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Day Trips From Montreal

The 12 Best Day Trips from Montreal

Find places to visit just outside of Montreal, Quebec

It’s no secret that Montreal is a dynamic destination, offering everything from world-renowned restaurants and exciting nightlife to a hefty dose of history and amazing architecture. But it’s also well worth exploring beyond the city, and in the case of Montreal, there are a whole host of worthwhile options perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re interested in spending time in the great outdoors or simply exploring small towns packed with charm, there’s plenty to discovery. Read on for some of the best day trips from Montreal.

Quebec City: Charm and History

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With a picturesque Old Town that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site and charming surprises down every winding cobblestone street, Quebec City is always a good idea for a day trip from Montreal. Myriad museums, incredible architecture, a scenic locale on the St. Lawrence River and a calendar full of festivals and fun events year-round ensure any day trippers will have plenty to keep them busy. Not only that, Quebec City is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist.

Getting there : The easiest option for getting from Montreal to Quebec City is by taking the train. VIA Rail provides daily service between the two cities with a travel time of around three hours. If you prefer to drive, you can do so along Highway 20 with a travel time of three hours, depending on traffic.

Travel tip: Take a stroll along the charming pedestrian street of Petit‑Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. Local shops, quaint cafes and great restaurants abound. In the winter, the street is illuminated with twinkle lights, further adding to its charm.

Ottawa: The Nation’s Capital

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Canada’s capital city is worth a visit any time of year and offers something for every age and interest level. Home to seven of nine national museums, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up some culture here. Visitors will also want to spend some time along the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk or cycle along the banks in the warmer months and in the winter, the canal transforms into the longest skating rink in the world. In addition, the city is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, great restaurants and numerous water-based activities on the Ottawa River.

Getting there : Your best option is to utilize VIA Rail’s frequent train service between Montreal and Ottawa, with a travel time of around two hours.

Travel tip : Don’t miss a stroll around ByWard Market, packed with independent shops, a local farmers’ market in the summertime, specialty food shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants.

The Laurentians: Outdoor Adventure

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The Laurentians are located just north of Montreal and offer some of the best options for day trippers looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. During the summer months, you have your pick of watersports (with over 9000 lakes and rivers to choose from this is no surprise). There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter.

Getting there : Getting from Montreal to the Laurentians is easily done via a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.

Travel tip : Take advantage of the many Nordic spas in the area, which provide the perfect place to unwind in nature. These havens of relaxation offer some combination of saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools and areas for simply soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

Mont Treblant: Four-Season Ski Resort

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Well-known as a popular four-season ski resort and national park, Mont Tremblant makes for an easy day trip from Montreal. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snow tubing and much more. Once the weather warms up there are a wide range of summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing and stand up paddling. There’s also a casino here as well as a wide selection of cozy restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Getting there : L’Express du Nord offers transportation from Montreal to Tremblant in the morning with return in the evening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (around two hours). If you prefer to drive, the trip should take around 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Keep your eyes peeled for public art. The Public Art Circuit features a dozen works of art in Mont-Tremblant’s parks and municipal buildings in the downtown area as well as in Le Village and the resort area.

Long Sault Parkway, Ontario: Summer Fun

Located just west of Cornwall, Ontario, the Long Sault Parkway is a series of 11 islands connected by road. There are two beaches here making it a great option for a summer day trip. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can canoe and kayak as well as head underwater for some fresh-water shipwreck diving. There are also many opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing in the area.

Getting there : You can drive from Montreal to Long Sault Parkway in about 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Keep an eye out on the drive for authentic chip trucks, antique sales and other surprises along the way.

Eastern Townships: Local Food Galore

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Quebec’s Eastern Townships offer everything from orchards and wineries to maple syrup producers, cheesemakers and  microbreweries. So if you’re a foodie, this might be a day trip from Montreal you’ll want to think about. If you’re not hopping from winery to winery or picking your own berries at an orchard, there are museums to visit, great shopping, excellent dining options and an array of outdoor activities to try (from hiking to cross-country skiing). The Eastern Townships are also a popular destination for cyclists.

Getting there : Getting from Montreal to the Eastern Townships is best done by car, with a driving time of one to two hours.

Travel tip : You can download a map for self-guided tours along the area’s cheesemaker’s circuit as well as the microbrewery circuit.

Le P'tit Train du Nord: Scenic Cycling

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Cyclers of all stripes (from casual riders to more hardcore bikers) will want to put Le P'tit Train du Nord on their day tripping list. This scenic route through the Laurentian Mountains was once an old railway line that has now been converted into a popular bike path and cross-country ski trail. The 232-kilometere path is the longest park of its kind in Canada and is also used by walkers and runners (just remember to stay on the left side of the trail). Picnic areas can be found at numerous points along the trail making it ideal for a day trip with a DIY lunch al fresco.

Getting there : There is regular train service linking Montréal’s Gare Lucien L’Allier with the P’tit Train du Nord terminus in St-Jérôme. From there, a shuttle service drops cyclists at various trailheads along the route.

Travel tip : Make time to stop off at various small towns and villages along the route to grab a meal at a cozy pub or restaurant (many with outdoor terraces).

Îles-de-Boucherville National Park: Nature at its Best

You don’t have to stray far from Montreal for a day spend in nature. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park consists of a chain of scenic islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence. Active travellers have the option for everything from hiking and biking (there are over 30 kilometres of trails) to canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddling and more. Winter activities include snowshoeing, winter hiking and cross-country skiing.

Getting there : Driving to the park takes around 35 minutes from Montreal making it an easy and time-efficient day trip.

Travel tip : If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent canoes, kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, kayaks and more to use during your visit.

Granby Zoo: Fun with Furry Friends

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The largest zoo and conservation area in Quebec, Granby Zoo is an ideal day trip from Montreal for families (or anyone interested in wildlife). The sprawling zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing 230 species from around the world. Animals are divided into four “loops” (the Africa, South America, Asia and Oceania loops) to make it easier to navigate what you want to focus your time on. There is also an animatronic dinosaur “zoo” featuring 21 full-scale animatronic dinosaurs.

Getting there : Granby Zoo is 50 miles (80 km) east of Montréal and is best reached by car via Highway 10.

Travel tip : In the summer months, visitors can cool off at the zoo’s water park filled with slides, water features, a heated wave pool and an adventure river.

Montebello: A Little Bit of Everything

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Located around the midpoint between Montreal and Ottawa on the north shore of the Ottawa River, Montebello offers a little bit of everything. Stop by a cozy pub for a local meal or take the kids to Park Omega where they can see a variety of Canadian animals in their natural habitat. The park is also home to walking trails, picnic areas and a restaurant. Visitors to Montebello can also enjoy golfing, water sports, boating, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Getting there : Driving is your best bet for travel between Montreal and Montebello, which should take around 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Day trippers with a sweet tooth will want to stop in ChocoMotive to pick up some artisanal chocolates and see chocolate being made.

Oka: Small Town Charm

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The small town of Oka is a great jumping off point for a day spent exploring Oka National Park where there are many activities to choose from no matter when you visit. In the winter, choose from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking. While during the summer, there’s a large beach for swimming (lifeguards are on-site), picnic areas, pedal boats, and kayak and canoe rentals. In town, check out the many artist workshops and if you like cheese, head to the Oka cheese factory to taste some of their wares.

Getting there : Driving distance between Montreal and Oka is around 40 minutes and your best option for getting between the two destinations.

Travel tip : During the summer season on Sundays, make sure to stop by the Oka public market for an abundance of local, seasonal produce.

Sucrerie de la Montagne: Authentic Sugar Shack

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A Quebec Heritage site, the Sucrerie de la Montagne is an authentic sugar shack that (unlike most) is open year-round. Located in the midst of a 120-acre forest of century-old maple trees, a visit here feels a bit like stepping back in time thanks to the traditional buildings and the fact maple syrup here is produced the old fashioned way. If you’re visiting during February, March and April you can enjoy some maple taffy on snow, while year-round visitors can visit the sugar shack and bakery and enjoy rides in a horse-drawn carriage.

Getting there : Driving from Montreal to Sucrerie de la Montagne takes around 40 minutes and parking is free.

Travel tip : Stop by the general store on the way out to stock up on maple products from syrup to taffy to butter. The also sell some local handicrafts.

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Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Day Trips from Montreal

15 Best Day Trips from Montreal

With an electrifying cultural dynamic and countless things to do, Montreal is favoured as one of the most irresistible destinations in Canada by both visitors and locals alike.

The tangible French influence means there’s endless places to eat mouthwatering food, fascinating art attractions throughout the city and much more.

However, Montreal also happens to be in the heartland of the Quebec countryside and as a result, there is a whole world of small townships, lakes, rivers and mountain ranges just outside the city limits and these destinations are well worth taking a day to go and visit.

Most being only a couple of hours drive away, here are the top day trip attractions that can be reached from Montreal.

1. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

Only a few miles from Montreal, it couldn’t be easier to reach the Parc National des Iles-de-Boucherville and it offers the perfect escape from the busy city.

Come prepared to be active, as the series of chain islands is a veritable playground for all kinds of sports and activities from hiking, jogging and snowshoeing, to canoeing and cross-country skiing to name but a few.

The huge expanse of protected natural reserve was also the home to many First Nations people – if you want to brush up on your history, you can take an educational tour that gives a rare insight into this, as well as wildlife and conservation.

2. Domaine Labranche

Located in the beautifully picturesque region just south of the St. Lawrence River, Domaine Labranche is a family-run sugar shack which historically collected and processed locally produced maple sap.

Visitors can come and explore the gorgeous grounds, which include a farm, vineyard and hiking trails that are right around the corner.

As you can expect, there is a thriving culinary offering here and you can indulge in just about everything from fresh farm produce, wines and ingeniously prepared maple dishes.

3. Calvaire D’Oka

The trailhead to this wonderful hike can be found just metres from the idyllic Oka Provincial Park which is a huge natural reserve complete with beautiful forests, lakes and a significant number of historic buildings including oratories and chapels.

The Calvaire D’Oka hiking trail is accessible enough for any skill level and you’ll be rewarded with striking views of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the famous Adirondacks.

If you want to cool off after the hike, then make your way down to the lake where you can enjoy every kind of water sport imaginable, from stand-up paddle boarding to pedal boats and kayaking.

4. Granby Zoo

The ideal day trip for both families and travellers, Granby Zoo is in fact the biggest zoo in Quebec, not only because it houses so many animals of so many different species, but because of the physical size of its conservation area, meaning all the animals have ample space.

With wildlife that is both domestic and exotic, the 1000 strong community of animals attracts crowds of people each year who want to escape city life and marvel at the wonders of the Animal Kingdom.

Particularly popular amongst families is the zoo’s water park that is across the street, where you can cool off, grab a bite to eat and catch some sun in the summer.

5. Sucrerie de la Montagne

Unlike many of its counterparts across Quebec, this authentic sugar shack is open throughout the whole year, whereas others only tend to open during winter – meaning you can get a taste of pioneer Canada no matter when you visit.

The Quebec Heritage site is surrounded by a vast maple forest in the beautiful Mont Rigaud and visitors will have the chance to gain a fascinating insight into what life was like for the people who lived and worked here while producing maple products.

Between a restaurant and general store, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained for the day, though if you want to stay in the picturesque forest for longer, there is accommodation available.

6. Mont-Tremblant

Between it’s famous ski resort and pristine national park, its little wonder that locals from Montreal and visitors alike make the 2-hour trip to the slopes of the beautiful Mont-Tremblant to spend the day enjoying everything the mountain has to offer.

The charmingly quaint village was actually designed to look like a Swiss alpine town and it matches its mountain settings perfectly.

You’ll have no trouble finding something exhilarating to do even if you’re not a skier, from paddle boarding to mountain biking or swimming.

In the winter, it’s a skier and snowboarder haven, so if you’re into snowsports it’s a worthwhile time to visit.

Recommended tour : Private Day Tour to Mont Tremblant

Incredibly easy to reach thanks to the many bus routes and a rail line that connects Montreal with Ottawa, the city offers a different perspective of Canadian life, one that is incredibly rich in history owing to its parliamentary significance.

Home of the governmental heartland, Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is an architectural marvel and well worth a visit.

The city also has a blooming outdoor events culture, with festivals, concerts and markets occurring regularly throughout the year.

Book online : Private Day Tour to Ottawa

8. Quebec City

Also easily reachable from Montreal and without a doubt one of the most popular day trips, is the beautiful Quebec City.

Famously one of the oldest settlements built by European colonists in the whole of North America, the history here is apparent in the traditional architecture, whilst the museums hold enough knowledge to keep you fascinated for days.

The Vieux-Quebec District still exhibits the walls that surrounded the original fortress and offers one of the prettiest skylines in the city.

Not to be missed are the impressive museums and legislature buildings, including the National Assembly of Quebec and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec.

Top rated tour : Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip

9. Petit Train du Nord Trail

Once a thriving railroad trail, this gorgeous route through the Laurentian Mountains has now been converted into an incredibly popular bike path and cross-country ski trail that winds its way through glades and alpine lakes and forests.

The 200km trail can be undertaken as one long trip or you can cover sections of it and stop off at a number of charming little towns on the way that grew from the old train stations.

At a mere 30 minutes from Montreal it’s the perfect place to do some do-it-yourself exploring while getting back to nature.

10. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

A relatively small slice of alpine paradise tucked away behind West Island’s housing developments and therefore having the feel of hidden gem.

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park features the largest beach nearby to Montreal and visitors have endless choices when it comes to what activities to do there.

From windsurfing to beach volleyball to kayaking, it’s impossible to get bored here and the scenery is pretty enough to simply sit back and take it all in.

Remember to take some food with you as there are no restaurants in the area, though if you visit on the weekend there are sometimes food trucks selling fresh, local recipes.

11. The Laurentians

The Laurentian Mountains are one of Montreal’s best kept secrets when it comes to day trips as they are only about an hour away from town and don’t necessarily require an overnight stay.

Here you’ll find rolling mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes and a network of adorable alpine villages and townships that are all too reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

Explore on your own or embark on a tour that’ll take you on a meandering route through the forests and mountains, even to Lac Des Sables where you can take a cruise and soak in the incredible views from the water.

12. Canada Railway Museum

A mere 20 minutes away from downtown Montreal, this intriguing insight into the pioneering railroad industry is the perfect place to start a day out – it’s so close that you can spend an hour or two here and move on to a different day trip.

The Canada Railway Museum showcases an assortment of technological breakthroughs that shaped the Canada of today and most of its exhibits are in pristine condition.

A great day out for families, it can be found in St Constant, just across from the St Lawrence River.

13. Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle

One of the only attractions of its kind in the area, Au Diable Vert is home to not only stunning views from atop its perch on an alpine pasture, but is also home to a unique type of cycling.

Canopy cycling takes visitors above the tree line on hanging, open air cable cars that are powered by your pedal-pushing-power.

With no traffic in sight or earshot, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking panoramas of the Green Mountains and the Missisquoi River Valley as you pedal your way across the sky.

14. Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup

A full-day commitment for wildlife lovers – this day trip clocks in at around 10 hours in total including travel to the idyllic Rivière-du-Loup.

If you have the time however, its an incredibly worthwhile experience that you’re not likely to ever forget.

After being picked up from a central Montreal location, you’ll be whisked away on a 3 hour guided cruise that’ll take you to within almost touching distance of the huge, majestic beasts, allowing for some truly heart-stopping photography moments.

15. Eastern Townships

A popular escape for city dwellers to get back to nature whilst not having to rough it, the Eastern Townships are about two hours away from Montreal and offer a vast range of lakeside destinations that are particularly beautiful in the summer, where you can visit for the day or rent one of the many cottages peppering the region.

Throughout the year you can also enjoy festivals, wine-tasting fairs and all manner of outdoor activities whilst enjoying the Township’s lake district-esque charm.

15 Best Day Trips from Montreal:

• Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
• Domaine Labranche
• Calvaire D’Oka
• Sucrerie de la Montagne
• Mont-Tremblant
• Quebec City
• Petit Train du Nord Trail
• Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
• The Laurentians
• Canada Railway Museum
• Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle
• Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup
• Eastern Townships

The 14 best weekend trips from Montreal to escape the city

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Montreal is a great city to visit and live in. But sometimes, you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here are the 14 best weekend trips from Montreal. These are the best cities and towns to visit within a short driving distance of Montreal. Some are perfect for nature weekend getaways, others are romantic escapes for couples, but all are amazing for a few days away from Montreal.

If you’re looking for a short road trip from Montreal to escape into nature, or if you want a change of scenery and want to explore a different city altogether, you came upon the right article.

We asked some of our fellow bloggers to share their favorite weekend escapes from Montreal. Below, you’ll find some of the best places to explore that are only a few hours from the city. Discover what makes these destinations so special, what to do there, and when to visit.

Weekends are pretty awesome times to visit these places, but they sometimes tend to get crowded. If you’re looking to really get away and want to mingle with locals, then make sure you head out to these spots during the week. And if you love the place, stay longer and really get to know the area.

If a weekend trip is too long, you can always check out our article for the 20 best day trips from Montreal . They’re all less than 2 hours away from the city. You can also read our full article about the most iconic road trips in Quebec to inspire you a little more.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

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The 14 best weekend trips near Montreal, in Quebec

First, let’s start off with the best destinations in the province of Quebec. We’ve ordered the spots from closest to furthest, so you can plan the perfect escape from Montreal.

1. Montebello, the perfect short trip from Montreal

Montebello is a perfect destination to visit if you are looking for a weekend trip from Montreal. Located on the North Shore of the Ottawa River, Montebello village is a 1-and-a-half hour car drive from Montreal. It’s also located in one of our favorite hidden gem regions of Quebec, the Outaouais – a region where there is always a ton to do !

One of the most famous parts of the town is the world-famous  Château Montebello resort , the largest log structure ever built. It has often been used as a conference center for important Canadian government meetings, NATO conferences, and G7 Summit.

The compound has facilities for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, golf, boating, and snowmobiling. The town also hosts the huge music festival Montebello RockFest which takes place once a year where music lovers come from far-off places to witness it.

Montebello has some great stays and food options but reservations have to be made well in advance. You can enjoy the lush forest, rural landscape, and accompanying mountains. You can also take to hike around the Plaisance Falls which offers some great scenic views of the 63 m fall.

Explore the Géo-Rallye, an electric bike scavenger hunt, a fun activity that would give you a tour of the landscape. Visit some national historic sites like Manoir-Papineau. Enjoy some fresh cheese at Fromagerie Montebello and some craft beer at Brasseurs de Montebello.

You can typically plan a visit for the weekend, however, if you plan to explore the city in detail, a 3-4 day timeframe would help. It’s a perfect romantic getaway from Montreal over the weekend, especially with a stay at the iconic Château Montebello .

2. Orford, a quick weekend escape near Montreal for nature-lovers

Contributed by yours truly at We Did It Our Way

Orford is a great city to visit in the Eastern Townships , about 1h40 from Montreal. It’s a great short trip from Montreal for nature lovers. It’s located at the foot of the beautiful mountains that are part of the Mont Orford national park .

The Mont-Orford National Park is the perfect place to go for a hike , get a view of the Eastern Townships, or try some of the water activities in the summer. You can also go snowshoeing or skiing in the winter months. But if you ask us, the fall is the best time to go because of all the colorful leaves.

Orford is also a great place to get away from Montreal if you’re a foodie. To get a real taste of the local offering, you can drive the wine route and stop along the way for a tasting or two. We recommend having a designated driver so you can really enjoy the route.

There are also many ciders made in the area, so make sure you try them out too! If beer is more of your thing, you can drive the microbrewery route instead. It’s a great way to support local businesses.

There are a ton of towns nearby as well, so if you’re looking to set up base in Orford and explore around, we highly recommend you stay at Chalets Hygge . They offer a ton of different Scandinavian-style chalets that vary in size. They’re the perfect place to call home while you check out what else there is to do in and around Orford.

3. Magog, a nature lover’s weekend trip from Montreal

Contributed by Ruma from The Holiday Story

Magog is the perfect destination for a short road trip from Montreal for nature lovers. The town is only 77 miles (125 km) away from Montreal. It’s located at the confluence of Lake Memphremagog, Rivière aux Cerises, and Magog River, Canada. 

The town gives off a picturesque view with its vineyards and lakes. The place is heavily influenced by its French residents which comprise more than 90% of the total population. Today, it thrives mainly as a tourist destination. There are several things to do in Magog if you go over for a 2-day getaway from Montreal. Here are some of the best things to do:

• Lake Memphremagog : The entire town is named after this lake. It is a long and narrow glacial lake shared by both Canadian and US provinces. Previously it was used only as a canoe route. Now the boat tours here are the most popular activity to be done in Magog. You can also go for a swim in the summer months.
• Musée International d’Art Naif : This is the only existing museum in Canada dedicated to exhibiting naïve art. Artworks of both local and overseas artists are displayed here. The museum offers a free tour for visitors. 
• Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises : It’s a 3-km long walking trail through the forests and marshlands of Magog. It comprises wooden footbridges along with forest trails. The diverse scenic beauty surpasses any other trail. Fall is the best time to visit. Free parking is available at both ends.

The town is laden with resorts and is a popular tourist destination. The local restaurants and cafes provide authentic French delicacies. All in all, it is a good place for a weekend overnight stay.

4. Val David, a short road trip from Montreal

Contributed by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Val-David is a charming French-Canadian village in the Laurentian Mountains, 80 km north of Montreal. This picture-perfect town is tiny but is full of scenery, arts, and adventure. It’s perfect for a winter escape from Montreal.

During the colder seasons, Val-David is a popular destination for winter activities. Cross-country skiers will find a network of groomed trails for all abilities in the natural areas surrounding the town. Le P’tit Trail du Nord is a linear park that runs right through downtown for fabulous cross-country skiing. The reclaimed rail right-of-way travels 200 km from Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. You can also snowshoe into ice caves at the Val-David Regional Park.

Other winter activities include ice skating and hockey at the downtown ice rink with a cozy warming center. Alpine ski enthusiasts will find many classic ski resorts within a short drive. An outdoor equipment store has rental equipment for many outdoor adventures in all seasons.

In warmer weather, the artistic shops and quaint cafes will charm visitors. Cyclists will enjoy biking on Le P’tit Trail du Nord along the free-flowing Rivèrie du Nord . A kayak trip on the river is also possible. Bouldering and rock climbing is popular on the cliffs of the Val-David Regional Park Dufresne sector. Additionally, hiking trails take you through beautiful boreal forests.

Finish your day’s activities with a visit to the local microbrewery. Order from the menu of creative regional cuisine and enjoy a flight of the best craft brews. Spend a couple of nights at a local bed and breakfast to enjoy all the activities and small village charm of Val-David.

Summer or winter, this is a perfect escape from Montreal. It’s a short road trip from the city and it allows you to fully jump into nature.

5. Mont-Tremblant, another great weekend road trip near Montreal

Contributed by Devin of Deventuretime

Mont-Tremblant is an amazing place to visit all year round as there are plenty of restaurants, events, and things to do in the area. It’s located just over an hour and a half from Montreal, making it a great weekend or day trip from the city . The area is home to a ski resort, casino, spas, great restaurants, and plenty of activities for the whole family.

A  winter getaway to Mont-Tremblant  is a popular way to experience the area. During this time, the ski resort is open and attracts visitors from all around, and offers plenty of exciting things to do in winter. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, visitors can go tubing, skating, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and indulge in delicious hot chocolate.

During the summer, the mountains at the resort turn into a great place to go hiking. Visitors can take the gondola to the top of the mountain and adventure around the trails at the top. There are a number of summer activities offered, including a luge, climbing tower, mini-golf, and more.

The village at the resort is fun to visit all year round and is home to many shops, candy stores, and much more. There is even a stall for the famous BeaverTails dessert, which is a fried pastry topped with a variety of sweets. Nearby, there is a popular Scandinavian Spa for those looking to relax on their trip to Mont-Tremblant and a casino that is great to visit in the evening after dinner.

There are plenty of delicious French Restaurants around Mont-Tremblant to check out as well. C’est la Vie boasts a great fine-dining experience, serving up unique meats and great wines. The food alone is reason enough to visit Mont-Tremblant on a weekend road trip from Montreal !

Mont-Tremblant offers a ton of accommodations . You can choose to stay in the resort village or rent a place that is close by. If you’re looking to rent a lovely cabin a few minutes away from Mont-Tremblant, we highly recommend staying at Ölch Cabin . This Scandinavian-style cabin is nestled in nature and offers all the comforts (and more) you can ever ask for.

