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Montreal   Travel Guide

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14 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montréal's many museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, legendary shopping districts and trendy nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for visitors. For a taste of historic Montréal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings

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Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) free

As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.

The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica , Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal) Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)

Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.

Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.

Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) free

This 761-foot hill from which Montréal got its name is the highest point in the city. Towering over central Montréal, Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year, and it's one of Montréal's largest green spaces. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who's also the credited architect of NYC's Central Park ).

During the warmer months, you can rent rowboats on the park's Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. You can also take a stroll through one of the park's three cemeteries (one English, one Jewish and one French).

Popular Tours

Full-Day Quebec City and Cruise Tour

(454 reviews)

from $ 118.74

Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal

(2207 reviews)

from $ 104.55

Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

(1143 reviews)

from $ 73.93

Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal) Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a free electric shuttle to take you around the garden grounds during the summer months. – Debra Smith

Thanks to 10 large greenhouses – each tailored to a specific theme – this 190-acre botanical garden offers a scenic year-round respite from the metropolis' downtown core and a seasonal home to more than 20,000 species of flora.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

Montréal's most prestigious museum has been building its collection of fine arts for more than 150 years. Visitors will find its more than 45,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects divided among six sections and spread across the museum's five pavilions.

In addition to an impressive collection by Canadian and Quebec artists, there are four floors containing works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The museum's noteworthy decorative art collection includes pieces from 1400 to 1900, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, and textiles by international artists as well as several pieces of furniture designed by Frank Gehry. The state-of-the-art Cinéma du Musée presents independent and international films with English subtitles, and lectures and performances are presented regularly at Bourgie Hall.

St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) free

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal is St. Joseph's Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and Canada’s patron saint. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, past visitors said it's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of the oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts. The Crypt Church below the basilica is decorated with intricately-carved murals, and thousands of candles Illuminate the art deco-style Votive Chapel.

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Always greet a shopkeeper with a cheery hello or "bonjour" upon entering a shop or store. It’s appreciated and considered good manners. – Debra Smith

In a world dominated by overly refrigerated, fluorescently lit supermarkets, the Jean-Talon Market brings a breath of fresh air to your shopping experience. It’s one of the largest public markets in North America and one of the oldest, (established in 1933) with a flavor all its own.

Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal) Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you purchased a Montréal Museums Card , you can use it at all five of the Espace pour la vie Montreal locations. – Debra Smith

Not to be confused with the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Biodôme is located in the Olympic District and is part of a complex that includes the insectarium, planetarium, and Montreal Botanical Garden . A favorite for families, the Biodôme features five distinct ecosystems that house plants and animals. With the way each of the ecosystems are set up, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience with the animals compared to a conventional zoo.

Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour by MTL Detours

(1007 reviews)

from $ 44.06

Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours

(182 reviews)

from $ 103.80

Toronto & Niagara Falls 2 Days Tour

(312 reviews)

from $ 200.00

Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum) Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum)

Many say that this museum is the best place to go to begin exploring Montréal. While the modern architecture may not be typical of a history museum, the real reason to come here is to hop in the elevator and head underground. Here, visitors can look through a glass floor that sits on top of the remains of Fort Ville-Marie unearthed during archaeological digs overseen by the museum from 2002 to 2015. 

You can also follow the development of Montréal from its days as a fledgling colony and on up through the present day with a 17-minute multimedia program called "Generations MTL" that’s projected onto the archeological site and narrated by six historical characters .

Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) free

Two islands in the St. Lawrence River make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, a sports, culture and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike. Located just five minutes from downtown Montréal via the Jean-Drapeau metro stop (Yellow line), the former site of Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics now boasts several attractions that are sure to appeal to a variety of different interests.

Culture hounds will appreciate the collection of public art that's sprinkled throughout the park as well as the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to the environment housed in the iconic Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome. There are also miles of hiking trails and the Floralies Gardens for outdoors lovers. Meanwhile, families will be delighted by La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Aquatic Complex – specifically the outdoor pool, which has a cushioned rubber bottom – and Jean-Doré Beach. Though the park's outdoor pursuits are most popular in the summer, it’s a wonderful place to visit in early spring too, when the park’s bistro converts to an urban sugar shack.

Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) free

Montréal’s largest park, Parc-nature du Cap Saint-Jacques sprawls across more than 800 acres and sits between Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies on the southwest tip of the island of Montréal. It offers year-round activities, sandy beaches and water views.

In the winter, make use of snowshoe paths, cross-country ski trails and a sliding hill, and in the summer, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails before cooling off at the beaches that line the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. There’s also a small organic farm, two welcome centers and free all-terrain wheelchairs and sit-skis that can be reserved in advance.

St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel

A Montréal institution for more than 65 years, St.-Viateur Bagel is flourishing under the watchful eye of Joe Morena and his three sons. There are now four bagel cafes under the St.-Viateur banner, but for the original experience you must visit "La Maison du Bagel," or "Home of the Bagel," at 263 Rue Saint Viateur in Mile End.

Follow the delicious aroma of bagels simmered in honey water and baked on a hardwood plank in a wood-burning oven and join the line that forms day or night. Hand-rolled bagels come in classic sesame or poppy seed, all dressed with onion and garlic, or on the sweet side with cinnamon raisin or blueberry. While you’re waiting, check out the photographs of famous customers, from hockey greats to prime ministers, that line the walls.

La Grande Roue de Montréal La Grande Roue de Montréal

Enjoy a thrilling view of Old Montréal , the city center and the St. Lawrence River on the highest Ferris wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Forty-two climate-controlled cabins gently lift riders up nearly 200 feet and go through three revolutions on this 20-minute ride. Choose from cabins that seat up to eight, or splurge on a spacious VIP cabin, which is equipped with a glass floor and Italian leather seating for four riders. The view through the tempered glass windows is perfect for photographs during the day. At night, the wheel lights up as well as the giant cross on the top of Mount Royal and the Jacques Cartier Bridge bringing additional romance to the ride.  

Visitors recommend a ride at sunset and consider it a must-do while in Montréal that’s worth the splurge. They report that wait times are usually short and the ride is long enough to enjoy all the sights.

History Walking Tour of Old Montreal

(1641 reviews)

from $ 23.90

Montreal: Guided Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Drinks

(42 reviews)

from $ 26.88

3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York

(66 reviews)

from $ 300.00

Lachine Canal National Historic Site Lachine Canal National Historic Site free

A watery wonderland in the heart of Montréal, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site runs for nearly 9 miles from the entrance at Lock No. 1 in the Old Port to Lock No. 5 at Lake Saint Louis in Lachine. The canal originally opened in 1824 to provide a source of hydraulic power and contributed to Montréal's industrial and commercial development as a major trade port. Today, it's a popular spot for a stroll and a picnic (stop at the nearby Atwater Market to pick up provisions before your visit to the canal).

From mid-May to mid-October, rentals of all kinds are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats to swan-shaped pedal boats. Fishers can toss a line to catch six different fish species including perch, pike and carp, which cyclists can ride from one end of the well-maintained canal trail to the other in about an hour.

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Your Trip to Montreal: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Montreal is one of those multifaceted cities that offers something for everyone. From an incredible food scene and buzzing nightlife, to myriad museums and art galleries to vibrant greenspaces and unique architecture, there’s always something interesting to see and do in the city. Whether you want to shop, bar-hop, or simply explore Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods, it won’t be hard to figure out how to spend your visit. For anyone thinking of planning a trip, read on for tips and information on the best attractions and activities, how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat and drink.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Montreal is typically in the spring (mid-April and May) or during the fall (September to early November). At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather for sightseeing as it is neither too hot nor too cold. Do keep in mind that winters in Montreal can be very cold.

Language : Montreal has one of the largest French-speaking populations in the world. Nevertheless, visitors to Montreal can get by easily only speaking English. Although it is handy to have a few words in French such as greetings.

Currency: The currency used in Montreal is the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Getting Around : Montreal’s metro (subway) system makes for an efficient means of getting around. There are four lines connecting the downtown centre to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. The public transit network consists of 68 metro stops and 220 bus lines  . The city is also very walkable (weather permitting), which makes getting around on foot another good option.

Travel Tip : Passport MTL comes in two-day and three-day versions and gives you access to close to 30 Montréal attractions and unlimited public transportation; it makes for a good way to save money on entrance fees.

Things to Do

Montreal’s world-renowned food scene will be a big draw for those looking to sample some of the city’s best dishes, whether from a tiny bistro tucked down a charming side street, a food truck, gastropub, or fine dining establishment. Anyone interested in spending time outdoors will enjoy the many parks and green spaces that abound in the city as well as the Montreal Botanical Garden. Or head below the streets into the “Underground City” to explore the vast network of pedestrian walkways beneath the city where you’ll find shops, eateries and access to transit.

Go back in time in Old Montreal : A visit to Old Montreal is a must for anyone visiting the city. Even if you don’t have an agenda, just meandering the scenic cobblestone streets is a worthwhile endeavor on its own. You’ll see centuries-old buildings blending seamlessly with trendy bistros and cute cafes and you can easily spend half a day exploring.

Do some shopping along Sainte-Catherine Street : From major department stores to funky boutiques, there is a lot to shop for on Sainte-Catherine Street. From west to east, it stretches 9 miles across the city. Spend an afternoon strolling, visiting shops, people-watching, and making stops at ay of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Explore the Old Port : Montreal’s Old Port features a range of things to see and do, making it a great area to spend an afternoon or even a whole day. During the warmer months, relax under a parasol at Clock Tower Beach, rent a paddleboat, or take a boat cruise along the St. Lawrence. You’ll also find plenty of options for food and drink at the various cafes, bars, and food trucks. Old Port is also where you’ll find the Montreal Science Centre and its IMAX theatre, and in the winter, take advantage of the outdoor skating rink.

Hang out in Parc du Mont-Royal : No matter what time of year you visit Montreal, you’ll find something to do at Parc du Mont-Royal. The park is popular among walkers, joggers, and bikers as well as picnickers in the spring and summer. While in the winter, you can enjoy the skating rink and sledding slope or do some snowshoeing. Also known as “the mountain” to locals, you can hike or bike to the summit for lovely views.

Check out our full length articles on the best things to do in downtown Montreal , the best attractions in Old Montreal , and where to go shopping in Montreal .

Where to Eat and Drink

Montreal’s culinary influences are wide ranging and go well beyond classic French fare. You can find almost anything you might be craving here, such as Middle Eastern, Thai, elevated Quebecois dishes, and nearly everything in between. Despite the exciting diversity, there are a few things to seek out in terms of food while you’re in the city. First up, poutine: that gooey, delicious mess of French fries, gravy and squeaky cheese curds. You can find poutine all over Canada, but you really don’t want to miss out in Montreal. Even if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you should be able to find an option to try. Next up is bagels. But not just any bagels—these are Montreal style. These are boiled in water sweetened with honey, and then cooked in a wood-fired oven for a satisfying chew and golden brown exterior. If you are a meat eater, you will also want to seek out a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, popular throughout the city.

Beer drinkers will also be happy to know that there are close to 30 microbreweries in the city, so finding a local brew won’t be difficult. In addition, make sure to stop by the iconic Jean-Talon Market in the heart of Montreal’s Little Italy neighborhoods, one of North America’s largest open-air public markets. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce and flowers, to cheese, meats, specialty food items, and much more.

Learn more about the food scene in Montreal with our articles on the best brunch spots in Montreal , Montreal’s best late night food , vegetarian restaurants in Montreal , and Montreal’s best terraces and rooftop patios .

Where to Stay

In Montreal you have your pick of stylish boutique hotels, luxury properties, business-oriented hotels, family-friendly hotels, and more. There are more than 25,000 rooms in the city (with 16,000 located downtown) . Downtown is a good option in terms of where to stay since many of the city’s hotels can be found here, as well as a wide variety of the city’s attractions, museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Another good option is Old Montreal, which has its own fair share of hotels. This gives you easy access to the area’s historic architecture, cobblestone streets, boutiques, and bistros. You’ll also be very close to the Old Port, with its own set of fun attractions and activities.

For more about where to stay in Montreal, take a look at our full length stories on the best boutique hotels in Montreal and the best hotels in Old Montreal .

Getting There

You can get to Montreal in several ways. If you plan on flying, Montreal's Trudeau International Airport is about 20 minutes by car from downtown Montreal. The convenient 747 Express bus operates 24/7 year-round and will get you to one of nine downtown stops in 40 to 60 minutes  .

In terms of driving, Montreal is about a three-hour drive west from the provincial capital, Quebec City, about a six-hour drive east from Toronto, and six hours north of New York City.

If you prefer to arrive by train, VIA Rail makes for a scenic and relaxing ride. Their rail network connects many major cities to Montréal, you can choose from 17 daily departures from Gare Centrale  .

As for the bus, Greyhound Lines serves Montreal from numerous cities in the US and Canada. Buses arrive at Montreal Bus Central Station, which is connected to the Berri-UQAM metro station.

Money Saving Tips

• Spend some time browsing both the Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market for a free and fun way to get a sense of all the great food available in the city. While you may be tempted to buy, browsing doesn’t cost anything.
• You can visit a few of the city’s museums for free on certain days of the month, including the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts where the permanent collection is free on the first Sunday of the month; or the Centre Canadien d'Architecture which is free on Thursdays after 5:30 p.m. and on the first Sunday of each month.
• There is plenty to see and do in Jean-Drapeau park, which offers everything from a beach, gardens and picnic areas, to an aquatic centre, hiking trails, bike paths, and canoe and kayak rentals. You’ll also find public art here, as well as a rock climbing wall.

Find out more with our full length article on the 25 best free and cheap things to do in Montreal.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant Included

Here's where to eat, stay, and explore in Montreal, according to a local.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Places to Eat

Best nightlife, best shopping, best neighborhoods to visit, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais , are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of their favorite cities in Canada in 2023 .

The sophisticated, French-speaking (yet very bilingual), culturally diverse city lays claim to world-class restaurants, lovely parks, superb art galleries and museums, a dynamic music scene, inspiring 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

It can also be a lot of fun in the winter , when locals like to get out and celebrate the cold and snow, even extending the revelry at outdoor festivals and concerts at night.

R.M. Nunes/Getty Images

Thom Seivewright, a Montreal expert and former hotel concierge, launched his small-group tour company, Tours Montreal , in the Canadian city in 2016. “Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size,” he says. “There’s obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.”

There’s a big emphasis on food , too. Montrealers love their bagels, cheeses, poutine, and maple syrup, and they’re loyal to their chef-owned restaurants. “It’s a little gem of a city that has world-class dining — and world-class junk food,” says Seivewright. 

Long known for its exuberant after-dark scene, Montreal has it all, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, jazz bars to pulsating dance clubs. The city is even planning to create a 24-hour nightlife district .

