Montreal is a city unlike any other in Canada. This urban center is extremely proud of its
French heritage, lending it an authentically European feel, yet there's just as much focus
on the influential local and indigenous cultures of Canada, as well. Montreal is filled with
bustling thoroughfares and neighborhoods full of boutique shops and world-class eateries
lined with ornate historical buildings and separated by nature parks that will make you
gasp at their beauty. This makes for a uniquely diverse city vacation, whether you choose
to visit in the summer or the winter.
If you're planning on heading there during the warmer months, be sure to hop on a bike
and cruise the bike trails, sampling great eats along the way. Or you can always pick
up picnic fixings at one of the many farmer's markets sprinkled about the city and head
to the park for a sunny lunch. In the winter, you can head underground for shopping along
the metro lines or spend your days browsing art, ancient culture, history, and even Barbie
dolls in the many expertly curated museums. So if you’re looking for things to do in
Montreal or simply curious to see if it's the right spot for your next Canadian vacation,
watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season destination.
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
If you're after authentic Montreal culture, head to the Vieux-Montréal. It's located
on the site of the original city, and not much has changed since those early founding
days. The streets are cobbled, and there, people even still get around on horse-drawn
carriages—though admittedly mostly for tourism these days. Be sure to check out notable sites
like the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the Marché Bonsecours Basilique Notre-Dame, and
the Vieux-Port (Old Port); stop to check out street performers in the Place Jacques-Cartier;
and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine at one of the many sidewalk cafes.
Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)
If you’re an avid gardener or just have a bit of a green thumb, a visit to the Jardin
Botanique Montreal is a must to add to your sightseeing list. The gardens boast ten enormous,
themed greenhouses, almost 200 acres of gardens, and well over 20,000 species of plants. A
few highlights include the Chinese Garden, with designs and plant selections based on
the Ming Dynasty and the Japanese Garden, where you can learn how zen concepts are integrated
into garden design. Because of the greenhouses, this is one outdoor spot that’s great to
visit in winter or summer!
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Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)
Can you believe that Montreal’s Musée des Beaux-Arts is over 150 years old? That's a
lot of time to amass a stellar art collection, and this museum made the most of it. World-class
works by international masters like Picasso, El Greco, Renoir, Rembrandt, and Cézanne
sit alongside 18th-century English ceramics, furniture by renowned designer and architect
Frank Gehry, and World War 1 relics. And somehow, all of those seemingly mismatched elements
combine to create a fascinating display that keeps you moving from room to room. Keep in
mind the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Parc du Mont-Royal
If you’re looking for a park to roam, ride, run, or picnic in, head to Parc du Mont-Royal.
This hill park towers over the city at a heady height of over 700 feet and is easily accessible
by the metro. The hill is topped by the Chalet du Mont-Royal—which is well worth a visit
for unrivaled views out over the city. History buffs will relish a stroll through one of
the two ancient cemeteries: one of which was devoted to English gravestones and the other
for former French citizens. Those more adventurously or romantically inclined can rent a rowboat
and sail out to the middle of Lac des Castors (Beaver Lake).
Jean-Talon Market
Who doesn’t love a good produce market? And the Jean-Talon Market is sure to wow even
the most seasoned market goer. For starters, it’s one of the largest open-air markets
in North America! Head there to sample everything from those famous Quebecois cheeses to handmade
chocolate and farm-fresh vegetables. It’s a common stop on almost every Montreal food
tour for a reason: this market is a window into the soul of the Montreal lifestyle. Best
of all, it’s open year-round, so you can visit even if it’s snowing outside.
St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) 85
Anyone fascinated by religious iconography and architecture needs to pay a visit to Oratoire
Saint-Joseph. This spectacular basilica sits atop Montreal's highest point and was dedicated
to St. Joseph (obviously)—the patron saint of Canada. The building is crafted in an Italian
Renaissance style and features murals and carvings, votive candles, a crypt, and a 300-foot-plus
high copper dome. Even if you're not religious, the basilica is worth a visit for its stunning
beauty alone. After all, the cathedral gets millions of visitors a year for a reason!