6. Gatineau Park, a great nature lover’s escape from Montreal and Ottawa

Contributed by Nina of Nina Out and About 

Gatineau Park is an essential short trip from Montreal for nature lovers. Located by the border between Quebec and Ontario, Gatineau Park is a national park full of hiking trails, camping spots, and fun outdoor activities. Add it to a stop on your  Quebec road trip itinerary  to make the most of the area.

Gatineau Park is an amazing destination to visit in the summer or the winter. Summer features long hiking trails that lead to waterfalls , overlooks across the lakes, and historical ruins. You can find the remnants of a Prime Minister’s home on the McKenzie King trail.

In winter, Gatineau Park becomes a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Most of the trails close to hikers so you can fly down them at high speeds on your skis. You can bring these with you from Montreal or rent a pair in the nearby town.

When you need some relaxation after all of that hiking, check out the Nordik Spa for amazing treatments. Soak in their outdoor hot pools, letting any tension melt away from your muscles. Or upgrade and get a massage and facial.

You’ll be so relaxed you’ll happily melt into your sleeping bag at a camp in the park. Most people opt to camp in tents in the designated areas throughout Gatineau Park. Some people prefer to book accommodations at local lodges and B&Bs for a more luxurious experience.

Staying for at least 2 days is how to get the best experience of the national park.

When you visit Gatineau Park, be sure to stop at some of the nearby towns before you leave. They have adorable cafes with sausage rolls and homemade pies that will warm your belly on your journey back to Montreal.

7. Mont-Mégantic National Park, the perfect weekend getaway from Montreal

Contributed by Audrey of That Backpacker

If you’re looking for a nature escape with a side of star-gazing, I would recommend  visiting Mont-Mégantic National Park .

Located a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, Mont-Mégantic is situated in the heart of the first International Dark Sky Reserve. That means it’s an astronomy lover’s paradise. Because there is hardly any light pollution in the area, it’s the perfect weekend destination near Montreal to turn your gaze upwards and marvel at the stars. Plus, there’s also plenty of hiking to be enjoyed by day!

For accommodations, I would recommend staying in the park where they have these spacey, futuristic-looking cabins named after each of the planets in our solar system. You’ll be surrounded by nature, and have access to hiking trails right at your doorstep.

If camping is not your thing, we have two other accommodations nearby that are close enough to the Mont-Mégantic National Park – Chalet Hygge & Laö Cabines

Another place not to miss on your visit is the ASTROLab , which offers daytime guided tours with exhibits focusing on earth and space. You can also watch a film called  Cosmic Rhythms , which really puts into perspective just how vast our universe is. Make sure you check out entrance conditions before going.

For a nice dinner, Aux Toits Rouges is highly recommended, which specializes in regional cuisine. They have dishes featuring royal quail and duck from Lac Brome, and their maple syrup pie is a must-try!

Mont-Mégantic is a fun nature escape year-round, however, if you’re an astronomy enthusiast, you may want to plan your visit in the summertime. The Popular Astronomy Festival takes place in July and is the biggest gathering of novice, amateur, and professional astronomers in Québec. This is also one of the few times of the year when the public is granted access to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory to scan the skies using a 1.6-meter telescope. Another important event is the Perseid Meteor Shower, which is visible every year from mid-July to mid-August. The ASTROLab puts on a special program and invites people to spend the night under the stars.

Not only is Mont-Mégantic national park a great place to hike and explore, the town is also the perfect nature escape from Montreal.

8. Québec City, a big city weekend escape close to Montreal

Contributed by Stephanie from The World As I See It

For a fabulous weekend getaway from Montreal head to Quebec City. Located approximately three hours outside of Montreal, Quebec City is a must-visit! Home to UNESCO World Heritage status, a wealth of museums and an old-world charm that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a village in Europe, old Quebec City has something for everyone.

With so many great things to do in Quebec City the ideas to fill your days are endless. If you love exploring the history of places you visit then you’ll love the wealth of historical sites, museums, and walking tours. Be sure to wander the Old City Gates, visit Place Royal and the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site.

Whether you’re looking for incredible architecture or epic views there are a ton of great  photography spots in Quebec City  too. Like the views atop Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace or the iconic Chateau Frontenac . A few other things to add to your itinerary should include a ride on the Funicular, stroll Rue de Petit Champlain, explore the thriving art scene and visit Battlefields Park.

A weekend trip to Quebec City is ideal any time of year depending on your preference. For fun festival vibes visit in the winter for the Winter Carnival. If you’re looking for more comfortable temperatures and the ideal time to explore the city’s parks consider a trip in the summer. Any time is a great time to visit Quebec City. And with an endless list of things to do, places to go and fantastic restaurants you’ll want to plan at least two to three days to truly appreciate this incredible city.

If you want to explore a different city than Montreal, and want to get immersed in Old-France vibes, this is the weekend road tri p you need!

9. Ile d’Orléans, a quick trip from Quebec City, and a weekend road trip from Montreal

While you’re visiting Quebec City, and even as a quick escape near Montreal, Ile d’Orléans is a great place to explore. This little island, about 3 hours from Montreal, is a local produce lover’s heaven! In fact, some of the best local strawberries all around the province of Quebec come from Ile d’Orléans. It’s well worth the detour to get your fill. You even have the choice of picking these scrumptious berries yourself.

While you’re on Ile d’Orléans, make sure to stop and check out the Observation Tower which gives you great views of the island and the shores across the St Lawrence River. On clear days, you can see pretty far.

For foodies, check out Tigidou jams , a great local producer of jams, sorbets, and other delicious treats made from local produce. There are also quite a few wineries that are on the island. We loved our stop at Isle de Bacchus vineyard! We had a tasting menu of wines where we tried 6-7 of their best sellers. Another must is Cassis Monna et Filles. It’s an economuseum where you can discover the island’s famous blackcurrant liqueur, try their ice cream or other blackcurrant delicacies.

On your way to or from Ile d’Orléans, don’t miss the  Montmorency Waterfalls . You can spot them from a mile away! They’re one of the largest waterfalls in Quebec . You can zipline over them, check out the many vantage points, take the cable car, or just admire them from the suspension bridge that goes above them. They really are impressive when you’re close by!

There are a few places to stay on the Ile d’Orléans, but if you’re looking for an escape from Montreal, or from Quebec city, check out Nöge Hébergement . Here, you can disconnect from the stressful world around you, and reconnect with nature.

10. Saguenay Lac-St-Jean, a perfect region to discover near Montreal

The Saguenay Lac-St-Jean area is the perfect weekend destination near Montreal, and the summer is an amazing time to visit the region. The weather warms up, the days get longer, the local produce offering is incredible and there are a ton of beautiful places to visit and things to do outdoors.

The Saint-Jean region is known for its beautiful bike paths. The most popular one is the Blueberry Route, a 256-kilometer pathway that goes all the way from the estuary to up and around the lake. Its name is no coincidence either. There are a ton of blueberries to pick along the route so if you’re looking for a delicious snack, don’t be shy to stop and pick some. This region is famed for its delicious berries.

In the region, you can visit The Fjord du Saguenay national park is amazing for hiking or canoeing. There’s also the Ouiatchouan hiking trail which is a multi-day hike that crosses the amazing waterfall that bears the same name as the trail. You can also visit the Val Jalbert ghost town or one of the many museums in the area. Plus, there are a ton of small cute towns that are worth the detour.

Finally, if you’re looking to relax, you’re in luck. The Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has some of the best beaches that are near Montreal. The best ones are located around the lake.

If you’re looking to escape Montreal for the weekend, make sure you stop and enjoy everything the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has to offer.

Looking for more fun things to do around the province of Quebec? Here are some of our articles to help you plan the best trips: – The best things to do in the Eastern Townships – Unique cabins to book around Quebec – The best things to do in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean – The best hikes around Montreal – National Parks around Montreal you should check out – The best national parks in Quebec – The best waterfalls in Quebec – Top 10 attractions in Quebec’s Côte Nord – A trip to the Magdalen Islands – The best day trips from Montreal – The best things to do in Outaouais

Weekend getaways from Montreal in Ontario

11. kingston, a cute town to explore on a weekend road trip from montreal.

Contributed by Alicia from travelswiththecrew.com

Kingston is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada, and it’s a great place to visit as a weekend trip from Montreal or from Toronto . It’s a perfect destination for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. It is also a great destination for people who love good food and a quaint downtown.

The best things to do in Kingston are to visit the Fort Henry National Historic Site. This famous fort was built in 1812 and served as a strategic defense against the United States. Next, check out the Rideau Canal, which is one of the largest man-made waterways in North America. It stretches from Ottawa to Lake Ontario and passes through Kingston on its way. You can visit the Rideau canal locks, or even rent a boat to take the scenic voyage.

In the evening, go for a hike at Frontenac Provincial Park. These trails offer scenic views of Lake Ontario, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way! You can also relax outdoors on Kingston’s waterfront. The city has many walkways right by its beautiful lakeshore that are perfect for taking enjoyment from nature to your heart’s content.

Visit Kingston’s City Hall. This beautiful art deco building is a historic landmark that was built in the late 1920s. Go for a walk through downtown Kingston with its brick streets and quaint shops! There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, concert venues, and more to choose from within this area. Some of the city’s best restaurants are Tony’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Casa Domenico, or the Kingston Brewing Company.

A weekend trip is the perfect amount of time to see what Kingston has to offer and to really feel like you got to know the city. There are also plenty of accommodations to choose from , so book a night, take your time and enjoy this little gem!

12. Ottawa, discover Canada’s capital, a quick trip from Montreal

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

One of the best weekend trips from Montreal is one to the city of Ottawa. You can find Ottawa on the border with Quebec, in the province of Ontario. The city is best known for being the capital of Canada and for its history. This makes it a very interesting place to visit! Moreover, there are lots of things to do and see in Ottawa.

One of the best things to do is to visit the National Gallery of Canada. You find here a large collection of artworks from all around the world. In total, you find here almost 100,000 different pieces of art.

Another great place to visit in the city is Parliament Hill. This is where you find a beautiful Neo-Gothic building that is the home of the Canadian legislature. Also, the Canadian Museum of History is definitely worth visiting. This is the perfect place if you want to learn about the human history of the country of Canada and the diversity of the people that live in the country.

Besides that, Rideau Canal is great to see as well. This is a beautiful canal that connects the city of Ottawa to Lake Ontario. This is also a fun place, as you can go biking here, go sailing through it by boat, or go ice skating in winter!

There is no one perfect time to visit the city of Ottawa, the city is great during every season! You can also cover the highlights of the city during a 2-day weekend, but you can easily spend more time here if you want to see even more!

Looking for the best things to do in Ottawa? Check out our article that covers the top 10 activities to do on a weekend in Canada’s capital.

13. Prince Edward County, a peaceful 3-day weekend escape from Montreal

Contributed by Taima from PoorinaPrivatePlane.com

Located on Lake Ontario, less than four hours away from Montreal, Prince Edward County makes for a great 3-day weekend destination. In the winter, you can take advantage of activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating. And in the summer, spend the weekend on the beach and cooling off on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward County is a hidden gem. Here you can go wine tasting in many of the local vineyards. Visit one of the many brew pubs. Or just spend a relaxing weekend in one of the inns near the Lake. 

For those that like beer, check out Midtown Brewing Company. But the food and beer here are phenomenal.

If wine is more your style there are so many wineries/vineyards to choose from. Sandbanks are one of the most popular and a must-visit for first-timers to Prince Edward County. Other must-visits in the area are Sugarbush, Trail Estate, and Traynor.

In the summer be sure to check out Sandbanks Park located right on Lake Ontario. This is a popular place to visit both in the summer and winter. In the summer, enjoy the sunshine and take a dip in the lake. In the winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland.

There are many smaller inns where you can stay in town. However, if you are looking for more inexpensive options, or if the smaller inns are sold out, then check out Belleville which is just over the bridge.

14. Toronto, a big city weekend getaway from Montreal

Contributed by Carolin from Happy when Abroad

From Montreal, it takes about 5 hours by train to reach Toronto, Canada’s largest city in the province of Ontario. Along the way, you will pass the picturesque Ontario Lake. Being home to over six million people, Toronto is not only a popular tourist destination in North America but also the largest city in Canada.

The city offers numerous attractions and activities for every season and for every kind of budget. Climbing up the unmistakable CN Tower and taking a boat to the Toronto Islands should definitely be on your  Toronto Bucket List .

If you are traveling on a budget, there are many options for you as well. Free activities in the metropolis include walking around the lovely harbor front, enjoying the view over Lake Ontario while eating ice cream, soaking in the vivid atmosphere, and the colorful hustle-and-bustle, at Yong-Dundas Square as well as strolling around the historic Distillery District. On top, you should not miss trying all the delicious food at Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market and taking photos of painted walls in Graffiti Alley.

It is hard to say which is the best time to visit Toronto, because at every time of the year, there are different things to do and see. If you want to go on boat trips and enjoy the harbor front, it is better to come in summer (June-September). However, you can enjoy the many ice-skating rinks and Christmas markets in winter.

As you can see, there are always many things to do and see in Toronto. From one day to several weeks, the city will not become boring for you so easily.

Here are the 14 best weekend trips from Montreal

As always, here are the best weekend escapes near Montreal. Of course, these are places you can go to on a quick drive and spend the weekend discovering their beauty. However, if you want to take a bit more time and really enjoy your time, take a few extra days in these amazing towns and cities.

• Mont-Tremblant
• Gatineau Park
• Mont-Mégantic
• Quebec City
• Ile d’Orléans
• Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
• Prince Edward County

Of course, there are a ton of other small towns around Montreal that are worth a visit. But if you’re looking to make the best of your weekend getaways, without going too far from the city, these are your best bets.

We tried to keep these places close enough to the city so that you have ample time to explore the destination once you get there. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you visit the place respectfully and leave without leaving a trace.

Let us know in the comments if there are other places near Montreal that are great weekend destinations.

We put a lot of time and effort into the content we create. Please like, comment and share, every action on your part helps us out tremendously and is very much appreciated.

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You Might Also Like:

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One-of-a-kind experiences a short drive away

Montréal is a cultural hotbed like no other, but a rich variety of experiences lies just outside its bounds too. Just a quarter-hour to two-hour drive out will introduce you to totally different cool scenes and amazing natural settings. Explore the rolling hills of the Eastern Townships, the high peaks of the Laurentians, the foodie finds of Montérégie, the wooded beauty of Lanaudière and the amazing entertainment of Laval for yourself!

Live the cottage life in Lanaudière

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Fall in love with the Eastern Townships

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20 Best Things to Do in Montreal

By Todd Plummer

Montreal is one of Canada's most exciting cities, but it's also an incredibly historic place. When French explorer Jacques Cartier visited what is now known as Montreal in 1535, he found a thriving community of St. Lawrence Iroquois, whom are now believed to have inhabited the area for at least 3,000 years. Flash forward to today, and there are centuries of history weaving their way through each and every neighborhood, and a plethora of museums, tours, and architecture that all speak to that. But Montreal hums a modern tune as well, with music and nightlife, and world-class design and technology community, and some of the best food in the world . From Plateau to Verdun, our editor's picks of what to do in Montreal will have you leaving the city enlightened, full, and probably a little bit tired—all marks of a trip well spent.

Read our full Montreal travel guide here .

Mount Royal Arrow

Mount Royal Park, Montreal's unofficial playground north of downtown, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) and inaugurated in 1876. The park sprawls more than 692 acres and is a favorite destination of Montrealers, who make use of the park year-round, from jogging and enjoying family picnics in summertime, to skiing and tobogganing in winter. Attractions include the Mount Royal Cross (first erected in 1643), Mount Royal Chalet, Beaver Lake, and Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument.

La Grande Roue de Montréal Arrow

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River just steps from Old Montreal, the largest observation wheel in Canada, brings guests nearly 200 feet into the sky, offering panoramic views over the city, tee river, and Mount Royal. It’s touristy, but it’s worth it for those of us who love seeing cities from above. Bringing you high above Old Montréal, each ride is long enough for you to appreciate the sights and start to understand the city’s topography, but not so long that you’re wishing it would be over. For added thrills, upgrade to the “VIP Package” aboard gondola number 42: It’s the only one on the wheel that has a glass floor and Italian leather seats.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Arrow

The MMFA was founded in 1860 and has since grown into one of the most visited museums in North America; visitors flock from all corners of the globe to view the outstanding permanent collection: some 43,000 works from antiquity to today, much of it on display throughout five pavilions. The enormous institution also hosts seasonal blockbuster exhibitions. Be sure to visit the breathtaking Napoleon collection.

McGill University Arrow

Canada's leading research university occupies a prime piece of picture perfect real estate in central Montreal, nestled between Mount Royal and the skyscrapers of downtown. Whether you're dropping in for a lecture or just passing through on your points elsewhere, spend a little time getting lost amid the buildings here and you'll be rewarded with some serious Hogwarts vibes. Walking up the main entrance from the front gates, you'll be greeted by the inspiring, iconic tableau of the Arts Building cupola framed by Mount Royal; museums and libraries are to your left, and imposing gothic revival classroom buildings to your right. Guided tours are available and depart from the Welcome Center on rue McTavish, just make sure to sign up online as group sizes are limited.

Tom Vanderbilt

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

Shana Clarke

Marché Jean-Talon Arrow

In the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America, is an unmissable Montreal experience for food lovers. The space, which is full of small shopkeepers, bustles with activity year-round; you'll find local fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, grocers, and restaurateurs. It's hugely popular with locals and tourists, and if you're looking for old-world charm, there's nothing better.

OASIS Immersion Arrow

There's a deep history of and passion for design and technology in Montreal, and this immersive exhibit held at the Palais des Congres is the largest of its kind in Canada. The show itself is a stunning display of natural landscapes, videos of artists performing and creating, poetry that floats across the screen, and psychedelic designs that transport the audience; the substance of the show itself appeals to adults and children alike. Because you need to book tickets in advance the exhibit never gets too crowded, so you'll be able to keep your distance from others and experience the magic without feeling cramped. Expect to hear lots of "oohs" and "ahs."

Space for Life Arrow

The Montréal Space for Life, home to the Biodôme, Insectarium, Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, and Botanical Garden, is the largest natural sciences museum complex in Canada. This is a great place to explore and embrace the natural world; don't miss the “Gardens of Light” lantern festival and the dazzling “Butterflies Go Free” event, both held annually at the Botanical Garden.

Cafe Olimpico Arrow

Founded in 1970, Café Olimpico is a European-style café that serves a wonderful selection of coffee, espresso drinks, and Italian pastries. The Mile End landmark is a favorite among hipsters and artists, including Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau Arrow

There are two volumes of conversation allowed at Bota Bota, a floating spa docked in Montreal's Old Port: “quiet” and "silence." Since opening in 2010, it has become an attraction for locals and tourists drawn to its spa treatments and hydrotherapy circuit. You can soak in a mineral-rich hot tub—and perhaps conquer that jet lag—while gazing upon the Downtown core, Mount Royal, and the historic Old Port, all from the river. While admission is typically limited to guests over the age of 18, the spa recently brought back its popular “Pirates Layover,” where children between 12 and 17 can visit on select dates to learn about and experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.

MURAL Festival Arrow

From Mile-End to Griffintown, Montreal is covered with murals. Public art is a huge part of the city’s cultural landscape, and each summer for about ten days, the annual MURAL Festival offers live painting sessions, workshops, and music performances in celebration of the street artists who keep this city (which can be oppressively grey and cold for much of the year) so colorful. Luckily for those of us who can’t make the trip up north during the festival itself, many of the murals are left up year-round. Boulevard Saint-Laurent is now the largest street art corridor in Canada, with works ranging from figurative representations of historic Montrealers to more abstract designs: The MURAL Festival website has a wonderful dynamic map to help you navigate them all.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill Arrow

Upstairs, located downtown, is home to many Montreal-based acts, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and jazz legend Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at the club too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival; it has also been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, so you know there'll always be something good on.

Pointe-à-Callière - Museum of Archaeology and History Arrow

Pointe-à-Callière, the largest archaeology museum in Canada, is built atop the historic Old Montreal sites where the city was founded in 1642. There is lots of drama here, from the excavated remains of the original settlement to interactive video installations. Pointe-à-Callière also presents three to four temporary exhibitions every year.

Saint Joseph's Oratory Arrow

The majestic Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the world’s great Catholic basilicas, was founded by Saint Brother André, who is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. More than 2 million people visit the pilgrimage site each year (both religious and non-religious), and its dome is the third-largest of its kind in the world after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire and Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome . It's without question one of Montreal's most impressive architectural jewels.

Beyond the Bagel Tour – Museum of Jewish Montreal Arrow

Jewish food historian Kat Romanow knows her bagels, bialys, and rugelachs. Her Beyond the Bagel walking food tour, offered through the Museum of Jewish Montreal, is a highly informative, well-organized romp. The Plateau and Mile End might be known today for their posh hipsters and nightlife hotspots, but this tour pulls back the curtain on the layers of history found in this part of the city. It's a much more fulfilling dive into Montreal cuisine than just grabbing a bagel or smoked meat sandwich on your own. As much of the excursion is outdoors, just note that this one is not generally offered between November and March.

Lachine Canal Arrow

The Lachine Canal flows from the historic buildings of Old Montreal, past the gentrified glass condo buildings of Griffintown, and through the hipster neighborhood of St. Henri before flowing into the industrial areas of Angrignon and Lasalle. Because it cuts through so many residential neighborhoods, you'll get a real glimpse of how Montrealers spend their downtime. On warm summer days, there isn't a better place to go for a jog or walk in the city.

Guidatour's Old Montréal Walking Tour Arrow

Guidatour's professional guides have earned their excellent reputations, and the company's Old Montréal East and Old Montréal West itineraries both stop off at the must-see Notre-Dame Basilica , including an interior visit at no additional charge. Both tours last 90 minutes, and they're best for those looking for a crash course in the history of Montreal. You'll be amazed at how many hidden treasures you stumble upon in such a short time span. As much of Guidatour’s offerings are held outdoors, scheduled tours are generally on hold for the colder months. If you can brave the cold, however, feel free to reach out directly through their website to inquire about setting up a private tour.

Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal Arrow

Since the mid 1960s, the informal, yet institutionalized, phenomenon known as Tam Tams has been one of the city's quirkiest and most beloved traditions, coming to Mont Royal Park every Sunday during the warmer months. At the base of the George-Étienne Cartier Monument obelisk, groups of friends, strangers, and percussionists from all walks of life gather to form communal drum circles, artisans and craftspeople sell their wares and LARPers (that's, Live Action Role Players) have lightsaber fights and medieval jousting matches.

Cité Mémoire Arrow

Cité Mémoire, the largest outdoor video-projection installation in the world, features 25 tableaux composed of images projected on alley walls, trees and the ground throughout Old Montréal accompanied by narration, and music. The work as a whole tells stories of famous and not-so-famous Montrealers; and they put forward themes and values central to the city's identity. You'll learn about Marguerite Bourgeoys, the French founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, as well as sports icons Jackie Robinson (whose season with the Montreal Royals was important in his breaking of baseball's color barrier) and Maurice Richard. There are also tableaux about The Jewish Children’s Transport train (the orphans who survived Nazi concentration camps and were adopted by Montrealers); the burning of the Parliament in Montreal in 1849; Montreal’s fabled Sin City era (set to the rhythm of Montrealer and jazz icon Oscar Peterson’s piano).

La Banquise Arrow

If you go to just one poutine joint in Montréal, make it la Banquise in the Plateau district a 1968 institution that's known far and wide for its classic and comprehensive poutine menu. You'll find something for everybody here, from meat gravy to vegan sauce. Late night, be prepared for long queues of hungry club-goers.

Cabaret Mado Arrow

Like much of Montreal's Gay Village, Cabaret Mado, a cabaret drag bar, is a little gritty, a little sparkly, and utterly fabulous. Mado, an icon in Quebec's vibrant gay scene who has performed for more than 30 years, often oversees the nightly festivities herself by hosting live drag shows most nights of the week. It's a pretty intimate space, so there isn't a bad seat in the house. Just be warned: Those seated in the front row are most vulnerable to be corralled into the show (willingly or unwillingly).

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Home » North America » Montreal

23 BEST Places to Visit in Montreal (2024)

Montreal is undoubtedly the cultural beating heart of Canada. It’s overflowing with lush green parks, historic basilicas, and creative art galleries that you can’t find anywhere else in North America. Not to mention that it boasts some of the most diverse (and delicious) restaurants around!

And while many cities in Quebec can’t decide between being proudly Canadian or culturally French, Montreal manages to pull them both off seamlessly. You can be walking down a European-style cobblestone alley and turn the corner to see towering skyscrapers and metropolitan high rises.

