25 Things to do in Montreal

Welcome to Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province. Nestled on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, this city is renowned for its diverse cultures, vibrant history, and charming blend of old and new worlds. With rich traditions, bustling markets, world-class museums, and an impressive culinary scene, Montreal caters to all types of travellers. Our comprehensive guide takes you through some of the must-visit spots in Montreal, and beyond, to make your stay truly unforgettable.

Let’s start with 15 places you must visit:

1. Mont Royal: Dominating the city’s skyline, Mont-Royal offers splendid panoramic views of Montreal. The park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also co-designed New York’s Central Park, is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or winter sports. Visit the illuminated cross at the summit for an unforgettable sunset. Website
2. Notre-Dame Basilica: This iconic basilica in the heart of Old Montreal is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful interiors, displaying Gothic Revival architecture. The dramatic light show, ‘Aura’, is a must-see, lighting up the basilica with vibrant colours and orchestral music. Website
3. Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal): Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, witnessing the historic buildings dating back to the 17th century. Don’t miss the old port, an ideal place for biking, paddleboarding, or ice skating in winter. Website
4. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA): The MMFA houses a comprehensive collection of art spanning several centuries. From ancient artifacts to contemporary works, the MMFA is a feast for art lovers. Website
5. Saint Joseph’s Oratory: Canada’s largest church, this landmark is a popular pilgrimage site featuring a majestic dome. Enjoy the serene gardens and the stunning view of the city from the oratory’s terrace. Website
6. Jean-Talon Market: One of North America’s largest open-air markets, Jean-Talon is filled with a wide variety of fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, pastries, and much more. Website
7. Botanical Garden: One of the world’s most significant botanical gardens, showcasing 75 hectares of thematic gardens and greenhouses. Website
8. Mile End: The hipster haven of Montreal, Mile End is known for its vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and foodie-friendly spots, including the city’s best bagel bakeries. Website
9. Plateau Mont-Royal: This eclectic neighbourhood is known for its colourful Victorian architecture, trendy restaurants, and stylish boutiques. Visit the mural-filled alley, ‘Ruelle des Justes’, for a distinct artistic experience. Website
10. Montreal Biosphere: The iconic Biosphere is an environmental museum housed in a geodesic dome. Explore diverse exhibits focused on climate change, environmental technologies, and sustainable development. Website
11. Lachine Canal National Historic Site: A perfect spot for a bike ride or picnic, the canal offers beautiful waterside views, peppered with historic buildings and contemporary sculptures. Website
12. McCord Museum: Celebrate Montreal’s history through its extensive collection of costumes, decorative art, Aboriginal objects, and more. Website
13. Atwater Market: An Art Deco-style market hall offering the best local products, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheese, meat, and seafood. Website
14. Montreal Science Centre: Home to interactive exhibitions and an IMAX theatre, this spot promises an exciting discovery for every visitor, regardless of age. Website
15. Château Ramezay: Experience Montreal’s colonial past in this historic château and museum, featuring period rooms and beautiful gardens. Website

10 kid Friendly things to do

Next, let’s look at the top 10 kid-friendly places in Montreal:

1. Montreal Children’s Theatre: This is a wonderful place for kids interested in performing arts. It offers acting classes for different age groups and hosts various performances year-round. Even if your children are not into performing, they’ll enjoy watching the plays. Website
2. Ecomuseum Zoo: A one-of-a-kind zoo featuring animals from Quebec’s wildlife in a natural and enchanting setting. Website
3. Montreal Insectarium: Discover the fascinating world of insects at this popular museum. The “We Are The Insects” exhibit is a huge hit among kids. Website
4. La Ronde: This amusement park is the largest in Quebec, boasting over 40 rides and attractions. Website
5. Granby Zoo: One of Canada’s largest zoos, featuring over 1500 animals from all continents. Kids will love the water park and amusement park on-site. Website
6. I-Fly Indoor Sky Diving: If your kids dream of flying, they’ll love the indoor skydiving experience at I-Fly. Suitable for children aged four and up. Website
7. Montreal Planetarium: Take your kids on a cosmic journey with state-of-the-art technology projecting stars and planets in two immersive theatres. Website
8. Grevin Montreal: A unique wax museum featuring life-size figures of celebrities, world leaders, and historical figures. Website
9. Funtropolis: An indoor amusement centre featuring a labyrinth of tubes, slides, and ball pits. It’s a paradise for kids who love to climb, jump and slide. Website
10. Atrium Le 1000: An indoor ice-skating rink in the heart of downtown Montreal. Rent equipment on-site and enjoy the thrill of skating under a glass dome. Website

Moving around in Montreal is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transportation network. The STM (Société de Transport de Montréal) operates the Metro (subway) and bus services. Taxis and Uber are also readily available. BIXI, a public bicycle-sharing system, operates from April to November. Car rentals are also an option. For booking and travel times, visit STM Website, BIXI Website, and Uber Website.

Hotels

Now, let’s dive into the top 5 hotels in Montreal:

1. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal: This luxurious hotel offers world-class service and an on-site spa and restaurant. Website
2. Le Mount Stephen: This luxurious hotel, located in a former Victorian mansion in downtown Montreal, elegantly combines historical heritage with modern design. It offers spacious rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a soothing spa for a relaxing stay. Website
3. Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: This chic hotel located in downtown Montreal combines minimalistic design with comfort. Website
4. Hotel Nelligan: This charming boutique hotel in Old Montreal offers a warm atmosphere and a rooftop terrace. Website
5. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth: This grand hotel offers modern rooms and a renowned restaurant. Website

Temperature Guide:

Travel Tips:

1. Learn some basic French phrases. While most Montrealers are bilingual, they appreciate visitors trying to speak French.
2. Explore on foot or bike. Many attractions are close to each other, especially in Old Montreal and Downtown.
3. Don’t forget to tip. It’s customary to tip around 15-20% in restaurants.
4. Embrace the local cuisine. Try poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and Montreal-style bagels.

Pack your bags and get ready to discover the enchanting city of Montreal! Happy Travels!