MONTRÉAL:
BEST PLACES TO VISIT
& UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES
Would you like to visit Montréal ?
DISCOVER A PLEASANT, DYNAMIC
& COSMOPOLITAN CITY.
Cold winters, hot summers, Montréal is one of the most pleasant cities to visit. Located in the province of Quebec and bordered by the St. Lawrence River, the city offers stunning landscapes. With its vibrant culture and the warm-hearted 2 million residents, Montréal has become Canada’s second largest city after Toronto.
THE 6 PLACES YOU MUST SEE.
1. Mount Royal & Plateau-Mont-Royal
Discover the bohemian and creative district of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, famous for its lively streets and charming colorful houses. Then, climb to the top of Mount Royal, a green hill where you can admire the most beautiful view of the city (elevation: 230 m / 764 ft) but also stroll through its 190 hectares park, perhaps see a family of raccoons and climb to the top to approach its cross visible from all over the city.
SUBWAY EXIT: Mont Royal (see map ↓)
TASTE: the best Poutine and Brunch in Montréal (see restaurants ↓)
2. Notre-Dame Basilica
Let yourself be delighted by the breathtaking beauty of Notre-Dame Basilica. This true piece of art amazes visitors with its bewitching blue and gilding. The basilica also offers two unique experiences: Aura (grandiose luminous experience + orchestral music) & the Grand Organ Festival (in summer).
Learn more about prices →
SUBWAY EXIT: Place-d’Armes + 4 minutes’ walk (see map ↓)
TASTE: the best Cupcakes in town (see restaurants ↓)
3. Saint Joseph's Oratory
Explore one of the Jewels of Québec’s Heritage. This shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph is covered by a majestic dome (93 m / 318 ft). After having climbed the 283 steps, access to the magnificent basilica in modern style and its garden where art and nature offer a place conducive to meditation. Learn more →
SUBWAY EXIT: Côte-des-Neiges + 6 minutes’ walk (see map ↓)
4. The Old Port
Visit the bustling and vast Old Port of Montreal, which offers magnificent views of the city and the St.Lawrence River with its Ferris wheel and clock tower. This place full of life, offers you various activities: shows, urban zipline, paddle boat, IMAX cinema…
TASTE: a typical “Beavertail” (see restaurants ↓)
5. The Old Montreal
Stroll through the lovely cobblestone street of Old Montreal (historical architecture with a European spirit). This neighborhood offers a multitude of interesting small shops: art, souvenirs, restaurants…
TASTE: a chic brunch from a rooftop with a beautiful city view (see restaurants ↓)
6. Saint-Catherine Street
The famous Street stretches 11 kilometres (9 miles) across the city. From the Gay Village decorated with multi-coloured balls to the largest stores, the street is a must for shopping (Eaton Centre, Complexe Dejardin, Hudson Bay…).
SUBWAY EXIT FOR STORES: McGill (see map ↓)
THE 4 PLACES TO EXPLORE IF YOU HAVE TIME.
1. Latin Quarter
Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the “Quartier Latin”, where you will find a lively meeting place: lively bars, trendy restaurants, artistic events in the street…
SUBWAY EXIT: Berri-UQAM (see map ↓)
2. Botanical Garden
Explore a 75 hectares garden with interesting areas: Japan, China, First Nations… Then discover exhibition spaces such as: the insectarium, the biodome and the planetarium.
SUBWAY EXIT: Pie IX + 10 minutes’ walk (see map ↓)
3. Montreal's Chinatown
Stroll through the colourful and lively streets of Montreal’s “quartier chinois”. You can taste some culinary specialities that will transport your taste buds to China.
SUBWAY EXIT: Place d’Armes + 4 minutes’ walk (see map ↓)
4. Jean Drapeau Park
Visit the small island situated in the heart of the St.Lawrence River which offers a diversity of cultural activities: biosphere, numerous events, casino…Learn more →
SUBWAY EXIT: Jean-Drapeau (see map ↓)
THE 10 UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE.
1.
Go see a Hockey game and cheer on the Montreal Canadiens.
Centre Bell | Subway: Lucien-l’Allier & Bonaventure | Tickets →
3.
Play an unforgettable and magical glow-in-the-dark Mini-Golf.
Putting Edge Downtown | Subway: Guy-Concordia | Learn more →
4.
Have fun during unique and exciting activities: Rage Cage, Axe Throw…
Sports de Combats | Subway: Laurier | Learn more →
5.
Watch the fireworks competition (Wednesday and Saturday nights).
June/July | The best places to watch fireworks →
6.
Rent a swan-paddle boat or kayak on the Lachine Canal.
H2O Aventures | Subway: Charlevoix | Learn more →
7.
Take a gourmet break surrounded by cute cats.
Café Chat L’heureux | Subway: Sherbrooke & Mont-Royal | Learn more →
8.
Relax in the best spa-on-water boat in Montreal.
Spa Bota-Bota | Subway: Square Victoria | Learn more →
9.
Relax during a pleasant pedicure/manicure massage.
Ongles de Luxe & Spa | Subway: Mont-Royal | Learn more →
10.
Enjoy a good smoothie during a haircut (Men&Women).
Le Salon de Peyton | Subway: Mont-Royal | Learn more →
USEFUL INFORMATION.
→ Chrono App
Mobile app to convert a currency amount to Canadian Dollar (CAD):
→ Currency Converter (App Store – Apple)
→ Currency Converter (Android)
◊THE BEST POUTINE:
La Banquise Restaurant | Learn more →
◊THE BEST CUPCAKES:
Les Glaceurs | Learn more →
◊THE BEST BRUNCH IN TOWN:
L’Avenue | Learn more →
◊THE TYPICAL “BEAVERTAIL”:
Queues de Castor/Beavertails | Learn more →
◊A CHIC BRUNCH FROM A ROOFTOP:
Terrasse Nelligan | Learn more →
Related topic → Full article: Montreal’s Best Gourmet Experiences.
I recommend you to consult your bank before your departure in order to have the best recommendations for all banking operations in Montréal. Personally, I recommend the “BMO: Bank of Montreal” with which I have never had any problems.
Having some basic vocabulary in French is always appreciated and reassuring for the locals, it is also a good way to start a conversation, even if it continues in English. To help you, here is an article that will teach you some basics, moreover no doubt that your little accent will please: → The basics.