If you want to make the most of your time in Quebec’s largest city, check out our curated list of best things to see in Montreal. You’ll be amazed at all the fascinating attractions there are waiting for you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Montreal:

These are the best places to visit in montreal, faq on the best places to visit in montreal, final thoughts.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal (or Vieux-Montreal) is undoubtedly the heart of the city. The oldest district in the city, Old Montreal was founded as a fur trading post by Samuel de Champlain in the early-17th century.

• Be amazed by Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s most spectacular church and one of the largest in North America.
• Learn all about science and technology at the exciting and modern Montreal Science Centre.
• Enjoy a taste of Quebec from the 1700s at Le Saint-Gabriel restaurant.

Your accommodation in Montreal also needs to be THE BEST! It can be hard to sift all the great options that exist in this stunning city so we’ve made it easier for you. Check out the best places to stay in Montreal and get your accommodation lined up next to your favourite attractions before you go.

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#1 – Mont-Royal – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Montreal!

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• Hike, walk, or bus to the top
• Amazing views from the summit
• Plenty of outdoor activities and things to see
• Designed by NYC’s Central Park designer

Why it’s awesome: Start your visit to Montreal by climbing to the top of Mont Royal! There are three different peaks, but each one boasts stunning, panoramic views of the entire city and mountains over the south bank. We recommend waking up early and visiting Mont Royal before the sun rises. Not only will you beat the mass groups of tourists, but you’ll also see one of the most picturesque views of Montreal. And for those who aren’t so keen on trekking up a mountain, don’t worry! There’s a shuttle bus to the summit.

What to do there: The walk to the peaks might be just as entertaining as the view itself. There are plenty of trees and animals to see as you make your way to the top. Or, you can bring some lunch and a couple of friends for a quiet outdoor picnic. And if you come in the winter, you can slide down the side of Mont Royal by snow tube or toboggan!

#2 – Jardin Botanique

• Themed gardens and greenhouses
• Rare, unique, and tropical plants
• On-site insectarium
• Home to botanical research facilities

Why it’s awesome: Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, Jardin Botanique is a serene park where you can escape the hectic city life around you. Covering over 75-hectares, the sprawling park contains 30 themed gardens and ten greenhouses, each home to a variety of different plants and flowers. It’s another relaxing destination for those who are interested in escaping the city. Not only is the garden one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, but it’s also one of the most comprehensive gardens in the world!

What to do there: The best thing to do at Jardin Botanique is to wander the grounds and explore the different gardens. You’ll find Japanese and Chinese gardens, medical gardens, and even rare, toxic plants! During the spring and summer, you can also walk through the vibrant rose garden, which blooms in a rainbow of colors. Inside the greenhouses are tropical plants, orchids, bonsai trees, and bromeliads. But plants aren’t the only thing to see here! If you’re not squeamish, you can visit the on-site insectarium!

#3 – Notre Dame Basilica – Possibly one of the most important places to see in Montreal!

• One of the most popular  things to do in Montreal
• Brightly colored interior
• Grand 7,000-pipe organ
• Come for the sound and light show

Why it’s awesome: Not to be confused with the cathedral of the same name in Paris, the Notre Dame in Montreal is the city’s oldest church. Built-in a towering, Neo-Gothic Style, the church is equally as intricate from the outside as it is on the inside. Shades of bright purples, vibrant reds, and shiny silver give the interior of the church a jewel-toned hue. But by far the most impressive features are the deep blue vaults of the ceiling, which are decorated with shimming gold stars.

What to do there: If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll enjoy marveling at the beautiful construction of the basilica. Inside, you can see the carved pulpit, which was sculpted by Louis-Philippe Hébert in the 1800s. And, you can’t miss seeing (or hearing) the 7,000-pipe organ. Admission to Notre Dame includes a 20-minute tour, but you can also upgrade to a 1-hour tour for more information, as well as access to private rooms including the balconies and the crypt.

#4 – Jean-Talon Market – A must see for foodies!

• Located in Little Italy
• Over 300 stalls and shops
• Buy directly from the farmer, fisherman, or butcher
•  A feast for the eyes (and stomach!)

Why it’s awesome: Located in Montreal’s Little Italy neighborhood, the Jean-Talon Market is your go-to destination for delicious Canadian delicacies. Surprisingly, it’s open all year round (even during the hard Montreal winter). Most of the 300 shop vendors come from the Montreal countryside, and sell produce, meats, and fish sourced directly from their farms. Not only can you buy directly from the source, but you can also meet the farmers and learn more about how they produce their goods.

What to do there: Shop of course! There is a wide variety of food stalls and shop vendors selling every type of tasty treat under the sun. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing groceries, you can still feast your eyes on the colorful, delicious fruits and vegetables that are on display. Surrounding the markets are several restaurants and specialty shops, where you can purchase spices, cheeses, imported goods, and pastries. It’s also a great place to buy cookware, as there are several kitchen stores in the area.

#5 – St. Joseph’s Oratory

• Dedicated to the patron saint, St. Joseph of Canada
• Sweeping views from the top of the hill
• Religious pilgrimage site
• Canada’s largest church

Why it’s awesome: Located in Mont-Royal Park, Oratoire Saint-Joseph, or St. Joseph’s Oratory, is a Renaissance domed basilica from the early 1920s. In fact, it’s Canada’s largest church, and is considered to have one of the largest dome tops in the world! Therefore, it’s easy to see why the church is one of Canada’s National Historic Sites. Dedicated to the patron saint of St. Joseph, the basilica is supposedly the location where he performed magical acts of healing for the citizens of Montreal.

What to do there: There are many things to look at when you enter St. Joseph’s Oratory. One of the highlights is St. Joseph’s tomb, which is located in the main chapel. However, the church is situated atop a hill, with exactly 283 steps leading up to the main entrance. And for many, the walk to St. Joseph’s Oratory is considered a religious pilgrimage. But even if you’re not of practicing faith, you can still enjoy the outstanding view from the top.

#6 – Parc Jean Drapeau – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Montreal!

• Family-friendly attraction area
• Amusement park, museums, and race track
• Unique glass shaped dome as a building
• Perfect for a weekend away

Why it’s awesome: Covering both Saint Helens and Notre Dame Islands, Parc Jean Drapeau is one of the most exciting attractions in all of Montreal. Initially constructed for the Expo 67 World’s Fair, Parc Jean Drapeau was transformed into the ultimate amusement area. The building itself is also a fantastic sight – a giant glass sphere contains the family-fun attractions inside. So come prepared to have an action-packed day or weekend on some of the most exhilarating views in all of Montreal!

What to do there: If you’re looking for a thrilling weekend of fun in Montreal , then you’ll find it at Parc Jean Drapeau. Shoot down heart-stopping rollercoasters at La Ronde theme park, race cars on a formula-1 race track, or take a dip in the Olympic rowing basin. You can also find an environmental museum, an outdoor concert venue, and even a sandy beach! Whether you’re visiting with friends, your family, or even with your significant other, you’re guaranteed to find something that sparks your interest here at Parc Jean Drapeau!

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#7 –  Musée des Beaux-Arts

• Canada’s largest art museum
• Modern, Impressionist, Ancient, and Oriental Art
• Six individual pavilions and art themes
• Located on Sherbrooke Street

Why it’s awesome: Not only is the Musée des Beaux-Arts the oldest museum in Canada, but it’s a sprawling collection of over 10,000 items! You’ll find paintings, sculptures and even interactive installations from all over the world. Located on the Golden Square Mile stretch of Sherbrooke Street, you can’t miss large 53,000 square meter building. Highlights include paintings by Rembrandt, Canaletto, El Greco, Tiepolo, and Veronese.

What to do there: With six different pavilions, you’ll have a variety of exhibits to explore. At the Desmarais Pavilion, you’ll find the modern and contemporary art, while the Hornstein Pavilion houses archeology and ancient art. The Bourgie Pavilion contains Quebec and Canadian-focused art and the Hornstein Pavilion for Peace has an extensive collection of international pieces. Finally, there’s a 2,000 square meter sculpture garden, where you can enjoy metal, marble, and clay sculptures while getting a bit of sun! In reality, the Musée des Beaux-Arts has something for every type of taste.

#8 –  Le Plateau-Mont-Royal  – Cool place to see in Montreal with friends!

• Quirky and trendy neighborhood in Montreal
• See and be seen! Great people watching
• Busy shops, restaurants, and cafes
• Colorful buildings and houses

Why it’s awesome: With vibrant, colorful houses and a laid-back, creative atmosphere, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is a trendy neighborhood in Montreal. Simply known as The Plateau, this densely populated district is always buzzing at every hour of the day. It was once an active ethnic community, with many immigrants commuting to the nearby factories. However, it’s now a quirky, hip area full of students, artists, musicians, and most obviously, hipsters. This neighborhood is primarily for anyone who wants to see and be seen.

What to do there: You can find all sorts of activities, day and night, here at The Plateau. Small boutiques, outdoor coffee shops, and gourmet restaurants line the streets. Sure, this might not be your average, run-of-the-mill tourist attraction, but it’s overflowing with locals. Even the architecture here is worth noting! Historic houses are painted bright oranges and purples, with iron staircases and balconies hugging the outside. Come for the cuisine, the one-of-a-kind shops, or for the people watching.

#9 –  Pointe-à-Callière Museum

• Comprised of three different archeological sites
• Showcasing different periods throughout Montreal
• A National Historic Site of Canada
• See Montreal’s first Catholic Cemetary

Why it’s awesome: Located in the historic city center of Old Montreal, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum is one of the most important museums in all of Canada. It originally opened in 1992; on Montreal’s 350th birthday, and has remained an iconic landmark since. Pointe-à-Callière is an award-winning, archeological museum, and showcases significant periods of history since Montreal’s development. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the city’s culture and history, then spend a few hours exploring the educational Pointe-à-Callière Museum!

What to do there: As soon as you step foot inside the museum, you’ll be transported back in time. Each section focuses on a different time in Montreal, and you can explore the history through artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the archeological crypt, an underground area that contains the original stone trails, drainage channels, and floors from 17th-century Montreal. There are also rotating, temporary exhibits, and you can check the Pointe-à-Callière website to see what’s on display during your visit.

#10 –  Aire Commune

• Unique coworking office and event space
• Free wifi, live entertainment, and yoga classes
• Only open during the summer
• Several bars and food stalls on-site

Why it’s awesome: Montreal’s Aire Commune is not your average workspace. By bringing together the most creative minds and influencers around Canada, Aire Commune is a cohesive coworking office and event space. Located in the trendy Mile End neighborhood, Aire Commune attracts both foreign visitors and locals alike. However, it’s important to remember that it’s only open during the summer month from May to September. But if you happen to be in Montreal during this time, you can’t miss a visit to the unique, outdoor Aire Commune!

What to do there: Aire Commune throws a variety of daily events, including lunch and learns live entertainment, happy hours, and even yoga classes! And when you’re hungry, there are several food stalls and cafes to keep your stomach happy and full. They also have a huge outdoor terrace where you can mingle with new friends or enjoy an ice, cold bottle of beer. And since they’re free wifi everywhere, you might even be able to convince yourself to get some work done!

#11 – Habitat 67 – A great place to see in Montreal if you love architecture!

• Built for the Expo 67 World’s Fair
• Over 150 modular apartments
• Great views of Habitat 67 from Montreal’s port
• Tour the designer’s private penthouse

Why it’s awesome: Habitat 67 may be one of the most bizarre apartment buildings in the world! It was initially designed by a McGill University masters student, who came up with the idea for the Expo 67 World’s Fair. The building is made up of 67 concrete structures, that are stacked and placed in various combinations and heights. Come to think of it; they somewhat resemble a bunch of shoeboxes! However, Habitat 67 is actually comprised of over 150 apartment buildings. And since some of the homes come with portside views and large terraces, it’s surprisingly not a bad place to call home!

What to do there: Unless you are looking for a new apartment or have a friend that lives there, you visit Habitat 67 to admire the unique architecture. Whether you’re looking at the studios from the ground floor, or from across the water of Montreal Port, you’ll be amazing at how this modular structure became one of the most influential and experimental buildings in all of Canada. However, you can tour Safdie (the architects) private penthouse suite. Tickets can be purchased for the private guided tour of his apartment.

#12 – Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery

• Over 1 million graves
• The largest cemetery in Canada
• Tombstones of poets, politicians, and Montreal’s affluent
• Over 65 monuments

Why it’s awesome: Covering over 139-hectares on Mont-Royal, the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery is more than just Canada’s largest cemetery. It’s actually full of iconic landmarks and monuments! Many of the mausoleums and graves belong to famous politicians, artists, and musicians. And as you walk through the fields, you might find that the cemetery looks familiar. That’s because it was modeled after the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

What to do there: Like most cemeteries, there aren’t too many attractions in the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery besides walking around. However, you’ll find some of Montreal’s most prominent people buried here. And besides, the mausoleums and tombstones are stunning, especially the La Pietà Mausoleum, which was modeled after Michelangelo’s Pietà statue. But even as you walk through the gardens and fields, you’ll find that the cemetery can be quite relaxing. And since you’re right in the middle of the city, it’s worth a quiet visit to contemplate the natural surroundings.

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#13 – Lachine Canal National Historic Site

• Used during the fur trade
• Relaxing boat rides and walks along the banks
• Open air and plenty of green space
• Over 14-kilometers long

Why it’s awesome: Nestled on the southeast bank of Montreal Island is Lachine Canal a 14.4-kilometer long canal. Pioneers from the 17th-century initially thought the route led to China, but in fact, only runs from Old Port to Lake Saint Louise. It’s now a beautiful historic site, with plenty of parks, green spaces, and fresh air. Although much of the area has been converted to usable space, you can still close your eyes and imagine how the fur traders floated down the canal on their expeditions!

What to do there: There are plenty of outdoor activities to do along the shores of the Lachine Canal. Take a picnic and plop yourself in the sun for a relaxing lunch. Or, rent a bike and cycle along the side of the river on the paved bike paths. There are even cruises that will take you up and down the canal, so you can feel the wind blowing through your hair! But best of all, you can come to Lachine Canal just to escape the bustle of the city.

#14 – Chinatown – An awesome place to visit in Montreal for half a day!

• Initially home to the Jewish population
• Bustling restaurants and cafes
• Lively nightlife area for locals and tourists
• Affordable shopping for knick-knacks

Why it’s awesome: Adorned with red lanterns and pagoda gates, Montreal’s Chinatown is a lively, vibrant, neighborhood worth exploring. Surprisingly, it was once the home to Montreal’s Jewish community, before the first Chinese immigrants moved in the late 1800s. And although many Chinese residents live in the district, Chinatown is also home to the Vietnamese population in Montreal. And since the entire area is pedestrianized, you can leisurely experience all the shops and restaurants it has to offer!

What to do there: Like most Chinatown’s around the world, Montreal’s is known for gastronomic cuisine, affordable souvenir shops, and quaint bakeries and cafes. It may only cover a small street, but at night, it becomes a busy area filled with locals, immigrants, and tourists. And as a designated tourist spot, the Canadian government allows the restaurants and bars to stay open late into the evening. Which means you can enjoy dim sum and bubble tea whenever you please!

#15 – Gibeau Orange Julep – Quite the quirky place in Montreal!

• Unique road-side attraction!
• Giant, orange-shaped restaurant
• Tasty burgers, hot dogs, and fries
• Around since the 1930s

Why it’s awesome: As you’re cruising down Autoroute 15, you might notice a strange, 40-foot orb on the side of the road. No, it’s not a giant orange! This bizarre spherical building is Gibeau Orange Julep, a delicious, fast food restaurant that’s been a Montreal staple since 1932. And while many people visit just to snap a few photos of the bright, orange building, it’s the creamy orange-sicle smoothie and crisp french fries that steal the show. You can’t miss this exciting road-side attraction when driving through Montreal!

What to do there: The sheer size and shape of the giant orange building is worth visiting Gibeau Orange Julep alone. It stands three stories high, doesn’t contain any windows, and radiates with a delicious, mouth-watering aroma. But once you go inside, it looks like a typical fast food joint! And trust us – the food will have you returning to this restaurant every time you’re in Montreal. Indulge in chili fries, char-grilled hamburgers, and cold milkshakes.

#16 – Montreal Holocaust Museum

• Canada’s only Holocaust museum
• Artifacts, audio recordings, and photographs
• Monthly educational programs
• Started by Holocaust survivors

Why it’s awesome: Founded in the 1970s, the Montreal Holocaust Museum is Canada’s only Holocaust-focused museum. Since Montreal was the third-largest city for WWII survivors, it’s easy to see why the city was chosen to set up a memorial museum. Many of the artifacts and have donated by the survivors (or family of survivors) themselves. Not only is the Montreal Holocaust Museum a harrowing reminder of our history, but it also aims to educate the future generations by shedding light on racism and hate.

What to do there: There are almost 13,000 artifacts related to WWII and the Holocaust, many of which have been transported directly from the Auschwitz concentration camp. You can find children’s diaries, photographs, and even the ash remains of an unnamed victim. But most importantly, the museum has archived over 800 oral histories from survivors. With these recordings, you can have a deeper understanding of this once, world-altering occurrence.

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#17 – Musée Eudore Dubeau – One of the more unique places to visit in Montreal!

• Canada’s only museum on the history of dentistry
• Collection of over 1000 artifacts with fascinating descriptions
• Initially founded as a teaching museum in 1978
• Named after the first dean of the dentistry faculty at the Université de Montréal

Why it’s awesome: The Musée Eudore Dubeau might be Montreal’s most unique museum! With an extensive collection of human bones, anesthesia equipment, and antique tools, the Musée Eudore Dubeau is Canada’s only museum of dentistry! Although it’s located in the Université de Montréal’s dental school, this teaching museum eventually opened to the public due to popular demand. You might not enjoy going to the dentist’s office, but trust us, this museum is nothing to be frightened about!

What to do there: The museum is home to over 1,000 items, objects, and artifacts relating to dentistry. You’ll find everything from terrifyingly rusty drills to early 1920 X-ray machines. And if that was spooky enough, there are even human bones on display! However, we particularly liked the recreated 1867 dental office, complete with squeaking chairs and not-so-sterile tools. But not everything in the museum is scary. In fact, it’s relatively educational since it dives 300 years into Canada’s dental history.

#18 – Vieux-Montréal – One of the most amazing places in Montreal!

• Montreal’s original city center
• Tons of shops, attractions, and dining options
• Historic 16th and 17th-century buildings
• Close to the port

Why it’s awesome: As the beating heart of the city, Vieux-Montréal, otherwise known as Old Montreal, is the historical and cultural center of Montreal. French settlers founded it in the 16th century, and many of the buildings remain intact today! With cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and stone churches, Vieux-Montréal is full of European charm. You might not even realize you’re in the middle of Canada! And since you’re portside next to the water, you’ll get to experience dramatic views of the surrounding area!

What to do there: There is a seemingly endless amount of activities going on at all hours of the day. Vieux-Montréal is full of cafes, restaurants, shops, businesses, and hotels, each one situated in a beautiful, antique building from the 16th and 17th-centuries (there are some great hostels here too). The neighborhood is also home to several of Montreal’s most notable attractions, including the Point-a-Calliere Museum, the Notre Dame Basilica, and the Centre d’histoire de Montréal. Catering to all different types of tourists and locals, you really will find something interesting and intriguing in Vieux-Montréal!

#19 – Château Ramezay

• Former residence of the Montreal governor
• Built in 1705
• Historical artifacts, paintings, and other items
• Located in Old Montreal

Why it’s awesome: Located on a tree-lined street in Old Montreal, the Château Ramezay Museum shows five centuries of Montreal artifacts, manuscripts, and artworks. In fact, it has over 30,000 objects to look at! The building was built in 1705 for Governor Château Ramezay, who lived in the house during his term. Even Benjamin Franklin spend a night in one of the rooms in Château Ramezay! The building was then sold to fur traders and later turned into a museum in the late 1800s. Now, it’s considered the oldest private museum and first historical monument in Quebec.

What to do there: Walking through the building and tracing the footsteps of past governors will give you a deeper appreciation for Montreal’s history. However, the artifacts and items in the museum also show Montreal’s influence on not just Canada, but on the world. And on a beautiful day, you can step outside and stroll through the on-site landscaped gardens. It’s a beautiful, serene area where you can relax in the sun!

#20 – Olympic Stadium

• Built for the 1976 Olympics
• Home to the world’s largest inclined tower
• Largest stadium in Canada
• Book a tour or tickets to see inside

Why it’s awesome: Nicknamed “The Big O,” the Olympic Stadium is a donut-like arena that was used as the main stadium for the 1976 summer Olympics . It’s the largest stadium in the entire country, seating up to 56,000 screaming fans and sports fanatics. And although the professional baseball and soccer teams once used it, it’s now only used for special occasions, such as concerts and trade shows. However, it’s still a unique piece of architecture that you won’t want to miss when in Montreal!

What to do there: The best way to see the Olympic Stadium is to book a guided tour, where you can learn about its history and even have the chance to walk the pitch! Or to see the stadium in full swing, purchase tickets to one of the organized events. However, you can still visit the Montreal Tower, the world’s largest inclined tower at 165-meters high. You’ll be taken on a glass-enclosed funicular to the top of the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and stadium below.

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#21 – Parc La Fontaine – A great place in Montreal to relax!

• 85-hectares of beauty
• Ponds, fountains, and waterfalls,
• Activities for all seasons
• City escape

Why it’s awesome : Situated in the middle of the Plateau, Parc La Fontaine is a relaxing getaway where you can kick back and enjoy the natural surrounding of Montreal. The best part about Parc La Fontaine is that you can enjoy it any time of the year. In the summer, locals are sunbathing and having picnics. During the severe winters, the park’s ponds freeze and people start ice skating on the frozen lakes. We particularly enjoy Autumn, where the leaves begin to change colors, and you can stroll through the park admiring the beauty of the city.

What to do there: What you do in Parc La Fontaine will depend on what time of the year you visit. When it’s warm, you can swim in the two ponds in the middle of the park. And in winter, you can ice skate on the frozen lakes. In more temperate climates, you can take advantage of the bike paths and running trails that line the perimeter of the park. In reality, Parc La Fontaine is open for whatever sparks your interest! And best of all, you can quickly reach it from most neighborhoods in Montreal!

#22 – Little Italy

• Second largest Italian community in Canada
• Home to the Jean-Talon Market
• Many Italians restaurants and shops
• Charming area in Montreal

Why it’s awesome : Little Italy is another reason why Montreal’s culture is known for being unique and diverse. Covering a few blocks and streets, Little Italy is home to the mouth-watering restaurants, fashion boutiques, and caffeine-filled cafes owned by Canadian-Italian immigrants. Many immigrants came to Montreal after WWII and set up homes and shops to breath life into what we now know as Little Italy. And after Toronto, it’s now the largest community of Italian’s in all of Canada!

What to do there: If you love coffee and pasta, then you’ve come to the right place! Tourists and locals alike flock to Little Italy to devour some of the best culinary dishes on this side of the Atlantic. Food is taken so seriously that the neighborhood is even home to the famous Jean-Talon Market, where you can purchase a variety of meats, produce, and cheeses. But if you’re too stuffed from all the cannoli you’re eating, you can relax in the nearby Dante Park.

#23 – Verdun

• Charming borough of Montreal
• Plenty of restaurants and shops
• Swim or walk by the lake
• More authentic atmosphere

Why it’s awesome:  If you have an extra day, hop on the metro and head towards Verdun, one of Montreal’s most charming neighborhoods. It was settled in 1671, making it one of Canada’s oldest cities. But don’t be fooled by the age! Verdun is an up-and-coming area with some of the trendiest shops and restaurants in all of Montreal. And while it attracts travelers, it has more of a local, rural atmosphere compared to the other districts in Montreal.

What to do there:  Since Verdun sits on the banks of the Lawrence River, you can easily spend a few hours biking or walking along the edge. And if you happen to come during the summer, you’ll often find people cooling off from the heat by swimming in it! Or, you can make your way to the main street of Wellington for charming cafes and independent boutiques.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Montreal

Are there any free places to visit in Montreal?

Check out these free places to visit in Montreal: – Jean-Talon Market – Vieux-Montréal – Mont-Royal

Which are the best family places to visit in Montreal?

Families will love these cool places in Montreal: – Mont-Royal – Parc Jean Drapeau – Jean-Talon Market

What are the best places to visit in Montreal during summer?

Montreal has some amazing outdoor places to visit that are especially great during summer: – Jardin Botanique – Mont-Royal – Parc La Fontaine

Are there any good indoor places to visit in Montreal?

