Things To Do
in Brossard

Brossard is a suburban city on Montreal's South Shore in the Montérégie region, known for its large shopping and entertainment district (Quartier DIX30) and easy access to Montreal via bridges and recent transit links. The city is multicultural and family-friendly, with modern residential neighborhoods, parks along the Saint Lawrence River, and a growing selection of shops and restaurants. Brossard is a convenient base for exploring Montreal’s museums and nightlife while offering quieter riverfront trails, island parks and nearby provincial parks for nature lovers.

It blends suburban convenience with close proximity to big-city services and outdoor recreation in all seasons.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the historic Old Brossard, where you can stroll through charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafés. Don’t miss the chance to explore the local farmer's market, where you can sample fresh produce and artisanal goods. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local bistro, savoring the flavors of Quebecois cuisine.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a guided walking tour to learn about Brossard's rich history and cultural heritage, including its significant landmarks. Visit the nearby parks, where you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax amidst the lush greenery. In the late afternoon, consider visiting the local art galleries to appreciate the work of regional artists.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for a dinner featuring traditional Quebec dishes like poutine or tourtière. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in the beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River. Cap off your evening at a cozy café, indulging in a dessert while listening to live music.

day 2
Nature Adventures at Parc Michel-Chartrand
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike at Parc Michel-Chartrand, where you can explore the extensive network of trails surrounded by nature. The crisp morning air is invigorating as you spot local wildlife and vibrant autumn colors if it's the season. Stop by one of the scenic lookouts for a perfect photo opportunity.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas, soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Post-lunch, rent a kayak or canoe at the park's waterfront to paddle around the picturesque lake. This experience offers a unique perspective of the park's beauty and serene surroundings.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Treat yourself to a meal at a nearby restaurant known for its farm-to-table approach, showcasing local ingredients. After dinner, take a quiet evening stroll through the park to witness the sunset reflecting off the water.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km)$10-20
🍺Beer at a bar$6-9
🛒Grocery basket (basic for one week)$50-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Montreal with easier parking and suburban comfort
  • Large shopping, dining and entertainment hub (Quartier DIX30)
  • Good access to riverfront trails and nearby provincial parks
  • Multicultural food scene and family-friendly neighborhoods
  • Less vibrant nightlife and cultural scene than central Montreal
  • Rush-hour traffic on bridges and commuter routes can be heavy
  • Fewer historic landmarks and museums within the city itself
  • Winters are long and can be harsh for visitors unprepared for snow

Places to Visit in Brossard

Visit one of these nice places.

Quartier DIX30 at dusk

Open-air shopping district with lively streets, modern architecture, colorful storefronts and illuminated signage—great for evening and lifestyle shots.

St. Lawrence River waterfront

River views and marinas provide wide water vistas, sunrise/sunset opportunities and reflections of Montreal skyline from across the river on clear days.

Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

Wooded trails, wetlands and waterways with abundant wildlife—ideal for landscape, bird and nature photography, especially in spring and fall.

Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park (nearby)

Hilltop viewpoints, forest trails and fall foliage make this a strong choice for panoramic and seasonal landscape photography.

Local parks and community murals

Neighborhood parks, community centers and occasional public art/murals provide colorful, human-scale subjects and candid street-style opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Brossard

Brossard's food scene reflects both Quebecois traditions and broad multicultural influences—expect classic Quebec comfort foods alongside Asian, Mediterranean and international restaurants. The proximity to Montreal means you can easily access Montreal specialities (bagels, smoked meat, pâtisseries) while enjoying suburban dining that ranges from family-friendly diners to trendier bistros in Quartier DIX30.

Brossard Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Poutine

Quebec's famous fries, cheese curds and gravy—available at fast-casual spots and diners throughout Brossard. Try it at a local casse-croûte or comfort-food restaurant.

Must-Try!

Tourtière and other meat pies

Traditional Quebec meat pie is common at bakeries and during seasonal holidays; some local bistros serve modern takes on this classic.

Maple desserts and pastries

Quebec maple is everywhere—look for maple taffy, maple butter and maple-flavored pastries at bakeries and seasonal markets.

Asian noodle and rice dishes

Brossard has many Vietnamese, Chinese and other Asian restaurants along main corridors—great for pho, dumplings, ramen and stir-fries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Seasonal Farmers' Markets and Pop-ups

During spring–fall you’ll find farmers’ markets and local pop-up food stalls on weekends offering produce, baked goods and artisanal products; check local listings for exact locations and hours.

DIX30 Food Outlets

Quartier DIX30 features a collection of food vendors, patios and restaurants with accessible street-food-style options, food halls and international cuisine in one area.

Climate Guide

Weather

Brossard has a humid continental climate: warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall are transitional with variable weather—late spring brings warming temperatures and fall offers vivid foliage. Winter months can be long and require warm clothing and winter driving skills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Language and greetings

French is the official language—use Bonjour/Bonsoir to greet and try basic French phrases; most service workers speak some English but starting in French is appreciated.

Politeness and queuing

Queuing and polite behaviour are expected; say s'il vous plaît and merci. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in residential areas.

