What to Do in Montreal?

If you have chosen Montreal as your destination in Quebec, I think it's time to tackle your itinerary! What to do and see in Montreal? What are the best activities available? To find out everything and make sure you don't miss anything, read this article!

This vibrant metropolis attracts tourists from around the world with its blend of culture, history, and modernity. Montreal is famous for its diverse gastronomy, especially around the Old Port, as well as Mount Royal for its panoramic views of the city. Among the things to do, visiting the Latin Quarter is a must, and the Notre-Dame Basilica is definitely one of the most beautiful monuments in the city.

Of course, it will be impossible to miss the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, while Jean-Drapeau Park will appeal to those looking for a peaceful time... Need more details? Let's go!

Old Montreal is the oldest neighborhood in Montreal. Founded in the 17th century by French settlers, it features a mix of history and modernity, with charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares that are part of the city's rich heritage. It's also a great neighborhood to stay in Montreal ️

The Notre-Dame Basilica, an iconic building, attracts many with its Gothic architecture and religious artworks. The restaurants, art galleries, and trendy shops make this enclave a popular and heavily frequented spot, just like the Old Port, which offers cruises and cultural events. To discover every corner of this neighborhood, you can join a guided walking tour of Old Montreal for about €33 per person.

Among the monuments to see in Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most iconic churches in the country. Designed by architect James O'Donnell, construction began in 1824 and was completed in 1829. It features an impressive Neo-Gothic style with distinctive architectural elements.

The interior of the basilica is characterized by rich decoration, including elaborate sculptures and stained glass windows. The central nave is flanked by side chapels, creating a majestic and sacred atmosphere, with an impressive Casavant organ installed in 1891 boasting no less than 7,000 pipes!

The Notre-Dame Basilica is also renowned for its concerts and cultural events. It was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982. As a place of worship and a tourist site, this religious edifice is part of the major elements of Montreal's religious and cultural heritage

Plateau-Mont-Royal is another vibrant neighborhood in Montreal located east of downtown. It is known for its artistic character, cultural diversity, and distinctive architecture. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful row houses, typical of Victorian style. It has a bohemian vibe, featuring many independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.

Mount Royal Park, which I will talk about below, is located in this area The neighborhood is also home to the popular Lafontaine Park, a favorite relaxation spot for residents. If you want to enjoy Montreal's nightlife, it's very lively with numerous bars and performance venues ✨

Rising to about 233 meters, Mount Royal was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a famous landscape architect! Mount Royal Park itself hosts various walking trails, picnic areas, and an artificial lake. It is a popular spot for activities such as hiking, biking, and winter skiing.

At the summit of Mount Royal stands the illuminated cross, a symbol of the city, and its lookout offers an impressive view of downtown, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding areas. The mountain is also part of the Mount Royal Park site, where cultural events and festivals take place.

Are you heading to Canada, but haven't booked your activities yet? In that case, this article will surely be quite useful! In addition to the iconic sites I mentioned here, you can also check out the activities offered by GetYourGuide Food tours, excursions to Montmorency Falls, exploring the Mont-Tremblant Observatory, or a street art tour of Montreal, there will be plenty to do. If you have a generous budget, you could even take a helicopter tour over Montreal!

Located on Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame Islands, this park offers an escape in the heart of the metropolis, covering no less than 200 hectares. Known for hosting Expo 67, Sainte-Hélène Island is the main site of the park, while Notre-Dame Island was developed for the Formula 1 races of the Canadian Grand Prix.

The park offers a variety of activities, including cycling paths, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts and cultural events, while the Biosphere, a museum dedicated to the environment, is another major attraction!

Visitors can also enjoy the beach, the Casino de Montreal, the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, and aquatic facilities. Jean-Drapeau Park is a versatile place that deserves attention! If you want to learn more, you can join the half-day guided city tour for about €90.

The Latin Quarter is known as one of the liveliest areas; the area gets its name from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), which is located there. This cultural area is filled with bookstores, cafes, cinemas, and theaters, making it a popular place for students, artists, and culture lovers.

Saint-Denis Street, the main thoroughfare of the area, is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, creating an eclectic and lively atmosphere. The Latin Quarter is also famous for its festivals, artistic events, and its market, strongly marked by its cultural and artistic diversity!

The Lachine Canal was constructed in the 19th century to circumvent the St. Lawrence Rapids and facilitate commercial navigation. Inaugurated in 1825, it stretches over 14 kilometers, linking the Old Port of Montreal to Lake Saint-Louis. Over the years, the economic importance of the canal declined, but it has gained new life as a recreational area. The canal banks provide green spaces, cycling and walking paths, and aquatic activities. It is therefore an essential place if you want to get some fresh air

If you're looking for a place to stay in Montreal, the Entertainment District is a vibrant area dedicated to culture and entertainment. Located in the heart of downtown, it spans about one square kilometer and is renowned for its numerous artistic venues, performance halls, theaters, and art galleries.

It hosts cultural events, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and various other festivals. The pedestrian network dotted with artistic installations attracts lovers of visual arts, music, dance, and theater while enjoying the restaurants, bars, and shops that populate the area

The iconic Montreal Observation Wheel is an emblematic attraction located in the Old Port of Montreal, in Quebec. Inaugurated in 2017, it is one of the tallest observation wheels in Canada, standing at approximately 60 meters high. Featuring 42 climate-controlled cabins, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and the surroundings. To obtain a ticket for the Montreal Observation Wheel, you can click the button below ⬇️ Expect to pay about €20 per person.

The Observation Wheel operates year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy different seasonal perspectives, whether it be the fall colors, the sparkling lights of winter, or the summer greenery. Its strategic location makes it a prime spot for a spectacular view of the metropolis!