In case the weather is bad, check out these cool indoor places in Montreal: – Notre Dame Basilica – St. Joseph’s Oratory – Musée des Beaux-Arts

So now that you have an idea of the best places in Montreal, you should have no problem picking the best attractions for your Montreal itinerary ! The only problem is, this list is just a small taste of what this fantastic city has to offer. Montreal is a sprawling, cultural hotspot, and even if you were here a few months, it would barely be enough time to scratch the surface!

But between the contemporary art galleries, diverse ethnic communities, and stunning natural parks, we know you’ll be drawn back for another visit. You can never stay away from Montreal for too long!

Sheridan Cahoon

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Nice compilation for the tourists. Thanks from the peg

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11 of the best things to do in Montréal

Sep 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are Montréal's unmissable experiences © Awana JF / Shutterstock

A slice European, a pinch cosmopolitan New York and fully its own quirky, unique self, Montréal is Canada ’s artsiest, coolest city, worth spending days and days exploring.

From lining up to eat Montréal-style bagels and smoked meat to climbing “the mountain” to checking out world-class museums, there is so much to do in this captivating city. Just make sure to leave time to wander and soak in the vibe.

Here are 11 things to do to get you started. Note that  Passeport Montréal  let's you choose from a list of five attractions and tours with one pass, while  Musée Montréal’s Carte Excursion  has entry to all the museums can mange in three days.

1. Explore Montreal’s cool neighborhoods

One thing Montréalers love to disagree about is which neighborhood is the best or “coolest.” Decide for yourself by strolling around its many charming areas .

Le Plateau is where you’ll find Montréal’s quintessential residential duplex and triplex architecture with outdoor staircases, as well as atmospheric parks like Carré St-Louis and Parc La Fontaine. Up along the Main (aka Blvd St Laurent) is the Mile End’s mix of trendy restaurants and Jewish institutions and Petite Italie, home to the fabulous food stalls of Marché Jean-Talon and cannoli galore.

Vieux-Port (Old Port) is Montréal’s 400-year-old neighborhood, while Quartier des Spectacles hosts festivals and culture. Downtown along Rue Ste-Catherine is where the big-store shopping happens. East in Montréal lingo – though really northeast on a map – you’ll find Montréal’s Gay Village (also called Le Village) party zone and rough-and-tumble hipster ‘hood Hochelaga. West along Rue Notre-Dame are Griffintown and St-Henri, where there are trendy restaurants and quirky shops such as  Marché Underground , plus paddle boats along the Canal de Lachine . Venture to Verdun to explore an up-and-coming neighbourhood with its own beach . 

Local tip: The areas of Downtown and the Old Port are packed with hotels but head out a bit further to neighborhoods like Le Plateau or St-Henri if you want a more local experience.

2. Wander the Old Port

Yes, Montréal’s Vieux-Port is its most touristy area, with souvenir shops, caricaturists and cheesy attractions aplenty, but it's still a must-visit. Dating back to 1611, the neighborhood has a mix of British and French architectural styles, along with a wide boardwalk and historic shipping structures. Some of the prettiest buildings include the Basilique Notre-Dame (Basilica), Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall) and the former bank that’s now used for the stunning Crew Collective & Café .

Local tip: Time your visit to Notre-Dame to hear live organ music on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 1:30 to 4:20pm, or catch Aura , an immersive light and sound show, on most nights.

3. Join locals at a festival and see a show

Rarely a week goes by in Montréal without a festival taking over city streets and parks. When they do, there’s nothing like seeing everyone’s faces light up in sync with scintillating light shows. Spring and summer festivals include Festival International de Jazz for live jazz and other concerts, many of which are free; Mural for graffiti, live hip-hop and shopping along The Main; Montréal Complètement Cirque for live circus performances in the streets; Just for Laughs , one of the world’s premiere comedy festivals; Formula 1 Grand Prix racing and parties on Crescent St; and heart-pumping music festivals Osheaga in summer and Igloofest in sub-zero temperatures. If you aren’t in Montréal in time for a festival, you can always see a show at a performance venue like L’Opéra de Montréal , Chez Mado and MTelus .

Detour: Visit Québec City for the world’s largest winter carnival, Carnaval de Québec and Baie-St-Paul for Le Festif! a summer music festival with live concerts across town including in the river. 

4. Climb Mont-Royal

Montréal’s so-called “mountain,” and the city’s namesake, is the core of Montréal, and thanks to smart city planners that made sure the park was protected from development in 1876, an urban oasis. Mont-Royal has a wide pedestrian path that zig-zags gently to the top where you’ll find Lac-aux-Castors (Beaver Lake) and Belvédère Kondiaronk, a charming visitor chalet which hosts the city’s best views.

On Sundays at the bottom of the mountain by the Monument to Sir George-Étienne-Cartier (one of the fathers of Canadian Confederation) join dozens of people shaking and swaying to bongo drums and other instruments at Tam Tams, an unofficial weekly party that carries Le Plateau’s hippie days into today.

5. Eat bagels, smoked meat, Portuguese chicken and poutine

This city is justifiably famous for its Montréal-style bagels (fluffy, water-baked bagels covered in sesame seeds), which are lighter and, let’s face it, better than New York’s (don’t @ me), and smoked meat (brisket) sandwiches. Both were brought to Montréal from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants. Try bagels at Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel and line up for smoked meat at Schwartz’s Deli .

Stay hungry though as there’s more eating to be done. Portuguese immigrants gave Montréal another iconic dish in the 1960s and ‘70s: piri-piri chicken. Try some spicy bird at Ma Poulle Mouillée , Romados and the restaurant whose founder is attributed with introducing Portuguese-style chicken to Montréal: Coco Rico.

While not necessarily a Montréal dish (the origin are casse-croûte chip wagons in central Québec) if this city is your only stop in Québec you’ll want to try ooey-gooey poutine (well-ccoked French fries with squeaky cheese curds bathed in thick gravy). La Banquise , Patati Patata and Chez Claudette are the best. 

Local tip: Take a Beyond the Bagel walking tour from the Musée Juif de Montréal to taste the city’s best Jewish noshes and learn about the community’s history.

6. Feel natural diversity

In the city’s east end, Espace Pour la Vie is a group of four (five if you include the Biosphère in Parc Jean-Drapeau) of the city’s best attractions that focus on the natural universe and our place in it. The Biodôme (which is different from the Biosphère) recreates five natural habitats that allow you to see what it’s like in the sub-Antarctic islands (penguins!) and feel the humidity of a tropical rainforest complete with views of parrots. The Insectarium allows you to enter the world of creepy crawlies and butterflies. There’s also the huge and impressive Jardins Botanique (Botanical Gardens), which hosts occasional light shows, and the intriguing Planétarium. 

Detour: For a bigger dose of nature, head north of the city to the Laurentian Mountains, dotted with dozens of lakes and sliced by rivers along with Mont-Tremblant, Eastern Canada’s most popular ski resort.

7. Pick up tasty produce at the market for a park picnic

Québec blossoms with fresh produce every year, from crunchy apples to wild blueberries exploding with flavor and ground cherries (tiny orange fruit), all attractively on display in overflowing baskets at the city’s two main farmer’s markers Marché Atwater and Marché Jean-Talon . Pick out your favorites for a picnic at one of the city’s many wonderful parks to get a taste of local life as a Montrealer. Some of the finest parks are Parc La Fontaine , Carré St-Louis, Laurier, Jarry, Jeanne-Mance, and Maisonneuve.

Local tip: You’re allowed to drink alcohol in Montréal’s public parks, but only if you have ample food (ie a baguette and cheese not just a bag of chips). You also must be seated at a picnic table. If not, you could be fined.

8. Be wowed at a museum or immersive show

Montréal is Canada’s art capital and has some of the country’s best museums. Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts for a multi-floor collection of spectacular art from around the world. The Museé McCord Stewart is a smaller museum focusing on Indigenous art, maps and fashion centered around the city’s many cultures. Go to Pointe-à-Callière to learn about Montréal’s history and venture underground to an archaeology site. Another favorite is Centre PHI , an immersive art extravaganza with virtual reality and other shows that are out of this world ( literally ). For a nouveau twist, check out the Cité Mémoire app, which casts augmented reality visualizations of the city’s history on buildings and foliage.

9. Relive Expo 67

Across the St Lawrence River from the Old Port is a partially artificial set of islands created for the Expo 67 (1967) World’s Fair. Many of the amazing structures that welcomed 50 million visitors (Canada’s population at the time was around 20 million) to Parc Jean-Drapeau over the six months it was on are gone, but you can still see Moshe Safdie’s brutalist architectural feat Habitat 67 and the Biosphère dome. Most weekends in the summer, Parc Jean-Drapeau hosts a mini-electronic music festival Piknic Élektronic and there’s an amusement park, La Ronde , as well as a beach.

Local tip: Ride over one of the bridges to Parc Jean-Drapeau with a Bixi bikeshare. It’s a fun adventure and provides terrific views over downtown and the St Lawrence River.

10. Go out on the town

While Montréal has, for the most part, shaken off its reputation as a Sin City – earned during its rowdy neon-lit days during and following US Prohibition – it’s still a great place to have a good time when the sun goes down. Kick off your evening with a 5 à 7 (happy hour) at one of Montréal’s many rooftop bars and terrasses before tasting natural wine or craft cocktails at a hip bar. Continue your night (Montréal bars don’t have to close until 3am) at the many clubs downtown and in Le Village. Some of the best include Bar George , Else’s , BarBara and Messorem as well as Stereo nightclub.

11. Cheer on the Habs at Centre Bell

There are few sports franchises with as storied a history as hockey’s the Montréal Canadiens – stretching to when the team was an “Original Six” National Hockey League franchise all the way to the team’s improbable appearance in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Catch a Habs game at Centre Bell and feel the raucous atmosphere of the hometown team. Just don’t you dare cheer for arch-rivals Boston Bruins or Toronto Maple Leafs.

This article was first published Oct 7, 2021 and updated Sep 19, 2023.

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Montreal   Travel Guide

Courtesy of © Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal |

14 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montréal's many museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, legendary shopping districts and trendy nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for visitors. For a taste of historic Montréal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) free

As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.

The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica , Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal) Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)

Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.

Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.

Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) free

This 761-foot hill from which Montréal got its name is the highest point in the city. Towering over central Montréal, Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year, and it's one of Montréal's largest green spaces. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who's also the credited architect of NYC's Central Park ).

During the warmer months, you can rent rowboats on the park's Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. You can also take a stroll through one of the park's three cemeteries (one English, one Jewish and one French).

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Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal) Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a free electric shuttle to take you around the garden grounds during the summer months. – Debra Smith

Thanks to 10 large greenhouses – each tailored to a specific theme – this 190-acre botanical garden offers a scenic year-round respite from the metropolis' downtown core and a seasonal home to more than 20,000 species of flora.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

Montréal's most prestigious museum has been building its collection of fine arts for more than 150 years. Visitors will find its more than 45,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects divided among six sections and spread across the museum's five pavilions.

In addition to an impressive collection by Canadian and Quebec artists, there are four floors containing works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The museum's noteworthy decorative art collection includes pieces from 1400 to 1900, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, and textiles by international artists as well as several pieces of furniture designed by Frank Gehry. The state-of-the-art Cinéma du Musée presents independent and international films with English subtitles, and lectures and performances are presented regularly at Bourgie Hall.

St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) free

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal is St. Joseph's Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and Canada’s patron saint. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, past visitors said it's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of the oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts. The Crypt Church below the basilica is decorated with intricately-carved murals, and thousands of candles Illuminate the art deco-style Votive Chapel.

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Always greet a shopkeeper with a cheery hello or "bonjour" upon entering a shop or store. It’s appreciated and considered good manners. – Debra Smith

In a world dominated by overly refrigerated, fluorescently lit supermarkets, the Jean-Talon Market brings a breath of fresh air to your shopping experience. It’s one of the largest public markets in North America and one of the oldest, (established in 1933) with a flavor all its own.

Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal) Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you purchased a Montréal Museums Card , you can use it at all five of the Espace pour la vie Montreal locations. – Debra Smith

Not to be confused with the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Biodôme is located in the Olympic District and is part of a complex that includes the insectarium, planetarium, and Montreal Botanical Garden . A favorite for families, the Biodôme features five distinct ecosystems that house plants and animals. With the way each of the ecosystems are set up, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience with the animals compared to a conventional zoo.

Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour by MTL Detours

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Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum) Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum)

Many say that this museum is the best place to go to begin exploring Montréal. While the modern architecture may not be typical of a history museum, the real reason to come here is to hop in the elevator and head underground. Here, visitors can look through a glass floor that sits on top of the remains of Fort Ville-Marie unearthed during archaeological digs overseen by the museum from 2002 to 2015. 

You can also follow the development of Montréal from its days as a fledgling colony and on up through the present day with a 17-minute multimedia program called "Generations MTL" that’s projected onto the archeological site and narrated by six historical characters .

Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) free

Two islands in the St. Lawrence River make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, a sports, culture and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike. Located just five minutes from downtown Montréal via the Jean-Drapeau metro stop (Yellow line), the former site of Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics now boasts several attractions that are sure to appeal to a variety of different interests.

Culture hounds will appreciate the collection of public art that's sprinkled throughout the park as well as the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to the environment housed in the iconic Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome. There are also miles of hiking trails and the Floralies Gardens for outdoors lovers. Meanwhile, families will be delighted by La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Aquatic Complex – specifically the outdoor pool, which has a cushioned rubber bottom – and Jean-Doré Beach. Though the park's outdoor pursuits are most popular in the summer, it’s a wonderful place to visit in early spring too, when the park’s bistro converts to an urban sugar shack.

Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) free

Montréal’s largest park, Parc-nature du Cap Saint-Jacques sprawls across more than 800 acres and sits between Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies on the southwest tip of the island of Montréal. It offers year-round activities, sandy beaches and water views.

In the winter, make use of snowshoe paths, cross-country ski trails and a sliding hill, and in the summer, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails before cooling off at the beaches that line the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. There’s also a small organic farm, two welcome centers and free all-terrain wheelchairs and sit-skis that can be reserved in advance.

St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel

A Montréal institution for more than 65 years, St.-Viateur Bagel is flourishing under the watchful eye of Joe Morena and his three sons. There are now four bagel cafes under the St.-Viateur banner, but for the original experience you must visit "La Maison du Bagel," or "Home of the Bagel," at 263 Rue Saint Viateur in Mile End.

Follow the delicious aroma of bagels simmered in honey water and baked on a hardwood plank in a wood-burning oven and join the line that forms day or night. Hand-rolled bagels come in classic sesame or poppy seed, all dressed with onion and garlic, or on the sweet side with cinnamon raisin or blueberry. While you’re waiting, check out the photographs of famous customers, from hockey greats to prime ministers, that line the walls.

La Grande Roue de Montréal La Grande Roue de Montréal

Enjoy a thrilling view of Old Montréal , the city center and the St. Lawrence River on the highest Ferris wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Forty-two climate-controlled cabins gently lift riders up nearly 200 feet and go through three revolutions on this 20-minute ride. Choose from cabins that seat up to eight, or splurge on a spacious VIP cabin, which is equipped with a glass floor and Italian leather seating for four riders. The view through the tempered glass windows is perfect for photographs during the day. At night, the wheel lights up as well as the giant cross on the top of Mount Royal and the Jacques Cartier Bridge bringing additional romance to the ride.  

Visitors recommend a ride at sunset and consider it a must-do while in Montréal that’s worth the splurge. They report that wait times are usually short and the ride is long enough to enjoy all the sights.

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Lachine Canal National Historic Site Lachine Canal National Historic Site free

A watery wonderland in the heart of Montréal, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site runs for nearly 9 miles from the entrance at Lock No. 1 in the Old Port to Lock No. 5 at Lake Saint Louis in Lachine. The canal originally opened in 1824 to provide a source of hydraulic power and contributed to Montréal's industrial and commercial development as a major trade port. Today, it's a popular spot for a stroll and a picnic (stop at the nearby Atwater Market to pick up provisions before your visit to the canal).

From mid-May to mid-October, rentals of all kinds are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats to swan-shaped pedal boats. Fishers can toss a line to catch six different fish species including perch, pike and carp, which cyclists can ride from one end of the well-maintained canal trail to the other in about an hour.

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22 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Montreal (Canada)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 6, 2019  - Last updated: October 17, 2023

There are lots of things to do in Montreal.

Some of them are obvious; there’s swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter, and you can always find resorts, restaurants and shopping malls that are ready to serve tourists.

But what if you’re looking for a higher caliber of entertainment?

What if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Montreal, and you want to make sure that you’re only spending time in the coolest and most memorable places?

If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to the nicest city in Quebec, here are just a few suggestions for the best Montreal attractions.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. Schwartz’s Deli

Davis Dorss / Shutterstock

Schwartz’s Deli is more than just a restaurant.

It’s one of the oldest, most renowned restaurants in Montreal, and it has the kind of zealous following that gives it weight as a genuine cultural icon for the city.

The most famous things on the menu are the sandwiches.

Schwartz’s Deli specializes in Montreal-style smoked meat that’s cured for 10 days before being cooked in a brick smokehouse and seasoned with secret spices.

People travel for miles to get a taste of the fatty, meat-loaded sandwiches, especially when they’re paired with fries, coleslaw or sour pickles.

Schwartz’s Deli is also considered something of a meat lover’s mecca. In addition to the smoked brisket, you can order ribs, steaks, chicken and even salami.

Everything comes with customized side dishes to ensure a perfect balance of tastes.

Another fun fact about Schwartz’s Deli is that it’s located right across the street from its longtime rival Main Deli Steak House.

The two restaurants are in a constant battle over who makes the best meat and who can attract the most famous clientele.

Previous customers of both establishments have included Stanley Lewis, Leonard Cohen and Celine Dion, but Celine Dion officially declared her loyalty to Schwartz’s Deli when she bought into it.

Schwartz’s Deli is one of those Montreal attractions that you have to visit at least once.

You haven’t really experienced the city until you’ve bitten into one of their thick, dripping sandwiches.

Getting the sauce on your shirt because of Schwartz’s Deli is practically a rite of passage in Montreal.

Address:  3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2W 1X9, Canada

2. Old Montreal

meunierd / Shutterstock

There’s a distinctive sound in Old Montreal that you can’t hear anywhere else in the city: the clatter of horseshoes on cobblestone streets.

This historic neighborhood is filled with the commerce, culture and architecture of generations past, and it aims for authenticity right down to the horse-drawn carriages that slowly ramble down the street.

A different kind of atmosphere runs through Old Montreal. Unlike the gleaming skyscrapers of the business district, it favors a quaint, cheerfully-crowded kind of look.

Its streets are crammed with shops, bistros, museums, galleries and sidewalk vendors, and you might expect a baker to pop his head out of a window at any moment and announce the day’s fresh bread.

There’s also a lot of history to be appreciated in Old Montreal.

It boasts churches and chapels that date back to the 15th century, and its stunning centerpiece is the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.

This particular landmark is one of the most famous in Canada: It receives more than 11 million visitors per year, only slightly less than the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.

Do you want to experience history firsthand?

Check out the Chateau Ramezay, a museum where all of the staffers dress up in period-appropriate clothing, or stop by the Old Port where you can listen to the boats blow the same horns that were heard hundreds of years ago.

All in all, Old Montreal is a place where you can rewind time.

You won’t find anywhere else like it in the city, and it’s the sort of tourist attraction that you’ll fondly remember as a vacation highlight for years to come.

You should definitely hop on a carriage and take a ride!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

3. Quartier Des Spectacles

Benoit Daoust / Shutterstock

The Quartier des Spectacles is the arts and entertainment district of downtown Montreal.

Home to everything from sculpture galleries to film conservatories, it’s the beating heart of Montreal’s art scene.

Its centerpiece is the Place des Arts , a performing arts center that hosts an orchestra, opera house and world-famous ballet troupe.

It’s also home to Salles du Gesu, the oldest theater in Montreal, and Grande Bibliotheque, the most-visited library in Canada.

Hundreds of festivals take place in Quartier des Spectacles.

You’ve probably heard of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, but you might be surprised to learn about the existence of the Montreal Circus Festival or the Nuits d’Afrique Festival.

These are only the headliners, too; there’s an endless number of small, independent festivals run throughout the year.

While any time is a good time to visit Quartier des Spectacles, it’s absolutely amazing at night.

Colorful lights will beckon you from every building, and illuminated fountains will mesmerize you with water jets and laser shows.

Clear windows will let you see into all of the shops, restaurants, museums and theaters that line the streets.

If you’re a fan of the arts, you won’t want to miss Quartier des Spectacles.

It might not have official borders, but that could be considered part of its charm: It’s a free and open space where all forms of self-expression are allowed to mingle and bring people together.

If you don’t make three new friends by the time that you’ve walked from one end of the neighborhood to the other, you aren’t doing it right.

Address:  175 Saint-Catherine St, Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9, Canada

4. Montreal Science Center

EQRoy / Shutterstock

The Montreal Science Center will stun you both inside and out.

Its gleaming glass architecture is fitted with staircases that look like chromosomes, and its sprawling complex includes a museum, childcare center and IMAX theater.

There’s even more to admire when you step inside.

The Montreal Science Center doesn’t just print things on little placards; it transforms entire rooms and wings into interactive activity stations.

Kids can stack blocks, use tools, connect wires, play with magnets or join a real assembly line.

They can measure themselves against life-sized animal statues and take a walk through underwater domes.

If they’re tech-minded, they can use touchscreen computers for virtual lessons and games.

The IMAX theater is one of the more recent additions to the museum, but it’s already proving to be quite popular.

Titles include things like “Volcanoes 3D” and “Superpower Dogs.”

There’s nothing quite like seeing the whiskers of a panda twitch on a screen that’s taller than some buildings!

There are also a number of special events organized or supported by the museum.

In July, for example, you can experience the Eureka Festival, a three-day celebration of science, invention and technology.

It offers more than 100 free activities for visitors of all ages, so if you like demonstrations and workshops that won’t cost you a dime, it’s a great place to be thrifty.

The Montreal Science Center has something to offer the entire family.

Both kids and adults can enjoy its hands-on displays, and mom and dad will especially like that it educates while it entertains.

It’s the kind of tourist attraction that you can feel good about visiting, so it deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Address:  2 de la Commune St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 4B2, Canada

5. Underground City

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

How do you escape the brutal winters of Canada? You go underground.

Located right under the streets of Montreal, the Underground City is a gigantic network of corridors that links together shops, offices, banks, restaurants, bus terminals and metro stations.

It stretches for 20 miles and contains literally thousands of businesses. It’s the single biggest pedestrian complex in the world.

The name is a bit of hyperbole; large swathes of the Underground City are actually just covered, climate-controlled spaces that link together the buildings of downtown Montreal.

However, you’ll still enjoy the underground vibe thanks to its unique layout, and you’ll still have access to everything from hotels to hosiery shops as you wander its halls.

You’ll appreciate the Underground City extra hard if you’re traveling to Montreal in the winter months.

Temperatures can dip quite low, so being able to escape the chilly winds and slippery sidewalks is a blessing.

Looking at photos of the Underground City, you might be tempted to call it a labyrinth. You’d be right.

While everything is marked with directions to keep people from getting lost, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a crazy urban jungle where the scenery is constantly changing.

One section might look like a modern shopping mall with gleaming lights and multi-layer staircases; another section might be a creepy corridor full of doors that you don’t really want to open.

If you’re looking for points of interest in Montreal, it doesn’t get more interesting than the Underground City.

Your head will be on a constant swivel as you move through the maze. There are just so many things to see and do that you won’t know where to look!

Address:  747 Rue du Square-Victoria #247, Montréal, QC H2Y 3Y9, Canada

6. Mount Royal Park

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With lush, colorful landscapes and activity rosters for every season of the year, Mount Royal Park is one of the best places to visit in Montreal.

The first thing to know about the park is that it’s gigantic.

It’s perched atop the volcanic rock cluster that is Mount Royal, and it unfolds across all kinds of playgrounds, picnic sites, skating rinks, ski slopes, tennis courts, hiking trails, tobogganing hills and rowboating lakes.

You won’t lack for things to do or the space to do them.

Another great thing about Mount Royal Park is that it has a constant schedule of activities.

Some of them are formally planned by the city of Montreal, like the “Art and Nature Family Walk” that brings families together for an exploration of the park.

Other events are fun, free and informal, like the weekly drum circles that come together in one of the park’s most famous fields. They call their music “Tam-Tam Jams” after the sound of drums.

Last but not least, Mount Royal Park is a beautiful place to be.

It’s considered a top sightseeing destination because of its aerial views of the city, and the trails are filled with decks, gazebos and wooden belvederes to act as observation points.

In the summertime, blue skies stretch over grass; in the wintertime, the grounds are covered in crisp white snow. In the fall, leaves of every color drift and scatter around the meadows.