Here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The fashionable, Parisian-style brasserie and rooftop terrace at Hôtel Le Place d’Armes, a boutique luxury property overlooking Place d’Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also responsible for New York City’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal is an oasis of greenery in the city center.
• Mon Lapin, a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy serving natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small plates, was voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 . 
• Bar Furco’s lovely terrace becomes lively in the summer during Montreal’s ritual cinq à sept (happy hour).
• Saint Laurent Boulevard, a.k.a. the Main, is a good place to get a glimpse of Montreal’s 19th- and 20th-century immigrant history. It's also the historical dividing line between French and English in the city.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan , located in the heart of Old Montreal, was T+L readers' favorite city hotel in Canada in 2023 . Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront. Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Another T+L reader favorite, Hôtel Place d’Armes is housed in four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica. The property is highly rated for its tasteful rooms featuring hardwood floors and brick walls, swanky French brasserie , and popular rooftop terrace. 

Hôtel Uville

One of the city’s newer hotels, opened in 2020, Hôtel Uville got its name thanks to its location in Old Montreal’s Place d’Youville. Uville is part design hotel, part museum — a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and '70s. This was transformative period, a time when francophone Quebecers were turning away from the Catholic church and leading the charge in North America vis-à-vis cuisine, style, and design — the culmination of which were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics.

“This hotel is very cool,” says Seivewright. “They did a great job. The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing. They’ve got archival photos and artifacts from the '60s and '70s in each of the rooms, and documentary films from the National Film Board that you can watch on your room’s TV.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Montreal’s grande-dame hotel, the Ritz-Carlton , opened in 1912 in the city's Golden Square Mile. In addition to housing chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud , the refined property offers afternoon tea in the ornate Palm Court and seasonal garden terrace, Spa St. James, and an indoor saltwater pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Located in Golden Square Mile since 2019, the posh  Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is connected via a third-floor walkway to the luxury department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy . The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator. What more could you want from a world-class Montreal hotel ?

Best Things to Do 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Parc du Mont-Royal

What Central Park is to New Yorkers and Hyde Park to Londoners, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Mount Royal Park, is to Montrealers. At 764 feet high, Mount Royal may not be much of a mountain, but the park is, as Seivewritght says, “the heart and soul of the city.” He adds, “The fact that Montreal is a four-season city and Mount Royal is a four-season park makes it even better because you’ve got skiing, skating, and tobogganing in the wintertime. And in the summer, you can go biking and walking.” You can also go for a picnic and rent a rowboat or Mölkky or spikeball equipment at Beaver Lake. 

Old Montreal

With its graystone buildings and narrow streets, Old Montreal can sometimes feel like a slice of Europe in North America. Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here. Not only will you find the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica , the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel , the Second Empire-style City Hall, and the neoclassic Marché Bonsecours , but it’s also home to pretty boutique hotels, haute-couture shops, and chef-owned restaurants.

Pointe-à-Callière

A national archaeological site, Pointe-à-Callière , now an impressive archaeology and history museum, sits above the ruins of the birthplace of Montreal. “The Pointe-à-Callière museum is amazing,” says Seivewright. “They’ll take you underground to see the ruins of the original fortifications of Montreal, the original city the French built here in the 1600s.” Visitors can also see Indigenous artifacts uncovered during a dig and part of North America’s first collector sewer, built between 1832 and 1838.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Gallery

Opened in Montreal in an 80,000-square-foot building in 2011, Arsenal Contemporary Art has since expanded to include locations in Toronto and New York City. “Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town. These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal. It has an amazing [selection] in its permanent collection, but it also puts on temporary exhibits that are just mind-blowing,” says Seivewright.

Montreal is a city of festivals, with everything from jazz (the city hosts the world’s largest jazz festival) to Pride to circus arts celebrated here. There’s even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called the Quartier des Spectacles . While there are festivals year-round , May to September is the city’s busiest period.

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La Banquise

One of Quebec's most beloved foods is poutine, traditionally a mess (translation of "poutine") of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But poutine continues to get more upscale. A veritable institution since 1968, La Banquise doesn’t claim to be high-end, but the casual eatery serves 35 kinds of poutine and it’s open 24 hours. “La Banquise is a classic. I’m [vegetarian], and in my opinion, the veggie gravies are even more delicious,” says Seivewright. “A lot of people knock La Banquise because it’s popular, but I stand by it.”

Montreal Plaza

The design at Montreal Plaza is elegant and stylish, yet also notable for its eccentric touches like a dollhouse hanging upside down from the ceiling and Elmo sitting on the bar. Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs. Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crête and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way. “This is my favorite place,” says Seivewright. “It’s not the just the way the food is prepared or what it is, but the whimsical, creative way it’s presented.”

Sushi Momo , from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreal’s best vegan sushi restaurant. The sleek, dimly lit, botanically adorned space in the Plateau area is inviting, while the artfully plated confections are a feast for the eyes and the fusion of flavors a song for the taste buds.

Nora Gray , a lively, casual restaurant in Griffintown, is known for its southern Italian cuisine, updated cucina povera , and privately imported natural and organic wines. The dark wood, banquettes, long bar, and warm candlelight lend the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and club-like feel. 

Dominique Lafond

Voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 , Mon Lapin is a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy. It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.

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Cloakroom Bar

The 25-seat Cloakroom Bar , with a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere, was named Canada’s second-best bar in 2023 . “It’s one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world,” says Seivewright. “It’s hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler. It’s very exclusive feeling. You tell them, 'I like gin, I like citrus,' and they’ll create something for you. If you’re three people and you all like the same thing, they’ll create three different drinks.”

Situated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Diese Onze is an intimate jazz bar that also serves tapas and mains. “I’m a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze,” says Seivewright. “It’s a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.”

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

A Montreal institution since 1995, Upstairs is, funnily enough, located in a basement. It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 

Established in 1997, this European-style pub between the Quartier des Spectacles and student-heavy Quartier Latin is quite cozy inside, but it’s the enclosed, leafy terrace at the back that draws people here come summer. The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Élisabeth is about the ambience. 

The minimalist redesign of the Canadian Fur Company building (hence Furco ), located on a downtown back street, is a big draw for wine lovers and the happy hour crowd. It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.

Maison Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre 's Montreal-made, ready-to-wear pieces marry timeless feminine styles with contemporary flair and function.

Entering this handsome Crescent Street atelier-cum-boutique near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is like stepping into an old-school European tailor shop. Started by their father, Arthur Der Shahinian, sons Tavit and John carry on the tradition of crafting impeccably fitted and designed bespoke men’s suits and shirts, with damask silk lining and hand-sewn button holes, never compromising on quality or friendly, professional service.

Simons is originally from Quebec City, but it’s popular in cities across Canada. The small, mid-range department store downtown carries popular fashion brands as well as its own collections, in addition to homewares. “I’m a big fan of Simons,” says Seivewright. “I buy half my clothes there. The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that it’s a local brand.”

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

Montreal’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a one-stop shop for all things luxury, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Clients can also enjoy a personal shopping experience in one of the five fifth-floor suites or the glamorous art-deco Café Holt, with its remarkable solar-like orb set above the central bar.

Saint Laurent Boulevard

“Saint Laurent [Boulevard], between Saint Joseph Boulevard and up to Van Horne Avenue, has the best boutique design shopping nowadays,” says Seivewright. “You could go all the way up to Little Italy and it’s still amazing. I was walking there the other day and every single window I walked by made me want to go in. There are furniture shops, clothing shops, and jewelry shops — some of it is new, some of it is vintage, and it’s all local.”

Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri, once a francophone working-class neighborhood, is now gentrified, replete with popular, chef-owned wine bars and restaurants, antiques shops, cafes, and boutiques. Still, it retains pockets of its former self. “I love it because it has parts that haven’t changed in a hundred years and others that make it the most modern neighborhood in Montreal,” says Seivewright. “It’s got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll have a multimillion-dollar home next to a really rundown place, and you see that contrast. Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English. You've got old people, young people — it’s a neighborhood where everything mixes.”

Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End

Once relegated to working-class European immigrants, the Plateau/Mile End area is the epicenter of Montreal’s creativity and bohemian joie de vivre. Leafy streets lined with triplexes fronted by balconies and steep, often-winding, wrought-iron staircases invite visitors to explore this neighborhood bursting with convivial cafes, top-drawer restaurants , funky vintage shops, and trendy boutiques.

For a glimpse into how the upper crust of Montreal lived until the 1970s and '80s, head to the neighborhood of Outremont. Its two main shopping and dining strips are Bernard Ouest and Laurier Ouest avenues — part of the former turns into a pedestrian-only area come summer, with restaurant terraces sitting directly on the street.

Montreal is a four-season city. Late April to mid-May tends to be best for blooming trees, while October to early November is usually prime for leaf peeping. The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare. For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal. Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May. Visit in May, June, or late August through September and October to avoid the worst of the summer temperatures and crowds.

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Montreal can be reached via regular flights with Air Canada, Delta, American, and United. Flying from New York’s LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, better known as Dorval (YUL), takes about 90 minutes gate to gate. Driving may be cheaper, but it takes about seven hours, and unless you’re planning to pay for hotel parking, parking in Montreal can be a hassle. For travelers living in New York or Vermont, a more scenic and leisurely option (10 hours) is Amtrak’s Adirondack train from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station).

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In summer, the best way to get around is on foot or by Bixi, the city-wide bicycle rental system. In 2023, Bixi decided to end the storage of their bicycles during the winter, so they are now available year-round. However, there are not as many stations as in summer. The metro (subway) is fairly reliable and frequent during rush hour — and often the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not. An Opus card can be purchased with several fares added, if you’re planning on using the metro and/or buses often. Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.

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Montreal 3 Day Itinerary: 72 Hours in Montreal for the Ultimate Getaway

Posted on Published: October 16, 2020  - Last updated: March 15, 2024

Categories Blog , Canada , City Guides , Montreal , Quebec , Travel Guides

This Montreal 3 day itinerary will show you how to have an amazing getaway to this fantastic Canadian city. There are so many awesome things to do in Montreal, and I’ve created a Montreal itinerary that I’m sure you will love, too. As I live in the Toronto area, I’ve been to Montreal on numerous occasions (it’s only about a five hour drive away). With this handy travel guide, you can spend the best 3 days in Montreal ever, whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve gone a few times before.

Whether it’s one day , 36 hours, 2 days in Montreal, or a long weekend, this travel blog will give you lots of great ideas when searching for what to do in Montreal. Feel free to pick and choose your favorite aspects or follow it to a T. This Montreal 3 day itinerary will allow you to see the most iconic areas of the city, plus some of its hidden gems. Ready? Let’s go!

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Table of Contents

Day 1: Old Montreal and Old Port

One of the first areas of the city that comes to mind when you think of Montreal might be Old Montreal and Old Port. With its cobblestone streets and grandiose architecture, you might feel like you’ve transported yourself to Europe. It makes sense to start your first day in Old Montreal.

In the first day of this Montreal 3 day itinerary, we’ll explore Old Montreal by foot and also wander to some nearby neighborhoods. Then, I highly recommend that you rent a bike and do some cycling. Montreal is a very bike-friendly city. Cycling around Montreal is one way that you’ll feel connected to the city and feel a little more like a local resident.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) likely tops your list of the best places to see on a weekend trip to Montreal. We’ll start the first day of your 3 days in Montreal with a walking trip around Old Montreal and other notable areas near downtown Montreal.

I recommend that you wander around Old Montreal on foot. Walk up and down all of its streets and side streets. You never know what you might discover around each corner. The historic cobblestone streets and old architecture definitely ooze European vibes.

If you enjoy walking tours to get acquainted with new cities, there’s no better place in Montreal to go for a walking tour than Old Montreal. I suggest booking this Old Montreal Walking Tour that’s about two hours long with a maximum of six people per group.

More into spooky experiences? Check out this Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour of the older parts of the city. Hear chilling stories and tales from your guide, and be on the lookout for the spirits that haunt Old Montreal. There are lots of scary tales and unexplained mysteries, and your guide will share all of the gruesome details.

Rue Saint-Paul

Rue Saint-Paul is the oldest street in Montreal, and some of its cobblestones date back to 1672. Yes, there are many souvenir shops on this stretch. However, keep walking and you’ll find some interesting boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and patios.

Bonsecours Market

Bonsecours Market is the home of the largest public market in Montreal, dating back 150 years. You can’t miss its glimmering silver dome. It was built in 1847 and once served as City Hall. It became Montreal’s main marketplace for over a century until it closed in the 1960s.

Nowadays, it’s a heritage building that was recently renovated in the 1990s. You’ll find it on Rue Saint-Claude. It’s no longer the traditional farmers market that it used to be, but you’ll find lots of boutique and high end shops inside this grandiose building. There are also three restaurants, including a cafe, a brewpub, and a Japanese sushi restaurant.

We didn’t do much shopping inside the Bonsecours Market, but Justin and I definitely took a moment to admire this stately architectural work before continuing on our way. If you’re looking for a public market, head to the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy.

Notre-Dame Basilica / Basilique Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal is one of the most visited monuments in North America with over 11 million visitors annually. This work of Gothic Revival architecture is one of the most brilliant and dramatic, decorated in blue and gold. The stained glass windows depict scenes from Montreal’s religious history rather than biblical scenes. There is a small admission fee to visit Notre-Dame Basilica as a tourist.

By night, you can visit Notre-Dame Basilica for AURA , an illuminating light show experience at the cathedral. It’s a three act multimedia spectacular featuring the architecture, lights, and orchestral music. It’s a fascinating and captivating way to visit the cathedral at night time.

Artist Alley on Rue Saint-Amable

The Arts Court, Artist Alley, or as its officially known, La Cour des Arts du Vieux-Montreal, is a must visit for those looking to purchase a gift or memento from their trip. Its tucked away inside a little alley off Rue Saint-Amable. Once you enter through the doorway, you’ll walk into a partially covered, partially open-air courtyard.

There are many vendors here selling local, handmade wares that are much more lovely than anything you’d find in the souvenir shops. You’ll find handmade jewelry, art, prints, wood carvings, and all sorts of locally produced gems.

Château Ramezay

Château Ramezay is a historic site and museum in Montreal featuring over 500 years of history in its exhibits and gardens. This home was originally built in 1705 as the home of the governor, Claude de Ramezay. Later, it was the first building to be declared as a historical monument in Quebec, and it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1949.

Its permanent collection has over 30,000 objects, and there are also many temporary exhibitions and multimedia displays. There’s also a glorious garden on the property where you can go for a stroll. It’s divided into three sections: an orchard, a kitchen garden, and a pleasure garden. There are plant species that are very close or similar to the ones grown back when Ramezay lived at the property.

Coffee at Cafe Olimpico

When you’re in Old Montreal and Old Port, pop by Cafe Olimpico for a cup of coffee. Cafe Olimpico was founded in 1970 and it remains one of Montreal’s favorite coffee shops. You can get a variety of coffee and espresso beverages. It’s definitely one of the best cups of coffee that I’ve had in Montreal.

When I was walking around the artist alley in Old Montreal, one of the shop owners asked if I was from Montreal. When I replied that I wasn’t, she said that she was surprised to see someone from out of town drinking a coffee from Cafe Olimpico. She said that most tourists go for the bigger chains and they don’t realize that Cafe Olimpico has the best coffee. So, there you have it. When one of the locals can vouch for it, you know that their coffee must be one of the best.

