In many workplaces, it’s easy for people to become distant or reserved, focusing solely on tasks and deadlines. Over time, this can create an environment where collaboration feels transactional and connections fade. A well-chosen team-building activity can break down those walls, fostering genuine interactions and trust. By stepping outside the usual work routine, people get to see their colleagues in a new light—making teams not just more productive, but more human.
But with diverse preferences and personalities on every team, deciding on an activity can feel overwhelming. That’s where a simple solution can make all the difference. With Office Joy’s Poll Feature, you can let your team vote on their favorite options from a curated list. It’s straightforward, inclusive, and ensures everyone feels heard—making the activity itself more meaningful. It’s free to use!
Now let’s explore the best team building ideas in Montreal- proven and voted by many teams.
1. Escape Rooms: Solve the Mystery Together
This is the most famous indoor activity along with laser tag and mini golf. Dive into an exciting world of puzzles and clues with your team. Whether it’s escaping a haunted mansion or stopping a runaway train, escape rooms are pure adrenaline and laughs. Imagine the whole team frantically cracking the final code in the last seconds, then bursting into cheers when the door opens. It’s the perfect mix of teamwork and chaos you’ll be talking about for weeks.
- Duration: 60 minutes of action, plus setup time. Ask for customized package and time according to your team size.
Booking Tips:
- Choose a theme your group will enjoy, like mystery, adventure, or sci-fi.
- Confirm the room size fits your group, as some have limits on participants.
- Book in advance, especially for evenings and weekends, to secure the best slots.
- Ask if the room includes hints to keep the fun going if you get stuck.
Pro Tip: Montreal’s seasons offer diverse team-building opportunities, making the choice between indoor and outdoor activities an important one. In winter, cozy indoor options like escape rooms or chocolate-making workshops are ideal for staying warm while fostering collaboration. When summer arrives, outdoor adventures like kayaking along the Lachine Canal or rooftop yoga sessions can energize your team. Seasonal favorites, such as pumpkin carving contests in fall or traditional sugar shack visits in spring, add a festive, memorable touch. With Office Joy’s filters, you can easily search for activities based on season, location, or vibe—making it simple to plan an experience your team will love, no matter the weather.
2. Cooking Classes: Cook, Eat, Laugh
Bring your coworkers together to create a delicious meal. From rolling sushi to perfecting pasta, cooking classes are all about food and fun. Laughs are guaranteed when someone adds salt instead of sugar, or a dish turns out unexpectedly unique. The shared meal at the end makes it even sweeter—literally, if someone didn’t mess up the dessert.
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours of hands-on fun.
Booking Tips:
- Share food allergies or dietary restrictions with the organizer ahead of time.
- Pick a cuisine everyone will enjoy, like Italian, Asian, or desserts.
- Ask if all tools and ingredients are provided, or if you need to bring anything.
- Check if BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) is allowed for added fun.
3. Indoor Rock Climbing: Reach New Heights
Challenge your team to tackle climbing walls of all levels, cheering each other on with every step. It’s all about celebrating triumphs, like when the least athletic teammate reaches the top and rings the bell to everyone’s applause. By the end, everyone’s a hero—even if they only made it halfway up.
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours of climbing time.
Booking Tips:
- Confirm if climbing shoes and harnesses are included or need to be rented.
- Pick a gym with routes for all skill levels to ensure everyone can participate.
- Schedule a guided session for beginners to feel more comfortable.
- Wear comfortable, stretchy clothes and don’t forget water bottles.
4. Art Workshops: Get Creative
Unleash your team’s creativity with group art workshops like painting, pottery, or printmaking. It’s not about perfection—it’s about having fun, especially when someone’s “abstract masterpiece” becomes the day’s inside joke. Everyone leaves with a creation they can laugh about (or secretly hang in their living room).
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours of creative time.
Booking Tips:
- Confirm the materials are included, like paints, clay, or canvases.
