
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August 2025
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October 2025
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November 2025
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Rates

Free

Also worth discovering

Voyage des îles

Discover Parc Jean-Drapeau's bountiful culture and heritage and get access to a wealth of pertinent information through our brand new interactive experience: Voyage des Îles!

Learn more

Information Center

Before setting out on your visit to the Parc, we suggest you stop at the Information Center that's right in the middle of Espace 67 on Île Sainte-Hélène, near the Jean-Drapeau subway station and the BIXI bike station.

Learn more

A sustainable and responsible outdoors

To promote a healthy co-existence between the natural areas and the activities conducted at Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Parc urges users to respect the seven outdoor ethics principles recommended by Leave No Trace Canada.

Learn more

Restrooms

Parc Jean-Drapeau users have access to many safe and clean washrooms outside the sports, museum and entertainment facilities. The restroom facilities are located in key areas of Parc Jean-Drapeau, near activities and events, and some of these facilities are accessible year-round.

Schedule and details

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.

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Historical books

Get the literary works that cover the significant historical periods of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

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Public Art

A collection of 15 City of Montreal art works, done mostly for Expo 67, on display for free along the trails and gardens of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

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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

Discovery Ride

As you ride aboard a 15-seat electric vehicle, take the time to travel more leisurely and crisscross the islands as carefree as the wind while you discover previously unseen places at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Schedule and details

Portrait sonore - Public Art

A walking path on Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands is there for your journey, on which you can learn more about public art works and the artists who created them.

Learn more

Wildlife

Parc Jean-Drapeau boasts a wealth of green spaces and a highly diversifed wildlife on the premises. There are very few places near Montréal that are home to as many mammals, along with a wide variety of birds and facilities specifically designed to house insects.

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.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use a barbecue at the Parc?

    Important — The use of personal charcoal briquette barbecues is strictly prohibited at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

    Yes, you have two options:

    • Propane BBQs are allowed, but only on picnic tables.
    • Parc Jean-Drapeau provides four self-serve charcoal BBQs, available for public use near the picnic shelter, in the heart of the Plaine des Jeux.

    Be sure to check all rules and guidelines before your visit.

  • Is it possible to reserve the picnic shelter or the self-serve BBQs?

    No, it is not possible to reserve or rent these facilities.

    • The picnic shelter must remain accessible to all Parc users at all times.
    • The self-serve BBQs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations allowed.

    There are multiple options available for corporate groups:

  • Are you allowed to consume alcohol at the Parc?

    Yes, you can drink alcoholic beverages with a meal while seated at a picnic table.

  • Is smoking or vaping permitted at the Parc?

    Yes, cigarette smoking is permitted at Parc Jean-Drapeau, except for certain areas.

    Under the provisions of the Tobacco Control Act1, smoking is prohibited in Parc facilities, and it is also prohibited within a nine-metre perimeter around the doors and windows of any building.

    Smoking is also prohibited within a nine-metre perimeter of outdoor areas operated as children's playgrounds, which includes the overall area of Jean-Doré Beach.

    Many areas with ashtrays have been set up at the Parc. Out of respect for nature and Parc users, please do not leave your cigarette butts on the ground.

  • Is smoking or vaping cannabis permitted at the Parc?

    The rules pertaining to cannabis differ from those regarding the consumption of tobacco.

    In the province of Québec, smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, both indoors and outdoors, is prohibited. This consumption ban comprises the entire Parc Jean-Drapeau territory, including the public road.

    Please note this legislation applies to the Parc at all times, even during the events.

    If you see any non-compliance with the regulations, please contact Parc Jean-Drapeau's security department at 514 872-9999. The security department will take charge of communicating with the emergency services or the police, if required.

    Cannabis Regulation - Montréal

  • Are dogs allowed at the Parc?

    Dogs are permitted at the Parc in green spaces and on the trails provided they are kept on a leash. They are not allowed in the following Parc facilities and events:

    • Jean-Doré Beach
    • Aquatic Complex
    • Athletes' Quarters
    • Events: check with the promoter of the event if you have questions in this regard.

Consult the FAQ

Learn more

To obtain more details or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.

Mobility

Getting to the picnic shelter

To make it easier to get around, here is the exact location posted on Google Maps.

Subway Station

The Jean-Drapeau subway station on the Line 4 — Yellow is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. To get to the Parc easily and quickly, the subway is still the best way to go!

All the details

River shuttle

During the summer season, Parc Jean-Drapeau visitors can use the river shuttle as a means of transportation, from the Vieux-Port de Montréal (Jacques-Cartier pier) and the city of Longueuil.

All the details

STM shuttle

Three STM shuttles provide a connection between the Jean-Drapeau subway station and various attractions.

All the details

Bike

The Parc is one of the few places where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike: simply take the bike paths of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge or the Bike link.

All the details

Walking

People can enjoy many of the cycling paths to get to or pass through the Parc Jean-Drapeau, either running or walking.

With more than 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, the Parc is a pleasant spot for hiking, all year round.

Parking

Motorists can get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge.

Nearby parking areas: P7, P10, P13, P15

Rates and parking areas

Taxibus service

You can reserve a taxi for your travels at the Parc by using a valid STM transport fare.

All the details

  • Subway
    Station
  • STM
    shuttle
  • River
    shuttle
  • Bike
  • Walking
  • Parking
  • Taxibus
    service

© Société du parc Jean-Drapeau