The Old Port of Montreal is a historic 2km stretch along the St. Lawrence River. Old Port dates back to the year 1611 when it was used as a trading post for fur traders. Old Port is right next to Old Montreal, making it easy to combine a visit to both areas. You’ll likely walk from Old Montreal right into the Old Port area without even realizing it.

There are lots of activities and attractions in Old Port, such as the Montreal Clock Tower, La Grande Roue de Montréal (a gigantic ferris wheel), the Montreal Science Centre, zip lines, and paddle boat rentals. There are paved paths for cycling, roller blading, and walking that lead to the Lachine Canal. There’s no shortage of things to do in Old Port to add to your Montreal 3 day itinerary.

I also loved walking along Rue de la Commune to look at the old buildings and architecture that lines the waterfront. There are a few other places of interest in Old Port, such as the Pointe-à-Callière (Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History) and the Scandinave Spa Vieux Montreal . You can also book a craft beer tour in Old Port where you’ll be able to sample nine different craft beers along with some snacks.

Lunch at Le Panthere Verte

La Panthere Verte, or The Green Panther, is an all vegan establishment in Montreal that’s perfect for lunch. They’ve got some of the best falafels in town. La Panthere Verte serves up delicious sandwiches, hummus, bowls, and sweet potato poutine. I also highly recommend that you pair your meal with one of their refreshing fruit smoothies.

La Panthere Verte takes pride in serving meals made with fresh and organic ingredients. They use locally grown food whenever possible. Plus, they emphasize bringing your own container when possible, and they only use compostable takeout containers. It’s great to support a plant-based restaurant that also cares about the environment, too.

While La Panthere Verte has six locations across Montreal, there’s one not too far from Old Port that works perfectly with this Montreal 3 day itinerary. You’ll find it in the Latin Quarter of Montreal at 1735 Rue Saint-Denis. They also offer delivery with Uber Eats.

Gay Village

The two of us visited Montreal’s Gay Village on our last visit, and we suggest going for a walk through this lively and colorful Montreal neighborhood. A few years ago, we walked around an area that was closed down to traffic where we admired lots of outdoor public art. The Gay Village neighborhood is a brilliant place to include on a Montreal 3 day itinerary.

One of the main art installations there was  Les Boules Roses  – pink balls strung across the entire length of the road. It was so cool to see all of the pink balls overhead extending for as far as we could see. There’s always lots of street art on the buildings and public art displays. In addition, there are shops, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Rent a Bike and Go Cycling

Riding bikes around the city was one of our favorite things to do in Montreal during this Montreal 3 day itinerary. There are so many bike paths in Montreal, so there are numerous places to go cycling. We stuck to more of the scenic areas and parks for a pleasure ride between Old Port and Parc Jean-Drapeau.

You have a few options for riding bikes in Montreal. First, if you are looking for a guided tour experience with a local, I recommend booking this Montreal Bike Tour . This tour offers a few different options, such as riding around downtown and Old Montreal, venturing to vibrant neighborhoods like Mile End and Le Plateau, or combining your bike ride with lunch and a trip to the Nordic spa.

How to Rent Bikes in Montreal

For those looking to take shorter bike rides from place to place, there are Bixi Bikes all over Montreal. These are meant more for short distance bike rides from one spot to the next. You can download their app to see where there are bikes available at each station. You can buy day passes with Bixi Bikes. Use the bike for 30 minutes or less (or there will be additional charges). This program is designed more for city dwellers who need to get around from one place to the next rather than visitors looking to explore for a few hours by bike.

The third option is the one that we decided to do, which was rent bikes from a shop. Ça Roule Montréal , or Montreal On Wheels, offers half day or full day bike rentals. We rented our bikes for four hours, which gave us the freedom to ride wherever we liked. This is a slightly more expensive option than using Bixi Bikes. However, if we rented the Bixi Bikes and didn’t return them for many hours, it would be far more expensive. We also found that the bike rentals from Ca Roule Montreal were more comfortable and better quality than the Bixi Bikes.

The employees at the bike shop gave us a map and explained a few routes that we could take. We decided to ride from Old Port along the waterfront to Habitat 67 and Parc Jean-Drapeau. Justin and I wanted to ride our bikes around the neighboring islands to check out the Biosphere and Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, an F1 race track where you can go cycling.

Habitat 67 is a unique housing complex in an architectural style that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Check it out on a bike ride between Old Port and Parc Jean-Drapeau. Designed by Israel-Canadian architect, Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 was built as a pavilion for Expo 67. While it was conceived as a way to revolutionize housing around the world, it never quite stuck. There weren’t any others designed that used this one as a model.

In 2009, Habitat 67 was granted heritage status by the Quebec government. Today, Habitat 67 in Montreal is a popular residence and a community in itself. Many of the cubes that were singular apartments are connected together for sprawling residences with multiple terraces.

The views of the river and the city skyline are beautiful. It’s one of the most sought after properties in the city to call home. It’s also one of the most unique Montreal attractions and a must visit for architecture lovers on this Montreal 3 day itinerary.

The Biosphere

The Montreal Biosphere was built for Expo 67 to house the United States pavilion. Today, it’s a museum devoted to the environment. There are interactive exhibits and activities relating to climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, water, and much more. The goal is to raise awareness about these important issues and encourage visitors to take action in their daily lives.

The Biosphere was closed when we visited, but we rode our bikes to Parc Jean-Drapeau to admire this unique and photogenic structure. There’s also a Metro stop at Parc Jean-Drapeau, so it’s really easy to access by public transportation if you want to visit without riding a bike there.

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a Formula 1 race track that hosts the Grand Prix du Canada (since 1978). It’s 4,361 meters long and wraps around Notre Dame Island, a man-made island built up for Expo 67 (and now part of Parc Jean-Drapeau). When the F1 races aren’t happening, this race track is repurposed as a multi-use track for everyone to enjoy.

You can ride your bike around the F1 circuit track. It’s also possible to go rollerblading, go for a jog, and even drive your car around the F1 track. There’s a separate lane for pedestrians and cyclists, and there’s another lane for cars. Whether navigating the track by bike or car, it’s a pretty exhilarating experience to glide around an actual F1 circuit track (even if you’re traveling way slower than the professionals!).

We returned our bikes after riding around Old Port and Parc Jean-Drapeau for a few hours. If you find yourself with some spare time before dinner, it’s not too far to walk from Old Port to Montreal’s Chinatown neighborhood. Chinatown is essentially one large city block in Montreal, bordered by Rue Saint-Dominique, René-Lévesque Boulevard, Rue Viger, and Rue Jeanne-Mance.

There are four paifang  gates at each of the four entrances to Chinatown, which are intricately decorated archways to demonstrate that you’re entering Chinatown. In fact, Montreal has the most paifang gates out of any city in North America. Go for a stroll around Chinatown to visit shops, restaurants, and even check out some street art and murals.

Dinner at LOV

For dinner, LOV is our first restaurant choice in Montreal for fresh and flavorful meals. Their restaurants are super popular so you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. They’re 100% vegan, and the food leans towards a fine dining experience (but the restaurant is casual enough that you don’t need to get dressed up).

To drink, I ordered the Peach Bum cocktail, which has a little fuzzy peach candy sticking out of it. For food, it was a really tough decision. We decided to split the dumplings (mushroom and vegetable with an almond butter kimchi sauce). For our main courses, Justin and I ordered the LOV tacos (breaded tofu, avocado sauce, chili and red onion pickling) and the Mac n’ cheese LOV.

While we ate delicious food throughout our entire stay in Montreal, our meal at LOV was our favorite of all. The food is skillfully prepared, looks beautiful on the plate, and tastes super yummy.

Day 2: Mont Royal and Mile End

On day two of this Montreal 3 day itinerary, we’ll explore Mont Royal and the Mile End/Le Plateau neighborhoods. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start the day off by climbing to the top of Mont Royal. It isn’t a super far walk from the hotel, but you can also choose to take the Hop On Hop Off Bus to learn a few facts about the city on your way.

Climb Mont Royal

Mont Royal (or Mount Royal) is Montreal’s small mountain or volcanic-related hill, and it’s where Montreal gets its name. Mont Royal is right in the middle of Montreal, not far from the downtown core. At the top of Mont Royal, you’ll be able to savor incredible panoramic scenery of the city. A visit to Mont Royal is an absolute must for your Montreal 3 day itinerary.

There are winding paved paths so you can ride your bike up to the top (these are also accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, although it can get a little steep). Climbing the staircases is the quickest way to reach the top. It’s a little bit of a trek to get to the top, and it might leave you a little winded.

If you’re in a reasonable amount of shape, it isn’t a problem to hike to the top. We managed to see some locals jogging up and down the stairs, as well as a woman dressed in heels and business attire climb to the top (while chatting on the phone, I might add) without breaking a sweat.

The views from the top are absolutely worth the climb. I know that the scenery here must look amazing in all four seasons. I’ve also heard that this is a fantastic place to watch the sunset.

Walk the Trails and Visit Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors)

Mont Royal Park is so much more than that one viewpoint. It’s a beautiful park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the same man who designed Central Park in NYC. It’s a magnificent green space, one of the largest in Montreal, with a small lake and walking trails. When you’re looking for the best things to do in Montreal in 3 days, take the time to appreciate Mont Royal Park.

Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) is a beautiful, man-made lake where visitors can go for a stroll to admire the views. There’s vast open green spaces around the lake that are perfect for a picnic lunch. You can rent rowboats there in the summer and go ice skating there in the winter, making it the ideal all seasons destination. There are also many interesting sculptures to view on your walk between the summit of Mont Royal and Beaver Lake.

Coffee Break at Dispatch Coffee

Dispatch Coffee is one of the top coffee shops in Montreal. I suggest stopping for a coffee after you visit Mont Royal and before you explore Mile End and Le Plateau Mont Royal neighborhoods. It’s a charming little cafe with a funky mural on the side of the building.

They source, roast, and distribute their own coffee, keeping the prices affordable. At the same time, they are responsible in purchasing beans at a fair price directly from the farmers. Dispatch Coffee has a great selection of plant-based milks, including my favorite, oat milk. I ordered an iced Americano with oat milk and it was super refreshing.

Search for Street Art in Mile End

Many areas of Montreal are virtually open air art museums that you can visit for free, any time of the day or night. Mile End likely has the most murals as the art festival, MURAL, happens annually each June on  Saint-Laurent Boulevard. On this Montreal 3 day itinerary, you can’t help but stop to admire the street art because it’s virtually everywhere you look.

Don’t limit yourself to exploring only Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Some of the best works of art are around the corner, whether they’re painted on buildings down side streets, down narrow alleyways, or the backs of buildings facing parking lots. Sometimes we walked down the street only to realize that there were incredible works of street art behind us that we didn’t even notice. It won’t take long for you to stumble into one amazing piece after another.

If you love public art, street art, and murals, you should book this Montreal street art tour . You’ll walk around with a local guide to learn more about the artists and discover the most famous murals in the city.

Even though we saw so much street art throughout our stay, there’s always more to discover. I’m not sure you’ll be able to see all of the Montreal street art in one visit, but you’ll certainly see a lot of it when you walk around Mile End. In addition to soaking up those amazing street art views, I also adore the houses and buildings in this neighborhood, too.

Lunch at Mimi & Jones

Mimi & Jones is a vegan diner featuring delicious comfort food. You can choose from a burger, a cheeseburger, tofu nuggets, raviolis, Caesar salad, or their famous milkshakes. We decided to order some burgers, nuggets, and a chocolate milkshake.

Everything was super yummy! The tofu nuggets were heavenly little bites, especially when you dip them in the maple Dijon dipping sauce. They operate mostly for takeaway during the pandemic, but we dined on a small bench just outside of the restaurant.

Shop at the Boutiques of Mile End and Le Plateau Mont Royal

When you wander around Mile End and Le Plateau Mont Royal, you can pair street art hunting with boutique shopping. There are loads of great stores with unique, one of a kind items. We loved browsing the antique shops and poking our heads into indie record stores. There’s a shop for every taste and style, whether you’re looking for clothes, gifts, or something for your home.

Relax at Square Saint-Louis

Square Saint-Louis is an urban park and square in the Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood. There’s a Victorian fountain in the middle of the park, and the park is surrounded by rows of brightly painted Victorian homes. Throughout this Montreal 3 day itinerary, I’ve tried to build in some moments of relaxation. Square Saint-Louis is a great place to unwind with a cup of coffee, people watch, rest your legs, and collect your thoughts.

It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Montreal, and a great place to rest your legs after all of the walking you’ve been doing all day. Bring your camera as you’ll want to take some photos of the colorful graystone row houses.

Dinner and Drinks at Bowhead Pub

The Bowhead Pub is Montreal’s first vegan pub, and we absolutely adore it! They have a delightful patio just outside of the restaurant where we enjoyed a couple pints of beer along with some delicious appetizers. They have a full menu, but we were really feeling the sharable items that night. Justin and I ordered the Chkn Wings and the Cheese Sticks (vegan feta in a Guinness batter). They also have burgers, comfort main dishes, and desserts.

Day 3: Olympic Park and Museums

I’ve left the third day of your 3 days in Montreal devoted to some of the best museums and attractions in Montreal. You’ll start off your morning by visiting MAC, the contemporary art museum in Montreal. After lunch, you’ll travel a little outside of downtown Montreal to Olympic Park. I suggest taking the Metro there as there’s a subway stop right at Olympic Park.

If you’re only spending 2 days in Montreal, I’d suggest simply doing the first two days of this Montreal itinerary. However, if you’re able to create a Montreal 3 day itinerary, this plan is perfect. If you only have a weekend in Montreal, you can also mix and match your favorite aspects of this travel guide.

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal , also known as MAC, is the modern art museum in Montreal. Their collection includes over 7000 works by more than 1500 artists. They primarily focus on artists from Quebec and across Canada. You’ll find everything from paintings to digital and sound works, installations, sculptures, and more. It’s easy to spend at least a couple of hours wandering around MAC, enjoying the atmosphere and all of the thought-provoking works of art.

Lunch at Lola Rosa

Lola Rosa is a delightful vegan restaurant in Montreal with three locations. There’s one right across the road from the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum, so it’s easy to pop over for a quick bite. They have lots of comforting, hearty dishes that will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Justin and I both couldn’t resist ordering their Cajun Burger (it’s funny when we both decide to order the exact same thing on the menu!). I got mine with a vegan poutine because…when in Montreal, right? They’ve also got a great selection of local beers, as well as pitchers of sangria and cocktails.

Montreal Botanical Garden

To reach Olympic Park , you’ll need to take an Uber or a Metro ride as it’s a little farther outside of town. The Montreal Botanical Gardens is a wonderful and peaceful place to visit, whether you’re roaming the gardens by day or visiting a special exhibit by night. I recommend adding the Botanical Gardens to your Montreal 3 day itinerary, whether you are admiring the gardens by day or attending the lantern festival in the fall.

It’s 75 hectares of gardens and greenhouses with a remarkable selection of plants and themed gardens. There are 10 greenhouses and numerous gardens, like the Chinese Garden, the First Nations Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, the Toxic Plants Garden, and more. Depending on the time of year that you visit, different plants and flowers will be in bloom, so your experience can vary from one time to the next.

