Montreal is pretty much the epitome of French Canada and a city you shouldn’t miss while in Quebec. It is, after all, the largest city in the French-speaking Quebec province and the second largest in all of Canada. As it’s pretty big, there are so many epic and best things to do in Montreal, no matter what time of the year you visit.
That’s the thing about Montreal: it’s not the kind of city that shuts down during the winter months; something is going on all year round! Better still, Montreal is a totally fun and pretty city to explore. Plus, the food here is amazing!
Take a look below at the best things to do in Montreal. Have the best time and gorge on all the poutine.
1.) Travel back in time to Old Montreal
Located along the St. Lawrence River near downtown, Old Montreal is a collection of the city’s oldest and prettiest buildings. Strolling the streets, especially in the historic centre, is easily one of the best things to do in Montreal.
The quaint old streets and buildings resemble Paris, with plenty of little shops and restaurants just waiting to be explored.
Be sure to stop by Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s religious jewel since 1656, as well as the Old Port and Place Jacques-Cartier.
2.) Go for a jaunt along Rue Sherbrooke
A trip down Sherbrooke Street, known as Rue Sherbrooke in Montreal, is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the city’s museums.
Along this street, the oldest museum in Canada, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, is located. It houses a major collection of paintings, sculptures, and newer media arts.
Head to the McCord Museum of Canadian History for a more general history of Canada, especially the First Nations People. It really is one of the best things to do in Montreal to grasp the long history of this area and its people.
Now, as the main street in Montreal, there are many other fantastic spots I know you’ll bump into. Plus, it’s a great little area to stop for lunch or brunch, as there are plenty of eateries.
Afterwards, drive or take a cab to Perles et Paddock, one of our favourite restaurants in Montreal. It has such a lovely space, and the team is so passionate about its wines. Plus, their seasonal menu in the evening is everything.
3.) Visit the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica
What first began as a small chapel in the old village of Ville-Marie in the 1640s has now become the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal.
Over the years, many changes have occurred within the church and in its architecture and it’s come to look incredible. Seeing the Notre-Dame Basilica is easily up there as one of the best things to do in Montreal, especially if you love a bit of history.
Heck, it’s incredible, regardless.
By 1843, the famous twin towers were completed, with the western tower looking very similar to the one in Paris, no? Today, it’s home to the La Persévérance, housing the 11-ton “Jean-Baptiste” bell.
Today, you can wander through the stunning interiors (for a small fee) and even book an evening for their beautiful Aura Experience. Just make sure to book your tickets before arriving in Montreal; tickets can sell out fast.
4.) Marvel at St. Joseph’s Oratory
Another grand religious site in Montreal, St. Joseph’s Oratory, is a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine and Canada’s largest church. Construction of a smaller church began in 1904, but the final product we have today was not completed until 1967.
Visitors will find the Oratory Museum on site, showcasing the church’s and Quebec’s treasured religious art. Tours and gardens that lead to Mont Royal are also available. If you’re already in the area, it is one of the best things to do in Montreal.
If you’re feeling peckish, head over to Bistro L’entrepont, which serves some of the tastiest French-Canadian dishes. It’s just too good to miss.
5.) Check out the view from Mount Royal
Mont-Royal is a beautiful hill park rising 765 feet (233 m) above the city and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
You can stroll up and around the hill to view the many monuments in the park and Lac-aux-Castors. Look for the cemeteries on the hill’s western slope as well, and for the best view, head to the summit.
The views from the summit are so fantastic that, on clear days, you can actually see the Adirondack Mountains in the US.
6.) Pop into Parc Jean-Drapeau
Perfect for the whole family, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a massive park and activity centre comprised of two islands: Île Sainte-Hélène and the artificial Notre-Dame island.
You see, in 1967, the world fair was held here, leaving behind the impressive Biosphere. Nowadays, the large sphere is clearly visible on the island.
The Biosphere is now a museum for ecological issues and is the largest structure of its kind in the world. Visitors can also enjoy La Ronde Amusement Park, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve race course, Bassin Olympique, and Stewart Museum.
7.) Explore the Old Port of Montreal
Old Port is located along the St. Lawrence River, just to the east of Old Montreal. Visitors can find plenty of things to see and do, both indoors and outdoors, at Old Port, which is just behind the big skyscrapers of Montreal (pictured above).
It’s the perfect place for a lazy jaunt along the river on the pathways of the Port area. There are also shops, an IMAX theatre, a Science Center, and cruises, all available at the scenic Old Port.
8.) Visit the Botanical Garden of Montreal
It would seem that all the world’s great cities have a botanical garden, and Montreal is no exception. Now, spending an afternoon in the Botanic Garden might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it is your cup of tea, you’re in for quite the treat here!
To be honest, even if you’re not into botanical gardens, visiting this botanical garden (located on Rue Sherbrooke) is the perfect excuse for a brief and fun escape from the busy city.
The garden is filled with thematic greenhouses and exhibitions, as well as an Insectaria, where visitors can learn all about insects! The Olympic Stadium and the city’s Biodome are also in the area. It is one of the best things to do in Montreal on a bright and sunny day.
After a morning stroll, head for brunch at the Regine Cafe. It’s so tasty and a real treat.
9.) Eat all the poutine
No regrets or guilt; it has to be done.
A well-known dish from Quebec, poutine is essentially French fries with lashings of cheese curds topped with a light brown gravy. Any (indeed, every) trip to Montreal has to include poutine. I think it should be the law.
For some tasty spots, head over to Frite Alors. With multiple locations in the city, it is easy to find and offers several variations of poutine. Also, for a top tip for some of the best poutine, go for the fries that are a bit ‘soggy’. They should be able to soak up the flavours of the gravy.
La Banquise is the destination for poutine, with over 30 varieties. Honestly, you’ll be stuffed when you visit here.
Just try not to make yourself sick from eating too much of the cheesy goodness while you’re out and about. Honestly, gorging on Poutine has to be obligatory and one of the best things to do in Montreal.
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