Montreal in Quebec is a large city with many well-known attractions, making it a favorite tourist destination which hosts millions of people from all over the world. There’s the grand Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and verdant Mont-Royal,l, for which the city is named. The options in Montreal are endless–this list includes going up the Mont-Royal, sampling the food scene, taking a walk on Saint-Paul Street, plus much more. Here we have listed a few activities and sights to see but there’s so much more to be discovered in Montreal. Scroll down to see our recommended list of things to do in Montreal, Canada.
Be sure to check out our video where we chat with Rene, a tour guide for Montreal, for even more fantastic tips and insights!
1. Go up the Mont-Royal
Go up and get to explore Mont-Royal the namesake of Montreal, this small mountain will offer you incredible sightseeing opportunities in every direction as you explore every angle. Mount Royal is situated in an exorbitant city park which gives a taste of the outdoors without leaving the city. Whether it’s going up the mountain, exploring its forested pathways, or picnicking in the shade, every minute spent on the mountain is either an escape from the city or a sweeping view of it. It will take you around 45 minutes to climb the mountain depending on where you start. You can walk, bike, bus, or drive to the summit. It’s a great hike since you get to explore the city and enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature.
Mont-Royal
Address: Montreal, QC H2W 1S8, Canada
Traveler's tips
Sarah
Mount Royal is one of my favorite spots in the city. In the summer, you can hike, have a picnic, or even go boating on the pond. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a bus halfway up and walk the rest—it’s an easy 10-15 minute stroll to the lookout. And in the winter, there’s snow tubing, which is super fun.
2. Stroll around Saint-Paul Street
Get to explore the historic Saint-Paul Street which is situated in Montreal’s old port. It is the oldest street in the city and is also where you’ll find some of its top spots. Saint-Paul Street is lined with shops, galleries, and cafes. The street is usually busiest on weekends so its advisable to visit on a weekday morning for a peaceful stroll. Be sure to wear flat shoes when exploring the neighbourhood. It’s an ideal place to buy gifts for your family or friends from the many souvenir shops or you can enjoy a tasty local cuisine from cafes or restaurants.
Book Tours : The Original Old Montréal Walking Tour by Guidatour
3. Cheer on the Habs at Bell Centre
Vivez une expérience unique au M2 Marché Montréal situé au niveau M2. Avec huit nouveaux comptoirs restauration ainsi...
Posted by Centre Bell on Saturday, 16 March 2019
The Bell Centre is one of the best events venues in Canada, hosting hundreds of significant concerts and other happenings each year. See photos and tributes to hall-of-famers on its walls. If you love hockey, reserve a seat for a game at the Bell Centre. You can sit at the front row so that you have a great view. Cheer on the Habs as loud as you can and have fun with friends. In case you get hungry, try the sports bar or the exquisite restaurant on site.
Bell Centre
Address: 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H4B
Website: Bell Centre
4. Take a coffee break at Café Myriade
Come and unwind at Café Myriade which is located Quebec. The interior of this café is well-decorated with bright walls and comfortable seats. It is also well-known for acclaimed barista Anthony Benda’s fresh roasted coffees. Their homemade brews make them a favorite in Montreal. You can choose from a wide variety of their menu items such as the warm café latte, cappuccino, café mocha, espresso, americano, chai latte, gingerbread, and chocolate chaud au lait. Be sure to enjoy their coffees and other offerings when you pass by.
Café Myriade
Address: 1432 Mackay St, Montreal, QC H3G 2H7, Canada
Website: Café Myriade
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 7pm
Montreal Tour Guide
Ruby Roy
Welcome ! Montreal is one of only two regulated cities' in Canada for Licensed Professional guides. Always ask your guide for their license to practise. I am a veteran and most senior Montreal Licensed Expert Guide . I specialise in bespoke private experiences and tours. My guests are mainly luxury, diplomatic, protocol, public figures, corporate business travellers or well travelled guests... Read more
5. Catch the newest exhibits at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Get to explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts which is the city’s largest museum. The museum offers free admission during holidays. The museum’s permanent collection is a fascinating glimpse into the Canadian arts scene. You can enjoy contemporary exhibitions on fine arts, music, film, world cultures, fashion and design, and Quebec and Canadian arts. You can walk through the two pavilions after watching the exhibitions. You can also visit the nearby souvenir shops and purchase several gifts if interested. It’s always advisable to visit the museum during the afternoon or on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3G 1J5, Canada
Website: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Opening hours: Tue, Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 18 USD
Tip from tour guide
If you're an art lover, The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful way to experience and learn about Canadian art. When it rains, snows, or is too hot, there's no better time to learn about the museum's collection.