Montreal’s Lantern Festival at the Botanical Gardens

If you’re visiting Montreal in the fall, I highly recommend that you check out the Gardens of Light Festival ( Jardins de Lumière ). It’s an annual tradition at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Hundreds of lanterns flood the Chinese and Japanese Gardens with light, illuminating the landscape with bursts of bright colors. The lights transport you to another place for the evening. I felt as though I was in China rather than Montreal.

Though Chinese lanterns typically celebrate Chinese New Year, they’re on display here for the fall harvest, or Moon Festival. The lanterns are handmade in Shanghai, and it takes a full year of preparations to organize and display the lights. Every small detail contributes to the magical atmosphere of the festival.

Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

If you’re a fan of outer space, science, or planetariums, you’ve got to pay a visit to the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium at Montreal’s Olympic Park. It’s a must for any Montreal itinerary if you love museums and attractions. There are a number of French and English language shows, although there are fewer English ones. It’s best to plan accordingly ahead of time so you don’t miss out. They have their programming schedule posted online (as well as some virtual programming at the moment, until the planetarium reopens).

Coffee Break at Caffe in Gamba

Want a little pick-me-up before dinner? Venture over to Caffe in Gamba for a delicious cup of coffee or espresso beverage. It’s back in the Mile End neighborhood where you’re invited to do more exploring before dinner. I ordered a simple black coffee here and it hit the spot. I’m all about finding great coffee shops on the go, so be sure to add Caffe in Gamba to your list of Montreal cafes.

Dinner at Aux Vivres

Aux Vivres continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in Montreal, ever since we first traveled to the city together back in 2013. Back then, we actually ate dinner at Aux Vivres and went there for brunch one morning, too! You know the restaurant is good if you choose to dine there twice.

It’s a 100% vegan restaurant and one of the original vegan restaurants in Montreal. They have a huge menu with lots of favorites, from sandwiches and wraps to bowls and burgers. We also adored the blueberry pancakes that they serve for weekend brunch.

Pints at Le Sainte-Elizabeth’s Patio Garden

End your trip to Montreal with a pint or two at Le Sainte-Elizabeth pub. They have a gorgeous back patio that’s the closest thing I could find to a beer garden in Montreal. You’re surrounded by tall, brick walls covered in vines and greenery. There are tall trees in the middle of the patio garden. Plus, there are tons of heat lamps, meaning that this patio is open all year long.

More Than 3 Days in Montreal?

If you find yourself with more time, there are still many more things to do in Montreal. For instance, you could stay within the city and check out some more museums . You can book a relaxing Nordic spa experience just a few minutes away from downtown Montreal. Or if you’re looking for what to do in Montreal and you’re thinking about taking a day or two away from the city, I suggest a trip to nearby Mont Tremblant.

Visiting Mont Tremblant From Montreal

If you have an extra couple of days, I recommend making the short drive from Montreal to Mont Tremblant. Tremblant resort is a fantastic experience any time of the year, whether you’re visiting Tremblant in the summer or partaking in outdoor activities in the winter . In the summer, Mont Tremblant hosts their sensational International Blues Festival , and there are also lots of great vegan restaurants at Tremblant , too.

Want to see more photos of Montreal?

View all of our travel photography in one place! You can browse and buy any of our pictures, including prints, gifts and more.

Where to Stay in Montreal

Justin and I spent three nights at the Hotel Bonaventure Montreal . It was our second time staying here. We enjoyed our first stay so much that we didn’t hesitate to make it our temporary home again in Montreal. It’s right downtown in the perfect location, right in the middle of all the action. We’re able to walk almost everywhere from this hotel.

The hotel has all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi and we found the speeds were lightning fast. We stayed in one of their newly renovated rooms, which was super comfortable and spacious. There’s a rooftop pool, a terrace garden with ducks, a fitness center, and restaurants on site.

Everything you could possibly want or need is right here at the Hotel Bonaventure. Click here to book your stay  at the Hotel Bonaventure Montreal. There are also many more  reviews of Hotel Bonaventure Montreal  online, and I encourage you to check them out when you’re reviewing hotels in Montreal for your holiday.

Montreal Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about planning a trip to Montreal? You might have a few questions about Montreal that I haven’t answered already. Here’s some basic info about Montreal that you should know before you go.

Of course, yes! I have visited Montreal on multiple occasions. Even though it’s not too far away (about 5 hours by car), I think Montreal is a great city to visit even if you are coming from abroad. There are many things to see and do, and it’s such a vibrant and awesome city.

Yes! Most people in Montreal speak both French and English. While you may be initially greeted in French, don’t worry if you cannot speak French. I’m sure many people would appreciate if you tried. But, if you start speaking in English, pretty much everyone will flip over to English and communicate that way.

Montreal is a very walkable city. You can walk most places, especially if you stay in a centrally located downtown hotel. However, there’s also the fabulous and easy to navigate Montreal Metro if you’d rather travel by the subway or public transportation.

3 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Montreal. You’ll be able to see many attractions and places of interest. Of course, you can visit for 2 days or 4 days (or even longer), but you should be able to tackle most of the best things to do in Montreal in 3 days.

Please use Canadian currency in Montreal. We do not use US dollars here. I am sure many places will accept US dollars, but they won’t do any currency exchange for you. As the US dollar is valued much higher than the Canadian dollar, it makes more sense to convert your money into Canadian dollars.

Montreal is a great city to visit all year long. However, it does get quite cold and snowy in the winter, so you’ll need to dress appropriately. I love the spring and the fall the most in Montreal. September is a great time of year (after Labour Day weekend) because there are fewer crowds and the weather is still warm. The prices for hotels are more affordable during the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November).

Map of Montreal

Navigate your way around the city with this handy map. See everything that I mentioned for this Montreal 3 day itinerary visually represented on a map.

Do you want to save this map for future reference? If you click the star beside the map title, it will be saved to your Google Maps account. Then, you can access it while hiking from your own Google Maps app (it will be listed under “your places” and then “maps”).

More Things to Do in Quebec

For more Quebec travel guides and itineraries, please check out these popular travel blog posts:

• 20 Best Things to Do in Laval
• Mont Tremblant in Summer
• Mont Tremblant in Winter
• Montreal 3 Day Itinerary
• Terrebonne and Ile-des-Moulins, Quebec
• Quebec City 3 Day Itinerary
• Quebec City in Winter
• Quebec Winter Carnival
• Snow Tubing in Quebec at the Ultimate Winter Playground
• Quebec City Christmas Market
• Ice Hotel Quebec: A Survival Guide to Staying Overnight
• Le Monastere des Augustines: Quebec Monastery Turned Wellness Centre
• 7 Day Itinerary for a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip
• Whale Watching in Tadoussac
• 3 Days In Lanaudière Mauricie Itinerary

Is there anything else that you’d add to your Montreal itinerary?

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

The Perfect 3 Days in Montreal Itinerary

• Last Updated: February 9, 2024

If you’re looking for the best itinerary for how to spend 3 days in Montreal look no further! This is my hometown, and I want to make sure you have the best Montreal itinerary imaginable.

Visiting Montreal in 3 days can be done, and you will definitely be able to tick off a ton of things from your Montreal bucket list too.

From the cobbled streets of Old Montreal to the french inspired restaurants all across the city Montreal has been tricking visitors into thinking they’re in Europe for decades. 

With a fantastic underground transport system, you’re never going to be too far away from something amazing.

Check out the murals of St-Laurent, the charming houses and cafes of Le Plateau Mont Royal or even the bustling shopping of St-Catherine street.

No doubt about it, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Montreal .

While the underground is perfect for those cold winter days, there’s nothing better than exploring the city on foot under the sunny skies.

One of the most walkable cities in Canada, Montreal is one of those cities which easily allows its visitors to wander their way through the streets to see the sights. 

Visited by millions every year, Montreal is a hot spot for anyone looking for an amazing festival, a fantastic food scene and a magical music and arts scene.

No matter what you’re looking for you’ll be able to find it in this 3 day Montreal itinerary.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Canada with our robust Canada Travel Guide .

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Explore Old Montreal & Beyond

Day 2 – mont royal & le plateau, gardens, street art & a show, when to visit montreal, canada.

• Getting Around Montreal, Canada
• Where to Stay in Montreal, Canada

The Best Hostel in Montreal Canada – Auberge Saintlo

Best mid-range hotel in montreal canada – hotel bonaventure, best luxury hotel in montreal canada – ritz carlton montreal, budget – la banquise, mid-range – jardin nelson, high-end – garde manger, how to spend a perfect 3 days in montreal.

Montreal, the city that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to Europe without having to clear customs out of Canada.

As one of the oldest cities in Canada, Montreal is full of incredible things to do, museums to visit, restaurants to indulge in and so much more.

To find out what to do in Montreal in 3 days read on!

Kicking off the first of your 3 days in Montreal itinerary is definitely best done by heading to Old Montreal.

Grab a coffee and a pastry to go from any of the amazing cafes before hopping on the metro.

Or if you can keep your hunger at bay wait until you arrive in Old Montreal and grab breakfast at Tommy Montreal , the menu and decor are to die for.

Visiting in the morning you’ll avoid the midday crowds and be able to explore in the quiet which lends a magical feel to the area.

Explore down all the little streets and alleyways, pop into the numerous galleries and boutiques that line the streets and then make your way down to the Old Port.

In the winter months, you’ll find a lovely skating rink right in front of the impressive Ferris wheel with skate rentals onsite.

In the summer this is the perfect spot for people-watching.

There are tons of food trucks and market stalls to be found down here and you can try a food tour to taste all the local delicacies. There is also the Montreal Science Center and IMAX cinema.

If the weather is hot enough you can take to lounging in the sun at Clocktower Beach . Although swimming is not permitted, it’s a great spot to watch all the boats on the Saint Lawrence River.

If you are keen to get out on the water, consider a St. Lawrence River sightseeing cruise . You can see all the best sights of Montreal while peacefully gliding along the river.

No trip to Old Montreal is complete without visiting Notre Dame Basilica .

This Gothic revival style basilica is covered in stunning stained glass, ornate wood carvings and an altar draped in candles.

It’s not hard to see why over 11 million visitors come to see the Basilica every year. For more details visit their website here .

Located just around the corner from Notre Dame Basilica, The Bank of Montreal Museum is housed in the oldest bank in the city which has now been turned into a museum housing exhibits and historical artifacts from the bank.

From Old Montreal, it’s a quick metro ride under the river to Parc Jean Drapeau.

Covering nearly 290 hectares of land right on the other side of Old Montreal, this is the city’s playground.

For everything from summer festivals, light shows, a race track, beaches and more.

This is the site of the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix which is also open outside of race days to cyclists, runners, walkers and cross-country skiers in the winter.

During the summer months, Parc Jean Drapeau plays host to several epic music festivals including the annual Osheaga and Picnic Electronik, a daytime rave happening every Sunday with fun for all.

The Biosphere is another awesome part of Parc Jean Drapeau.

This is the only museum in North America dedicated to the environment and it is housed in the coolest looking building in the city that was originally built for Expo 67.

As the sun begins to set one of the best places to see the sunset is from the top of La Grande Roue .

Built for the 375th anniversary of Montreal, this Ferris wheel is the tallest in Canada and will give you the best aerial view of Old Montreal and beyond.

You can buy your ‘ Skip the Line’ ticket here for La Grand Roue , so you won’t waste any precious time standing in a queue.

There are tons of amazing restaurants and bars in Old Montreal to discover and you’ll get a whole new feeling for this neighbourhood when night falls and all the twinkly lights come on.

READ MORE: Check out these awesome things to do in Quebec !

The second day of your 3 day Montreal itinerary should definitely kick off by visiting St-Viateur Bagel & Cafe Mont Royal .

Grab a fresh from the oven bagel and coffee to go because there is a lot to see today!

St-Josephs Oratory is Canada’s largest church and is a must-see in Montreal.

From the lush gardens behind the oratory, the catacombs below and the incredible interior, you’ll be able to spend a few hours here.

As you stroll through the neighbourhoods making your way to Mount Royal you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most beautiful homes and parks.

Mount Royal Park is one of the top places to visit on your 3 days in Montreal for all it has to offer. (Called Parc du Mont Royal to the locals)

Walk up through Summit Woods on Mont Royal and get some incredible views over the city and of the Olympic stadium.

Stop at Beaver Lake at the base of Mount Royal to relax and take in the view or to skate in the winter.

Or head over to Little Italy afterwards to shop and eat at Jean Talon Market, one of the oldest public markets in Montreal.

Mont Royal is a great part of the city to pack a picnic and post up in the sun watching the little sailboats in the manmade lake at the bottom.

You’ll find tons of trails to walk, cycle and even cross country ski at Mount Royal and the summit is the perfect place to get the best view of the city.

Hop on the bus or walk on down towards The Plateau Mont Royal to find one of the most photographed neighbourhoods in the city.

St-Louis Square is one of the most photo-worthy parts of Plateau Mont Royal with vibrantly coloured Victorian homes.

The park across the street has a lovely fountain and often you’ll find brilliant buskers playing music in the warmer months.

Wander around the surrounding streets and do a little window shopping for your dream home here.

You’re a quick ride on the metro from The Plateau Mont Royal to the heart of the shopping district of Montreal, Canada.

No 3 day Montreal itinerary is complete without a little shopping on St-Catherine Street.

From the major shopping quarter of The Eaton’s Center to gorgeous boutiques on the side streets, this is where you’ll find it all.

When you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped it’s time to check out a museum or two nearby.

A classic itinerary for 3 days in Montreal will definitely include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, The Redpath Museum and the McCord Museum.

Find more info about the special exhibits and art galleries at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on their website .

You’re in the perfect neighbourhood to end your day with a hockey game.

Head to the Bell Center to watch The Montreal Canadiens and if that is out of your budget grab dinner at Cage Aux Sports attached to the arena.

To find tickets visit the website here .

Whether you’re celebrating the win or coping with a loss post-game the best bars to check out can be found on Crescent Street .

Choose from cozy pubs like McKibbons a night of dancing at Winnies or an awesome beer selection at Brutopia.

READ MORE: Head across the border and check out these awesome things to do in Toronto !

Day 3 – Olympic Park & St-Laurent

If you think you’ve exhausted what to do in Montreal in 3 days, better get another coffee in you and remember you still have 1 day to go.

So grab your camera, put on those walking shoes and head out for your 3rd and final day in the city.

On the green line of the Metro, you’re aiming for the Pie-IX station to start the day.

This is where you’ll find the Olympic Stadium, The Montreal Botanical Gardens, The Insectarium, The Planetarium and The Biodome.

All of these can be found in the Olympic Park area in the Hochelaga Maisonneuve neighbourhood and tickets to each location, except the Olympic Stadium can be purchased here.

Opened in 1976 Montreal’s Olympic Stadium is often referred to as The Big O for its shape.

Guided tours of the stadium are offered daily and if you want to get the full experience head there to catch a Montreal Impact (soccer game).