- Ask if you can take your finished artwork home as a keepsake.
- Share your group size so the studio can prepare enough supplies.
- Check if snacks or drinks are allowed to make the session even more enjoyable.
5. Laser Tag: Team vs. Team Action
Suit up for an epic battle in a neon-lit arena. Dodge, duck, and strategize with your team to claim victory while laughing at unexpected surprises, like the office jokester turning into an unbeatable sniper. It’s impossible to stay serious when everyone’s glowing like action heroes under black lights.
- Duration: 1–3 hours, with 20-minute games.
Booking Tips:
- Confirm if the venue can accommodate your group size or offer exclusive use.
- Ask about different game modes, like team battles or free-for-all matches.
- Wear dark clothes to stay hidden under the black lights.
- Check if the venue has a lounge area for breaks between games.
6. Virtual Reality: Step Into Another World
Take your team on an adventure that feels out of this world. Whether solving missions or exploring distant planets, VR is immersive, exciting, and full of laughs—especially when someone hilariously dodges imaginary objects in the real world. You’ll leave with great stories and maybe a newfound love for virtual sword fighting.
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours of exciting gameplay.
Booking Tips:
- Pick a VR center with a variety of games to suit different interests.
- Ask if spectators can watch while others play—it’s almost as fun as participating.
- Book extra time for larger groups to ensure everyone gets a turn.
- Confirm all equipment is provided, like headsets and controllers.
7. Bowling: Easy, Fun, Classic
Bowling is a timeless team favorite. From strikes to gutter balls, it’s about the fun, not the scores. The best moments come when someone who’s never bowled before lands a strike and celebrates like they’ve won a championship. Pro tip: funny victory dances are highly encouraged.
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours for two games.
Booking Tips:
- Reserve lanes early, especially for weekends or large groups.
- Check if the venue offers packages that include snacks and drinks.
- Request bumpers for less experienced bowlers to keep it fun for everyone.
- Look for cosmic or glow bowling options for an extra dose of excitement.
8. Indoor Mini-Golf: Putt for Fun
Navigate colorful, quirky mini-golf courses filled with hilarious obstacles. Even the simplest holes can turn into laugh-out-loud moments when someone takes three tries to get the ball moving. It’s light-hearted fun that guarantees lots of smiles and great photos.
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours, depending on group size.
Booking Tips:
- Confirm if the venue offers themed courses for a more immersive experience.
- Check for group packages that include food, drinks, or prizes.
- Bring a camera for fun team photos throughout the course.
- Ask if the venue has arcade games for more entertainment after the round.
9. Board Game Cafés: Play and Bond
Sit back and enjoy some friendly rivalry over classic and new board games. Whether it’s strategic showdowns or laugh-out-loud party games, board game cafés bring everyone together. Expect surprises too, like the quiet teammate mastering a tricky game and winning the day. It’s all the fun of game night without having to clean up after.
- Duration: 2–3 hours of gaming.
Booking Tips:
- Reserve your table in advance, especially for larger groups.
- Check the café’s game library online and plan which games you’d like to try.
- Ask the staff for game recommendations tailored to your group size and vibe.
- Confirm if food and drinks are available—some cafés have full menus.
Trivia Games: Fun Facts and Friendly Competition
Bring out your team’s competitive side with a lively trivia event! From pop culture to history and quirky general knowledge, trivia challenges everyone while keeping the laughs rolling. Picture your group debating answers and celebrating each correct one like it’s a championship win. Trivia events are all about bonding, brainpower, and friendly rivalries that make for a memorable evening. You can choose a host to make it more lively.
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours of questions and laughs.
Booking Tips:
- Choose a trivia host or venue that offers custom themes or a mix of fun topics to suit your group.
- Check if the venue has group packages that include drinks and snacks.
- Divide the team into smaller groups for more dynamic gameplay, and encourage creative team names.
- Book early if you’re attending a popular pub quiz or planning a private session.