Did you know there is a connection between the Titanic and the Fine Arts Museum?
Did you know you can visit Canadian art in chronological order from the top floor down?
Established in 1847, originally under the name of Montreal Society of Artists, it became the Art Association of Montreal in 1860. In 1948–49, the association formed a new corporation under its present name. In 1972, it became a semi-public institution, largely funded by grants from different government levels.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a member of the International Group of Organizers of Large-scale Exhibitions, also known as the Bizot Group, a forum that allows the leaders of the largest museums in the world to exchange works and exhibitions. Founded in 1860, it is the oldest art museum in Canada.
6. See Olympic Stadium up close
Posted by Parc olympique de Montréal on Thursday, 14 March 2019
Olympic Park is a sprawling district which houses Olympic Stadium, thus being the venue for many events and activities the whole year round. The stadium famously hosted the 1976 Summer Olympics. Today it is used to host sports games and championships such as major league baseball and football games, auto shows, concerts, and other big events. Guided bus tours are available if you want to get a comprehensive look at this amazing events complex.
Olympic Stadium
Address: 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, QC H1V 3N7,
Website: Olympic Stadium
7. Marvel at the architecture of Basilique Notre-Dame
Come and visit the oldest Gothic Revival-style church which is one of Canada’s most luxurious cathedrals and where Celine Dion had her wedding. You will see it’s decorated with delicate wood carvings, stained-glass windows, and amazing sculptural work. There’s also a 7000-pipe organ. Dress accordingly to ensure access to the religious site. On this tour, see the famous Casavant organ, access part of the crypt, and head up to the second balcony. The basilica is a must-see attraction for all architecture fans.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2V5, Canada
Website: Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (Monday - Friday) / Sat : 8am - 4pm; Sunday: 12:30pm - 4pm
Price: $10
Tip from tour guide
Isabelle
Check out the AURA Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Thanks to its lights, orchestral music, and grandiose multimedia experience, AURA was awarded the THEA Prize. It's truly beautiful and impressive.
Basilica Notre-Dame, designed by architect O'Donell, offers free masses in French only. Funerals, including state funerals, are official tributes paid to individuals who have played an exceptional role. One such tribute was held for René Angélil, the husband and prolific manager of the renowned singer Celine Dion, who is from Charlemagne, Quebec.
8. Get a bird's eye view of Montreal
With this admission tower, pay a visit to Montreal Tower Observatory at Olympic Park. From the top of the tower, you can view the entire Montreal region, Laurentian Mountains, and St. Lawrence River valley. You can enhance this tour and add entry to the Montreal Botanical Gardens, which is home to the region’s most amazing gardens.
Book Tours : Montreal Tower Observatory Admission Ticket
9. Explore Montreal Biodome
Walk through the four ecosystems - Laurentian maple forest, tropical rainforest, Sub-Antarctic Islands and Gulf of St. Lawrence - at Biodome de Montreal. Let a naturalist take you through the Biodome as you learn more about the living earth. The experience is the same as visiting a zoo but gives more of an immersive experience that makes you feel like you are really in the wild. There’s is so much to learn about fauna and flora here. You will see beautiful lynx of the Laurentian maple forest, adorable puffins in the Labrador coast, king penguins in the Sub-Antarctic, and several fish species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The tropical rainforest is the most interesting, with animals such as monkeys, anacondas, parrots, and many more. Be sure to make this place a part of your visit.
Book Tours : Montreal Attraction Pass
10. Discover Montreal on an underground city tour
Come and have an experience of Montreal like no other. See everything this area has to offer, use the city’s automated transport system, then enjoy going to shopping malls, restaurants, landmarks, and more - while learning about the places from an expert tour guide. You can also choose to add a visit to Place Ville-Marie Summit Observatory to cap off your trip with a great view.
Book Tours : Montreal's Underground City Indoor Tour
Discover Montreal, Canada
If you happen to be in Montreal, Canada and you have no plans, worry not–Montreal has countless things that you can indulge in during your time here. Check out the list above, book one activity and enjoy this amazing city to the fullest.
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