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal)
It is said that the architect of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal was so moved by the
basilica he created that he converted to Catholicism upon its completion in 1824. Whether or not
that's true, the church is undeniably gorgeous. The Gothic Revival building, which can hold
over 3,000 worshipers, runs guided tours that are well-worth joining to learn about the
history of the site and its importance to the surrounding Vieux-Montréal district.
Of course, you're also welcome to roam the historic halls on your own.
City Cycling Paths
There are few better ways to explore a city than from the seat of a bicycle. Not only
do you get to slow down, see the sights, and stop wherever and whenever you like, you also
get some exercise! And luckily for avid cyclists, Montreal has over 600 kilometers of exquisitely
maintained bike paths. These trials will take you into parks, past historically significant
buildings, and art institutions, and through iconic neighborhoods and districts packed
with cafes and boutique shops. Choose your route to focus on nature or the city as you
see fit.
Saint-Paul and de la Commune Streets
When it comes to Montreal’s must-visit neighborhoods, few rival Saint-Paul and de la Commune Streets.
For many years, Saint-Paul was the city’s main thoroughfare, so the buildings all date
from the early 19th century, and the roads are still cobbled. Today, they’ve been tastefully
renovated and are home to fashion boutiques, design and art ateliers, artist studios, and
apartments. The area comes alive with trendy cocktail bars, jazz clubs, and fine dining
restaurants in the evening. Try to stay in accommodation here for an authentically fashionable
Montreal experience.
Dorchester Square and Place du Canada
Tired of looking at skyscrapers, even beautiful, historical ones? The adjoining, newly renovated
Dorchester Square and Place du Canada are two parks that offer a respite from busy city
life. Inside, you’ll find a Victorian-style fountain to relax beside; a restored ancient
vespasienne (a public urinal) to, well, look at with curiosity; and more than enough green
space to picnic on. There’s even a statue to Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first
prime minister.
Little Italy (La Petit Italie)
Craving an authentic espresso? Take yourself over to La Petit Italie, an area of Montreal
inhabited by the city's Italian immigrants since the 19th century. While not a formally
designated district, Little Italy spans the neighborhoods between St. Zotique and Jean-Talon
Streets. Go for the handmade pasta, Italian cheese, imported canned goods, and, of course,
the Napoli pizza.
Gay Village (Le Village Gai)
Another neighborhood well worth a visit, Le Village Gai, has been a feature of Montreal
since 1869. It's home to the first proudly gay business in North America, which gives
you a hint to just how LGBTQ-friendly this city is. During the day, go for the cafes
and shopping. But the area really comes alive at night, with fabulous drag queen shows and
pumping dance clubs.
Montreal’s Underground City (RESO)
Montreal’s winter is notoriously cold and long. So what do you do if you just can’t
face heading outside in sub-zero temperatures? Why you head underground, of course. Montreal
is home to the RESO, a 30-kilometer subterranean network of tunnels, walkways, and shopping
malls. You can get everything from your baguette for morning breakfast to a new winter coat
without ever having to step foot on the snowy ground. It might not be as popular with locals
as it should be (they’re used to the wild Montreal winters, after all), tourists love
the novelty of traveling under the Earth’s surface to get from A to B.
Go to an Ice Hockey Game
You’d be wrong if you thought Montreal was all about art, culture, and history—though
it undeniably has some of the best of these things in the world. It’s also a hot spot
for fans of the notoriously dangerous and fast-paced sport of ice hockey! If you are
in Montreal for the season, catch a game at the Arena St-Louis, where local hockey teams
battle it out for supremacy on the regular. There’s also open skating in the winter
and roller derby games in the summer. For something a bit quirkier, watch a flick at
the Cineplex Odeon Forum on Rue Ste. The theater is housed inside an old ice hockey stadium!
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Montreal? Or would you
add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? Debate the not-to-be-missed areas
and share your secret spots in the comment section below.
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