The Royalmount Drive-In Event Theatre
Several drive-in theaters near Montreal operate each summer across Quebec. This page covers four established ciné-parcs, along with the history of the Royalmount Drive-In that originally used the driveinmtl.com domain.
The Royalmount Drive-In Event Theatre opened in the summer of 2020. Its location sat at the intersection of Boulevard Décarie and Highway 40 in the Royalmount area of Montreal. The venue described itself as Montreal's first "fully convertible" drive-in event space.
Programming included films, live bands, comedy shows, and charity fundraisers. The tagline was "Drive-In To Get Out." Fundraising events at the venue benefited the Montreal Children's Hospital.
The operation ran on a Shopify platform, where individual screenings and events were listed as products. The site included pages for a FAQ, on-site food ordering, drive-in rules, weather updates, and contact information. Content appeared in both English and French.
Indoor entertainment across Quebec faced restrictions during 2020 and 2021. The drive-in format offered an alternative that fit within public health guidelines. Several parking lots in Montreal were converted into temporary outdoor screening venues during that period.
The Royalmount venue ceased operations after the initial wave of pandemic-era restrictions eased. The domain driveinmtl.com was the venue's original web address.
Drive-In Theaters and Quebec
Quebec has a distinct drive-in culture. The province uses the term "ciné-parc," which translates literally to "cinema park." This naming convention reflects a broader tradition of outdoor cinema in French-speaking Canada.
Quebec retained more drive-in theaters than most other Canadian provinces through the late 20th century. While Ontario and the western provinces saw steady closures, several Quebec venues continued operating through the 1990s and 2000s.
Programming at Quebec ciné-parcs runs primarily in French. Some locations offer English-language screenings, though these tend to be less frequent. Audio is delivered through FM radio transmitters rather than the traditional speaker posts used at older drive-ins.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought a notable increase in attendance. Existing ciné-parcs reported higher demand, and temporary pop-up events appeared across the province. Montreal saw several improvised outdoor screening setups in commercial parking lots.
As of 2026, four established ciné-parcs operate within a 90-minute drive of downtown Montreal. They span the North Shore, Montérégie, Eastern Townships, and Laurentians regions.
The ciné-parcs that survived through the 2000s did so partly because Quebec's outdoor cinema tradition runs deeper than in most of North America. The term ciné-parc itself has no direct English equivalent and carries specific cultural associations in French-speaking Canada.
Attendance at Quebec ciné-parcs reportedly increased during and after the 2020 pandemic. Several temporary pop-up screenings appeared in Montreal parking lots during that period. The four established venues listed on this page have continued to operate since.
Ciné-Parcs and Drive-In Theaters Near Montreal
Quebec (Ciné-Parcs)
Ciné-Parc St-Eustache
The largest ciné-parc in Quebec and one of the largest in North America. Operating continuously since 1971, the venue is run by the Mathers family. Programming is primarily in French, with double features on most screens during peak season.
The site sits just off Autoroute 640 in Saint-Eustache on Montreal's North Shore. Its five screens allow for a wide selection of current releases on any given evening.
Ciné-Parc Mont St-Hilaire
Located in the Montérégie region east of Montreal. Audio is broadcast on FM 89.9 and 88.9. The season runs from April through September. Admission is $7.50 per adult or $30 per car.
The venue is accessible via Highway 20 and Route 116. It sits near the base of Mont Saint-Hilaire, one of Quebec's Monteregian Hills.
Ciné-Parc Orford
Located in the Eastern Townships region near Sherbrooke. The area is a popular weekend destination for Montrealers, and the ciné-parc draws both local residents and visitors staying in the region.
Reachable via Autoroute 10 East. The three screens offer double features throughout the summer months.
Ciné-Parc Belle-Neige
Operated on a ski hill slope at the Belle-Neige resort in Val-Morin. The tilted terrain provides an unusual viewing angle where the screen sits at the base of the hill. Cars park on the incline, angling naturally toward the projection surface.
The Laurentians location makes this ciné-parc a natural pairing with a weekend trip north of Montreal. Accessible via Autoroute 15 North.
Visiting a Ciné-Parc Near Montreal
Most ciné-parcs open their gates 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. The screening starts once the sky is dark enough for projection. In late June, that can mean a 9:30 PM start time.
Double features are standard at most Quebec ciné-parcs. A short intermission separates the two films. The second screening can run past midnight during the longest days of summer.
Audio is broadcast on FM radio. Each screen uses a designated frequency, posted at the entrance. A portable battery-powered radio avoids draining the car battery during two films.
Programming at Quebec ciné-parcs runs primarily in French. Some venues schedule English-language screenings on specific nights or screens. Check the venue website for language details before arriving.