Respect local culture

Quebec has a distinct identity—be respectful when discussing political or cultural issues and avoid assuming everyone is bilingual.

Outdoor conduct

Follow park rules, dispose of trash properly and respect wildlife; many parks require dogs to be leashed.

Safety Guide

Safety

Brossard is generally considered safe for visitors, with typical suburban crime levels. Take common-sense precautions: keep valuables out of sight in cars, be cautious on icy sidewalks in winter, and use well-lit routes at night. Road and cycling safety is important—wear helmets and obey traffic rules. For emergencies dial 911; for non-urgent medical needs seek a clinic or the nearby hospital.

Tipping in Brossard

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Canada tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and rounding up or 10–15% for taxis. Tip for good service in hair salons, hotel porters and other personal services. Some venues may add service charges for large groups—check the bill.

Payment Methods

Canadian dollar (CAD) is used. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) are widely accepted; contactless tap payments and mobile wallets are common. Small cafés and markets may prefer debit or cash for very small purchases—keep some cash on hand for markets and tips.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm and humid with temperatures commonly in the mid-20s to low 30s °C (70s–80s °F). Great for riverside activities, cycling, farmers’ markets and outdoor patios; bring sunscreen, insect repellent for marshy areas and light rain gear for occasional thunderstorms.

Fall

Crisp, cool weather with colorful foliage—excellent for hiking and photography. Layers are essential as temperatures can shift quickly from warm afternoons to chilly mornings.

Winter

Cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing and frequent snow and ice. Prepare with warm clothing, waterproof boots and traction for sidewalks; some outdoor recreation like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is popular.

Spring

Variable weather: thawing snow, muddy trails and warming temperatures. Early spring can be wet and chilly; late spring brings blooming trees and reopened outdoor markets.

Nightlife Guide

Brossard at Night

Nightlife is more low-key than downtown Montreal but lively around Quartier DIX30 with bars, lounges, restaurants and occasional live music venues. For a broader and more varied nightlife scene you can easily cross into Montreal in 20–30 minutes. Evenings in Brossard often focus on dining, casual pub scenes and seasonal patio nights rather than late-night clubs.

Hiking in Brossard

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park

A short drive away, this park offers marked trails, lakes, viewpoints and pleasant forests—good for day hikes and seasonal activities.

Îles-de-Boucherville National Park trails

Flat island trails ideal for biking, walking and wildlife viewing; accessible in warmer months with picnic areas and waterways to explore.

Regional greenways and river paths

Local riverfront paths and connecting greenways provide easy hikes, runs and bike routes suitable for families and casual outdoor activity.

Airports

How to reach Brossard by plane.

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

The largest international airport serving Montreal, about 20–35 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers extensive domestic and international flights and ground transportation options to Brossard.

Montréal/Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU)

A smaller regional airport on the South Shore near Longueuil—closer to Brossard for private flights and some regional services; useful for private charters and general aviation.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability varies by neighborhood: Quartier DIX30 is highly walkable for shopping and dining, while many residential areas are suburban and more car-oriented. There are pedestrian paths along the river and parks suitable for walking and cycling, but expect to use a car or transit for many errands outside the main hubs.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Francophone population

Francophone Quebecers make up the majority—French language and culture shape public life and signage.

Allophone and immigrant communities

Brossard is notably multicultural with sizable communities of different origins (Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and others), reflected in restaurants, shops and cultural events.

Families and suburban residents

Many families live in Brossard’s residential neighborhoods, making schools, parks and family services a local priority.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

Hockey is hugely popular across Quebec—local rinks and amateur leagues are common for children and adults.

Soccer

Soccer is very popular with many community clubs, youth leagues and outdoor fields active during the warmer months.

Cycling and Running

Recreational cycling on river paths and running are common activities for residents, with organized events and community groups.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested during weekday morning and evening commutes, particularly on routes crossing to Montreal (Champlain and other bridges). Parking is generally easier than in downtown Montreal but can be busy near DIX30 during shopping peak times. Public transportation includes RTL buses and connections to the REM light-rail network (which improved South Shore access); use transit apps for schedules and real-time updates.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Brossard.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés, many bistros and in DIX30 restaurants; use menu keywords like végétarien or ask staff for meat-free options. Larger grocery stores and markets carry fresh produce and prepared vegetarian foods.

Vegan

Vegan choices are growing—many restaurants can accommodate vegan requests (ask for sans lactose/produits laitiers and sans viande). Specialty grocery stores and some cafés offer vegan pastries and dairy-free milks.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options are commonly offered—ask servers about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease. Bakeries and grocery stores often stock gluten-free breads and products.

Food allergies

Staff in cafés and restaurants are generally used to questions about allergies—communicate clearly and, when in doubt, check ingredient lists or opt for simpler dishes to minimize risk.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary healthcare is available through local clinics and CLSC community health centers; for hospital services travelers and residents use nearby Hôpital Charles-LeMoyne in Longueuil and other Montreal hospitals for specialized care. Quebec residents access healthcare via RAMQ; visitors should carry travel insurance and a list of medications. Pharmacies are widely available for over-the-counter needs.

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