If you have planned a trip to Montreal and wish to discover the main attractions, a very convenient option will be to opt for a tourist pass that allows you to save time and money

Available for €63, the MTL Passport is a pass that gives you access to 5 tourist attractions in Montreal. Among them, you can find the Observation Wheel, the Museum of Fine Arts, Pointe-à-Callière, and the Montreal Tower!

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1860, is one of the most important art museums in Canada. Located on Sherbrooke Street, it houses a vast collection covering Canadian, European, and contemporary art, as well as decorative arts and art objects. Visitors can admire works by great masters such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and renowned Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson.

The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions highlighting contemporary artists and various artistic themes. With its five pavilions, there is diversity ranging from classical paintings to modern installations. The MBAM also offers educational programs, lectures, and activities!

The Montreal Biodome is a living museum located in the city's former Olympic Velodrome. Inaugurated in 1992, it offers a highly immersive experience at the heart of four distinct ecosystems: the rainforest, the Laurentian forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the polar ecosystem. Each ecosystem is recreated realistically, with specific plants, animals, and climatic conditions.

The museum aims to raise public awareness about the diversity of life, housing an impressive variety of species, including penguins, otters, capybaras, and tropical birds. The educational installations allow visitors to understand the complex interactions within these ecosystems. If you don't know what to do in Montreal and you are traveling with children, I really recommend this activity

The Pointe-à-Callière Museum is an archaeology and history museum located in Old Montreal. Founded in 1992, it is built on the city's original site, showcasing archaeological remains that trace Montreal's history from Indigenous times to the present day.

The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of urban life, industrialization, and immigration in Montreal. It also houses the birthplace of the city, where excavations revealed structures and artifacts from the 17th century. Visitors discover historical objects, models, and interactive installations that illustrate the evolution of the Quebec metropolis. If you don't know what to do in Quebec in Montreal, this museum is truly interesting You can purchase your tickets directly on the official Pointe-à-Callière Museum website.

Located in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie neighborhood, the Botanical Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Founded in 1931, it covers an area of 75 hectares. The garden boasts an impressive collection of plants, with over 22,000 species cultivated in a variety of themed gardens.

Among the highlights are the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, the First Nations Garden, and the Sensory Garden. It also features 10 exhibition greenhouses, including the famous tropical greenhouse where visitors can discover lush vegetation from different regions of the world.

The Botanical Garden also organizes various events and exhibitions throughout the year, attracting a wide audience. The site is also linked to the Montreal Biodome I mentioned earlier and the Insectarium, creating a whole complex dedicated to biodiversity

The Montreal Casino, located on Notre-Dame Island, is the largest casino in Canada. Opened in 1993, it is part of the tourist complex of Jean-Drapeau Park. Managed by the Quebec Casino Corporation, the establishment offers games of chance, shows, restaurants, and bars.

The casino spans several floors with a wide range of games, including slot machines, poker tables, blackjack, and roulette. It regularly hosts special events, concerts, and shows. The on-site restaurants offer a variety of cuisines to satisfy all tastes!

Jean-Talon Market is one of the most important and lively public markets in Canada! Founded in 1933, it occupies an area of two blocks in the Little Italy neighborhood, renowned for its diversity of fresh produce, local fruits, and vegetables, as well as businesses offering Quebec local products.

With over 300 merchants, this market reflects the seasons with an abundance of fresh produce in spring and summer, and a selection of hardier products in fall and winter. In addition to fruit and vegetable stalls, you'll find butcher shops, cheese shops, fish markets, bakeries, and prepared food stands, contributing not only to the local economy but also to Montreal's cultural vitality

The Montreal Canadiens, an emblematic team in the National Hockey League (NHL), have a long history marked by success. Their home is the Bell Centre, and Canadiens games are major events that gather thousands of passionate fans ready to do anything to support their team!

The team has experienced glorious periods, with 24 Stanley Cups, the ultimate trophy. Iconic players such as Maurice Richard and Jean Béliveau have made history with the Canadiens. Games are fervently followed across the country, reinforcing Montreal's status as the epicenter of hockey in Canada.

As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Montreal International Jazz Festival is one of the largest jazz events in the world. Founded in 1980, it takes place every summer in the Entertainment District of Montreal, attracting renowned artists and music lovers from around the globe. For 10 days, the city pulses to the rhythm of jazz, with over 500 free or paid concerts presented on a dozen stages.

The festival hosts a variety of music genres, ranging from traditional jazz to funk, blues, and rock with legendary artists, as well as emerging talents performing

Choosing the neighborhood to stay in Montreal is essential for ensuring a good trip! If you haven't read my article on this topic yet, now is the time Otherwise, here's a very general overview:

The fastest and most obvious way is to take a direct flight to Montreal's Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport. Major airlines offering direct flights between France and Montreal include Air Canada, Air Transat, and Air France.

There are also flights with layovers, often through cities like Paris, Toronto, or New York. The layovers can vary depending on the airline chosen. From Paris, expect to pay about €200 to €250, but the price mainly depends on the time of departure and the date of your booking! So be sure to book your flights in advance

Whether it's due to fear or other reasons, flying may be a solution you would like to avoid. The truth is, it's the most practical, fast, and cost-effective option to get to Montreal!

Taking a transatlantic cruise is among the ideas to consider. Only a few companies offer these voyages, notably Cunard Line from England to New York and then Quebec. But be careful, the routes are not very frequent, so plan ahead and budget accordingly.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article! I hope it helps you plan your days in Montreal If you are planning a road trip in the country and are looking for more activities, you can check out my articles on whale watching in Tadoussac and the famous Niagara Falls!