Top 7 activities to learn French in Montreal (Fun & effective ideas)

If you’re planning to learn French in Montreal or you’re already living in the city and looking for effective ways to improve your French in real life, this guide is for you.

Unlike generic tips you’ll find online, we’re focusing on real, local activities in Montreal that actually help with learning French in Montreal — from language meetups in Plateau-Mont-Royal to French-only guided tours in Old Montréal and conversation practice at Jean-Talon Market.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already taking classes, these 7 activities will immerse you in the French language and help you use it naturally in your day-to-day life — just like locals do.

Take French classes at Berlitz Montreal

If you really want to learn French in Montreal, the fastest and most effective way is to start with in-person classes at Berlitz Montréal.

Located downtown (near McGill station and Centre Eaton), the school offers immersive courses with native-fluent teachers who focus on real-life conversations from day one.

Whether you choose a one-to-one, small group or intensive program, each lesson is designed around everyday situations you’ll actually experience in Montréal — ordering coffee, taking the metro, or chatting at the market.

With flexible schedules (8am–8pm) and a central location, it’s the perfect starting point to boost your confidence and practise right after class in the city.

Join language exchange meetups in Montreal

One of the best ways to keep learning French in Montreal is to practise with locals, and language exchange meetups are perfect for that.

Events like BlaBla Exchange (Plateau-Mont-Royal) and Mundo Lingo (bars near Saint-Laurent) bring together native speakers and learners in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

You can use real-life expressions, ask questions, and get used to the Quebec accent, without the pressure of a classroom.

People come specifically to speak French, so they won’t automatically switch to English — which is a big advantage in Montréal!

The meetups are free and run weekly, making them a fun and practical way to improve your spoken French through local immersion.

Study and practise French in Montreal’s public libraries

Another highly effective way to learn French in Montreal is to spend time in the city’s public libraries.

Places like BAnQ (Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec) and local borough libraries (e.g. Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont, Verdun) offer free access to French books, audiobooks, magazines and even language learning materials.

It’s a quiet, motivating space where you hear people speaking French around you and can practise reading and listening in a real local environment.

Many libraries also organise French conversation workshops or cultural events — ideal for practising outside the classroom.

A few hours a week at the library will expose you to authentic Quebec French, build your vocabulary and help you reinforce what you learn during your French lessons in Montréal.

Practise French in real life around Montreal (Markets, cafés & local activities)

One of the most powerful ways to learn French in Montreal is simply to use it every single day in real-life situations.

Try ordering your food in French at Jean-Talon or Atwater Market, ask for your coffee in French at Café Olimpico, Crew Collective or Paquebot, or join a yoga / fitness class in French in Mile-End or Plateau.

At first, people might switch to English when they hear your accent – it’s very common in Montréal – but don’t be afraid to politely say “I’d like to continue in French”.

Most locals will happily help you and slow down.

These micro-interactions push you out of your comfort zone and create real progress.

Because in the end, learning French in Montreal isn’t just about taking classes — it’s about living in French.

Volunteer in French-speaking organisations in Montreal

Volunteering is a powerful way to learn French in Montreal while giving back to the local community.

Organisations like Les Petits Frères, Moisson Montréal or Centraide du Grand Montréal welcome volunteers and operate mainly in French, which means you’ll be using the language naturally in real situations.

Whether you’re helping distribute food, supporting seniors or assisting at local events, you’ll be interacting with native speakers in a meaningful context — ideal for building confidence and improving your conversational skills.

Unlike traditional lessons, volunteering exposes you to everyday Quebec French, regional expressions and cultural nuances.

Plus, people are often patient and happy to help you if you explain that you’re learning French in Montréal.

Switch your daily life to French (Phone, radio, apps, TV)

To keep learning French in Montreal outside of structured settings, immerse yourself in the language through your daily habits.

Start by switching your phone, social media, and apps to French – this will expose you to useful vocabulary every single day without extra effort.

Listen to local radio stations like Radio-Canada Première (95.1 FM) or CIBL 101.5, and watch Quebec series or movies such as Bon Cop Bad Cop, District 31 or Les Parent.

This helps you get used to the Quebec accent and learn natural expressions you won’t hear in the classroom.

By turning small daily actions into French-language moments, you build passive immersion and accelerate your progress while living in Montréal.

Join guided tours and museum visits in French

For a more cultural way to learn French in Montreal, try booking guided tours and museum visits conducted entirely in French.

Walking tours in Old Montréal, bike tours in Le Plateau or guided visits at Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Biodôme or Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are perfect opportunities to develop listening skills while discovering the city.

You’ll hear native Quebec French in context, learn new vocabulary related to history, art and daily life, and get used to different speaking speeds and accents.

Many guides are used to language learners and speak clearly, which makes it easier to follow.

It’s an engaging and immersive way to combine learning French in Montreal with exploring the city like a local.

Conclusion

Montreal offers countless opportunities to improve your French — but the key is to combine structured learning (like Berlitz classes) with daily local immersion.

By mixing these 7 activities — classes, language exchanges, libraries, volunteering, cultural events, radio/TV and real-life practice — you’ll expose yourself to authentic Quebec French every day and progress much faster than with apps or grammar books alone.

👉 The more you put yourself in real situations, the more confident you’ll become, even if people switch to English at first.

Don’t hesitate to say you want to practise — most Montrealers love helping!

Ready to start? Pick one activity today and make French part of your lifestyle in Montréal.