The Montreal Tower is attached to the stadium which is the tallest inclined tower in the world and gives you an incredible view over the city for miles to see.

During the Summer months, The Esplanade here is open to market stalls, vendors and even live music on the weekends which is such a fun part of the city to visit.

The Botanical Gardens host additional seasonal events throughout the year including incredible light and lantern exhibits around Halloween.

If you can’t make it for that, the 75 hectares of gardens are still well worth exploring.

With sections for a stunning Chinese Garden, an Aquatic Garden, and an Alpine garden just to name a few.

You’ll likely be getting hungry after exploring Olympic Park so your next stop should definitely be St-Laurent Boulevard , aka The Main.

Head straight to Schwartz’s Deli for authentic and delicious smoked meat sandwiches before exploring the neighbourhood.

The Main runs North to South and is a cultural hub in the city and home to some awesome festivals throughout the year.

MuralFest is a street art festival happening every summer, but the murals stay up all year round.

Even if you miss the event you’ll still be able to check out all the amazing murals as you wander along the boulevard which is one of the longest streets in the city.

The internationally known Just For Laughs festival takes place at its namesake theatre on St-Laurent and if you can get tickets to a show here you’ll be in for a treat!

Tons of great shops and galleries line the streets here, anything from cool vintage shops to trendy independent boutiques.

An entire afternoon can be spent ducking into shops, stopping for coffees and stepping into side alleys to see the incredible murals.

It won’t be long before the sun starts to set on your final evening of 3 perfect days in Montreal.

The Quartier Spectacles is Montreal’s major cultural and entertainment hub.

At the heart of it is Place Des Arts with a major concert hall and outdoor venues which also play host to Montreal’s International Jazz Festival every summer.

There are public art displays, interactive exhibitions and light shows erected here during the rest of the year which make it just a fun place to hang out whether you’re taking in a show or not.

To find out what is on during your 3 days in Montreal visit the website .

There are tons of bars and restaurants in the area to enjoy before or after the show that will be the icing on the cake to your 3 awesome days in Montreal Canada. 

READ MORE: Check out these 9 day trips from Toronto !

Montreal Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Montreal, Canada, here is some information that will help you know the best time to visit, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat when you visit.

When it comes to planning your 3 days in Montreal itinerary and when you should visit there are a few things that could help in making that decision easier for you.

Winter in Montreal is known for being quite snowy and extremely cold, especially in January and February.

While this makes it feel like you’ve entered a winter wonderland, the snow can keep you from doing everything you want to.

But it could be great if you’re looking to spend your 3 days in Montreal visiting museums, finding great cafes and maybe even doing a bit of skating.

On the flip side, summer is when the city truly comes alive. Any kind of festival you can imagine comes to Montreal during the Summer months which means there is always going to be something fun to check out.

The second best time to visit Montreal, especially if you’re hoping for a quieter visit with fewer crowds, is definitely September – early November.

With the tourists gone and the students back to class the mass crowds completely disappear leaving you to explore the city covered in red and gold leaves.

Getting Around Montreal , Canada

If you’re looking at how to tour downtown Montreal in 3 days then look no further than your own two feet.

Really and truly one of the best ways to get around in Montreal is on foot. Most of the neighbourhoods in the city are compact enough that on any given excursion you can tick off a few in a row.

The city is also known for its bike-sharing program. Bixi Bike stations are located throughout the city and by downloading an app you’ll be able to find tons of rides around the city to get you from point A to point B just a little bit faster.

For those days when the weather just won’t cooperate there is also the STM, the Metro System in Montreal.

Connecting virtually the entire city underground you can get a 1-day pass for $10 that works for unlimited trips on both the metro and bus systems.

For more, visit the STM website here .

Another option is booking a guided bike tour so you can cruise around with a local guide!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Montreal , Canada

Exploring Montreal in 3 days means you’ll be on the go all day, so you’ll want somewhere relaxing to come back to.

Depending on the location of your accommodation you may end up being right in the heart of the action or in a quieter trendy neighbourhood.

There are dozens of different neighbourhoods to choose from all over the city.

From hotels with rooftop pools and gorgeous interiors in the heart of downtown to hostels with an awesome bar and awesome onsite amenities in Old Montreal.

Accommodation in Montreal, Canada

Whether you’re travelling on a strict budget or looking for the best place to stay for a special occasion there are so many options to choose from. 

Auberge Saintlo is located right on the metro line making this hostel the perfect spot to base yourselves to go off and explore.

Offering a free pancake breakfast, hostel organized events every day and great dorm or private rooms to book this is the perfect place for anyone on a budget. 

Occupying the top 2 floors of Place Bonaventure, Hotel Bonaventure is a great hotel for any occasion.

Being based in the cultural hub of Montreal this hotel has a variety of rooms and suites to book, a heated pool on the roof that’s open year-round and even 2.5 acres of garden to be enjoyed and taken advantage of.

Live the life of luxury during your 3 day trip to Montreal. The iconic Ritz Carlton Montreal is the epitome of class and elegance no more than a stone’s throw from the Montreal Museum of Fine Art.

Several World-class restaurants exist on-site and the St-James spa which is one of the most beautiful in the city. 

Best Restaurants in Montreal, Canada

When it comes to 3 perfect days in Montreal they would not be complete without indulging in some amazing food. From high-end dining to 24-hour diners the city has it all.

No trip to Montreal is complete without a visit to La Banquise.

Dive into 2 dozen different types of poutine (a Montreal favourite of fries, gravy and cheese curds), amazing breakfast dishes all in a fun diner atmosphere open 24/7.

Jardin Nelson is in Place Jacques Cartier in the heart of Old Montreal and has one of the best outdoor patios in the city.

Amazing atmosphere paired with a varied menu and some of the best sangria you’ve ever had. The perfect spot on a sunny afternoon after a day of exploring.

Opened in 2006 by iconic chef Chuck Huges, Garde Manger offers high-quality french dining in Montreal.

With delicious seafood options, a long wine list and a beautiful ambiance this is the perfect place to indulge in amazing food prepared in a World Class kitchen.

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3 Days in Montreal: The Perfect Montreal Itinerary + Map

February 16, 2024 | North America by Melissa Hogan | Canada • Montreal | No Comments

Montreal, a vibrant metropolis in Quebec, Canada, captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. Steeped in European charm yet pulsating with North American energy, Montreal offers a unique blend of old-world elegance and contemporary flair. The city’s cobblestone streets wind through charming neighbourhoods like Old Montreal, where centuries-old architecture harmonizes with chic boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes. Visitors can immerse themselves in Montreal’s diverse culinary scene, savouring iconic dishes like poutine and indulging in world-class dining experiences.

Moreover, Montreal’s cultural calendar is brimming with festivals and events year-round, from the electrifying Montreal International Jazz Festival to the whimsical Just for Laughs comedy festival, ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover. Nature enthusiasts can escape to Mount Royal Park for panoramic city views and outdoor activities, while history buffs can delve into the city’s storied past at museums like the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology Museum. With its welcoming atmosphere, cosmopolitan ambiance, and an array of attractions, Montreal beckons travelers to explore its dynamic streets and uncover the essence of Quebecois joie de vivre.

Planning Your 3-Day Montreal Itinerary

Where to stay.

• Best Apartment: Sonder Le Victoria (⭐ 8.3)

Best Family Pick: Hôtel William Gray (⭐ 8.8)

Best luxury pick: hotel nelligan (⭐ 8.9), best historic pick: fairmont the queen elizabeth montreal (⭐ 7.8), best tours & experiences.

• Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (⭐ 5/5)
• Beyond the Basilica a Walking Tour in Montreal (⭐ 5/5)
• History Walking Tour of Old Montreal (⭐ 5/5)
• The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour (⭐ 5/5)
• 🛵  Have a roll around Montreal on a guided scooter tour
• 🥯  Learn all the secrets of the Montreal bagel at a backing workshop
• 🚲  See the city by pedal power on a hidden gems bike tour
• 👻 Get spooked and a little tipsy on a haunted pub crawl

The Perfect 3 Days in Montreal Itinerary

Montreal has a lot to offer, so I recommend spending at least 3 days here as it’ll give you an ample amount of time to do all the most exciting things without having to rush from place to place. Seeing Montreal in 3 days will allow you to fully relax and enjoy your experience here.

Day 1 in Montreal

1. brunch at dandy in old montreal.

If there’s one thing Montrealers take seriously, it’s brunch. They do it better than almost anywhere. So you owe it to yourself to start your visit to Montreal off right with one of the best brunches in town.

My advice is to head to Dandy near Old Town at least 15 minutes before they open. Trust me, a line will form and you’ll be hanging out on the sidewalk for a while if you’re not part of the first wave.

Once you get inside their retro-chic dining room and order yourself a mimosa or a cappuccino, take a moment to admire the high ceilings, open space, and cool light fixtures and circular mirrors. Then you’re going to order their famous ricotta pancakes with maple brown butter sauce and lemon cream. I also recommend you add the nut crumble. You won’t regret it.

2. Take a guided walking tour of Old Montreal

Not going to lie, I love a walking tour. I think it’s a great way to get to know a new place. Montreal was founded in 1642 so there’s a lot of history in the city and by walking you can really soak it in. With a local guide you’ll get insights into Montreal’s past and present and maybe pick up a few local insiders along the way. Whether you only have 90 minutes or if you have 2.5 hours to do a deep dive, there’s a walking tour for you.

Be sure to pop into Notre Dame Basilica , the iconic Gothic revival church in the heart of Old Montreal. Its opulent, richly colorful interior is a sight to behold, especially the vaulted ceilings which are painted deep blue and scattered with stars to resemble the night sky. It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here.

3. Mandy’s for lunch

After all that walking you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Keep it light and head to my favourite Insta-ready salad joint. Mandy’s became known as much for their adorable interior design as they did for their giant, delicious fresh salads. They have over 8 locations in Montreal, including one in the Old Town. With almost a dozen regular salads plus seasonal options, you’ll find one you love. Go for photogenic mixes of veg, dressing, meat (if you like) and toppers like crispy noodles or tempura onions. They also serve grain bowls, smoothies, and soup if you’re not feeling the salad. You can pick up one of their two cookbooks or one of their signature dressings like spicy maple vinaigrette as a souvenir.

4. Bota Bota

Have a relaxing and rejuvenating afternoon enjoying a riverfront spa. Bota Bota , is a family-run Nordic spa located on a refurbished river ferry boat, famous for their water circuit. There are three steps to the ritual: start off with hot (dry sauna or steam bath), move to cold (quick dip in a cold bath or shower), and finally you relax (hammocks, beanbags, sun loungers). Repeat this 30 minute circuit 3 or 4 times and you’ll leave the riverfront spa feeling like a whole new person.

5. Joe Beef for dinner

Montreal is a city for foodies. For dinner tonight, head to one of its most iconic: Joe Beef , known for its innovative take on classic French and Canadian cuisine. Established in 2005, the restaurant has gained a reputation for its creative dishes, which often feature locally sourced ingredients and bold flavours. The menu at Joe Beef is constantly evolving, showcasing the culinary talents of its chefs and highlighting the best of Quebec’s seasonal produce.

The restaurant is named after Charles “Joe Beef” McKiernan, a 19th-century Montreal innkeeper known for his generous hospitality and hearty meals. Joe Beef embodies this spirit, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience. With its rustic charm, commitment to quality ingredients, and adventurous approach to cooking, Joe Beef has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Montreal and beyond.

Day 2 in Montreal

1. coffee at crew collective & cafe and la grande roue.

Start your morning at one of the most beautiful cafes in Montreal. Located in a heritage building that was once the Royal Bank of Canada, Crew Collective is a co-working space as well as a cafe open to the public. Their baristas work with local Montreal roaster Traffic Coffee to serve up classic hot and cold espresso based drinks and a custom blend of filter coffee. Crew’s signature beverages also include premium teas, lemonades, hot chocolates, and seasonal recipes crafted in house.

Grab a caramel apple cider and a spinach and ricotta turnover and go for a stroll along the riverfront to the Old Port to La Grande Roue. Keep breakfast light because of what we’ve got planned for the afternoon.

There’s just something about seeing a city from up high and riding on a giant ferris wheel is one of the more fun ways to do it. Standing at 60 meters tall, you’ll get panoramic views of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding areas. La Grande Roue has climate-controlled cabins, making it a year-round attraction.

You can enjoy a leisurely ride on the wheel, which lasts approximately 20 minutes, giving you lots of time to take in the sights and capture memorable photos. Get there when they open at 10am and beat the crowds.

2. Food tour in Mile End

Anytime I visit a place that has some unique local dishes I always look for a food tour. Getting to know a city through its food is one of my favourite things and a food tour in Montreal’s Mile End is no exception. Between smoked meat, poutine, and their signature take on bagels you’ll get some real insight into the people and food of Montreal. As you indulge in the mouthwatering delights, uncover the captivating stories behind some of Montreal’s most iconic architectural gems as you immerse yourself in their majestic beauty.Be sure to go hungry since you’ll end up having enough food samples to make a meal.

After the food tour, hop on a bus (or take an Uber) and head to Montreal’s Olympic Park. Here you can take a tour of the spaceship looking Olympic Stadium, ride to the top of the Montreal Tower* for spectacular 360° views of the city, or visit the Biodome – an indoor walk through five ecosystems. You will go from the lush Tropical Rainforest to the penguins in the Sub-Polar Regions, with stops in the Laurentian Maple Forest and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The animals are free to come and go and you’ll sometimes see them in some surprising spots! My favourite is the tropical rainforest which is lush and warm even in the depths of a Montréal winter. Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring here.

4. La Banquise

You can’t visit Quebec without having poutine at least once! It’s a rule. La Banquise is famous for having authentic poutine along with 30 different varieties of the Canadian classic. If you’ve made it this far into planning a weekend in Montreal without knowing what poutine is, let me correct that. A classic poutine is french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It looks atrocious but tastes delicious. La Banquise is a perfect casual dinner before your evening activities. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a line-up to get in, but trust me, it’s worth it.

5. Comedy or jazz or Cabaret Mado

There is no shortage of nightlife in Montreal. Whether you want to listen to jazz while tucked away at the semi-basement location of the confusingly named Upstairs Jazz Bar, get your chuckle on at a comedy show, or stay out all night at an EDM show, you have options here.

One popular nighttime attraction is Cabaret Mado . It’s a popular drag cabaret bar located in Montreal’s Gay Village and is known for its lively and entertaining drag shows, featuring talented performers who showcase a variety of acts, from lip-syncing to live singing and comedy. The cabaret’s namesake, Mado Lamotte, is a well-known drag queen who has been a central figure in Montreal’s LGBTQ+ community for decades. Performances are energetic and engaging, creating a memorable experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Montreal’s vibrant nightlife scene. With its colourful decor, talented performers, and lively ambiance, Cabaret Mado continues to be a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

Day 3 in Montreal

1. marché jean-talon.

