The 12 things to do in Montreal

On a trip to Canada, are you going to visit Montreal? Here is the list of the must-sees to be made and seen in this symbolic city!

Montreal is one of the most attractive cities in the world and attracts more than ten million tourists every year. If it is so interesting, it is because of its diversity, its four distinct seasons, its warm welcome and its authentic gastronomy.

Montreal is also and above all Canada’s cultural capital with some 250 theatres and concert halls, more than 90 festivals organized in the year and a fascinating medley of neighbourhoods where artists, writers and musicians have helped to seal the city’s reputation. Finally, Montreal has its small share of old Europe in the midst of its contemporary design.

So what about a stay in Montreal? From the parks, to the symbolic streets and the landmarks, discover the must-sees to visit in Montreal, the city with a hundred bells!

1. Old Montreal

One of the first things if you want to visit Montreal is undoubtedly the Old Montreal . This part of the city, so different from the rest, has kept all its authentic charm. Its small paved streets reflect the stone fortifications erected around Montreal in the 18th century. The atmosphere is relaxed between its typical small restaurants and its carriage rides (they will no longer exist as of January 2020).

Come in. Basilica Notre-Dame , you will discover a masterpiece of the neo-Gothic style in America. Just beautiful!

2. Mont Royal Park

The Mont Royal , also nicknamed the Mountain, is the highest point of the city. From the top of its 233 meters high, this park of 190 hectares is huge, it is the green lung of the city. This natural site was first spotted by Jacques Cartier in 1535, and then built in 1876 by the same creator as Central Park in New York .

Climb on foot or by bike, it’s really worth it. The view is splendid with all the buildings that seem so small. Down there, we also have to go to see him Lake in Castors which turns into a rink in winter.

3. The entertainment district

It is one of Montreal’s most lively neighbourhoods, where most concerts and festivals are.

Get down to the subway station Place des Arts before discovering a rich cultural complex. L’ Opéra de Montréal , its contemporary art museum, its symphony house, its many theatres etc., impossible not to know what to do in Montreal.

In the summer, this neighborhood is crowded with the festival Just kidding. , Francofolies , M areal in Light and many others.

4. L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph

It is one of the most prestigious buildings to visit in Montreal, located in the multicultural district of Côte-des Neiges. L’ Oratory Saint-Joseph welcomes almost two million visitors each year who come to see its basilica, chapel, cross path and copper dome. The latter is the second largest in the world, after Saint Peter of Rome. Don't worry, you'll see him away. Admission is free.

5. The Olympic Stadium

To visit Montreal well, you have to go see the Olympic Stadium another must-see place in the city. In addition to its sports fields and rooms, seven swimming pools and cinema, it continues to amaze tourists because of its oval-shaped concrete structure.

Its steeped tower is also a symbol of the city of Quebec, since it is the highest inclined tower in the world (165 meters). You can climb to the observatory by a funicular.

6. The underground city

What to do in Montreal in winter, when it snows and is -30 °C outside? Most of the time, the Montrealers used it to stroll through the underground city. These are shopping centres of more than 30 km where there are more than 2,000 shops and restaurants, offices, cinemas and all kinds of activity.

Everything is connected to metro stations, which makes you can spend the whole day in these galleries without having to face the cold.

7. The Plateau Mont-Royal

Have you ever heard of the famous stairs in Montreal? It is indeed a peculiarity of the Canadian metropolis that you will not see anywhere else. On both sides of the streets, all the houses are accessible by outside stairs of wrought iron, taking strange forms.

The question that everyone is asking is: why put stairs out, while they are covered with snow in winter? Well, here is the answer: in the 19th century, the mayor of the city forced the inhabitants of duplex and triplex to have a garden in front of their house, for fear of the degradation of the air quality. To gain space, it is built up in height and the stairs of the common areas are moved to the outside allowing also heating savings of the buildings.

Visiting Montreal is also understanding its history!

8. The Jean Talon market

To imbue you with the peaceful life of Montreal, what better than to take a tour market Jean Talon , in the Petite Italy district? This covered and coloured market is full of local specialties and other more classic products. We can also eat on site for more conviviality. The market is open every day and all day.