Mount Royal Park is easily one of the best destinations in Montreal. Not only does it offer breathtaking views, but it also provides outdoor excursions for everyone.

Whether you like running, swimming, hiking, sledding, ice skating or just sightseeing, Mount Royal Park can deliver.

Address:  1260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada

7. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

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Get your motor running with a trip to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve .

This racing strip has played host to everything from the NASCAR Xfinity Series to the FIA World Sportscar Championship, and its sharp curves and hairpin turns have given it a well-deserved reputation as one of the wildest in the world.

Its most famous feature is “The Wall,” a tricky chicane located right before the finish line.

So many drivers have crashed on it that track officials cheekily painted it with the words Bienvenue au Quebec (“Welcome to Quebec”).

It was also nicknamed “the Wall of Champions” after it caused four separate championship racers to crash. No one escapes the Wall.

When not in use for racing, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is open to joggers, cyclists, skaters and dog walkers.

It’s actually quite peaceful without the screeching of cars and the roaring of a thousand fans.

It’s located next to a river, so there are always scenic views and the smell of the sea in the air, and the lawns are kept nice and green.

But most people don’t go to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to walk their poodle.

Most of them know that it’s one of the top Montreal attractions for high-speed action, and they want to see the Wall claim its next victim.

If you consider yourself a thrill seeker, it doesn’t get much better than waiting with bated breath to see if a driver can make it past a hairpin turn at superhuman speeds.

Buy a ticket for the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve if you like excitement, adventure and just a little bit of danger.

It’s currently home to the Canadian Grand Prix, so you’ll have the chance to see some Dominic Toretto stunts up close when you attend the next race!

Address:  Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal, QC H3C 6A1, Canada

8. Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts

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The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most prominent museums in all of Canada.

It probably has something to do with the sheer size of the place; it boasts five multi-story pavilions, and each of them is stuffed with galleries, painting halls and showcase rooms.

You can have a lot of fun when you get lost in the museum, however.

It’s home to everything from colorful oil portraits to ancient, rusted pottery, and these collections fill every inch of the space.

Whenever you turn a corner, there’s another exhibit to see. Whenever you wander up a staircase, you’ll find another level of art.

The museum has 40,000 pieces as permanent fixtures, and there are thousands more in temporary exhibitions that come and go.

They’re usually organized by theme, so you’ll see collections with titles like “Warhol Mania” or “Bon Appetit! Contemporary Foodware Designs in Quebec.”

When your legs start to hurt from all of your walking, take a break with the museum’s on-site restaurant or gift shop.

The designers fully expected people to lose hours among the art, so they made sure to offer refreshments to keep everyone going.

You can relax and recharge at a charming little cafe table before taking a deep breath and plunging back into the museum.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a budding sculptor or a layman who just loves beautiful things.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best cultural centers in the country, and it’ll serve you well on your journey of artistic discovery.

Address:  1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3G 1J5, Canada

9. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

abdallahh / flickr

There’s something magical about the Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park .

Surrounded by water on three sides, it has a kind of wild, rugged beauty that manifests as sandy beaches and gnarled trees leading into hushed forests.

It’s the largest park in Montreal, and that probably plays a role in its otherworldly atmosphere.

It’s easy to get lost among miles and miles of pinewoods. It’s easy to dive down into the lake and wonder just how deep the water goes.

For all of its mystery, however, the Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park is a happy place for visitors.

Its hiking trails are kept clean and orderly; its lake is used for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, kite surfing and paddleboarding.

It has a “sugar shack” where you can watch maple syrup being made.

It even boasts a farm that raises livestock and grows fresh produce, and there’s an adjacent shop where you can buy milk, eggs and veggies that were harvested right next door.

To put it another way, you won’t lack for things to do at the park.

Whether you want to set up a telescope or take an art class on the grass, you’ll have lots of options for outdoor activities.

Just remember that the Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park is even bigger and grander than you can imagine.

Its true nature is eternally wild. People have been exploring it since the 1700s, but there are still parts that are untraveled and unmarked on maps.

You’ll want to clear your schedule for the Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park.

It isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s real, and it’s definitely something to consider on a long list of Montreal attractions.

Address:  20099 Boul Gouin O, Pierrefonds, QC H9K 1C6, Canada

10. Olympic Stadium

R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock

Originally built for the 1976 Olympics, the Olympic Stadium has become the best place for big events in Montreal.

Its most common purpose, of course, is for sports.

The Olympic Stadium has seen everything from soccer matches to football championships, and it’s even hosted lesser-known athletic events for wrestling, gymnastics and speed skating.

Tickets are always on sale for something new and exciting.

The Olympic Stadium is also used for other recreational events such as concerts, rallies, religious gatherings and music competitions.

If it will attract a crowd of thousands, it’s held at the stadium. You can usually buy tickets for these things as well.

Last but certainly not least, the Olympic Stadium is where you’ll find Montreal Tower.

It’s a 540-foot “inclined” tower that leans over the sky at a 45° angle, and it offers an incredibly unique look over the treetops of Montreal.

It isn’t a regular height; it’s a tilted height. Millions of visitors flock to the Montreal Tower every year just to hold their breath as they lean over the cityscape.

You’d expect a stadium built for the Olympics to be grand and impressive, and fortunately, Olympic Stadium lives up to the hype.

Check out its online calendar to see if there’s anything cool happening on the field during your vacation.

Address:  4141 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, QC H1V 3N7, Canada

Planning a visit to Toronto soon? You’ll love our list detailing the best things to do in Toronto !

11. Ecomuseum Zoo

Jacques Fournier / flickr

Would you like to know a surprising fact about Montreal?

It doesn’t have many zoos. In fact, if you’ve put “feed the bears” on your list of what to do in Montreal, you only have one real option: the Ecomuseum Zoo.

The Ecomuseum Zoo is a small zoo located on the very tip of the Island of Montreal.

It isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t have state-of-the-art facilities like some of the bigger wildlife facilities in Canada.

What it lacks in size, however, the Ecomuseum Zoo has in heart.

Its artic fox is named Gandalf; its twin black bears are called Juno and Genie.

The other enclosures hold wolves, lynxes, eels, toads, turtles, porcupines and one very cranky vulture.

Because of its modest needs, the Ecomuseum Zoo can devote a lot of attention to individual animal care.

It can also host grassroots activity programs like summer camps for kids and “adopt an animal” campaigns to support the zoo.

The staff is known for its friendliness, and they frequently walk the grounds just to say hi to guests.

Simply put, the Ecomuseum Zoo is one that you can feel good about visiting. You won’t have to worry about animal exploitation or money mismanagement.

It’s a decent, clean-natured facility where you can see some cool creatures and teach your kids about the circle of life. What’s not to love?

Address:  21125 Sainte Marie Rd, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3Y7, Canada

12. Jean-Talon Market

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The sounds and smells of Jean-Talon Market will reach you long before you see it.

It’s the single biggest outdoor market in Montreal, and it bustles with the activity of hundreds of visitors and vendors.

Fresh produce is the main draw of the market. Piled high on every table, you’ll have your fill of locally-grown fruits and vegetables that are arranged in colorful tableaus to appeal to shoppers.

These crisp crops will look just as good on your plate as your Instagram feed.

If you’re craving something other than produce, there are plenty of vendors with other foods.

You can find fresh seafood and meats of every variety; butchers and fishermen will often pack it up for you right then and there.

There are eggs, cheeses, spices, syrups and snacks. Hot bread will make your mouth water. Cold parfaits will give you goosebumps on your arms.

There’s even a collection of consumer goods at the Jean-Talon Market. It’s dwarfed by the sheer volume of food, but it exists.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, the market has bags, crafts, paintings, jewelry and potted plants.

Another nice thing about the market is that it’s located in the middle of a bigger business district, so if you can’t find what you need at Jean-Talon, you can take a few steps sideways and try a more traditional retail outlet.

The single greatest thing about the Jean-Talon market, however, is that it gives you the resources to prepare your own meals.

You don’t have to live on takeout during your trip to Montreal.

In fact, one of our recommended travel hacks is to cook your own food as much as possible; it’ll save you a ton of money in overall vacation expenses.

Use the Jean-Talon Market as a grocery store and stock up!

Check out this awesome bike tour which explores Jean-Talon Market.

Address:  7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, QC H2S 3S3, Canada

13. La Ronde Amusement Park

If you’re wondering what to do in Montreal with kids, you might like La Ronde .

It’s an amusement park that mixes old-fashioned rides with fresh new carnival games, so it’s an intriguing blend of pursuits that parents and kids will both enjoy.

Originally built for a world fair in 1967, La Ronde had a classic, storybook kind of charm that saw it featured in many different films and TV shows.

You might recognize it from franchises like “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” where its haunted house was used as a vintage set piece.

The park was purchased by Six Flags a few years ago, and the new bosses modernized a lot of systems and safety features, but they decided to keep La Ronde’s old-fashioned aesthetic.

You can still find things like wooden roller coasters and hand-painted carousels in between its newer constructions.

More modern rides include frisbees, fireballs, kamikazes, slingshots, star flyers and tilt-a-whirls.

You can shoot water at clown noses and win teddy bears; you can stuff your face with hot dogs, nachos and cotton candy.

A monorail will take you on a ride through the park when you get tired of lugging your stuffed prizes everywhere.

If you time your visit right, you can also catch one of La Ronda’s special events.

On Halloween, for example, they host a Fright Fest where costumed employees roam the park to give people a scare. It’ll be an extra cherry on top of your amusement park sundae.

All things considered, La Ronda is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family.

It might not be one of the highbrow tourist attractions of Montreal, but sometimes, you don’t need highbrow. Sometimes, you just need a fried candy bar on a stick.

Address: 22 Chemin Macdonald  |  St. Helene Island ,  Montreal, Quebec H3C 6A3,  Canada

14. Montreal Botanical Garden

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The Montreal Botanical Garden is actually a collection of gardens and greenhouses.

It sweeps across 190 acres of land, so it’s one of the largest sightseeing locations in the city, and it contains such amazing biodiversity that it’s been recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Notably, each garden of the Montreal Botanical Garden has a theme. Here are just a few of the best:

• The Japanese garden is filled with bonsai and bamboo, and it has a gentle, tranquil atmosphere with clean-cut lines that are inspired by eastern zen. It frequently hosts tea ceremonies, kendo demonstrations and memorial bell-ringing in honor of the atomic bomb victims.
• The First Nations Garden showcases the beautiful and medicinal plants favored by the indigenous people of Canada. It also boasts a culturally authentic totem pole and a small gallery of artwork and artifacts.
• The Chinese garden is designed to look like a royal garden from the Ming Dynasty, so it has a curved temple covered in lights and lanterns and a surrounding field of flowers, stones and penjing plants.

The Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the biggest points of interest for nature lovers visiting Montreal.

If you’re looking to expand your herbology scrapbook, you’ll definitely want to stroll among the greenhouses and arbortoriums.

Address:  4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, QC H1X 2B2, Canada

15. Saint Laurent Boulevard

Called la main (“main street”) by the locals, Saint Laurent Boulevard runs through the exact center of Montreal.

Its location has made it a central hub for the city as far back as the 1600s, and it’s often used as a geographical touchstone for everything surrounding it.

Historically, Saint Laurent Boulevard was something of a dividing line between different classes and ethnic groups.

The English speakers were on the west; the French speakers were on the east. The immigrant communities straddled the line.

Today, Saint Laurent Boulevard is more of a melting pot than a segregated line.

You can reach Chinatown, Little Italy and Little Portugal from different points of the road, and there’s a vibrant collection of cultures and languages that includes one of the largest Yiddish-speaking populations in North America.

As for the sights, many Montreal attractions can be found along the border of Saint Laurent Boulevard. These range from bars and bistros to movie theaters and art galleries.

You can also use the boulevard as a starting point for further travel in every direction, so if you’re planning a trip that encompasses a lot of Montreal’s greatest hits, the boulevard can be your ground zero.

It’s on every map, and everyone will know where it is if you have to ask for directions.

It’s possible to walk the boulevard in a day, but you probably won’t want to rush it. There’s simply so much to experience along the line that it’s best to take your time.

Saint Laurent Boulevard has a rich history that’s completely, utterly unique to Montreal, so it’s a one-of-a-kind landmark in a one-of-a-kind city. Let yourself enjoy it.

16. Redpath Museum

Vincci / flickr

The Redpath Museum offers a collection of things that you’d never want to see in real life.

Its milder exhibits include taxidermy birds and the skeletons of lizards and anacondas; the most extreme displays are real-life Egyptian mummies surrounded by their earthly possessions.

Despite its grotesque gallery, the Redpath Museum isn’t meant to be a horror show.

It’s just a natural history museum that covers a broad range of subjects, including biology, geology, mineralogy and paleontology.

There are plenty of cool things that won’t creep you out, including paw print fossils and special shells that shine like diamonds.

If you like the bizarre, however, there’s no denying that the Redpath Museum offers quite a bit of it.

As soon as you walk through the front door and see the gigantic dinosaur model with its open jaws and gaping eye holes, you’ll realize that you’re in for a wild ride.

You’ll also learn a lot.

The museum doesn’t just throw animal skulls at you; it walks you through a recreation of the animal’s habitat and displays facts about the species on scrolling digital screens.

It doesn’t just use its mummies as a razzle-dazzle display; it takes the time to educate you on their culture, religion and birthplace as they rest in their tombs.

There are two ways to explore the Redpath Museum if you decide that you want to go.

The first is a self-guided tour, which is what most tourists do, and the second is an actual tour provided by one of the museum staff.

If you decide on the second option, it’ll cost you, and you’ll need to book it in advance.

However, the Redpath Museum is such a fantastic place to explore that the extra effort is worth it.

There’s a reason why we’re recommending it as one of the top destinations in Montreal, so spare no expense when it comes to enjoying it!

Address:  859 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C4, Canada

17. Saint Helen’s Island

It’s not within the city limits, but if you’re looking for the best things to do in Montreal, Saint Helen’s Island is just a quick trip to the south. You don’t even need to get on a boat.

Several bridges connect the greater Montreal area to the island, so you can walk, drive, bike or bus there without any problem.

Once you arrive, it’s just a question of what to see.

The Biosphere Environment Museum is covered with a gigantic, transparent dome; the Stewart Museum is tucked inside a heavily-equipped fortress that now functions as a historical site.

The Aquatic Complex is great for working up a sweat and diving into a pool to wash it off. If you want to visit the La Ronda amusement park, that’s on the island as well.

Do you like to party?

Saint Helen’s Island is the designated location for several well-known festivals, including the Osheaga Festival for indie music and the Montreal Fireworks Festival for pyrotechnical displays.

The latter is the largest fireworks festival in the world; three million people attend every year, and dozens of countries send representations to duke it out in elaborate fireworks competitions.

Not everything on Saint Helen’s Island is loud and flashy, however.

There are plenty of parks where you can grab a bottle of water and relax on a bench for a while, and the neat, clean sidewalks will lead you to all sorts of shopfronts.

It’s a very picturesque island. Many Montrealers use it to escape the everyday grind of the city.

Consider a trip to Saint Helen’s Island if you want a vacation destination that has a little bit of everything.

For the adrenaline junkies, there are fireworks and roller coasters; for the nature lovers and history buffs, there are museums and biodomes.

The best places don’t make you choose between activities. They let you have it all.

18. Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

Taking the place of the former Montreal Planetarium, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will help you travel to the furthest reaches of the galaxy from the comfort of a bean bag chair.

Do you like movies? Lie back in the darkness and immerse yourself in one of the planetarium’s space shows.

They take up the entire domed ceiling, and each star will look as big as a galaxy as they rush past you in a spectacular showcase of light, sound and motion.

Do you prefer something a little more hands-on? Visit the planetarium’s special astronomy exhibit.

You’ll be able to see, read and touch things up close instead of viewing them in a larger-than-life theater.

There are two main films offered by the planetarium, so you can choose which one is best for your particular field trip.

One film is factual and educational, and the other is a crazy explosion of special effects and cool space facts.

As you can imagine, the latter is more popular with children, but the former is a better complement for the astronomy exhibit.

Oh, and if you like travel tips , here’s a good one for you: The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is one of four facilities in something called “Space for Life.”

They’re a series of natural science buildings located within a few blocks of each other.

The other three facilities are comprised of the Biodome, Botanical Garden and Insectarium, so if you want to have an educational weekend trip, hit up all four facilities in a self-tour!

Address:  4801 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, QC H1V 3N4, Canada

19. Mary, Queen Of The World Cathedral

It’s hard to live up to a name like “Queen of the World,” but even setting aside the religious implications, this cathedral manages to be larger than life.

For starters, it’s one of the biggest cathedrals in Canada.

It measures 333 feet long, 252 feet high and 150 feet wide, and its architecture includes everything from a domed ceiling to a series of saintly statues towering over the main building.

Inside, you’ll find chapels, altars, prayer rooms, burial vaults and a dedicated baptistery.

The cathedral itself is beautiful enough to make your jaw drop.

Twisting columns come together over raised, wood-carved altars, and angels are painted over every wall, window and pew.

An old-fashioned organ is perfectly preserved in the main chapel.

When the sunlight hits the building, everything is infused with a warm bronze light that feels like it comes straight from heaven.

Additionally, the cathedral is home to a series of paintings and religious texts that hold great meaning in Catholic history.

The paintings depict the martyrdom of missionaries and the charity work of nuns; the texts are gold-lettered documents dedicated to saints.

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral .

As long as you have an eye for beauty and awe for history, your heart will be moved at the sight of such an impressive cathedral.

Address:  1085 Rue de la Cathédrale, Montréal, QC H3B 2V3, Canada

20. Mile End

Catherine Zibo / Shutterstock

Mile End is a hip, trendy neighborhood that takes up several blocks in Montreal. It’s the go-to destination for things like wine bars, organic coffee shops and quirky fashion boutiques.

The best way to see Mile End is with a tour.

Cycling tours are popular; they’ll take you past parks and plazas where you can relax with your shopping bags under the sun.

Food tours are another way to get around; they’ll treat your taste buds to all kinds of pizza, sushi, gyros, bagels and scones.

Make sure to try some poutine, the most famous concoction to ever come out of Quebec!

If you have money to burn, Mile End is a great place to spend it. You’ll enjoy a wide range of everything from brand-name clothing outlets to independently-run stationary shops.

You can also support local artists by scooping up paintings and crafts that they hawk along the sidewalk.

Another benefit of Mile End is that it’s located on Saint Laurent Boulevard.

If you’re using the boulevard as your north star, you can walk travel to and from Mile End without losing your way.

It isn’t the biggest or busiest neighborhood in Montreal, but Mile End is a nice little gem with lots of things to see and do.

You can eat good food, talk with friendly people and buy some unique souvenirs that aren’t made and sold anywhere else.

Consider a stroll through Mile End if you want to live like a hipster for the weekend.

Check out this awesome tour by a local.

21. Montreal Casino

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Travel guides don’t always mention the Montreal Casino since it isn’t exactly a family-friendly establishment.

If you’re traveling solo, however, or if you’re willing to leave the little ones with a babysitter, the Montreal Casino will let you indulge in some grown-up playtime.

Thousands of slot machines line the walls. Gaming tables offer everything from blackjack to baccarat.

Keno can be found on multiple floors, and there are special, dedicated areas for speed lotteries and virtual games.

When you want to take a break from gambling, other entertainment options are waiting for you.

A cabaret puts on shows every night. Three bars and four restaurants are available for wining, dining and dating.

There are even banquet facilities for locals who want to host luxury events at the casino.

You might be wondering about the size of the place. With such larger-than-life facilities, how big can the building possibly be?

The answer is that the Montreal Casino is actually three different buildings.

There are two main structures with multiple stories, and a third annex rests behind them. The main gaming floor is 525,00 square feet all by itself.

If you’re looking to have a grand experience in Canada, visit the Montreal Casino.

Its flashing lights and chiming music will welcome you as soon as you walk through the door, and its plush carpets, deep seats and cold beer will keep you happy as you try to hit the jackpot.

Address:  1 Avenue du Casino, Montréal, QC H3C 4W7, Canada

22. Montreal Clock Tower

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Say goodbye to the city with a stop by the Montreal Clock Tower .

It’s one of the simpler things to do in Montreal, but it’s a nice way to round off your trip, and you can snap your last few pictures from 150 feet high.

The tower was originally built as a monument to fallen sailors. It’s sometimes referred to as “The Sailors’ Memorial Clock” for this reason.

The first stones were laid by King Edward VIII in 1919, and his original plans included a series of bells connected to the tower that would ring in commemoration for the soldiers every hour.

Things got in the way, however, and the bells were never built, and the tower morphed into more of a tourist attraction than a somber memorial.

Today, it’s just a fun thing for visitors to climb in order to see the city from a bird’s eye view.

There are exactly 192 steps to the top of the Montreal Clock Tower. If you’re willing to make the summit, you’ll enjoy bright, vivid views of the entire river and port.

You won’t even have to pay for the privilege; everything is free and open to the public.

No one wants to say goodbye to Montreal, but when you can’t put off the end any longer, bid au revoir from the top of the Montreal Clock Tower.

Address:  1 Clock Tower Quay St, Montreal, QC H2L 5C1, Canada

Start Planning Your Trip To Montreal

These are just a few places to visit in Montreal.

There are many more, of course; this list barely scratches the surface of a big, bustling city filled with events and activities as far as the eye can see.

You need to start somewhere, however, and these suggestions will take you to Montreal attractions that are truly worth visiting.

Some of them are popular, well-known places; others will send you off the beaten path or down an underground tunnel.

All of them will give you a great experience in Montreal. Happy travels!

33 Epic Things to Do in Montreal (Perfect First Time Visit)

Things to do in montreal: the 33 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Montreal during your next trip and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 33 best things to do in Montreal , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to my list of things to do and activities, I will also give you optimized itineraries to visit Montreal in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Montreal? Where to stay?

1. The Plateau-Mont-Royal

2. old montreal, 3. old port of montreal: best things to see and do, 4. saint catherine street, 5. montreal olympic stadium, 6. montreal botanical garden, 7. the montreal biodome, 8. the must-visit museums in montreal, 9. the churches of montreal, 10. visit saint joseph’s oratory, 11. montreal’s markets, 12. the village, montreal’s gay district, 13. best things to do in montreal at night, 14. visiting mount royal park in winter, 15. where to ice skate in montreal, 16. the montreal snow festival – fêtes des neiges, 17. more winter activities in montreal, 18. visiting mount royal park in summer, 19. the lachine canal, 20. jet boat/spin boat on the saint lawrence river, 21. a day out at jean-drapeau park, 22. la ronde, montreal’s amusement park, 23. stroll in other montreal parks, 24. mont saint-sauveur water park, 25. osheaga, 26. igloofest, 27. the light festival – montréal en lumière, 28. just for laughs festival, 29. autumn at mont-tremblant, 30. cap-saint-jacques nature park, 31. parc omega in montebello, 32. more activities around montreal, rockaberry for a sumptuous cheesecake, taste la banquise’s poutine, weekend brunch in montreal, montreal’s chinatown, the best restaurant in montreal, timeout market montreal, microbreweries in montreal, where to stay in montreal, grocery shopping in montreal, where to find affordable cheese in montreal, renting or buying cheap winter sports gear, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you, visit montreal: all must-see attractions (winter + summer).

The Plateau-Mont-Royal is the quintessential “hip” neighborhood, making it the perfect starting point for this rundown of the must-see places in Montreal !

This area is well-renowned and particularly loved by French people, be they tourists or expats choosing it as their initial landing spot. So don’t expect to hear much of the Quebecois accent here!

The typical houses with exterior staircases and colorful facades add heaps of charm to the Plateau, and it’s a real delight to wander around in any season.

The neighborhood is buzzing with shops, restaurants, bars, and thrift stores spread over 4 main arteries. Perfect setup for a leisurely stroll around Montreal :

• St Laurent Boulevard , where a host of cultural communities have set up their shops
• St Denis Street , renowned for its avenue filled with terrace cafes
• Prince Arthur Street , bursting with restaurants
• Mont Royal Avenue , home to trendy bars and fashion boutiques.

Where to eat in Plateau Mont-Royal?

Here you’ll find the 2 famous restaurants that I’ll tell you more about later on:

• La Banquise with its poutines
• L’Avenue and its famous brunch.

But you can also feast at the “Saint Viateur” with a wide selection of bagels or the “ Mont-Royal Hot dog ” joint, with its charmingly outdated American diner vibe (and fantastic brunch potatoes!).

Nestled between the Saint Lawrence River and downtown skyscrapers, the Old Montreal district is the historical go-to spot in Montreal.