Concession stands are standard. Revenue from food sales is a significant part of ciné-parc income. Lineups peak during intermission.
Families and Groups
Per-car pricing at some ciné-parcs benefits larger families. Ciné-Parc Mont St-Hilaire charges $30 per car as an alternative to its per-person rate. Per-person venues charge $7 to $12 for adults, with reduced rates for children.
The first film in a double feature is generally aimed at families. The second targets an older audience.
Ciné-Parc St-Eustache's 3,300-car, 5-screen layout spreads visitors across the property. Smaller venues like Belle-Neige, with a 300-car capacity, offer a more contained setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language are films shown in at Quebec ciné-parcs?
Most screenings are in French. Some venues offer English-language films on select screens or specific nights. Check each ciné-parc's website for its current schedule and language options.
When is the ciné-parc season?
The season generally runs from late April through September. Opening and closing dates vary by venue and depend on weather conditions. Peak attendance is during June, July, and August.
How much does admission cost?
Pricing varies. Some ciné-parcs charge per person (typically $7 to $12), while others charge a flat rate per vehicle ($25 to $35). Most offer double features, meaning two films for one admission price.
How does the FM radio audio system work?
Each screen broadcasts its audio on a dedicated FM frequency. Tune your car radio to the posted frequency upon arrival. A portable FM radio is a practical alternative that avoids draining the car battery during a double feature.
Are ciné-parcs open during rain?
Most venues screen films in light rain. Heavy storms or severe weather may lead to cancellations or delays. Individual ciné-parcs typically post weather updates on their websites or social media pages before showtime.
What was the Royalmount Drive-In?
The Royalmount Drive-In Event Theatre was a temporary drive-in venue that operated in Montreal during 2020. It hosted films, concerts, and charity events. The domain driveinmtl.com was its original website. The venue is no longer active.
Drive-In Rules and Etiquette
Each ciné-parc has its own posted rules. The following guidelines are common across most drive-in theaters in Quebec.
- Turn off headlights upon parking. Parking lights or running lights should also be switched off to avoid glare on the screen.
- Keep audio at a level that does not carry beyond your vehicle. Close windows if using your car stereo at higher volumes.
- Stay within your designated parking area. Avoid walking in front of other vehicles during the screening.
- Children should remain near their family's vehicle at all times.
- Clean up your parking spot before leaving. Dispose of garbage in the bins provided on site.
- Follow posted speed limits on the grounds, typically 10 km/h.
- Avoid honking, engine revving, or other loud disturbances during the film.
- Check the specific rules at your chosen venue, as policies on pets, tall vehicles, and late arrivals differ by location.
Practical Information
- Language: Most ciné-parcs operate primarily in French. Film audio may be in French with limited English options depending on the venue and screen.
- Pricing: Some locations charge per person, others per car. St-Eustache and Belle-Neige use per-car pricing. Mont St-Hilaire offers both options.
- FM Radio: Audio is broadcast via FM transmitter. A portable battery-powered FM radio prevents draining the car battery during a double feature.
- Season: Late April through September. Weekends fill up faster at the larger locations. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset is common practice.
- Weather: Quebec summer evenings can be cool, particularly in the Laurentians and Eastern Townships. Bring layers. Screenings are weather-dependent, and most venues post updates before showtime.
- Travel: All four ciné-parcs are within a 90-minute drive of downtown Montreal via Autoroutes 15, 10, or 40.
- Venue Websites: For current schedules, pricing, and weather policies, visit each ciné-parc's site directly. Links are listed in the ciné-parcs section above.
Nearby Attractions
Ciné-Parc St-Eustache sits on Montreal's North Shore. Oka National Park is roughly 20 minutes west, with beaches and hiking trails along the Lake of Two Mountains.
Ciné-Parc Mont St-Hilaire is near the base of Mont Saint-Hilaire, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The mountain has a network of maintained hiking trails. The surrounding Montérégie region includes apple orchards and vineyards.
Ciné-Parc Orford is in the Eastern Townships near Sherbrooke. Mont-Orford National Park offers hiking and lake access. The region is a weekend destination for Montreal residents.
Ciné-Parc Belle-Neige operates at a ski resort in Val-Morin in the Laurentians. The P'tit Train du Nord, a 232-kilometer cycling trail built on a former rail line, passes through the area.
Sources and Further Reading
- Drive-in theater — Wikipedia
- Ciné-Parc St-Eustache — cineparc.mathers.ca
- Ciné-Parc Mont St-Hilaire — st-hilaire.cine-parc.com
- Ciné-Parc Orford — cine-parcorford.com
- Ciné-Parc Belle-Neige — belleneige.com/cine-parc
- Bonjour Québec — Quebec tourism (Gouvernement du Québec)