Spend your last morning in Montreal strolling around Marché Jean-Talon in Little Italy. One of North America’s largest open-air public markets, its lively atmosphere, authentic character and wide selection of fresh, local produce and specialities from here and abroad always make for a pleasant – and appetizing – outing. More than just a place to pick up groceries, the Jean-Talon Market also offers culinary demonstrations, gourmet discovery circuits, workshops and more.

If you visit in the spring you can satisfy every maple craving you’ve ever had with every kind of maple product you can imagine like maple candy, maple fudge, maple butter, and the classic, maple syrup.

There are over 150 vendors for you to peruse and maybe pick up a few souvenirs.

2. Schwartz’s Deli for smoked meat and a cherry Coke

For today’s lunch you’ll discover a Montreal icon. You’ll likely have to line up to get into Schwartz’s Deli , but that’s been part of its charm ever since it opened in 1928. While the Jewish deli serves steaks and turkey, what you’re really here for is their Montreal smoked meat sandwich (beef brisket). Order it “medium-fat” for the perfect bite. The 6-inch high sandwich comes with a dill pickle and hand-cut fries. Pair it with a cherry Coke for the perfect lunch.

Fun fact: Celine Dion has been a part-owner of the deli since 2012.

3. Mural walking tour

If you love street art then you’re really going to enjoy your afternoon. Every June the numerous murals that cover the buildings along Saint Laurent Boulevard get a refresh during the annual Mural Festival. If you happen to be in town then you can watch the artists create their new masterpieces.

Even if you’ve been to Montreal before there’s always something new to see in this open air gallery. One of my favourite things about street art is how it brings life and colour to neighbourhoods.

I recommend taking a guided tour of the area so that you can learn more about the meaning behind the work and a bit about the artists who created them.

4. OASIS Immersion

OASIS immersion is Canada’s largest indoor immersive attraction showcasing a changing line up of walk-through experiences. Located on the ground floor of the Palais des congrès, OASIS immersion presents all-immersive temporary museum-type exhibitions inspired by the people, places and trends that shape our world. You may be transported into the paintings of Van Gogh or Monet, see Japanese prints like never before, or experience a striking interpretation of biodiversity via immersive digital arts. The shows change regularly but it’s a great way to spend an evening in Montreal.

5. Speakeasy for drinks

Let’s wrap up your three days in Montreal with a relaxing drink in a hidden speakeasy. It would be too easy to just walk in right off the street so Montreal maintains a bit of mystique by making you hunt for some of its most unique spots.

For a Chinatown twist on a tiki bar follow the neon pineapple. If you want to find Le Mal Nécessaire , look for the neon pineapple, then head down into the deepest depths of Chinatown. Inside, Mexican styling meets Tiki cocktails and affordable Chinese tapas. You have to see it to believe it!

Where to Stay in Montreal for 3 Days

The best areas to stay in Montreal are the historic Old Town and downtown as they put you right in the city center, within walking distance of pretty much all the attractions to see. Here are my top hotel recommendations.

Where I Stay: Sonder Le Victoria (⭐ 8.3)

If you like the space of an apartment but want to avoid unlicensed accommodations on Airbnb, you should check out the Sonder brand of vacation rentals. They’re a blend of hotel and vacation rental all in one. They have 9 locations in Montreal but Le Victoria is my pick. For a price similar to a mid-range city hotel you can stay in a beautifully designed apartment complete with kitchen and laundry. Le Victoria is located in the Old town and has studios, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Unlike Airbnbs, they also have a front desk and luggage storage after you check out. Handy when you have a later flight.

Check Rates & Availability

Other Great Accommodations in Montreal

Hôtel Birks Montréal (⭐ 8.3)

Hotel Birks Montreal stands out for its combination of historic charm and modern luxury, offering guests a distinctive experience characterized by elegant accommodations, refined dining options, and impeccable service. The hotel’s location in downtown Montreal also provides easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking both sophistication and convenience.

A family-friendly boutique hotel choice right on the Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal’s heart. The hotel features comfy rooms and suites, with custom art hanging from walls and luxe amenities. Families will love the suites with separate living space.

Historic 19th-century building, around the corner from Notre-Dame Basilica and Pointe-a-Calliere Museum in Old Montreal. Named after Poet Laureate of Québec, Émile Nelligan, this boutique luxury hotel captures the essence of Old Montréal.

Perfectly located in the heart of downtown, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has a fascinating history that unravels through a “for Montrealers, by Montrealers” concept featuring a restaurant, a bar, an urban market and a coffee shop where local products and talents take the center stage. The hotel is also a part of history; it was the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s bed-in for peace in 1969.

How Many Days in Montreal – Are 3 Days Enough?

To truly appreciate the history, artistic sights, and tasty experiences that Montreal has to offer, you should spend at least three days in the city. Three days are just enough to explore all the main attractions at a relaxing pace and absorb the vibrant local culture. 

If you enjoy slow travel and exploring at a very leisurely pace, though, there is definitely enough to do in Montreal to keep you inspired for a whole week.

Montreal 3-Day Itinerary Overview

Here’s a summary of what to do in Montreal for 3 days, with all the activities mentioned in the itinerary above. This is the perfect trip plan for a long weekend in Montreal!

Day 1 : Brunch at Dandy, Old Montreal walking tour, Lunch at Mandy’s, Bota Bota spa, Dinner at Joe Beef

Day 2 : Crew Collective & Cafe, La Grande Roue, Mile End food tour, Biodome, First Friday food trucks or La Banquise for poutine, Cabaret Mado

Day 3 : Marche Jean-Talon, Schwartz’s Deli for smoked meat, Mural walking tour, OASIS Immersion, Speakeasy for drinks

3 Days Montreal Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of how to spend three days in Montreal including all the attractions and activities mentioned in this itinerary. You can click here to see it in full on Google Maps.

Travel Insurance for Montreal

Having travel insurance gives me peace of mind, and I highly recommend getting it because let’s be real — the last thing we want on any trip is for accidents and mishaps to get in the way. I use a service called Safety Wing and can highly recommend them — they offer affordable prices, great coverage, and a reliable 24/7 on-call service.

Get a Quote from Safety Wing

Getting Around Montreal

As a visitor to Montreal, you have several convenient transportation options to explore the city:

• Public Transit (STM) : Montreal’s public transit system, operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), consists of buses and a metro (subway) system. The metro is efficient and covers many key areas of the city, while buses provide additional coverage to neighbourhoods not directly served by the metro. You can purchase single fares, day passes, or multi-day passes for unlimited travel within a specified time frame.
• Biking : Montreal has an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, making biking a popular and eco-friendly way to get around. You can rent bikes from BIXI stations located throughout the city, or from various bike rental shops.
• Walking : Many of Montreal’s neighbourhoods, especially downtown and the Old Port, are pedestrian-friendly and conducive to exploring on foot. Walking allows you to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing : Taxis are readily available in Montreal, especially in busy areas and near transportation hubs. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft for convenient point-to-point transportation.
• Car Rental : While having a car in Montreal can be convenient for exploring areas outside the city center, it’s often unnecessary for getting around within the city due to traffic congestion and limited parking. However, if you plan to explore regions beyond Montreal, such as the Laurentians or Eastern Townships, renting a car may be beneficial.

Overall, the best way to get around Montreal as a visitor depends on your preferences, itinerary, and the locations you wish to explore. Many visitors find a combination of public transit, walking, and occasional taxi or ride-sharing services to be the most practical and enjoyable way to experience the city.

Best Time to Visit Montreal

The best time to visit Montreal is typically during the summer months, from June to August , when the weather is warm and many outdoor festivals and events take place. This is when the city comes alive with activities such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival. However, Montreal also has charm during other seasons; autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter features activities like the Montreal en Lumière festival and opportunities for winter sports. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your interests and what you hope to experience in the city.

Is Montreal Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Montreal is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Like any major city, it’s important to take common-sense precautions, such as staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night, and keeping your belongings secure. Overall, Montreal has a reputation for being a welcoming and diverse city, and solo female travelers often feel comfortable exploring its neighbourhoods and attractions. As with traveling anywhere, it’s wise to research your destination beforehand, trust your instincts, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Book Your Trip to Montreal

Book your flight.

Find a cheap flight by using Expedia . It's one of my favourite search engines because it allows you to search for and compare flights from multiple airlines.

Book Your Accommodations

You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in Montreal, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.

Book Your Car Rental

If you want to travel on your own timeline, be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early.

Book Your Travel Insurance

While Montreal is generally a safe city, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing . Travel insurance has certainly saved my butt before.

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Hi, I'm Melissa! I'm a web designer and digital marketer by trade, a newbie gardener, a shoe lover and a travel junkie. The travel bug hit me hard in 2012 and, ever since, I've been attempting to make the most of it while still working 9-5.

I want to inspire you to get out there and see the world, push your own limits and look good while doing it.

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About Melissa Hogan

I'm a web designer by trade, a one-time amateur bellydancer, a shoe lover and a travel junkie. The travel bug has only hit me hard in recent years but I'm attempting to make the most of it while still working 9-5.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montreal

Written by Chloë Ernst and Michael Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Michael Law visits Montreal on a regular basis .

A dynamic city known for its fashion sense, fine hotels, exceptional cuisine, and historical quarters, Montreal is one of the best cities in Canada to visit.

Despite the city's size, the best places to visit in Montreal are in relatively compact neighborhoods, making hitting all the key sights easy.

Vieux-Montreal is where the city began, and its old buildings and cobblestone streets make it the most picturesque neighborhood in the city. This is where you'll also find the popular waterfront promenade along the Vieux-Port (Old Port).

Major museums and arts venues are in the Centre-Ville (downtown) area, where you'll find Rue Sherbrooke, probably the city's most elegant thoroughfare. Need a new outfit to head out on the town? Rue Ste-Cathérine, Montréal's main place to visit for shopping, is a busy street lined with department stores, shops, and trendy restaurants.

For a dose of French culture, head to The Plateau , the heart of French-speaking Montreal. Strolling along Rue St. Denis often feels like being in Paris, with its smart boutiques, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés.

Montreal is a popular weekend getaway from Toronto . Flights leave on the hour for the one-hour jaunt.

Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Montreal below.

1. Wander through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

2. explore the old port (vieux-port), 3. see the view from mont-royal, 4. jardin botanique (botanical garden), 5. notre-dame basilica, 6. oratoire saint-joseph (st. joseph's oratory), 7. parc jean drapeau, 8. montreal biodome, 9. musée des beaux arts (fine arts museum), 10. pointe-à-callière, 11. place des arts, 12. shop at atwater and jean-talon markets, 13. st. mary queen of the world, 14. mccord museum, 15. square saint-louis and rue denis, 16. lachine canal national historic site, 17. chinatown, 18. ride la grande rou de montreal, 19. montreal science centre, where to stay in montreal for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to montreal, map of attractions & things to do in montreal.

Old Montréal is tourist central in Montréal. The area is home to a remarkable concentration of buildings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and has the delightful feel of a Parisian-style quarter. Many of these historic buildings are now hotels, restaurants, galleries, and souvenir shops. If you are looking to base yourself in the city for a few days of sightseeing, this is the best place to stay.

Its many historic sites, streets, and landmarks are easily explored on foot. Of the many things to do here, the highlights are visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica , strolling down Rue Saint-Paul , wandering around Bonsecours Market , and enjoying the open-air gathering space of Place Jacques-Cartier. For a little urban adventure, on the waterfront head to the huge Ferris wheel (La Grand roue de Montréal) and the Tyrolienne MTL zipline.

In the evening, Old Montreal comes to life with patios and restaurants lining the streets. In the summer, you can dine outdoors, either street-side or on rooftop patios.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Old Montréal

As you wander around Old Montreal, you'll most likely end up in the lively area by the Saint Lawrence River known as the Old Port (Vieux-Port). Here, you'll find plenty of things to do, from riding the giant Ferris wheel or climbing the famous clock tower, right through to screaming down a zipline that descends from dizzying heights across open stretches of water.

More sedate options include strolling the area and taking in some of the 10 fascinating displays of public art, catching a show at the IMAX theater, or brushing up on your knowledge at the Montreal Science Center. If even those options sound exhausting, grab a coffee and sit on one of the sunny patios and just soak up the scene.

In the summer, boat tours leave from the docks here. If you really want to soak up the sun there is even a man-made beach at the base of the clocktower with views back to the city or out over the river. In the winter, strap on your skates and take a twirl on the huge ice-skating rink.

Mont-Royal rises 233 meters above the city and is the green lung near the city center. A stroll through this lovely park enables the visitor to see monuments to Jacques Cartier and King George VI. Be sure to spend some time by Lac-aux-Castors, and to have a look at the cemeteries on the western slope where the city's different ethnic groups have rested in peace together for centuries.

From the summit, or rather from a platform below the cross, unfolds a magnificent panorama of the whole of the 51-kilometer length of the Île de Montréal and the St. Lawrence. On clear days, the view extends to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States of America.

High above the city in the grounds that hosted the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, Parc Maisonneuve (Pie IX Metro) is the site of Montreal's wonderfully imaginative Jardin Botanique . The diverse plants are grown in 30 themed gardens and 10 exhibition greenhouses, so a wide range of climates are represented. Outdoor gardens include the beautiful Japanese and Chinese gardens, as well as those devoted to alpine, aquatic, medicinal, shade, useful, and even toxic plants.

The rose displays are stunning, and especially interesting is a garden devoted to those plants grown or used by First Nations peoples. Soaring greenhouses contain a tropical rainforest, ferns, orchids, bonsai, bromeliads, and penjings (miniature Chinese trees). An interesting Insectarium and huge arboretum are on the grounds, as well as ponds supporting a variety of birds.

Address: 4101 Sherbrooke Street East, Montréal, Québec

Founded in 1656, Montréal's oldest church, Notre-Dame Basilica , stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes . The intricate and resplendent interior was designed by Victor Bourgeau.

Highlights are the magnificent carved pulpit by sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert (1850-1917), the 7,000-pipe organ by the Casavant Frères firm, and the stained-glass windows portraying scenes from the founding of Montreal. The admission charge to the basilica includes a 20-minute tour, or you can take a one-hour tour that gives more historical information and access to private areas, including the second balcony and crypt.

Address: 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec

The Oratoire Saint-Joseph , near the western exit from Mount Royal Park, is dedicated to Canada's patron saint. It is a mecca for pilgrims, with its huge Renaissance-style domed basilica dating to 1924.

Brother André of the Congrégation de Sainte-Croix had already built a small chapel here in 1904, where he performed miraculous acts of healing for which he was canonized in 1982. His tomb is in one part of the sanctuary in the original chapel.

Votive gifts are displayed in a second chapel. A cloister behind the church leads up to Mont-Royal . There is a good northwest view from the observatory over Montréal and Lac Saint-Louis.

Address: 3800 Queen Mary, Montréal, Québec

Île Sainte-Hélène (named after the wife of Samuel de Champlain) and the artificial island of Notre-Dame were the site of Expo '67. They are now known as Parc Jean Drapeau and have many family-minded attractions.