To explore it, stop at the “Place d’Armes” or “Champ-de-Mars” metro station .

Points of interest during this must-do visit in Montreal include:

• The old Sulpician seminary : Montreal’s oldest existing building
• Notre-Dame Basilica : I’ll talk more about this further down
• The Quebec Bank Building : built in 1888, it’s Montreal’s first “skyscraper” although just 8 stories high
• Saint Jacques Street : Montreal’s “Wall Street”
• Place d’Youville : a green oasis offering tranquil vibes
• The three courthouses
• The City Hall , best admired in the evening for its façade light display
• Jacques Cartier Square , perfect for a leisurely drink on a terrace
• Bonsecours Market , boasting luxury boutiques and temporary exhibitions.

To not miss a thing in Old Montreal and gain historical explanations about all the monuments, you should go for a guided tour .

This 4-hour walking tour covers both the East and West of Old Montreal, offering a comprehensive journey.

Book your guided tour in Montreal by clicking the green button below:

If you’re only spending a short time in Montreal before heading off on your Quebec itinerary or if you’re not a fan of walking, you can also get a great overview of the city by booking a guided bus tour .

The route includes the Old Montreal , the Old Port , the Mount Royal , the Saint Joseph Oratory and the Olympic Park . These are all places I recommend you to see in this tourist guide of Montreal.

Book your Montreal guided bus tour by clicking directly here!

The Old Port is part of the historic district of Old Montreal . It’s another perfect spot for a walk .

It’s not really a functioning port anymore since all the port activity has been relocated. Rather, it offers a wonderful walk along the Saint Lawrence River , especially near the clock tower with a view of the Jacques Cartier bridge.

A whole slew of activities await you here, whether it’s summer (think cycling, rollerblading, leapfrog, horse-drawn carriage rides) or winter (get ready for ice skating, ice fishing).

But there are 3 activities I absolutely recommend (click on the orange links to book) :

• A cruise on the Saint Lawrence River to admire Montreal from a fresh perspective. Book here !
• This cruise is also available in the evening (click here!) and comes with a fantastic five-course dinner. Perfect for a romantic outing in Montreal!
• A spin on the Great Wheel , which is the biggest Ferris wheel in Canada . You’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city! Book your ticket for the Great Wheel at the Old Port of Montreal by clicking right here !
• A ride on the urban zipline , the longest in Canada. Book here !

As you wander around, I’d also suggest dropping by the Montreal Science Centre , tucked away at the far end of the port.

It offers a wide range of fun, interactive exhibitions that change quite often. It’s an excellent activity if you’re wondering what to do in Montreal with kids. The centre also features an IMAX cinema for 3D documentaries.

Find all the information about the exhibitions, prices, and IMAX cinema schedule on the Montreal Science Centre website .

Not far from the Science Centre, I also recommend visiting the Pointe-à-Callière Museum , the only major archaeology museum in Canada covering a period from the Indigenous era to the present day. It’s the most visited museum in Montreal.

It offers permanent exhibitions on the history and archaeology of the city .

I also recommend trying the museum restaurant , which I’ll talk more about later in this article.

If you’re wondering where to go shopping in Montreal , look no further than Saint Catherine Street , an eminent boulevard recognized for its vibrant shopping scene.

Stretching for a whopping 11km, of which 3km are purely dedicated to retail therapy , it’s home to over 1,000 shops, bars, restaurants and major shopping centres such as Eaton Centre and Montreal Trust .

All the usual suspects are there, from H&M and Forever 21, to Victoria’s Secret and Urban Outfitters.

To get there, simply hop on the metro to Mc Gill station, which sits conveniently in the Eaton Centre.

In winter, you won’t even need to brave the snow for your shopping spree.

Montreal boasts an impressive 30km underground pedestrian network connecting a number of buildings, including the downtown shopping centres.

Built for the 1976 Olympic Games, the stadium has become one of the city’s internationally recognised symbols thanks to its distinctive architecture and iconic tower .

This is a fascinating place to visit in Montreal on a guided tour, discovering its history through an exhibition retracing its construction and featuring many sports memorabilia .

Next, take the glass funicular to climb to the top of the stadium’s tower, which happens to be the world’s highest inclined tower (165 meters high with a 45-degree inclination). At the top, you’ll be greeted by an amazing panoramic view of the Montreal region .

If you happen to be around after the sun sets, don’t forget that the Montreal Olympic Stadium is quite a sight to see when it’s all lit up.

For a different perspective of the Olympic Stadium, downtown, and Mount Royal, you should book a helicopter tour of Montreal .

This is one of the most important botanical gardens in the world , with its 75 hectares hosting more than 20,000 plant species, 10 exhibition greenhouses and over twenty themed gardens.

I was totally captivated by the Chinese pavilions . They’re absolutely amazing, adorned with gorgeous pagodas amidst water features and a multitude of lively koi fish.

Also worth checking out are the Japanese garden, the aquatic garden, and the rose garden . The greenhouses offer a journey into the plant life from both arid landscapes and the lush tropical rainforest.

The botanical garden also houses an insectarium with over 250,000 specimens of live or preserved insects. You can also find yourself amidst hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely in a greenhouse specifically dedicated for them.

Each year, the Montreal Botanical Garden transforms into a garden of light with its lantern festival . Special light structures, created just for the occasion, are cleverly incorporated into the garden décor, enhancing its charm. It’s simply stunning.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Montreal, the botanical garden is also a great visit and it’s free!

A lot of folks make the most of it by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along the flat trails. The garden’s trail networks communicate with Maisonneuve Park and offer nearly 10 kilometers of track . You’ll need to bring your own equipment as the garden doesn’t offer rentals.

For more information about the garden and the prices, check out the botanical garden’s website .

Another must-visit spot in Montreal (especially if you have kids!): the Biodome

It provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the ecosystems of the American continent through its exceptionally crafted layout. Through a clever system that mirrors the seasons, the natural conditions such as temperature and humidity are meticulously recreated.

You can observe the fauna and flora of 5 different ecosystems :

• The tropical rainforest : lush vegetation with temperatures around 28 degrees, where you can see piranhas , caimans , parrots and capybaras.
• The Laurentian maple forest : a typically Quebecois forest with maple and birch trees, and a chance for observing lynxes, otters, and beavers .
• The Gulf of Saint Lawrence : represented by a basin containing no less than 2.5 million liters of sea water with cod, bass, salmon and on the beach numerous ducks and seagulls.
• The Arctic and Antarctic : where you’ll be able to admire an entire colony of penguins .

To plan your visit, you can get all the necessary details on the Montreal Biodome’s official website .

In Montreal, culture and art hold a significant place.

In addition to the Pointe à Callière Museum, the Biodome, and the Science Center I mentioned earlier, there are over 50 different museums in Montreal .

Here’s my pick of the top museums to see during your visit to Montreal :

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , located 1380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
• Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) , 185 Saint Catherine West Street
• McCord Museum : Items related to Canadian history, and particularly to indigenous culture. 690 Sherbrooke Street West
• Saint-Gabriel House : This charming traditional dwelling holds more than 300 years of history within its walls. Animations in traditional costumes and various activities are available on site, including a New France-style meal at the Refectory! Very lively, it’s the best history museum in Montreal in my opinion. 2146, place Dublin – Pointe-Saint-Charles
• Montreal Firefighters’ Museum (MBAM): Open only on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm, located 5100 Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
• Redpath Museum : The program includes paleontology, zoology, mineralogy, and a carnivorous dinosaur skeleton in this free museum (donations appreciated). 59 Sherbrooke West Street

You’re going to Montreal?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Montreal 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Montreal on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Montreal.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Montreal, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Montreal!

Let’s continue this Montreal guide with the must-see churches.

The most renowned is without a doubt the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal , nestled in Old Montreal, which I’ve given a nod to earlier. The interior of this 60m high neo-Gothic building is sublime!

To the best of my understanding, it’s the solitary place of worship in Montreal that asks for an admission fee. The proceeds go towards the upkeep and refurbishment of this significant religious monument in Quebec.

A 20-minute guided tour is included in the entrance fee , but you can also visit freely.

Here are a few other places of worship that I found profoundly striking during my Montreal adventure, thanks to their extraordinary architecture!

• Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Montreal Saint-Édouard Church
• St. James United Church
• St. George’s Anglican Church.

On the list of things to do in Montreal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, located in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood is a must for its exceptional architecture, but also to get a sense of the importance of religious life in early 20th century Quebec.

This imposing building built on the slopes of Mount Royal is nearly 100 meters high and is topped by a mammoth dome 39 meters in diameter . It’s even more impressive on the inside!

Aside from the Oratory, you can also pop into Brother André’s quaint little chapel , and wander around the gardens with its Way of the Cross where you’ll spot a whole host of intriguing sculptures .

Feeling a bit full from all the poutine, burgers, and brunches? How about taking a trip to one of Montreal’s three major markets to scoop up some fresh and delightful local produce , or simply soak in the lively atmosphere of the colorful stalls:

• Atwater Market – perfectly located by the Lachine Canal, it’s renowned for its butcheries and cheesemongers. For those who’ve got a fondness for fromage, you can grab 3 cheeses for a mere 10 bucks here – an absolute steal in Canada, I promise you!
• Jean Talon Market – nestled in Little Italy , you’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, and a plethora of goods from around the globe, from Polish pastries to French crepes.
• Maisonneuve Market – complete with fishmongers, greengrocers, bakers, and florists stalls.

Another iconic spot to check out in Montreal is Le Village, Montreal’s gay district .

A sterling example of the tolerance and diversity that are the hallmarks of Quebec. Recognized around the world as a hot spot for LGBTQ+ tourism , this energetic neighborhood is a delight to stroll through with its cafes, bars, restaurants, nightclubs , and a delightful streetscape!

In the summer, Saint Catherine Street in Le Village transforms into a vibrant pedestrian zone , so that’s the prime time to revel in it.

Here are a few hot spots in Le Village:

• The Cabaret Mado with its wacky drag queen shows
• Le Sky , one of Montreal’s top nightclubs.
• Le Mousso , one of the city’s best restaurants.

What could be more delightful than enjoying an evening cocktail with friends ? Well, in Montreal, that’s a piece of cake as you’ll find an abundance of bars and breweries practically everywhere!

You’ll also find plenty of joints where you can have a drink while playing board games . Be it classics like Monopoly or Jungle Speed, or some downright obscure games you’ve never heard of!

When I was living in Montreal, I used to frequent Randolph , but there are other game bars and restaurants worth checking out, such as: Colonel Moutarde , La Récréation , or Meltdown .

There’s also a wide array of diverse shows, including comedy shows , which are a really popular thing on this side of the Atlantic. You can head to Montreal Comedy Club or The Comedy Nest .

If you’re not in the mood for laughs but rather a bit of a scare, I also recommend a nighttime tour themed “The Ghosts of Old Montreal” . Accompanied by a guide, you’ll trace the spirits that haunt the historic center!

You can book your spot by clicking the button below:

And for a spicier version of a night out in Montreal , you should know that strip clubs are quite common in the city.

For the ladies*, I suggest Club 281 . Also known as a “male dancers bar” it offers Chippendales-style strip teases on stage, as well as “ private shows ” where you can pay for a dance with someone.

*Men are welcome to attend the shows if accompanied by a woman.

Winter delights in Montreal

Below, I present to you my selection of the best places to go in Montreal during winter .

Mount Royal Park is Montreal’s largest park , and in winter, its paths, hills, and pond transform for you to enjoy a variety of winter activities !

You can partake in:

• Sledding : Ideal for some family or friends’ fun, it’s the perfect place to enjoy this activity for free.
• Snow scootering : Like sledding, but standing up, for a change of pace!
• Ice skating : In winter, the beaver lake turns into a free public ice rink for everyone to enjoy. Take advantage!
• Cross-country skiing : The trails on Mount Royal provide an opportunity to indulge in this sport amidst beautiful natural surroundings, just a stone’s throw from the city.
• Snowshoeing : A great alternative to cross-country skiing!

If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry. You can rent everything (except sleds) at the beaver lake pavilion, which also serves as a cozy little restaurant to warm up after a fun glide session.

You can also opt for a guided snowshoe hike organized by the park. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour stroll through Mount Royal and introduce you to the local wildlife along the way .

The tour is highly engaging and even perfect for families with children (ages 8 and up).

Book in advance by clicking here !

And if you’re looking for a unique activity to do in Montreal , you’ll be pleased to know that you can also go night snowshoeing with a guide from the Amis de la montagne (Friends of the Mountain Association).

To book, click here:

To reach Mount Royal Park, you can take STM Bus No. 11 that goes all the way up to the hilltop in the park.

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity in Quebec .

In Montreal, it’s hard not to get in on this action as each neighbourhood has its own charming little outdoor rink, free of charge . Kiddos can dip their toes into skating with minimal danger, and the grown-ups can engage in the sport that gets Montreal’s heart racing: hockey .

But the most picturesque place to lace up your skates is at Montreal’s Old Port. While there is a fee to skate on this large rink, the sight of the Old Port and Saint Lawrence River is simply stunning. It’s the trendiest place to skate in the city.

In addition to the Beaver Lake at Mount Royal Park that we previously mentioned, another bustling winter spot for ice skating in Montreal is Lafontaine Park .

Here, you’ll even see numerous parents skating while pushing their strollers on the ice ! Access to the ice is free. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for $10.

The “Fêtes des Neiges”, Montreal snow festival , is a must-attend family event held each winter. It takes place over four weekends between January and February at Jean-Drapeau Park . Entrance is free but some activities have additional costs.

All your favorite winter activities from Quebec are showcased here: ice sculpture workshops, tube sliding (on inflatables), skating, dog sledding, ziplining, musical performances.

You can also indulge in traditional Quebecois treats like maple taffy, beaver tails, and obviously, poutine .

1) Ice Fishing

You can try ice fishing right in the city, specifically at the Old Port of Montreal . It’s certainly a less immersive experience than deep in the heart of Quebec, but it’s a great way to enjoy this activity if you’re short on time for a weekend getaway!

You’ll also be able to ski near Montreal .

Alpine skiing is a must-do winter activity in Quebec, and while it’s not the Alps, here are some friendly ski resorts:

• Mont Saint Bruno : Just 30 minutes from downtown, it doesn’t get much closer to Montreal! A favorite among city-dwellers, this small resort has 15 slopes.
• Mont-Rigaud : Also just 30 minutes from Montreal, this tiny 9-slope resort is known as the perfect place for beginners.
• Bromont : To the southeast of Montreal, about an hour’s drive away, is the Bromont ski resort, with a domain boasting 141 slopes.
• Mont Saint-Sauveur : An hour from Montreal, with its 40 slopes, it’s “Viking” roller coaster, numerous restaurants, concerts, and events, it’s a delightful place for a weekend! Mont Saint-Sauveur also has an excellent snowpark for freestyle lovers!
• Mont-Tremblant : The farthest ski resort from Montreal in this list, requiring a 1.5-hour drive. However, with its 96 slopes, charming “village” and après-ski activities, it’s one of Quebec’s most popular resorts.

3) Spas and hot baths

This activity, enjoyable all year round, is especially magical in winter! In Montreal, several spas offer outdoor hot baths throughout the year. Here are some of the most well-known:

• Strom Nordic Spa on Nuns’ Island (Île-des-Sœurs)
• Spa Bota Bota , in Old Montreal
• Scandinave Spa , also located in Old Montreal.

Visiting Montreal in the summer

Summer in Montreal, contrary to what you might think, it’s really hot ! So don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and a hat for your excursions.

Mount Royal Park, a highly renowned tourist spot in Montreal, has several shaded trails for cool walks and numerous vantage points with great city views .

Be sure to stop by the Mount Royal lookout for a panorama of the entire downtown area.

The park is also an ideal spot for jogging or cycling.

In summer, it’s the perfect place to have a picnic by the Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) , an artificial lake surrounded by a kids’ playground and various amenities, including a bar-restaurant with a terrace .

You can spot numerous curious and friendly squirrels there. A must-see during your stay in Montreal!

If you’re wondering what else to visit in Montreal, I suggest heading over to the Lachine Canal, located in the southwest of the city . Its 14.5-kilometer route starts from the old port and ends at Lake Saint-Louis .

In summer, it’s a dream spot for safely cycling along its tree-lined, well-maintained banks. The path is flat and away from traffic, perfect for a family outing in Montreal .

You can rent bicycles near Atwater Market at a small outdoor shack along the canal: Ma Bicyclette .

You can check out the Lachine Canal not just from the banks but also by hopping on different types of watercraft .

A rental service offers pedal boats, canoes, and small electric boats for hire.

The calm waters won’t cause any problems, and you’ll have fun crossing the numerous small locks .

Voici le site du centre nautique de Lachine.

Contrasting with a peaceful walk along the Lachine Canal, you can choose a more exhilarating activity in Montreal: Jet Boating or Saute-Mouton as the locals call it.

You’ll tackle the Lachine Rapids, on the fleuve Saint-Laurent (Saint Lawrence River), aboard a rather special boat: guaranteed thrills! You’ll come out refreshed, or rather soaked.

Perfect for hot days – just bring a change of clothes!

Another idea for a boat trip in Montreal: Spin Boat . This fast boat takes sharp turns and spins around , hence the name.

In groups of about ten people, you’ll board the boat in Old Montreal’s port. The adrenaline rush is definitely guaranteed with an experience that can be compared to water rodeo !

However, it doesn’t venture into the Lachine Rapids , so don’t confuse it with “Saute-Mouton”!

All information is available here!

If you’re looking for some awesome spots to check out in Montreal, let’s head over to Parc Jean-Drapeau . It’s located on two islands just south of Montreal and has a ton of cool outdoor activities to enjoy.

Here’s the plan: 25 km of hiking trails, bike paths, kayak rentals, paddleboarding, rock climbing, wildlife and flora observation, supervised beach, food services, and picnic areas.

You’ll easily spend a whole day here. But, take a tip from me, stay till the sun dips down . That’s when you’ll get the most stunning panorama of downtown, with the city lights reflecting in the river, perfect for snapping some gorgeous photos!

These two islands, Saint Helen and Notre-Dame, which now form Jean Drapeau Park, were actually home to the 1967 World’s Fair .

Most of the pavilions were demolished after the expo, but today, the French pavilion, now the Montreal Casino , and the American pavilion, known as the Biosphere (that I mentionned earlier), remain.

Another relic from the World Expo is the Habitat 67 residential complex , located in Cité du Havre, not far from the park.

Jean Drapeau Park is also renowned for its vibrant music festivals , which I’ll discuss in more detail below. And don’t forget the Canadian F1 Grand Prix , happening every year!

Besides Jean Drapeau Park, on Saint Helen Island you’ll also find “La Ronde” the amusement park , open every summer.

This park boasts 42 attractions including some quite impressive ones, like the “Ultimate Flight”.

To plan your day at La Ronde, you can check out the official website here .

In addition to Mount Royal and Jean Drapeau Park, Montreal boasts many other delightful parks perfect for a break from the city’s bustling pace

1) Angrignon Park

Following Mount Royal, this park is the second-largest forested area in Montreal .

You can stroll along three ponds, a 1km lake, and shaded trails spanning nearly 10km. There’s also a specially designed 2km track for biking and rollerblading , which transforms into a cross-country ski track in winter .

Ideal for a family picnic by the water, barbecues are even available for use . A playground with swings is also on site.

2) Lafontaine Park

It’s one of the largest parks in Montreal city .

What sets it apart are the multiple outdoor sports fields open for free use: tennis, petanque, baseball, volleyball, and children’s playgrounds.

The park also hosts cultural events at the outdoor theater , a delightful spot for evening performances.

Nothing beats a day at a water park to chill out and have a blast.

In Quebec, I recommend the one at Mount Saint-Sauveur , about an hour’s drive from Montreal . It’s an ideal day trip when on a Canadian circuit tour !

This park is huge with its 12 water slides , toboggans , rafting and tubing descents , water games, wave pool , and other outdoor pools.

Festivals in Montreal

Throughout the year, Montreal hosts some brilliant festivals. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss!

Every year, Montreal hosts a massive music festival: Osheaga .

It’s held every summer at Jean Drapeau Park and lasts for three days . During this time, you’ll be treated to some great music. Top bands have performed here: Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.

No doubt, if you want to see all those awesome stars, you’ll have to dish out at least $320 for the three-day festival. But hey, that doesn’t seem to stop the whopping 40,000 people who show up every single day.

Osheaga Festival website

This is the winter electronic music festival you don’t want to miss in Montreal.

Igloofest has been rocking Montreal’s Old Port for about a decade now.

Several DJs from around the world heat up the dance floor over four weekends .

Igloofest website

Another unmissable festival in Quebec during winter if you’ve decided to visit Montreal: the light festival attracting nearly 900,000 people each year.

The Montreal en Lumière program combines light installations , performing arts with theater, circus, singing , and gastronomy.

You can enjoy many free activities (ferris wheel, zipline, giant curling), wander among the light art installations, enjoy various street performances, and sample Quebec culinary specialties at the street stalls.

The festival also includes “La Nuit Blanche”, Montreal’s White Night where you can visit certain museums and churches, participate in dance, singing, or artistic creation workshops, all for free. In total, there are more than 200 activities to enjoy.

Montréal en Lumière website

The “Festival Juste pour rire” or Just for Laughs Festival is a comedy festival held annually in Montreal.

It’s the largest festival of its kind in the world and a true tradition in Quebec. On the agenda: a large number of comedians presenting their shows, both indoors and in the street.

The program is highly diverse and of excellent quality .

Festival Juste pour rire website

Best things to do around Montreal

For those craving the great outdoors, there’s a bunch of things to discover around Montreal . Here’s a little selection of places to visit!

When talking about Quebec, you can’t skip mentioning the special season that characterizes it: autumn and its fiery colors.

If you want to admire this unique landscape firsthand, around Montreal, I recommend heading to Mont-Tremblant, just an hour’s drive away.

In winter, it’s a ski resort but in the fall, the forests take on warm colors, and it’s a profusion of red, orange, and yellow trees as far as the eye can see .

It’s the ideal time for long hikes. You can either hike up the mountain or catch a lift (only on weekends) to reach the top and take in the stunning view of the valley below with its picturesque lake reflecting the vibrant colors.

The Cap-Saint-Jacques is the largest park in the Montreal area , sprawling across a whopping 300 hectares. Whether it’s summer or winter, you’ll be able to take tranquil strolls through this maple tree-dominated spot, nestled between a lake and a river, offering countless stunning views.

In the summer, you’ll have access to a massive natural sandy beach complete with picnic areas, and even pedalos and kayaks for rent. You can even fire up your own barbecue.

Come autumn, Cap-Saint-Jacques, with its west-facing beach, is the best place to watch the sunset over Montreal island. The light is just amazing!

Winter sees the park transform into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing , with all the necessary equipment available for rent on-site. You have around 32 kilometers of trails at your disposal. The on-site ecological farm turns into a sugar shack with a typical maple syrup-based menu.

But no matter the season, be sure to watch the sunset over the lake , it’s simply breathtaking and you won’t regret it. The lighting is perfect for some truly incredible photos.

Practical info:

• Open all year round, parking fees apply.
• To get there by public transport, take bus 64 from the Côte-Vertu metro station to the Cartierville terminus, then take bus 68 to the park entrance.

This wildlife park is situated between Montreal and Ottawa , about 110 kilometers from Montreal.

The park can only be explored by car as the animals live freely in their natural habitat.

Along a 10-kilometer trail, you’ll traverse meadows, forests, and lakeshores, giving you the opportunity to spot Quebec’s native wildlife, including moose, elk, black bears, and wolves . You’ll also have plenty of chances to stop and take photos.

You can easily spend half a day here, or even stay overnight! The park offers several unique accommodation options : teepees, prospector tents, wooden cabins, and stilt houses.

It’s one of the best activities to do near Montreal with kids .

Parc Omega is open all year round , hours and prices vary depending on the season, you can find all the information here: Parc Omega .

Still in the Montreal area, you can also try out some super cool activities (click on the orange links to book):

• Dog sledding in Saint-Hippolyte near Montreal
• Dog sled ride through maple groves , near Montreal
• Snowmobile outing near Montreal, in Saint-Hippolyte – Duration: from 1h to 8h
• Snowmobile excursion in the Laurentians , departure from Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts – Duration: from 2h to a full day
• A guided quad ride near Montreal
• Whitewater rafting down the Red River (Rivière Rouge) in Mont-Tremblant
• A canoe descent on the Assomption River , (Rivière l’Assomption for the locals) in Mont-Tremblant nature park
• Via ferrata between Montreal and Mont-Tremblant, at Mont Catherine
• Zip-lining , also at Mont Catherine
• Ice climbing adventure in Montreal

33. Best things to do in Montreal My top places to eat

For me, this is, hands down, the best cheesecake I’ve ever had!

