Things to do in Montreal: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Montreal lives in French, with a North American feel. Stroll through Old Montreal and step into Notre-Dame Basilica, climb Mount Royal for the view, explore the Plateau and Mile End, stock up on flavours at Jean-Talon Market, and enjoy the festivals in summer. Keep a day or two for Quebec City.

Old Montreal and the Old Port

Cobbled streets, stone façades and lively squares: Old Montreal is where the city began. Notre-Dame Basilica, with its spectacular blue and gold interior, towers over Place d’Armes. Below, the Old Port runs along the St. Lawrence, with promenades, a Ferris wheel and waterfront activities. The Pointe-à-Callière museum tells the story of the city’s birth on the very site where it was founded.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal, which gave the city its name, is a large wooded park right in the centre. Climb up to the Kondiaronk Lookout for views of the skyscrapers and the river. On summer Sundays, the tam-tams gather drummers and dancers at the foot of the mountain.

The Plateau and Mile End

Wrought-iron outdoor staircases, flower-filled alleys and murals: the Plateau Mont-Royal is the quintessential Montreal neighbourhood. To the north, Mile End is known for its cafés, shops and famous bagels. Try poutine and smoked meat too.

Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy

Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest public markets in North America, overflows with seasonal Quebec produce: fruit, cheese, maple products. It sits in Little Italy, with its many cafés.

The Olympic Park, the Biodôme and the Botanical Garden

In the east, around the Olympic Stadium and its leaning tower, you’ll find the Biodôme, which recreates several ecosystems of the Americas, and the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the world, with its Chinese and Japanese gardens. Ideal for families.

Festivals and the Quartier des Spectacles

In summer, Montreal lives to the rhythm of its festivals: jazz, comedy, music, film… Many shows are free and outdoors, in the Quartier des Spectacles. Check the dates on the official websites and book your accommodation early.

Day trips from Montreal

• Quebec City: its fortified old town and the Château Frontenac, a few hours away by road or train.
• The Laurentians: lakes, forests and the village of Mont-Tremblant.
• The Eastern Townships: villages, vineyards and autumn colours.

Getting around

• The metro and buses cover the city; in winter, the underground city links many downtown buildings.
• From the airport, the 747 bus runs day and night to downtown.
• Bike sharing (BIXI) is handy in the warmer months.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Canada.

Where to stay in Montreal?

Old Montreal for charm, downtown for convenience, the Plateau or Mile End for local life, the Quartier des Spectacles for festivals. All the areas are covered in our guide Where to stay in Montreal.