A rendezvous that's been going on for years and still feels totally impromptu: every Sunday, a bunch of musicians (mainly drummers, and the odd saxophonist) gathers around the Etienne Cartier statue in the beautiful Parc du Mont Royal and entertains a happy crowd of young and old hippies. Informal and really uplifting. In the winter you can enjoy a full range of seasonal activities - hockey, lovely walks and cross country ski trails that are easy, have great views and are open all evening.

Parc du Mont Royal - www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en_index2.html

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Every summer, a route around the city/island is closed off to cars and turned into an all-comers cycle route. No registration required. Although it's about 50km-odd in length, the flatness of the terrain means that just about anyone with a saddle-hardened arse can make it. I had the priviledge of cycling through the famous Olympic stadium to the strains of John Williams' Star Wars theme in 2001. Unforgettable.

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Great value segway rental based in Montreal's Old Port. You can have a quick training lesson (looks scary to start with but the lovely Jeff soon makes you feel comfortable on these amazing machines) then head off on your own along the promendade or take advantage of a guided tour. Real fun, though you have to get used to everyone pointing at you!

Located in Shed 16 in one of the old piers off the Old Port Promenade;
tel: (514) 393 0734;
email: info@segcanada.com;
www.segcanada.com

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As temperatures plummet in winter, the municipality sets up ice-hockey rinks throughout Montreal. Usually open from late December through to early March (frost permitting), these outdoor rinks are a great way for the uninitiated to partake in Canada's big passion: ice hockey. Parc Lafontaine has facilities for skate hire, an ice hockey rink, and a big lake if you just want to have a peaceful skate.

Parc Lafontaine is bounded by Rue Sherbrooke to the south and Rue Papineu to the east;
Transport: Nearest metro is Sherbrooke, otherwise take any bus going east from the city centre along Rue Sherbrooke.

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Throughout the summer months pick-up games of beach volleyball are ongoing at the bottom of Parc Jeanne Mance. You can come alone and join a game, or show up with a group of friends. Games only cost a couple of dollars. It's very friendly, usually sun-drenched, and a great place for people watching to boot!

Parc Jeanne Mance is alongside Avenue Parc, just on the opposite side of the Mountain (Mont Royal). The Volleyball courts are set up at the southern end of the park

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