In Montreal, if you spot a Rockaberry, there’s no way you can walk past their window full of cheesecakes and pies , each looking more delicious than the last.

The hardest part is then choosing between the Rockabrownies, Banalicious, Mochamisu, or any of the fruit crumbles (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, etc.).

Rockaberry’s website

During your stay in Montreal, you can’t miss trying this iconic Quebec dish ! Loved by some, hated by others, it’s up to you to form your own opinion about poutine .

The traditional poutine is quite simple, and consists of 3 ingredients:

• “Curd cheese”

You can find poutine in all sorts of varieties, from the basic poutine made with frozen fries from a fast food spot to the fancy homemade version with hand-cut fries cooked in duck fat. There’s something for every poutine lover out there!

Poutine is everywhere in Quebec: you can eat it at any hour in restaurants open 24/7. It’s actually the go-to choice for Montrealers after a night out!

Some restaurants even offer no less than a hundred different recipes , but beware, not all are created equal. The two most famous restaurants in Montreal for their poutine are:

• La Banquise , open 24/7.
• Poutineville : a name that speaks for itself!

Montreal is like a haven for brunch enthusiasts ! But what does the Quebec version of this meal, which falls between breakfast and lunch, entail?

The classic brunch you’ll savor in Montreal includes:

• Eggs , cooked in every possible way
• Baked beans or “Fèves au lard” as the locals call it
• Maple syrup , to drizzle all over!
• A coffee or tea and orange juice.

In addition to that, each restaurant has its own specialty and also offers a variety of options such as fresh fruit salad, smoothies, pancakes, crepes, sausages, bagels , and much more.

• L’Avenue , which well deserves its reputation for an excellent brunch, but be warned, expect a long wait before you can indulge.
• Fabergé : This trendy restaurant in Montreal’s Mile-End district serves a fantastic brunch with some original specialties!
• Le Hot Dog : This unassuming spot on the Plateau Mont Royal is a must for potato lovers, because they serve some seriously delicious, well, potatoes!

Another spot where you can dive into culinary adventures is Montreal’s Chinatown , brimming with cute little restaurants offering typical dishes from Chinese cuisine .

Here, you’ll get to try the famous bubble tea , a beverage made with tea, fruit, and tapioca pearls that line the bottom of the glass, sucked up with a fat straw.

Also a must-try: the numerous biscuits or cakes all soft and squishy from the Chinatown’s Chinese bakeries.

In Montreal’s Chinatown, you’ll also find a large Asian grocery store . If you’re staying in Montreal, this is the best place to shop for Asian products!

I just had to mention it, as it’s kind of my canteen in Montreal: “L’Arrivage” restaurant at the Pointe-a-Callière Museum . A foodie myself, I was a bit hesitant to dine at “the museum’s restaurant” the first time, but I came out totally amazed. Honestly .

Located on the museum’s second floor, the restaurant offers a fantastic view of Montreal’s Old Port .

They serve a different gourmet menu every week , and the dishes are truly delicious. I recommend you to try the “Table d’hôtes” menu with a starter, a main course, and dessert for less than $25. At this price, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated meal in an exceptional setting with unrivaled service.

It clearly is the best value for money in Montreal, and by a long shot ! It’s a hidden gem, even among Montrealers.

However, note that the restaurant only opens for lunch!

The TimeOut Market is located on Saint Catherine Ouest street, in the Eaton Centre and brings together more than a dozen of restaurants and bars all in one place .

The atmosphere is really cool, with a chic and modern vibe and carefully crafted decor. You can feast on dishes from all over the world : Indian, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Spanish… The dishes are truly of excellent quality and exceptionnaly well-cooked .

Everyone can pick their favorite dishes and gather at the shared tables in the center. That way, no one has to argue about which restaurant to choose!

Open every day from 11:30 am to 9/10 pm.

Craft beer lovers will be thrilled to learn that Montreal has numerous microbreweries , each with its own specialties! Here are a few addresses:

• Brasserie Harricana , 95 Jean-Talon West Street
• Pub Brouhahah , 295, Avenue Papineau, Ahuntsic
• La Succursale , 3188 Masson Street
• HELM microbrasserie , 273 Bernard O Street
• Dieu du Ciel! 29 Avenue Laurier Ouest

• M Montreal : A youth hostel just a 5-minute walk away from Berri Uquam metro station on Sainte Catherine street. You can grab a bed in a modern, cozy dorm for just 25€ a night, breakfast included. You can also book a double room if you prefer. Strong points: Super friendly staff, modern facilities, basement bar with occasional live performances. A fantastic choice for budget-friendly accommodations in Montreal !
• Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal : Located in the bustling Quartier des Spectacles. You can book a warm, spacious double room starting from €150 per night. Strong points: Perfect location for exploring Montreal, clean and comfy beds.
• Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville: : Just 200 meters away from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and a 5-minute walk from the Old Port. Double rooms starting from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: Great location, spacious rooms, and large beds.
• Le Petit Hotel Montreal: : Located in the historical center of Montreal. Rooms with character (think stone walls and exposed brick) starting from €250, breakfast included. Strong points: Excellent service, a delicious breakfast, and the charming ambiance of the hotel.
• Le St-Martin Hotel Centre-ville – Hotel Particulier: : Just 50 meters away from Saint Catherine West Street. Stylish, cozy double rooms starting from €290. Strong points: An enchanting pool with waterfalls and jets, delightful staff, prime location, and comfort. My recommendation for a high-end stay in Montreal !
• Hôtel Birks Montréal : Located in the city center, this 5-star hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms starting from €500, with breakfast at an additional €19. Strong points: Prime location, beautiful architecture, friendly staff, and a luxurious spa. The best hotel in Montreal for a luxury stay !

My impressions of Montreal

What I absolutely adored about Montreal, and the reason I ended up staying for two extra years (originally planning just one), is the incredible vibrancy of each neighborhood. It’s like living in a close-knit village rather than a sprawling metropolis.

Tons of local shops, welcoming folks, top-notch quality of life, and varied activities across different seasons make Montreal one of the most enjoyable cities to live in worldwide!

Tips for those living in Montreal

In addition to travelers, many French folks choose to make Montreal their new home . Having lived there for three years, here are some nuggets of wisdom from an ex-Montrealer. If you have more, I’d be thrilled to add them to the list!

If you’re longing for “European-style” dining, food can quickly burn a hole in your pocket at standard supermarkets like Provigo and IGA (think peppers at $9 a kilo or chicken fillets at $25 or more!).

So, I’d recommend heading to a little grocery store called Esposito . There are four in Montreal; pick the one that’s closest to you. Chances are you’ll halve your grocery budget.

As a European person, if there’s one thing you might miss in Montreal, it’s the cheese . Of course, you can find it, but it often comes with a hefty price tag (Hello, Roquefort Papillon at $100 a kilo!).

But don’t worry! There’s a place where you can get cheeses (and lots of other stuff) without breaking the bank. Head to Aubut , a wholesale store open to the public!

They offer tons of products, including a delicious brie , sometimes even on sale at $10 a kilo.

Address : Aubut, 3975 Saint-Ambroise Street .

If you’re living in Montreal, it’s highly likely you’ll want to try ice skating, snowshoeing, or even skiing. But if you’re only there for a year, you don’t want to spend a fortune! It’s best to rent for the season or buy second-hand gear. And where can you do that?

The answer: at La Poubelle du Ski ! Don’t let the less-than-charming name fool you (poubelle means trash can in French), it’s a hidden gem well-known to Montrealers. A small shop where you can rent or buy great gear at a fair price. For example, I got a pair of brand new hockey skates (not a scratch) for half the retail price.

Address : La Poubelle du Ski – 8278, St-Laurent Boulevard

So, what are your plans for exploring Montreal? Tell me about your favorite places in the comments!

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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39 best things to do in Montreal right now

Your Montreal bucket list for tourists and locals alike. Discover epic restaurants, secret bars, and outstanding events happening across the city.

UPDATE, May 2024:  From discovering the hottest new rooftop bar, the best places to spot the city's cherry blossoms or where to find one of the many secret gardens —Montreal is full of amazing and free things to do in the spring. Spoiler alert: It's no wonder the city was ranked 12th best city for culture in the world. Whether you are into the idea of getting outside, looking for  cheap eats or the best family-friendly activites, this list is for you.

This essential round-up of Montreal musts is your to-do list whether you're a tourist or a local: from the best bars and speakeasies to the most stellar free museums —it rounds up the most outstanding things to do across the city.

RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to the best restaurants in Montreal Best things to do with kids in Montreal Best attractions in Montreal Best Airbnbs in Montreal

An email you’ll actually love

Time Out Market Montréal

• Restaurants
• price 2 of 4

Our local editors have handpicked and gathered the best of the best restaurants and chefs under one roof at Time Out Market Montréal. It's a  40,000-square-foot, next-level culinary and cultural destination that's located in the Centre Eaton de Montréal—and  home to one of downtown's most killer cocktail menus . But don't just take our word for it.

Best things to do in Montreal

1.  Head to the Village to spot Ryan Reynolds, palm trees and vintage cars

What is it: Ryan Reynolds, Canadian actor and producer, is in Montreal shooting an exotic new film called Mayday in the Village.

Why go: The Village has been transformed into retro San Diego, California (the backdrop for the movie), so get ready for  palm trees, vintage cars and old-school storefronts between Panet and Visitation streets—and some celebrity sightings.

Don't miss the chance to spot Ryan Reynolds in a crisp white naval officer's uniform.

2.  Check out the city's newest rooftop with a secret garden

What is it: Perched atop one of the city's best hotels, Terrasse Alizé is a secret rooftop oasis in the heart of the city (and our new favourite happy hour spot).

Why go: This heated, covered terrasse open rain or shine is pouring some serious cocktails—not to mention the menu created by the renown  Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère .

Don't miss the  beef tacos with pico de gallo and salsa verde made from the restaurant garden.  

3.  Sink your teeth into the city's new cult donut

What it is: Montrealers are lining up for the fresh, delicious and gigantic donuts  at Homers Boîte à Beignes—a Simpson’s-inspired donut shop in NDG.

Why go: They are worth it. We're talking about dozens of next-level, oversized donuts ranging from Cookie Monster to Kit Kat to Crème Brûlée.

Don't miss the daily flavours like white chocolate strawberry shortcake, or overlook the classics (hello, glacé of our dreams).

4.  Catch the cherry blossoms and track the blooms

What is it: Throughout the month of May, the town gets painted pink thanks to the glorious cherry, crabapple and magnolia trees across the city, but this year the blossoms are arriving early. 

Why go?  Enjoying the stunning, fragrant blooms is one of the best things to do in Montreal, and the Montreal Botanical Gardens tracker will make sure you don't miss out.

Don't miss celebrating the timeless tradition of o-hanami, meaning "contemplating the blossoms," with a picnic beneath the blossoming trees at the Japanese garden.

5.  Experience the largest inflatable theme park in the world

What is it: A touring 25,000 square-foot inflatable park just announced its Canadian dates and Montreal is on the list for 2024.

Don't miss the Sport Slam inflatable, a sports arena bursting with goals, nets, hoops, balls of all shapes and sizes, special climbing zones, and an epic battle zone.

6.  Discover Blake Lively's favourite spots in the city

What is it: Serena Van Der Woodsen was spotted eating and drinking her way across Montreal's Mile End and her picks are all worth the hype.

Why go: From a donut shop with a cult following to the home of Montreal's famous viral pink drink, Serena van Der Woodsen is spilling all the gossip XOXO.

Don't miss Mile End's hottest new restaurant , ranked one of the best global openings in 2024.

7.  Find one of the city's secret gardens

What is it: Big, small, hidden and wildly beautiful, the best 15 secret gardens in Montreal show off the city's most lush, tranquil side.

Why go: From a stroll through Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens to secret, meditative spaces, spending time in the city's hidden greenspaces does the soul good.

Don't miss finding out what's behind the wall framing the beach volleyball courts on Avenue du Parc.

8.  Explore Plaza St. Hubert, ranked one of the coolest streets in the world

What is it?  Time Out consulted our expert team of local editors and contributors worldwide and each championed the coolest street in their respective city. After careful consideration, we curated a definitive list and Montreal's Plaza St. Hubert made the top 30.

Why go  A Latin enclave and hipster hotspot, Saint-Hubert Plaza is partly covered with a glass roof, making it ripe for exploring whatever the season. You'll find art galleries, brunch spots, some of the hottest new restaurants in th city and coolest bars.

Don't miss  the honky tonk and line-dancing at Spaghetti Western

9.  Get tickets to a bucket list Montreal festival

What is it: Montreal is non-stop fun thanks to all the parties, festivals and happenings that come back to the city year after year, and we've rounded up over 40 of our favourites.

Why go: From Montreal’s answer to Coachella to one of the biggest Pride celebrations around, spring, summer, winter and fall in Montreal are chock full of events from jazz to burlesque with urban art and fireworks sprinkled in between.

Don't miss the world’s largest inflatable theme park coming to Montreal this summer.

10.  Discover the hidden bar ranked number one in Montreal

What is it  Picture a hidden  galaxy-inspired  staircase leading up to a glamorous,  j ungle-themed  oasis with a polished marble bar, glass ceiling and mind-blowing cocktails served in disco balls and you’ve got Milky Way.

Why go? Glamorous decor, lush tropical plants, a massive skylight and award-winning cocktails make a killer combination.

Don't miss the Disco Pisco, served in a disco ball cup

11.  Check out downtown's biggest arcade

What is it:   Discover Centre Playbox, the biggest entertainment centre in  downtown  Montreal, with cutting-edge VR games, arcade games, skill games and claw machines for visitors of all ages.

Why go: Cheap thrills await with over 80 machines inside this new 18,000 square-foot space in the Eaton Centre. With games s tarting at $2.50, Centre Playbox is home to more than 80 machines and attractions in a space that’s over 18,000 square feet. 

Don't miss   the  best chefs and restaurants  under one roof at Time Out Market Montreal across the hallway.

12.  Book a table at the hottest restaurant in town

What is it: This  highly anticipated opening in Mile End's Laurier West, helmed by 25-year-old chef Anderson Lee,  is serving up chic Chinese-inspired dishes in a sexy, late-night environment.

Why go: The new Montreal hotspot was the only Canadian restaurant to make the World's 50 Best list, ranked one of the best global openings in 2024.

Don't miss  the mushrooms grilled in an addictively delicious beurre blanc and miso sauce, the five spice duck platter (with all the accompaniments) and the fall-off-the-bone spare ribs.

13.  Attend a sexy Star Wars burlesque show

What is it? The well-known tale of a distant galaxy has been transformed into a burlesque performance, with Storm Troopers from The Empire Strips Back invading Le National theatre in varying stages of undress.

Why go? Sultry Star Troopers? A scandalous Skywalker striptease? Expect a tantalizing burlesque experience that brings your favorite Star Wars characters to life with humour that will leave you laughing and titillated at the same time.

Don't miss the sexy Mandalorians, rebels, drones, Jedi, and even a seductive Ewok.

14.  Hit up one of the many epic sugar shacks around Montreal

What is it  Sugar shacks on and off the island of Montreal offer an absolutely essential  iconic food  experience.

Why go Nothing beats slipping into the countryside and tasting the local bounty when spring brings the seasonal opening of the sugar shacks.

Don't miss sleigh rides, bean bags, hopscotch, inflatable bouncy castles, DJ-hosted dance parties, fresh donut and taffy tastings, face painting and more

15.  Discover which Montreal hotel ranked the best in Canada

What is it?  Smack in the middle of Montreal’s Golden Mile, the Montreal Four Seasons Hotel is nestled amongst some of the best museums in the city, exceptional shopping experiences and many of the top tables in town.

Why go?  A restaurant helmed by Marcus Samelsson that overlooks the city skyline? A luxurious hidden spa that’s one of Montreal’s best kept secrets? And we haven't even talked about the pool.

Don't miss the next-level seafood tower at Marcus restaurant

16.  Check out the ultimate guide to dating in Montreal

• Things to do

What is it: Whether you’re looking for one of the best romantic restaurants, or one of the best Montreal attractions to set the mood before a make out sesh or to grab a casual coffee in the most romantic café in town, we’ve compiled a top-notch list of places to try.

Why go: From the best restaurants in the city, to the best wine bars—and some stellar cheap eats in between—let us play wingman. Don't miss ideas that are off the beaten path, like our favourite ping pong club or axe throwing.

17.  Hit up the same buger joint as Joe Jonas and Dave Grohl

What is it: One of the best dive bars and burger joints in town, Double's Late Night has put itself on the Montreal map.

Why go?  The combination of a tasty snack bar, pool table, juke box and classic cocktails is unbeatable. Tuck it all into a dimly lit Mile End basement location and a star is born.

Don't miss the killer negronis.

18.  Go sliding at the world's largest tubing station

What is it With 61 breathtaking slopes, and a vertical drop that will satisfy the biggest daredevil, Les Glissades (1 hour north of Montreal) is the most innovative snow sliding centre around.

Why go With 13 sliding zones at 4 difficulty levels, there are 5 types of rides for your pleasure.  One of the best  things to do  this winter just outside of the city, ​​it's  guaranteed fun  for the whole  family —adrenaline junkies included.

Don't miss the holiday menu at the chalet's restaurant.

19.  Jump on a trampoline in the moonlight

What is it About 30 minutes from Montreal, Uplå — North America’s largest outdoor trampoline park — is an illuminated tree top experience that’s like no other. 

Why go?   Picture jumping on a series of bouncing platforms suspended 20 feet above the ground in the Mont-Saint-Grégoire  forest . J ump, slide, climb, and laugh while exploring a universe of interconnected nets and tree-top village made up of playful little cabins.

Don't miss the 7 treetop maisonettes, including two on two floors, 2 spiral slides and 1 secret passage.

20.  Experience why Montreal ranked as one of the world's best cultural hubs

What is it: We quizzed over 21,000 city-dwellers to find out the world’s greatest cities for art and culture, and Montreal topped the charts

Why go? No matter what time of year, there's always something going on in Montreal.  During the winter, between a gigantic  free skating rink  in the heart of the city and free family-friendly  drag brunch  happenings, your cultural bucket list is always full.

Don't miss o ne of the best  things to do  this season:  Luminothérapie —original and interactive free winter experiences in the form of large light-and-sound installations designed specifically for public spaces.

21.  Rediscover why Old Montreal is so amazing

What is it? Originally established in the 17th century by the city’s first settlers of New France, the narrow cobblestoned streets and foundations in Old Montreal are what solidifies the European roots of Montreal.

Why go? This neighbourhood looking out onto the Saint Lawrence River united some of Montreal’s top-tier restaurants , long promenades of shopping, a handful of museums, historic structures and attractions upon attractions. There’s never a shortage of things to do by day or by night in this part of town.

Don’t miss: The street performers at Place-Jacques Cartier, Inuit art at Galerie d'art Images Boréales, sunning at the Clock Tower Beach, or the Gothic Revival church Notre-Dame Basilica.

22.  Dine in a magical hidden heated rooftop dome

What is it: An outdoor elevated sugar shack experiece with the best views in town.

Why go? Eat in a magical bubble on one of Old Montreal’s most spectacular rooftops this winter.  Enjoy a next-level  meal featuring locally sourced ingredients inside clear, heated, frameless geodesic domes.

Don't miss the sunset when t he terrasse is transformed into an elegant, magical experience (picture sparkly lights, candles and faux-fur throws) with staggering views of  Old Montreal 's skyline (cue  La Grande Roue ,  Marché Bonsecours  and the river beyond) that are usually only enjoyed during the warmer months.

23.  Join the brunch bunch

What is it?  Two fundamental components of Montreal’s identity: booze and brunch. Mash them up and you’re got a slice of heaven.

Why go?  Brunch is hard to improve upon, and enjoyed on a sunny rooftop with incredible views, suddenly nothing can be wrong with the world. 

Don’t miss:  Arthur’s Nosh Bar serves a mean bagel brunch, and the pain perdu at Leméac, in glittering Outremont, is French toast on ‘roids.

24.  Hang out at the city's newest sexiest rooftop restaurant

What is it?   Sprawled across the 45th and 46th floors of Place Ville Marie — one of the city’s most  iconic buildings  — Hiatus is a top tier  rooftop  experience.

Why go?  Who doesn't love a new restaurant . Breathtaking, panoramic views of the city? A stunning dining room, bar, and open kitchen that promises a one-of-a-kind culinary experience? A stunning terrasse that's also the highest outdoor vantage point in Montreal? Let us count the ways.

Don't miss the outdoor patio’s lush greenery where you can take in the city's magnificent sunsets.

25.  Check into the Barbie Dreamhouse in this luxury hotel

What is it:  T he 1,200 square-foot St-Henri Suite at  downtown  Montreal's Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is getting a Barbie Dreamhouse makeover t hanks to a partnership between Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Mattel, Inc.

Why go? In addition to the epic rose-coloured transformation of the St-Henri suite, guests  can also book a Barbie pyjama soirée (Barbie bathrobes and slippers for all!), Barbie dream  afternoon tea  (cue the rosé champagne and craft mocktails) or a full-on Barbie bash (hello themed birthday cake, gourmet popcorn,  ice cream  sundaes with next-level toppings, and other tasty treats).

Don't miss the next-level pet stay, inspired by Barbie’s love of her dog Honey, where your best furry friend can bunk in a Barbie-themed pet bed, with bowls and special pet amenities.

26.  Discover downtown's hidden luxury spa

What is it: Guerlain Spa at Four Seasons Montreal, one of the city's best kept spa secrets.

Why go: A couple’s suite, 24-hour fitness centre, designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and indoor sky-lit swimming pool with an upstream current generator are only a handful of reasons to pamper yourself at this spa hidden inside a luxiry hotel.

Don't miss a meal at the hotel's  Marcus  Restaurant + Terrace —one of city's the best  restaurants  and  brunch  spots.

27.  Check out the most romantic café in town

What is it: An opulent  café in  Old Montreal  that marries Gilded Age vibes with third wave coffee.

Why go: If you don't fall for Crew Collective & Café's s oaring 50-foot-high ceilings and inlay marble floors, make  sipping an espresso (below an ornate painted plaster ceiling) feel like a romantic experience—or transform a simple lunch featuring  local classics   from an ordinary to an extraordinary moment.

Don't miss the next-level coffee —and  vaulted coffered ceilings, gleaming marble, lofty archways, grand staircases, brass chandeliers and burnished gold touches everywhere. 

Complete guide to the most romantic restaurants in Montreal here .

28.  Experience the 5th coolest neighbourhood in the world

What is it? Best bakeries? Best restaurants? Best bars? Best time? Part of the  Plateau-Mont-Royal  borough, Mile End—ranked 5th coolest neighbourhood in the world—is a fun-filled pocket north of Mont-Royal Avenue that's home to some of the city’s world-famous institutions.

Why go? It’s a walkable nook that’s home to rival  bagel  shops, a  tea room  that transforms into a champagne salon after dark, a skate park that hosts ‘digital block parties’ (complete with dazzling projection art) and a watering hole that’s transitioned to crudo and  caviar service . Add a couple of the best  brunches  in town and a heavy pour of expertly crafted  cocktails , and you’ve got one heck of a neighbourhood.

But don't just take our word for it. 

29.  Grab some of the city's cheap eats

What is it: From the top 10 best sandwiches in town to full-on feasts, with some of the newest eateries in between.

Why go? Some of the best food in the city is the most affordable . But don't just take our word for it. Eat your way across the city using our curated lists and thank us later.

Don't miss  anything from Bossa, the famous  family run sandwicheria, on rue Wellington—the world's coolest street .

30.  Hang out on rue Wellington in Verdun

What is it?   Have you heard? It’s official: Rue Wellington in Montreal was named coolest street in the world according to this year’s Time Out Index. Time Out asked 20,000-plus city-dwellers which streets they think are the coolest, and this year only two Canadian cities made the list .

Why go? Rue Wellington is flanked by one of the best restaurants , and one of the best new restaurants  in the city, so there’s no questioning its cool factor. Add some next-level cocktail bars , stellar brunch spots, some of the best sandwiches in town and even a sandy urban beach into the mix, and you’ve got the coolest crowd in the city.

Don't miss  Did we mention the free tuk-tuk?

31.  Dig into some of Montreal's most iconic famous food

What is it? It's your eat-like-a-local bucket list for iconic Montreal food.

Why go?  If eating an abundance of insanely delicious Portuguese,  Chinese , Greek, Italian,  Japanese , Middle Eastern and Caribbean options sounds good—plus  poutine , the  best delis  and  sandwich  shops, smoked meat and bagels—don't waste another second.