A remnant of the 1967 world fair, the Biosphere is now a museum dedicated to ecological issues. The building is designed in the shape of a sphere and is the largest such structure in the world. Other tourist attractions on the islands include the rides and games of La Ronde Amusement Park , the historic 1820 British arsenal at the Stewart Museum , Bassin Olympique (where the Olympic rowing events were held), and race course Circuit Gilles Villeneuve .

Visited by over one million people a year, the Montreal Biodome is a must-see attraction when visiting — especially if you have children. This massive complex is home to four different indoor ecosystems: the Tropical Rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

As you wander through each ecosystem, you'll be fully immersed in the features of that environment. Lush greenery, birds, and monkeys surround you in the Tropical Rainforest. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence environment, you'll find cool temperatures, fish, otters, and a simulated ocean.

When you wander through the Laurentian Maple Forest, be sure to look for the elusive porcupine. Most likely he or she will be snoozing high up in a tree. In the Sub-Antarctic ecosystem, the penguins steal the show!

The Biodome is located on the former Olympic grounds and is easily accessed by car or via the metro at Cadillac Station.

The Musee des Beaux Arts is the oldest museum in Canada and houses vast collections of painting, sculpture, and new media. Its outstanding collections of World Cultures and Mediterranean Archaeology total nearly 10,000 objects, and there are excellent collections of African, Asian, and Islamic art, as well as art from North and South America.

The more than 1,400 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints include masterpieces by Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Canaletto, El Greco, Gainsborough, Goya, Mantegna, Poussin, Rembrandt, Tiepolo, and Veronese, and are particularly strong in artworks of the Dutch Golden Age.

The collections continue, from the Realists and Impressionists to modern art, containing works by Cézanne, Dali, Miró, Monet, Derain, Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, Rodin, Otto Dix, and other influential artists. Not far from the museum is the extensive campus of McGill University .

Address: 1380 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, Québec

At one corner of Place Royale in Vieux-Montréal is the Pointe-à-Callière , now marked by a striking modern building housing a museum of archaeology and history. Place Royale was the center of life in Montréal's early and colonial days, where the market and parade ground were located until later government buildings displaced them. But underneath today's Montréal, remnants of these early streets and foundations still remain, and you can explore these on a visit to the museum.

The route through the city's history begins underground, where you can walk among the original stone-paved streets, drainage channels, and ground floors of 17th-century buildings. The story unfolds in layers of history told through artifacts, maps, and exhibits as you climb through the museum. Special exhibitions cover a wide range of history and archaeology worldwide.

Address: 350 Place Royale, Montréal, Québec

The Place des Arts is an entire complex dedicated to visual and performing arts, the largest of its kind in all of Canada. Three great cultural organizations make their home here: the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Opéra de Montréal, and its various stages and rehearsal halls provide venues for all kinds of theater, music, dance, films, and events.

These sit around a large esplanade decorated with works of art, fountains, and water cascades, a popular venue for events. The most important of these is the annual summer Festival International de Jazz de Montréal held in late June and early July, attracting visitors from all over the world and bringing in some of the biggest names in jazz.

The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal , a contemporary art museum, is particularly worth a visit, especially as young French-Canadian artists are accorded special prominence.

Address: 185 Rue St. Catherine Ouest, Montréal, Québec

Similar establishments with many of the same vendors, the Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market are Montréal's busiest public markets and well worth visiting for their atmosphere and local food specialties and products.

Located in warehouse-style buildings, the markets feature vendors selling fruits and vegetables, flowers, meats, fish, cheese, baked goods, and specialty foods. You'll find maple syrup and candies, dried wild blueberries, home-style fruit jams and preserves, and the region's fine cheeses, as well as restaurants and cafés selling luscious pastries. The markets are a favorite stop for locals on Saturday mornings for a boule of coffee and a flaky croissant.

The Catholic Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, east of Place du Canada, was built in 1894 as a smaller version of St. Peter's in Rome. The massive statues represent the patron saints of the 13 parishes of Montreal in the 19th century and were all sculpted by Olindo Gratton between 1892 and 1898.

The most important artwork in the interior is the crucifix by Philippe Hébert, atop the marble baptismal font. A series of nine paintings, seven of which are by Georges Delfosse, retell Montréal's tumultuous history.

Address: 1085 Rue de la Cathédrale, Montréal, Québec

The McCord Museum has an outstanding collection of exhibits on Canada's social history, especially native peoples. Its collections of costumes, clothing, accessories, quilts, and other hand-made textiles total more than 20,000 objects and include works by Montreal fashion designers.

More than a thousand pieces of furniture, silver, ceramics, glass, and items related to food and household uses, as well as toys, sports equipment, and folk art lend color and domestic detail to the picture of early Canadian life.

Artifacts and arts of the First Nations peoples include clothing and accessories, hunting and fishing equipment, weapons of war, domestic implements, ceremonial items, and art, as well as archaeological finds from early aboriginal cultures.

Address: 690 Sherbrooke Street W, Montreal, Québec

Near the Sherbrooke Metro Station, Square Saint-Louis rates as one of Montréal's prettiest old squares and is set in a turn-of-the-century French-Canadian residential quarter. In the little streets around the tree-shaded square, there are still a few attractive Victorian houses. Some now house pleasant restaurants.

At the square's eastern edge and running parallel to St. Laurent, Rue St. Denis is one of the hippest shopping, arts, and dining streets in Montréal. Historic buildings have been converted into boutiques, bistros, and cafés. At one end, St. Denis starts in the student-minded Quartier Latin neighborhood (it's handy to Université du Québec à Montréal and the Grande Bibliothèque) and heads west into the trendy Plateau area with its independent designers and chef-run restaurants.

Lachine, on the southeast bank of Montréal Island (in Lac St.-Louis), got its name from the first pioneers who, in the 17th century, made their way up the St. Lawrence looking for a route to China (in French, "la Chine"). The 14.4-kilometer Lachine Canal , a way of getting around the Lachine Rapids, was dug in 1825.

It is many years, however, since it was last used for shipping and nowadays, it forms part of a park and offers plenty of opportunities for charming trips along the canal banks. A bike path borders its entire length, through an open green space, and you can also cruise the canal by boat.

Montréal's Chinatown is centered on Rue de la Gauchetière, with Chinese gates marking the heart of the quarter. This colorful neighborhood dates from the late 1860s, when many of the Chinese laborers, who originally came to work in the mines and build the railroad, moved into the cities in search of a better life. Today's Chinatown is filled with Asian restaurants and shops, no longer exclusively Chinese, but a place where locals and tourists go to enjoy a good meal.

While visiting the Old Port (Vieux Port) area, it's hard to miss the towering Ferris wheel known as La Grande Rou de Montreal . Standing an impressive 60 meters high, the giant wheel has 42 climate-controlled (heat in winter, A/C in summer), and eight-passenger gondolas.

The views from the top over Old Montreal and the rest of the city, including the Jacque Cartier Bridge, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and the old Expo site, are breathtaking. On a clear day, you'll be able to see nearly 30 kilometers in most directions.

If you want to step it up a notch on the luxury scale, consider booking the VIP gondola. This unit has four large chairs outfitted in the finest Italian leather and adds the thrill of a glass floor.

Conveniently located in the center of the action in the Old Port (Vieux Port) area is the Montreal Science Centre . Perfect for a rainy or cool day in the summer or an escape from the snow and cold in the winter, this interactive and innovative place is a perfect family outing in Montreal.

A couple of the highlights inside are the Fabrik exhibit, where children can build their very own creative items in an assembly line style of production using the assorted items available, and the Clic! exhibit, where you create almost anything imaginable using odd-shaped building blocks that snap together in unusual ways.

The best place to stay in Montreal is in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), not only for the sights but also for the ambience that comes with the old architecture and cobbled streets. This area of the city is small enough to explore on foot, so any hotel here is in a good location. Below are some highly rated hotels in or near this area of Montreal:

Luxury Hotels :

• The Hotel Nelligan is an elegant boutique hotel with impeccable service, inviting décor, and exposed centuries-old brick and stone walls that fit perfectly in Old Montreal.
• In the same caliber and with a similar historic feel is the 45-room Auberge du Vieux-Port , set along the waterfront of the St. Lawrence River.
• In a 19th-century building with modern décor, the Hotel Gault is another fine option in Old Montreal.
• If you are interested in staying in Montreal's modern city center rather than Old Montreal, the Ritz-Carlton is one of the finest hotels in the city and has hosted many celebrities over the years.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• On the edge of Old Montreal and the financial district, and just a short walk from the famous Notre-Dame Basilica, is the Embassy Suites by Hilton , with a contemporary feel and a variety of rooms and suites.
• In the heart of Old Montreal, on what was the city's first public square, the popular Le Petit Hotel offers a mix of old-world charm and modern comforts.
• Nearby, the Auberge Bonaparte is a boutique hotel set in a historic building, with lovely rooms and Louis-Philippe style décor.

Budget Hotels :

• In Chinatown, but within walking distance of both Old Montreal and downtown, is the Travelodge by Wyndham Montreal Centre , with small rooms but a convenient location.
• North of Chinatown, but also in a good location close to some of the major attractions, is the Hotel l'Abri du Voyageur . This hotel offers a variety of budget rooms at various price points.
• The Chateau de l'Argoat is a boutique hotel with plenty of character and large, comfortable rooms, about a 20-minute walk from Old Montreal.
• Sightseeing: The most popular tourist area in Montreal is historic Old Montreal. If this is your first time in the city, a guided Walking Tour of Old Montreal is a wonderful way to explore the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes while learning about the history. For a quick overview of a larger portion of the city, the Montreal City Guided Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary offers a three-hour motor coach tour that includes the major sites around Old Montreal as well as other famous sites like Saint Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal, and the Olympic Stadium. If you have time to explore the city and want a more in-depth experience try the Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour. This option allows you to get off at any of the 10 different stops over a two-day period and sightsee at your own pace.
• Day Trips: One of the most popular day trips from Montreal is the Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip . This full-day guided tour takes you through the historic streets and sites of Quebec City and lets you see some of the countryside, including the spectacular Montmorency Falls. From May to October, you can also add on a St. Lawrence River Cruise or just wander through Old Quebec.

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10 Montréal “musts” for first-time visitors

Daniel Baylis

To simplify your initial Montréal visit, we’ve compiled a simple list of crowd-pleasin’ attractions. Think of it as a “ greatest hits ” list of what to see and do in a diverse and exciting city.

In no particular order, here are 10 activities and attractions that first-time Montréal visitors might want to put on their “must see” list.

Climb Mount Royal (the lookout)

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect who crafted New York’s Central Park), the “mountain” park at the heart of the city is the city’s most iconic landmark — and the most popular place to snap a Montréal selfie. Reach the viewpoint at the top of  Mount Royal Park  by walking up the stairs or with a guided tour. In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find washrooms and a small canteen for refreshments. Give yourself at least two hours.

Spree on Sainte-Catherine Street

As one of the longest commercial strips in Canada, Sainte-Catherine Street is the perfect place for retail rehabilitation. You’ll find international fashion mainstays such as Zara, Victoria’s Secret and H&M. But don’t miss the regional retailers, such as Montréal-made leather goods at  M0851 , the coolest kicks at  Little Burgundy  and a plethora of options at beloved department store  Simons . Plus, don’t miss the shops in Centre Eaton de Montréal , Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .

Eat emblematic Montréal cuisine

Part of the  joie de vivre  culture of Montréal includes chowing down on great grub. Sink your teeth into a juicy smoked-meat sandwich at world-famous  Schwartz’s  deli. Discover why Montréal locals fervently adore their bagels at the wood-fire bakeries of  Fairmount Bagel Bakery   or  St-Viateur Bagel . (Clue: the bagels are dipped in honey water before baking). Sample our notorious poutine at  La Banquise . Finally, quench your thirst with a locally produced beverage, such as  Rise kombucha  or  1642 Cola .

Head back in time (in Old Montréal)

A first-timer’s visit to Montréal is not complete without meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of the  city’s old district . With juxtaposed architecture dating back as far as 1685, visitors have the opportunity to see — quite literally — how the city first began developing. Stop at  Notre-Dame Basilica   for a glimpse at the incredible stained glass art (and for a moment of stillness). Then head to historic  Place Jacques-Cartier  and install yourself on a terrace, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to watch street performers and portrait artists — and where the sangria floweth freely.

Ascend to Saint Joseph’s Oratory

Saint Joseph is often viewed as the saint of everyday life. It’s not everyday, however, that you can visit one of the most popular catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.  Saint Joseph’s Oratory  is a Montréal masterpiece — the  pièce de résistance  among a city of one thousand stunning churches. The oratory is home to a magnificent Rudolf von Beckerath organ, which is ranked among the ten most prestigious in the world. Also, the basilica’s huge dome reaches 97 meters making it second only in height to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Temporary exhibitions are available throughout the year. Ride the metro to Côte-des-Neiges station and then walk the divine staircase to the oratory.

Go “underground”

Montréal contains  a vast network of pedestrian walkways  — 32 kilometres (20 miles) of connecting passageways, to be exact — beneath street level. During the winter months, approximately 500,000 people circulate on this network daily, using the passages to connect with offices, trains, shops, and restaurants. Referred to as RÉSO (“network”  en français ), the system connects the city’s convention centre, 10 major hotels and a handful of shopping malls, such as the Centre Eaton de Montréal, Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .  Grab a PDF map  and get started on a truly “sub” urban adventure.

Market yourself

Montréalers love to eat. Sure we’ve got our characteristic local food (see above), but one of the best ways to savour the city is to visit one of the   local public markets . With a wide range of regional products from across Québec,  Marché Jean-Talon  — located in the heart of Little Italy — is the largest and most culturally diverse market in Montréal. For a smaller yet equally delicious option, the art deco-style  Marché Atwater  offers an array of specialty products and delicatessen treats. (Plus, it’s located beside the picturesque Lachine Canal.) Wherever you go, be sure to sample seasonal treats such as maple syrup in the spring, strawberries in the summer, and Macintosh apples in the autumn.

Hit a new plateau

The spiral staircases of the colourful  Plateau  neighbourhood present an iconic image of Montréal. In this  quartier  you’ll find a predominantly French-speaking community featuring an eclectic mix of artists, international students, and young professionals, spiced with a healthy dose of other cultures and languages to raise the diversity quotient that much higher. For a glimpse of the Plateau, walk along Avenue Mont-Royal, stopping for a recharge at Kouign Amann Bakery , or eat a meal at stylish bistro  Chez Victoire . If it’s a sunny day, we recommend doing as the locals do: grab a picnic and lounge beneath the leafy trees in peaceful  Parc La Fontaine .

Go East (for a feast of attractions)

Montréal’s eastside neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to a handful of awesome attractions — all within walking distance to each other. Firstly, the  Olympic Stadium  is a grandiose remnant from the history-making 1976 summer games, and arguably the most recognizable architectural structure in the entire city. At the soaring inclined tower of the stadium (even taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa), visitors can ride an elevator for a bird’s eye view of the cityscape. Also in the neighbourhood are the internationally-lauded  Montréal Botanical Garden , which feature seasonal installations such as the much-loved Chinese lantern festival in the autumn months. Last but not least, the kids will go wild for the critters at the  Biodôme , where five ecosystems are home to over 250 different species of animals.

