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Outdoor drinks and food on the cheap right by the water; it's perfect for Montreal, but the bonus is that this new concept for the city doesn't require carrying around any blankets or seating and it comes with free entertainment.
Back in June, Les Guinguettes—mobile terrasses for drinking and dining—have been moving around both on and off the island of Montreal to offer a vacation atmosphere, perfect for those who either choose to stay in the city or can't find the time or money to leave it.
Currently, the terrasses operate from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Beginning in Parc de l'ancienne-cour-de-triage in the Sud-Ouest across the Lachine Canal from Saint-Henri, the latest terrasse can be found in Parc Jean-Drapeau. Right before summer ends, one last terrasse will be set up at Saint-Joseph Park in Rivière-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles from September 15 to October 3, 2021.
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Imported from France, it's a lot like a summer resort that invites Montrealers to reclaim the banks of the waterways they live by by setting up dining tables, lounge chairs, a stage for outdoor shows and lighting for pleasant late night atmospheres.
The idea dates back to the 18th century, when villages outside Paris saw increased traffic thanks to expanding railways (and because it was cheaper to drink outside city limits). That created a network of drinking establishments that were popular on Sundays and holidays, when Parisians would visit to enjoy themselves and to get drunk on the cheap. Today, the term 'guinguette' is still used for a waterside refreshment stand, particularly open-air, all over France.
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In Montreal, they're equipped with an on-site restaurant—all vegan—serving dishes like burgers, tapas, churros and waffles to go with a bar that makes pitchers of sangria and uncorks bottles of wine alongside cocktails and beer (plus sodas for the kids and the sober!). The organizers—known for their work with the Christmas Villages that show up in places like the Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market—has added on a program with (francophone) comedy nights, sustainability workshops and live music.
Learn more about Les Guinguettes on their website. Admission to the Parc Jean-Drapeau location is free, operating from now until October 3. Hours go from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
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