9. Saint Catherine Street

What to do in Montreal except discover the charm of the City at the Cents Clochers? Shopping, of course (or shopping according to Quebec) ! For this, go to the Rue Sainte-Catherine the main commercial artery. So you are sure to find your happiness and bring back memories of Montreal.

10. The Old Port

The Old Port , not far from the city center, is the ideal place to spend a pleasant time with family, friends or couple. Walk along the docks by admiring the view of the St.Lawrence River.

Get up at the top of the Tour de l’Horloge , built in memory of the merchant marine sailors and relax on the long chairs of the urban beach. Hundreds of animations and activities are proposed throughout the year.

11. The botanical garden

For nature lovers, the botanical garden is one of the things to see in Montreal. A lively museum of 75 hectares, it has more than 22,000 species of plants and about thirty thematic gardens. It is not for nothing that it is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world!

No matter what time of year you arrive in Montreal, there will always be incredible animations, to check according to the programming. Between the House of the Tree, the garden of China, the insectarium etc., visit Montreal can take you some time.

12. Parc Jean-Drapeau

What to do in Montreal if we want to get away from urban life? Just take the subway and very quickly, we arrive on the islands of St. Helena and Notre-Dame. There is another setting that awaits you, especially with the Parc Jean-Drapeau . It has been specially designed so that people can enjoy themselves.

It is composed of:

• The Biosphere (Environmental Museum) ;
• La Ronde (large amusement park) ;
• The casino of Montreal;
• The sandy beach;
• The car circuit (Canada Formula 1 Grand Prix);
• Three Olympic swimming pools.

All year round, you can enjoy free outdoor shows and Sundays from Piknic Electronik .

13. Also to be done in Montreal

During your holidays in Montreal, don’t hesitate to :

• Eating a poutine in the Banquise, typical restaurant of Plateau Mont Royal and
  open 24 hours;
• Watch an ice hockey game at Bell Centre or one of the bars
  connected to the city;
• Dress a beer in a microbrewery;
• Ice skating, sledging or cross-country skiing at Mont Royal Park during the season
  winter;
• Go to see the tam-tams in the summer, at the foot of Mount Royal;
• Discover the local folklore at the Two Pierrots, the famous songbox;
• Flip on the St.Lawrence River (high sensational boat);
• Marvel at the Loto-Québec fireworks throughout the summer.

How to get to Montreal?

Departure from Paris or other French cities, the flight to Montreal lasts an average of seven hours. To choose a flight ticket at the best price, it is advisable to compare the offers, the best known and the easiest to use being Ulysses .

Then you arrive at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, located about 20 km from downtown.

To reach the centre, several options are possible:

• Public transport

- Take it bus or shuttle 747 up to Lionel Groulx Metro Station in 25-35 minutes (one stop). The green and orange line takes you to the city center. Service from 11am to 8pm. - For a night landing, take the bus or shuttle 747 to the city centre in 45 to 70 minutes (11 stops). The service is ongoing.

• Taxi

The easiest but probably not the most economical solution. At the exit of the airport, a person is responsible for directing you to the taxi that matches you.

• Car rental

car rental is the ideal solution if you intend to visit Montreal (and its surroundings) by your own means.

Where to stay in Montreal?

With regard to accommodation in Montreal, you will be spoiled for the choice because the city is very well served by public transport. You can stay in hotels, holiday apartments, hostels or go through Airbnb . Moreover, to find accommodation with good value for money, we recommend this Compare hotels which, whatever your criteria, has the best offers according to your dates of stay. What is good in Montreal is that each neighborhood is different, with a singular and well-sure atmosphere... prices ranging from single to double.

To be close to tourist attractions, Old Montreal and Village are perfect. If you like going out in the evening, get close to Mont Royal, Sherbrooke or Berri-Uquam. To escape the horde of tourists and to immerse themselves in the best of Montreal life, staying at Petite Italy or Côte-des-Neiges is more appropriate. To help you in your choice, you can consult our article " In which quarter house in Montreal? "!