Don't miss   Dua Lipa (and Nike !) showing a lot of love for Montreal's bagels

32.  Shop 'til you drop

What is it: Oh, just a list of the 31 best places to shop in the city.

Why go: From high-end fashion to accessible everyday looks, vintage boutiques, flea markets and department stores with don’t-miss discounts, there is something for everyone.

Don't miss:  the pop-up markets at Time Out Market Montréal

33.  Eat your way across the city

What is it?  Montreal’s superpower: its food scene. 

Why go?  From some of the world’s most famous and best restaurants to new affordable discoveries, Montreal can guarantee one thing: there's always something incredible to eat. No matter the cultural leanings, local fare generally puts an emphasis on fresh market vegetables, a fuss-free aesthetic ( bagels , anyone?), and atypical cuts of meat (hello, smoked meat ). 

Don’t miss : The 12-plate tasting menu of Le Mousso, or for a pared down experience, the shaved Québec ham topped with local cheeses (and a bottle of wine of course) at Vin Mon Lapin.

Discover Montreal's hottest  new restaurant openings.

34.  Have the time of your life at Cabaret Mado

What is it? The premier drag cabaret destination from Mado Lamotte, the Village's queen diva.  

Why go? In a city known for its nightlife —and the best gay bars and LGBTQ+ clubs —this performance venue of three decades delivers the city’s wildest evenings of drag performances. Any given night’s a festive no-filter display of costumes, music, comedy and dancing that regularly features new performers (including star players from RuPaul's Drag Race). Shows are generally in French with Madame Mado translating for Anglos if they ask nicely. Remember: The closer you sit to the stage, the more likely you’ll get roasted by the hostess.  

Don’t miss:  The regular Friday and Saturday nights series Mado Reçoit, MCed by the doyenne herself. It’s the classic Cabaret Mado experience.

35.  Hang out in a tropical rainforest at the Montreal Biodome

What is it? An indoor zoo and aquarium which hosts recreations of four different ecosystems found in North America, plus some Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Why go? Originally built for the judo and cycling events of the 1976 Summer Olympics, the Montreal Biodome features thousands of animals from over 200 different species and 500 different plant species to explore. A visit to its immediate neighbour of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will yield an equally fascinating time.

Don’t miss: The greenery and humidity of its tropical rainforest, or its collection of penguins that’s unique to Canada.

See the Montreal Biodome and the St. Lawrence River on a half-day tour.

36.  Discover the city's best art galleries

What is it? See work from local and international artists alike at some of the city's best art galleries.

Why go?   Montreal is packed with artists, partly because it’s got art programs that draw students from far and wide, partly because it’s still the cheapest big city in Canada to live and artists like things cheap.  As a result, the cultural scene here is rich and varied, with dozens of independent art galleries and artist-run centres to visit  for free . Whether they’re commercial galleries (bring your wallet if you’re looking to furnish your space) or not-for-profit exhibition centres, they’re all different in flavour and a perfect complement to the city’s  world-class museums .

Don’t miss:  the legendary opening parties at Centre Clark

37.  Explore the Underground City

What is it? A huge, sprawling network of connected subterranean tunnels running throughout the downtown core with easy access to the metro system. Air-conditioned in the summer, and heated in the winter.

Why go? Walking the full circuit numbers in at over 30 kilometers, so one visit to this multi-level maze is never enough. It’s a functional web of passageways to get from restaurants to malls to downtown attractions, one of the largest of its kind in the world with half a million people using it every day.

Don’t miss: The indoor ice skating rink of 1000 de la Gauchetière, the fragment of the Berlin wall at the World Trade Centre and Eaton Centre, the site of Time Out Market Montreal .

Book a walking tour.

38.  See cutting-edge art at Musée d’art contemporain

What is it? Montreal’s premier destination for curated collections of contemporary art numbering at over 8,000 pieces by over 1,500 artists both national and international.

Why go? Founded in 1964, the MAC is Canada's first contemporary art museum and combines exhibits of both visual and performing arts regularly. With its HQ currently undergoing massive renovations, it has relocated to an even more central spot at the heart of Place Ville Marie. It remains a gathering place for locals and tourists to check out art both provocative and contemplative, in addition to lectures, workshops, and fresh new exhibits every single year.

Don’t miss: Visiting this museum during Montreal’s annual Nuit Blanche festival with DJ and VJ performances, art workshops, and temporary installations.

39.  Foster a love for reading at Librairie Drawn & Quarterly

What is it? A Mile End bookstore belonging to a Canadian publishing company specializing in comics and graphic novels by authors both international and national.

Why go? Drawn and Quarterly, one of many beloved bookstores in the city, has been a publisher of comics since 1990. Its popularity prompted the opening of this bookstore in 2007 and is now a gathering place of the city’s literati that organizes big name book launches. It’s not just about comics either, as the store curates solid selections both in fiction and non-fiction.

Don’t miss: Regularly scheduled readings by authors that make for high-spirited events, but May is the month to visit for Free Comic Book Day or the Montreal Comic Arts Festival.

40.  Party it up in clubs across Downtown

What is it? If there’s one thing Montreal is known for, it’s the nightlife , with DJ events and torn dancefloors across this central borough.

Why go? With a legal drinking age of 18, a prominent presence of inner-city university campuses and its bars closing at 3 a.m., this city holds a longstanding reputation for being a party town most days of the week. Bass-pounding joints like the underground forest supper club and nightclub Soubois are popular for spending the night, followed by the after-hours spot Stereo to literally dance until the sun comes up.

Don’t miss: Visiting a stretch of bars and clubs like Crescent Street during the weekend, especially  during F1 Grand Prix, when that street goes wild .

41.  Take a spin aboard La Grande Roue de Montréal

What is it? A 60-metre tall observation wheel that’s kaleidoscopically lit and equipped with climate-controlled booths running throughout the year, offering a full view of Old Montreal and downtown.

Why go? Also referred to as the Montreal Observation Wheel, La Grand Roue was set up in Old Montreal to commemorate the city’s 375th anniversary. Fashioned after similar structures found in Chicago and Hong Kong, the panoramic views aboard this illuminated wheel make this a picturesque attraction for tourists and a romantic evening for locals.

Don’t miss: Climbing aboard for the day and night package to get two alternate views of the city, or early bird specials that cost half the price.

42.  Discover a new hiking trail

What is it? From urban mountains to sandy beaches, hit the trails and explore the best of the outdoors in and outside of the city.

Why go?  When you need little break from the bright lights of the city, or to check out fall's foliage at its peak, go for a walk. Hiking is the easiest thing to do in and around Montreal: There are fantastic park trails to be enjoyed within the city itself, and quick road trips from Montreal that are easily done within a day or a weekend. 

Don't miss the nighttime multimedia forest light show, Foresta Lumina, in Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook.

43.  Check out who's headlining at MTelus

What is it?   The performing arts centre that makes Montreal a top live music city, from local acts to international extravaganzas.

Why go? First an indoor skating rink in the 19th century, then a cinema, then a theatre, the building that houses MTelus has been delivering entertainment for over a century. Known to locals as Metropolis, this is the site for some of Montreal’s biggest acts (besides the Corona Theatre) with none of that stadium show feel.

Don’t miss: Grab some pre-drinks  at Time Out Market Montréal and then hop on the metro, or head to Foufounes Électriques or cocktails at Taverne Midway, topped off with hot dogs from Montreal Pool Room (sorry, no pool tables).  

44.  Stop in at the iconic gentleman's club Café Cléopâtre

What is it? A prime example of Montreal’s neon-soaked history of exotic dancers on the ground floor strip club , with an upstairs cabaret featuring burlesque, vaudeville and drag shows.

Why go? One of the few businesses to remain intact since Montreal’s red-light district was given a major facelift, Café Cléopâtre is part of the reason why this city was formerly known as the Paris of North America. 

Don’t miss: The first Saturday of every month has Bareoke, combining karaoke with stripping by anyone who wants to participate. It’s more wholesome than it sounds with a respectful and fun vibe.

45.  Put your hands together at the Quartier des Spectacles

What is it? The city’s go-to district for entertainment and cultural events spaced out across eight areas, and the main site for some of the city’s most famous festivals.

Why go? With a summer roster of Montreal’s biggest events like the Just for Laughs comedy festival and the International Jazz Festival (the world’s largest), plus regularly scheduled public art, this area prides itself on being the center of attention most days of the week. It’s also where the dapper performances of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and Montreal Opera can be found.

Don’t miss:   The free outdoor performances that animate the whole area throughout the summer festivals, and screenings at the Cinémathèque Québécoise, which never fail to satisfy .

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montreal

Written by Chloë Ernst and Michael Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Michael Law visits Montreal on a regular basis .

A dynamic city known for its fashion sense, fine hotels, exceptional cuisine, and historical quarters, Montreal is one of the best cities in Canada to visit.

Despite the city's size, the best places to visit in Montreal are in relatively compact neighborhoods, making hitting all the key sights easy.

Vieux-Montreal is where the city began, and its old buildings and cobblestone streets make it the most picturesque neighborhood in the city. This is where you'll also find the popular waterfront promenade along the Vieux-Port (Old Port).

Major museums and arts venues are in the Centre-Ville (downtown) area, where you'll find Rue Sherbrooke, probably the city's most elegant thoroughfare. Need a new outfit to head out on the town? Rue Ste-Cathérine, Montréal's main place to visit for shopping, is a busy street lined with department stores, shops, and trendy restaurants.

For a dose of French culture, head to The Plateau , the heart of French-speaking Montreal. Strolling along Rue St. Denis often feels like being in Paris, with its smart boutiques, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés.

Montreal is a popular weekend getaway from Toronto . Flights leave on the hour for the one-hour jaunt.

Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Montreal below.

1. Wander through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

2. explore the old port (vieux-port), 3. see the view from mont-royal, 4. jardin botanique (botanical garden), 5. notre-dame basilica, 6. oratoire saint-joseph (st. joseph's oratory), 7. parc jean drapeau, 8. montreal biodome, 9. musée des beaux arts (fine arts museum), 10. pointe-à-callière, 11. place des arts, 12. shop at atwater and jean-talon markets, 13. st. mary queen of the world, 14. mccord museum, 15. square saint-louis and rue denis, 16. lachine canal national historic site, 17. chinatown, 18. ride la grande rou de montreal, 19. montreal science centre, where to stay in montreal for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to montreal, map of attractions & things to do in montreal.

Old Montréal is tourist central in Montréal. The area is home to a remarkable concentration of buildings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and has the delightful feel of a Parisian-style quarter. Many of these historic buildings are now hotels, restaurants, galleries, and souvenir shops. If you are looking to base yourself in the city for a few days of sightseeing, this is the best place to stay.

Its many historic sites, streets, and landmarks are easily explored on foot. Of the many things to do here, the highlights are visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica , strolling down Rue Saint-Paul , wandering around Bonsecours Market , and enjoying the open-air gathering space of Place Jacques-Cartier. For a little urban adventure, on the waterfront head to the huge Ferris wheel (La Grand roue de Montréal) and the Tyrolienne MTL zipline.

In the evening, Old Montreal comes to life with patios and restaurants lining the streets. In the summer, you can dine outdoors, either street-side or on rooftop patios.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Old Montréal

As you wander around Old Montreal, you'll most likely end up in the lively area by the Saint Lawrence River known as the Old Port (Vieux-Port). Here, you'll find plenty of things to do, from riding the giant Ferris wheel or climbing the famous clock tower, right through to screaming down a zipline that descends from dizzying heights across open stretches of water.

More sedate options include strolling the area and taking in some of the 10 fascinating displays of public art, catching a show at the IMAX theater, or brushing up on your knowledge at the Montreal Science Center. If even those options sound exhausting, grab a coffee and sit on one of the sunny patios and just soak up the scene.

In the summer, boat tours leave from the docks here. If you really want to soak up the sun there is even a man-made beach at the base of the clocktower with views back to the city or out over the river. In the winter, strap on your skates and take a twirl on the huge ice-skating rink.

Mont-Royal rises 233 meters above the city and is the green lung near the city center. A stroll through this lovely park enables the visitor to see monuments to Jacques Cartier and King George VI. Be sure to spend some time by Lac-aux-Castors, and to have a look at the cemeteries on the western slope where the city's different ethnic groups have rested in peace together for centuries.

From the summit, or rather from a platform below the cross, unfolds a magnificent panorama of the whole of the 51-kilometer length of the Île de Montréal and the St. Lawrence. On clear days, the view extends to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States of America.

High above the city in the grounds that hosted the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, Parc Maisonneuve (Pie IX Metro) is the site of Montreal's wonderfully imaginative Jardin Botanique . The diverse plants are grown in 30 themed gardens and 10 exhibition greenhouses, so a wide range of climates are represented. Outdoor gardens include the beautiful Japanese and Chinese gardens, as well as those devoted to alpine, aquatic, medicinal, shade, useful, and even toxic plants.

The rose displays are stunning, and especially interesting is a garden devoted to those plants grown or used by First Nations peoples. Soaring greenhouses contain a tropical rainforest, ferns, orchids, bonsai, bromeliads, and penjings (miniature Chinese trees). An interesting Insectarium and huge arboretum are on the grounds, as well as ponds supporting a variety of birds.

Address: 4101 Sherbrooke Street East, Montréal, Québec

Founded in 1656, Montréal's oldest church, Notre-Dame Basilica , stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes . The intricate and resplendent interior was designed by Victor Bourgeau.

Highlights are the magnificent carved pulpit by sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert (1850-1917), the 7,000-pipe organ by the Casavant Frères firm, and the stained-glass windows portraying scenes from the founding of Montreal. The admission charge to the basilica includes a 20-minute tour, or you can take a one-hour tour that gives more historical information and access to private areas, including the second balcony and crypt.

Address: 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec

The Oratoire Saint-Joseph , near the western exit from Mount Royal Park, is dedicated to Canada's patron saint. It is a mecca for pilgrims, with its huge Renaissance-style domed basilica dating to 1924.

Brother André of the Congrégation de Sainte-Croix had already built a small chapel here in 1904, where he performed miraculous acts of healing for which he was canonized in 1982. His tomb is in one part of the sanctuary in the original chapel.

Votive gifts are displayed in a second chapel. A cloister behind the church leads up to Mont-Royal . There is a good northwest view from the observatory over Montréal and Lac Saint-Louis.

Address: 3800 Queen Mary, Montréal, Québec

Île Sainte-Hélène (named after the wife of Samuel de Champlain) and the artificial island of Notre-Dame were the site of Expo '67. They are now known as Parc Jean Drapeau and have many family-minded attractions.

A remnant of the 1967 world fair, the Biosphere is now a museum dedicated to ecological issues. The building is designed in the shape of a sphere and is the largest such structure in the world. Other tourist attractions on the islands include the rides and games of La Ronde Amusement Park , the historic 1820 British arsenal at the Stewart Museum , Bassin Olympique (where the Olympic rowing events were held), and race course Circuit Gilles Villeneuve .

Visited by over one million people a year, the Montreal Biodome is a must-see attraction when visiting — especially if you have children. This massive complex is home to four different indoor ecosystems: the Tropical Rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

As you wander through each ecosystem, you'll be fully immersed in the features of that environment. Lush greenery, birds, and monkeys surround you in the Tropical Rainforest. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence environment, you'll find cool temperatures, fish, otters, and a simulated ocean.

When you wander through the Laurentian Maple Forest, be sure to look for the elusive porcupine. Most likely he or she will be snoozing high up in a tree. In the Sub-Antarctic ecosystem, the penguins steal the show!

The Biodome is located on the former Olympic grounds and is easily accessed by car or via the metro at Cadillac Station.

The Musee des Beaux Arts is the oldest museum in Canada and houses vast collections of painting, sculpture, and new media. Its outstanding collections of World Cultures and Mediterranean Archaeology total nearly 10,000 objects, and there are excellent collections of African, Asian, and Islamic art, as well as art from North and South America.

The more than 1,400 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints include masterpieces by Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Canaletto, El Greco, Gainsborough, Goya, Mantegna, Poussin, Rembrandt, Tiepolo, and Veronese, and are particularly strong in artworks of the Dutch Golden Age.

The collections continue, from the Realists and Impressionists to modern art, containing works by Cézanne, Dali, Miró, Monet, Derain, Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, Rodin, Otto Dix, and other influential artists. Not far from the museum is the extensive campus of McGill University .

Address: 1380 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, Québec

At one corner of Place Royale in Vieux-Montréal is the Pointe-à-Callière , now marked by a striking modern building housing a museum of archaeology and history. Place Royale was the center of life in Montréal's early and colonial days, where the market and parade ground were located until later government buildings displaced them. But underneath today's Montréal, remnants of these early streets and foundations still remain, and you can explore these on a visit to the museum.

The route through the city's history begins underground, where you can walk among the original stone-paved streets, drainage channels, and ground floors of 17th-century buildings. The story unfolds in layers of history told through artifacts, maps, and exhibits as you climb through the museum. Special exhibitions cover a wide range of history and archaeology worldwide.

Address: 350 Place Royale, Montréal, Québec

The Place des Arts is an entire complex dedicated to visual and performing arts, the largest of its kind in all of Canada. Three great cultural organizations make their home here: the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Opéra de Montréal, and its various stages and rehearsal halls provide venues for all kinds of theater, music, dance, films, and events.

These sit around a large esplanade decorated with works of art, fountains, and water cascades, a popular venue for events. The most important of these is the annual summer Festival International de Jazz de Montréal held in late June and early July, attracting visitors from all over the world and bringing in some of the biggest names in jazz.

The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal , a contemporary art museum, is particularly worth a visit, especially as young French-Canadian artists are accorded special prominence.

Address: 185 Rue St. Catherine Ouest, Montréal, Québec

Similar establishments with many of the same vendors, the Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market are Montréal's busiest public markets and well worth visiting for their atmosphere and local food specialties and products.

Located in warehouse-style buildings, the markets feature vendors selling fruits and vegetables, flowers, meats, fish, cheese, baked goods, and specialty foods. You'll find maple syrup and candies, dried wild blueberries, home-style fruit jams and preserves, and the region's fine cheeses, as well as restaurants and cafés selling luscious pastries. The markets are a favorite stop for locals on Saturday mornings for a boule of coffee and a flaky croissant.

The Catholic Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, east of Place du Canada, was built in 1894 as a smaller version of St. Peter's in Rome. The massive statues represent the patron saints of the 13 parishes of Montreal in the 19th century and were all sculpted by Olindo Gratton between 1892 and 1898.

The most important artwork in the interior is the crucifix by Philippe Hébert, atop the marble baptismal font. A series of nine paintings, seven of which are by Georges Delfosse, retell Montréal's tumultuous history.

Address: 1085 Rue de la Cathédrale, Montréal, Québec

The McCord Museum has an outstanding collection of exhibits on Canada's social history, especially native peoples. Its collections of costumes, clothing, accessories, quilts, and other hand-made textiles total more than 20,000 objects and include works by Montreal fashion designers.

More than a thousand pieces of furniture, silver, ceramics, glass, and items related to food and household uses, as well as toys, sports equipment, and folk art lend color and domestic detail to the picture of early Canadian life.

Artifacts and arts of the First Nations peoples include clothing and accessories, hunting and fishing equipment, weapons of war, domestic implements, ceremonial items, and art, as well as archaeological finds from early aboriginal cultures.

Address: 690 Sherbrooke Street W, Montreal, Québec

Near the Sherbrooke Metro Station, Square Saint-Louis rates as one of Montréal's prettiest old squares and is set in a turn-of-the-century French-Canadian residential quarter. In the little streets around the tree-shaded square, there are still a few attractive Victorian houses. Some now house pleasant restaurants.

At the square's eastern edge and running parallel to St. Laurent, Rue St. Denis is one of the hippest shopping, arts, and dining streets in Montréal. Historic buildings have been converted into boutiques, bistros, and cafés. At one end, St. Denis starts in the student-minded Quartier Latin neighborhood (it's handy to Université du Québec à Montréal and the Grande Bibliothèque) and heads west into the trendy Plateau area with its independent designers and chef-run restaurants.

Lachine, on the southeast bank of Montréal Island (in Lac St.-Louis), got its name from the first pioneers who, in the 17th century, made their way up the St. Lawrence looking for a route to China (in French, "la Chine"). The 14.4-kilometer Lachine Canal , a way of getting around the Lachine Rapids, was dug in 1825.

It is many years, however, since it was last used for shipping and nowadays, it forms part of a park and offers plenty of opportunities for charming trips along the canal banks. A bike path borders its entire length, through an open green space, and you can also cruise the canal by boat.

Montréal's Chinatown is centered on Rue de la Gauchetière, with Chinese gates marking the heart of the quarter. This colorful neighborhood dates from the late 1860s, when many of the Chinese laborers, who originally came to work in the mines and build the railroad, moved into the cities in search of a better life. Today's Chinatown is filled with Asian restaurants and shops, no longer exclusively Chinese, but a place where locals and tourists go to enjoy a good meal.

While visiting the Old Port (Vieux Port) area, it's hard to miss the towering Ferris wheel known as La Grande Rou de Montreal . Standing an impressive 60 meters high, the giant wheel has 42 climate-controlled (heat in winter, A/C in summer), and eight-passenger gondolas.

The views from the top over Old Montreal and the rest of the city, including the Jacque Cartier Bridge, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and the old Expo site, are breathtaking. On a clear day, you'll be able to see nearly 30 kilometers in most directions.

If you want to step it up a notch on the luxury scale, consider booking the VIP gondola. This unit has four large chairs outfitted in the finest Italian leather and adds the thrill of a glass floor.

Conveniently located in the center of the action in the Old Port (Vieux Port) area is the Montreal Science Centre . Perfect for a rainy or cool day in the summer or an escape from the snow and cold in the winter, this interactive and innovative place is a perfect family outing in Montreal.

A couple of the highlights inside are the Fabrik exhibit, where children can build their very own creative items in an assembly line style of production using the assorted items available, and the Clic! exhibit, where you create almost anything imaginable using odd-shaped building blocks that snap together in unusual ways.

The best place to stay in Montreal is in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), not only for the sights but also for the ambience that comes with the old architecture and cobbled streets. This area of the city is small enough to explore on foot, so any hotel here is in a good location. Below are some highly rated hotels in or near this area of Montreal:

Luxury Hotels :

• The Hotel Nelligan is an elegant boutique hotel with impeccable service, inviting décor, and exposed centuries-old brick and stone walls that fit perfectly in Old Montreal.
• In the same caliber and with a similar historic feel is the 45-room Auberge du Vieux-Port , set along the waterfront of the St. Lawrence River.
• In a 19th-century building with modern décor, the Hotel Gault is another fine option in Old Montreal.
• If you are interested in staying in Montreal's modern city center rather than Old Montreal, the Ritz-Carlton is one of the finest hotels in the city and has hosted many celebrities over the years.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• On the edge of Old Montreal and the financial district, and just a short walk from the famous Notre-Dame Basilica, is the Embassy Suites by Hilton , with a contemporary feel and a variety of rooms and suites.
• In the heart of Old Montreal, on what was the city's first public square, the popular Le Petit Hotel offers a mix of old-world charm and modern comforts.
• Nearby, the Auberge Bonaparte is a boutique hotel set in a historic building, with lovely rooms and Louis-Philippe style décor.

Budget Hotels :

• In Chinatown, but within walking distance of both Old Montreal and downtown, is the Travelodge by Wyndham Montreal Centre , with small rooms but a convenient location.
• North of Chinatown, but also in a good location close to some of the major attractions, is the Hotel l'Abri du Voyageur . This hotel offers a variety of budget rooms at various price points.
• The Chateau de l'Argoat is a boutique hotel with plenty of character and large, comfortable rooms, about a 20-minute walk from Old Montreal.
• Sightseeing: The most popular tourist area in Montreal is historic Old Montreal. If this is your first time in the city, a guided Walking Tour of Old Montreal is a wonderful way to explore the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes while learning about the history. For a quick overview of a larger portion of the city, the Montreal City Guided Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary offers a three-hour motor coach tour that includes the major sites around Old Montreal as well as other famous sites like Saint Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal, and the Olympic Stadium. If you have time to explore the city and want a more in-depth experience try the Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour. This option allows you to get off at any of the 10 different stops over a two-day period and sightsee at your own pace.
• Day Trips: One of the most popular day trips from Montreal is the Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip . This full-day guided tour takes you through the historic streets and sites of Quebec City and lets you see some of the countryside, including the spectacular Montmorency Falls. From May to October, you can also add on a St. Lawrence River Cruise or just wander through Old Quebec.

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