Montreal has beautiful green spaces, offering the perfect escape from crowded libraries and noisy coffee shops. Whether you're a student looking for a peaceful study spot or just someone who enjoys reading in the fresh air, the city has plenty of parks to unwind while staying productive.

Studying outdoors has been shown to improve concentration, boost creativity, and reduce stress. But not all parks are ideal for getting work done—some are too noisy, lack seating, or don’t have Wi-Fi nearby. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best parks in Montreal for relaxing and studying outdoors. From quiet retreats with shaded benches to student-friendly spots near great cafés, here are the top parks.

Best Study-Friendly Parks in Montreal

Parc La Fontaine

📍 Location: Plateau-Mont-Royal
✅ Best for: Shady study spots, peaceful atmosphere, and café access

Parc La Fontaine is one of Montreal’s most iconic green spaces, offering a tranquil setting with plenty of trees, benches, and picnic tables. The park is large enough to find a quiet corner away from joggers and cyclists, making it a great place to focus.

If you like to study with a coffee in hand, you’re in luck—plenty of cafés are nearby on Rachel Street and Mont-Royal Avenue. The park has the Café-Bistro Espace La Fontaine, where you can grab a snack or a drink. Remember that the park gets busier on weekends, so weekday mornings or late afternoons are the best times.

Westmount Park

📍 Location: Westmount
✅ Best for: Peaceful study sessions, access to a library, and comfortable seating

Westmount Park is an excellent choice for a quieter, more structured setting. It is located just outside downtown and has a calm, relaxing vibe. There are also plenty of shaded areas. One of its biggest perks is its proximity to the Westmount Public Library, which makes it easy to switch between studying indoors and outdoors.

This park is especially great for students at Concordia or McGill who want to escape the city noise while still being close to campus. Since it’s in a residential area, it tends to be less crowded than parks in the Plateau or downtown.

Mount Royal Park (Lower Area)

📍 Location: Near McGill University
✅ Best for: Studying near nature, Wi-Fi at Café des Amis, and scenic views

Mount Royal Park is a must-visit for any student in Montreal, but if you’re looking for a study-friendly section, head to the lower area near Parc Avenue and Peel Street. This section has secluded benches, open green spaces, and beautiful mountain views, making it ideal for quiet reading or reviewing notes.

Need a caffeine boost? The Café des Amis inside the park offers coffee, light snacks, and Wi-Fi, making it a great place to take a break. Just be prepared for more foot traffic during peak hours, especially on weekends when tourists and hikers head up the mountain.

Jeanne-Mance Park

📍 Location: Plateau-Mont-Royal
✅ Best for: A mix of social and quiet spaces, great café options nearby

Located right across from Mount Royal Park, Jeanne-Mance Park offers a different atmosphere—a little more social but still with plenty of quiet spots. The park’s large trees provide shade, and you’ll find lots of benches and picnic tables that work well for studying.

The real advantage of studying at Jeanne-Mance? It’s steps from St-Laurent Boulevard, where you’ll find many cafés like Café Olimpico and Dispatch Coffee. If you need a short study break, grab a coffee or snack and return to your spot.

Seasonal Tips for Studying in Parks

Montreal’s seasons can be unpredictable, so here are some tips to make the most of outdoor studying year-round:

🌿 Spring & Summer:

• Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Choose a shaded spot to stay cool.
• Bring water and sunscreen for long study sessions.

🍂 Fall:

• Fall is one of the most beautiful times to study outside in Montreal. Pick a park with great foliage views, like Parc La Fontaine or Mount Royal.
• Wear layers—it can get chilly in the afternoons.

❄️ Winter:

• While studying outdoors in winter isn’t ideal, some parks have nearby heated patios or cafés with large windows where you can still enjoy the view.
• Mount Royal’s Café des Amis is a great winter option, as is the Westmount Library’s reading area.

Final Tips for Outdoor Studying in Montreal

‍📌 Best Times to Study: Weekday mornings or early afternoons for fewer distractions.
🔋 What to Bring: A portable charger, snacks, a comfortable seat cushion, and a light jacket in case the weather changes.
🎧 Noise Control: Bring headphones or earplugs to stay focused if the park is busy.
☕ Nearby Amenities: Check out café locations before heading out so you know where to grab a coffee or use the Wi-Fi if needed.

‍Conclusion

‍Montreal has no shortage of amazing parks where you can relax and get some studying done. Whether you prefer a peaceful, quiet escape like Westmount Park or a lively but study-friendly spot like Jeanne-Mance, there’s a perfect outdoor space for everyone.Next time you need a change of scenery, grab your books and head to one of these parks—you might just find your new favourite study spot!