Parc Jean-Drapeau
Parc Jean‑Drapeau occupies two islands—Sainte‑Hélène and Notre‑Dame—and covers about 209 ha in the heart of Montréal. It is managed by the Société du Parc Jean‑Drapeau, established in 1983, distinct from city parks and dedicated to developing cultural, recreational and natural attractions. Today, the site hosts iconic landmarks: the Biosphère environmental museum (former U.S. pavilion of Expo 67), the Casino de Montréal, the Olympic Basin, Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve (Grand Prix venue), La Ronde amusement park (operated by Six Flags) and the Floralies Gardens.
A major highlight is annual and seasonal programming: Osheaga (music & arts), Piknic Électronik (weekly electronic dance festival), Heavy Montréal, ÎleSoniq, Lasso country festival, the Montréal Winter Festival and Grand Prix du Canada, drawing diverse crowds. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 25 km of walking and cycling trails, rent electric scooters, or join a Discovery Ride electric vehicle tour to discover public art, gardens and heritage sites.
The Floralies Gardens spread across Notre‑Dame Island, showcasing thousands of flowers, shrubs and lagoons, blended with large-scale mosaïcultures and art installations, free to visit and maintained year‑round. Visitors benefit from strong accessibility via metro (Jean‑Drapeau station on Yellow line), STM shuttle buses (767, 768, 777), seasonal river shuttle and ample bike access routes like the Jacques‑Cartier Bridge and BIXI docks.
For rental needs, the park offers venues such as La Toundra pavilion, Pavillon de la Jamaïque, Belvédère du Paddock and Espace 67 amphitheatre, suitable for corporate or private events. Emphasis on sustainability is strong: the park encourages Leave No Trace Canada outdoor ethics and follows ecological transition plans to enhance heritage and natural spaces.
Tips: visit off‑peak weekends to avoid festival crowds; use public transit to bypass limited parking; check seasonal schedules for beach and aquatic complex operations; bring your own bike or plan Discovery Ride in advance; and enjoy free access to gardens. Overall, Parc Jean‑Drapeau balances large‑scale attractions with tranquil green space in an urban setting.