Find your art beat

Montréal is a creative city. Artistic-inclined visitors will relish the multiple museums and galleries, home to both historic and modern works. 

As one of the most important institutions in North America, the  Montréal Museum of Fine Arts  is the premier stop for any art aficionado. The multiple rooms contain painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography, and decorative art objects, and the gallery prides itself on world-class temporary exhibits.

For a more modern approach, visit Canada’s leading museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. The  Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal  (MAC) features a permanent collection, however the curators truly flex their “modern” muscles with the numerous multimedia events. 

Musée d'art contemporain

Finally, the  Phi Centre  showcases art in all its glorious forms — check out the event schedule for a listing of live performances.

Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.   Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Twitter

3 Days in Montreal (and 4 days): Itinerary and Tips for First Time Visitors

Planning to spend 3 or 4 days in Montreal? Follow this itinerary to make sure you don’t miss any must-see sites and activities.

Now, we’ve previously covered itineraries for one day and two days in Montreal . But what about if you’re staying for a little bit longer? (You lucky thing!) Fear not, because today I’m sharing the perfect Montreal itinerary for three days and four days in this beautiful city. 

As you will soon see, you can fit a lot of the best things to do in Montreal into this limited time frame, no matter what time of year you visit. Yes, I’ve included options for both winter and summer Montreal activities. 

So hit the ground running and I hope you enjoy your trip, whether you have 4 or 3 days in Montreal.

Montreal Itinerary 3 Days

Let’s plan a trip to Montreal and start with what to see in Montreal in 3 days. I promise you can see the best of Montreal in 3 days.

I suggest allocating your first day to exploring Old Montreal and the Old Port , as these areas boast the most charming historical and architectural significance in Montreal. They’re also conveniently situated adjacent to each other, so make a perfect starting point. 

Old Montreal Landmarks 

Old Montreal is most definitely Montreal’s prettiest and most historical area. Its streets are perfect for ambling through, taking memorable pictures and soaking in all of Montreal’s beauty firsthand. As a walking itinerary, I suggest you stroll through Rue St-Paul , Rue St-Amable , Rue Saint-Vincent , Place Jacques Cartier and Rue Notre-Dame . If you love architecture like I do, you’re sure to appreciate the experience. Most of these streets also boast a plethora of interesting boutiques, for those with a penchant for souvenirs. 

Next, you’re going to want to visit Notre Dame Basilica and Marche Bonsecours . These are my two favourite Old Montreal landmarks.

The former is an emblematic heritage edifice (which also serves as an active place of worship) that is annually frequented by nearly one million visitors. Depending on the season, you can also catch the dazzling AURA light show at the Basilica, which combines modernity and spirituality in a breathtaking way. 

The latter, inaugurated in 1847, is recognized as one of Canada’s 10 finest heritage buildings. The market hosts 15 boutiques featuring top-quality “made in Quebec” creations and its terraces and restaurants are open during the warm season. For many, myself included, the Marche Bonsecours is an essential stop on any visit to Old Montreal.  

• Good coffee in Old Montreal: Cafe Olympico
• Good breakfast in Old Montreal: Tommy Cafe 
• Good Ice Cream in Old Montreal: Mlle Catherine 

Science Center

In my opinion, the Science Center is one of the most fun places to visit in Old Montreal. Whether you’re with your family, friends or solo, there’s always something cool to learn and do. It’s the perfect place to visit on day one because it’s just steps away from the Old Montreal landmarks. The Science Center is also home to an IMAX theatre, which regularly shows interesting and educational films on a larger-than-life screen. 

In the evening, I suggest you head over to the Old Port and ride the Ferris Wheel at sunset to soak in the view. After, you may want to catch a performance of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil . Did you know this world-famous troupe was actually founded in Quebec? All the more reason to catch one of their stunning shows while they’re in town. Check out their performance schedule on the website .  

If you’re visiting Montreal during the summer, you’re going to want to catch the International des Feux Loto-Quebec – an annual fireworks competition. The best place to watch is the Clock Tower by SOS Labyrinthe (a giant indoor maze). The fireworks display is free, but make sure you arrive early to get a good view. 

Other must-visit activities in the Old Port are the zipline (seasonal) and ice skating (one of my top things to do in Montreal in winter ). After all of this excitement, it’ll be time to head back to the hotel and rest up as another perfect day in Montreal awaits. 

When you’re in Montreal for three days, I suggest heading north on day two to explore another part of Montreal that’s beautiful in its own right: Mont-Royal and Downtown Montreal . If you’re planning on using transit to get around (an excellent solution as Montreal’s metro system is one of the best in North America), grab a Montreal 3-day metro pass. 

Mont-Royal 

This natural landmark is one that I keep going back to even after living here for 15 years. Whatever the season you visit, the “mountain” is a rich natural place located in the middle of this vibrant and exciting city. One of my favourite spots here is the Mont-Royal Outlook , where I can see the entire downtown area in all its splendour. 

After visiting the outlook, head over to Beaver Lake , where you can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing and cross-country skiing in winter and nature hikes, bird watching and boating in summer. These outdoor activities are all perfect things to do on your three-day stay in Montreal. 

After visiting Mount Royal Park and sipping on a hot chocolate or grabbing a quick sandwich and ice cream (I recommend the historical Maison Smith or Chalet du Mont-Royal ), it’ll be time to descend the Grand Stairs of Mont Royal to move onto the next stop on day two of our three days in Montreal itinerary: the bustling Downtown . 

If you want to see Montreal’s finest downtown campus, you can head east after getting down from the mountain and walk through McGill Campus . Having attended this school, this is the route I always take and I never cease to be amazed by the campus’ beautiful architecture (founded in 1821). 

Whether you are trying to warm up from your winter activities on Mont-Royal or you simply want to do a little bit of afternoon shopping, I suggest you check out the Sainte-Catherine Underground City . The Underground City is a series of interconnected malls that basically span the entirety of downtown. There’s no shortage of shops and restaurants here, so it provides everyone with the ideal shopping experience. My personal favourite stores on Sainte-Catherine are The Bay , Holt-Renfrew , Apple Store and Indigo .

Quartier des Spectacles

For the evening of day two (if you’re lucky enough to be visiting the city during the festival season), I recommend catching a live music performance at either Festival de Jazz , Les Francophiles or Les Nuits d’Afriques . If you’re visiting Montreal in winter, there is Le Grand Marche de Noel and ice skating at the newly inaugurated Esplanade Tranquille to choose from.

As for non-seasonal activities, I suggest visiting the Musee des Arts Contemporains or catching a movie at Cinema du Parc . These are all things that I love to do, so you know they are locally approved. I’m sure your three days in Montreal have been jam-packed with fun activities so far, so head back to your hotel and rest up because there’s another perfect day waiting for you tomorrow. 

For day three, I want you to head east to one of my favourite parts of Montreal: the beautiful Olympic Park and its extensive Espace Pour la Vie . All of the places I mentioned are close together, so it makes sense for you to see them all in one day.

Espace Pour la Vie 

Espace Pour la Vie is the name given to the agglomerate of wonderful places to visit around Olympic Park . After taking some time to look at the unique architecture of the 1976 Summer Olympics Complex (exit at Pie-IX metro station ), you can choose from any one of the four complexes that offer incredible insights into the natural world. 

The Botanical Garden (best to visit in summer) spans 75 acres and features an impressive array of plant species from various global regions. It also includes thematic gardens, such as the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden ; each designed to reflect the cultural and horticultural diversity of their respective origins.

The Biodome recreates four distinct ecosystems found in the Americas, allowing you to immerse yourself in environments like the tropical rainforest , the Laurentian maple forest , the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Sub-Antarctic Islands . I suggest this immersive experience if you love to observe and understand the relationships between various plant and animal species within each ecosystem. The Biodome (along with the Planetarium and Insectarium ) was completely renovated in the past few years. 

The Insectarium showcases the fascinating world of insects, boasting an extensive collection of live and preserved specimens. Here you can learn about the essential roles insects play in ecosystems, as well as their diverse behaviours, adaptations and ecological importance.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium offers captivating shows and interactive exhibits that explore astronomy, space exploration and the wonders of the universe. With its cutting-edge technology and immersive presentations, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the cosmos and expand your understanding of the universe.

My favourite? The Insectarium and Montreal Botanical Garden . But, as you can see, Espace Pour la Vie is a must during your 3 days in Montreal. 

Neighbourhood Visit: Plateau Mont-Royal or Mile End

A Montreal itinerary for 3 days or 4 wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End . Both of these areas are a short metro ride from Espace Pour la Vie . Just hop on the green line, transfer at Berri-Uqam (orange line, Montmorency direction) and get off at Mont-Royal .

If you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll be able to catch the pedestrian street fairs on Mont-Royal and Saint-Laurent. These are usually very fun as all the restaurants are selling street food, the shops have great sidewalk sales and it’s the perfect place for people-watching. While you’re here, make sure to check out Saint-Viateur Bagel , Schwartz’s Deli and Romados .

Dinner and Spa

As you wind down from a full day of adventuring, why not treat yourself to a relaxing dinner and a spa? This is the perfect evening plan if you have 3 days in Montreal in winter. We’ve already listed the best spas in Montreal , but my top recommendations include Bota Bota (Old Montreal), Scandinave (Old Montreal) and Spa William Gray (Old Montreal). 

If you have 4 days in Montreal, here are lots of suggestions to make the perfect Montreal itinerary for 4 days.

La Ronde (summer)

La Ronde is a Six Flags amusement park in Montreal, Canada. Here you’ll find thrilling rides, roller coasters, entertainment shows and attractions for all ages. If you’re looking for a thrill-seeking adventure, definitely consider checking out La Ronde . 

Saute-Moutons (summer)

Saute-Moutons in Montreal is a jet boat ride on the Lachine Rapids. I did this when I was a kid and I still remember the exhilarating waves and splashes while admiring the city's skyline. It’s a unique and adventurous way to enjoy the Saint-Lawrence River. 

Parc Jean-Drapeau (year-long)

An interesting anecdote about this “island off the island” is that it was built using the stones that were excavated during the construction of the Montreal metro system. Originally serving as the hub for Expo 67 , today this park is home to many activities enjoyed by Montrealers and tourists alike.

Things I suggest you do while here include attending a festival such as Piknic Electronik , Osheaga , and La Fetes des Neiges . Year-round, you can also check out Biosphere   It’s easily accessible by transit, just get off at Parc Jean-Drapeau on the yellow line.   

Atwater Market

You could also round up your Montreal trip by visiting the Atwater Market , one of the city’s largest open-air markets (along with Jean-Talon Market and Marche Maisonneuve ). 

What I like about Atwater Market (apart from its wide array of farm-fresh and locally grown produce), is how close it is to the Lachine Canal . This is one of my favorite spots in the city as it simply embodies everything I love about Montreal. The laid vibes, the beautiful scenery, the bike paths and the rentals make it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. 

A visit to the Atwater Market and Lachine Canal is, in my opinion, a perfect conclusion to a beautiful 4-day trip to Montreal. 

Where to Eat in Montreal

Whether you’re in Montreal for four days or three, you’re going to need to eat! Fortunately, Montreal is well-known for its restaurants. As someone who loves to eat out at classic spots and try out new offerings, here are a few of my must-visit places if you’re looking for an amazing meal and experience. 

• Au Pied de Cochon (Plateau) 
• Schwartz’s Deli (Plateau)
• L’Express (Plateau)
• Beauty’s Luncheonette (Plateau)
• Joe Beef (St-Henri)
• Gaspar Brasserie Française (Old Montreal)
• Le Club Chasse et Pêche (Old Montreal)
• Restaurant Bonaparte (Old Montreal)
• Salumi Vino (Old Montreal)
• Modavie (Old Montreal)

How to Get Around Montreal

Thanks to the metro system, Montreal is a very easy city to get around. Everything on this itinerary is a walkable distance from one of the many stops. Montreal is an extremely transit-friendly city.

I highly suggest buying the 3-day or weekly metro pass the STM offers. You’ll certainly end up saving a lot of money this way as you hop in and out of the metro on your 3-day Montreal itinerary. 

Here's how to get from Montreal airport to downtown as well.

Where to Stay in Montreal

We’ve previously published a guide to the best hotels in Montreal , but here are my top picks depending on your budget:

• M Montreal is an award-winning hostel for budget travellers. In fact, it’s been named the best hostel in Canada and it’s perfectly located in Old Montreal.
• Hotel William Gray is undoubtedly one of Montreal’s most popular hotels and it’s great for couples travelling on a mid-range budget.
• Ritz-Carlton Montreal is the epitome of luxury if you’ve got cash to splash.

Is 3 days in Montreal, Canada Enough?

Yes, you can easily see the best of Montreal in three days, because all the activities are so close to each other. Of course, a longer stay will afford you more time to explore. But three days in Montreal is definitely suitable for seeing most of the landmarks and hot spots.

How Many days in Montreal is Enough?

The ideal duration for a stay in Montreal is 3 to 4 days. This number is enough for you to visit most of the city’s landmarks. However, considering not everyone has the same pace when travelling, you might need to consider a longer stay. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Montreal, Canada?

The best time to visit Montreal, Canada is during the summer. This is when the city, its massive outdoor music festivals and its lush and green parks truly wake up. Visiting during the winter is also a good time as the city becomes a winter wonderland.  

Final Words

So whether you have 3 perfect days in Montreal or 4, I hope this Montreal itinerary gives you plenty of ideas and inspiration. If you’ve ever wondered what to visit in Montreal in 3 days, we can safely say this blog post provides a comprehensive answer. Montreal is truly a beautiful city with something for everyone in every season.

I've put together a few guides to help tourists explore Montreal. I have tips on where to stay in Montreal and some good options for family-friendly accommodations in Montreal . I also have a more exhaustive list of fun things to do in Montreal .

About the Author

Joshua is our Montreal expert. He has been living in Montreal for over 15 years. He is passionate about sharing his love for Montreal and some local tips with our readers.

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What to do in Montreal for 3 Days: Suggested Itinerary and Travel Guide

There’s always something going on in Montreal.  It’s the kind of city where you can be out enjoying your evening, and suddenly see Cirque de Soleil performers dangling from a crane high above the crowds.  Yes, that really happened. Montreal is older than Canada itself, and it’s full of interesting neighbourhoods, great food, and iconic places. With this Montreal itinerary 3 days is all you need to experience the city.

Growing up in a neighbouring city just 2 hours away from Montreal, I’ve visited many times. Most visits were day trips for sporting events or class field trips, which didn’t involved much exploring or getting to know the city. It was only when I visited Montreal for 3 days as an adult that I really felt immersed in the city, and discovered just how much there is to do and see.

What to Expect in Montreal, Canada

French is the official language, but most residents speak English.  There are a lot of places in Quebec where knowing a little bit of French is essential, but Montreal isn’t one of them. The majority of the residents speak English, and particularly in the downtown you won’t have any trouble in English. However, you might run in to a few people who only speak french, so learning a few phrases before you go is a good idea!

There are special events and festivals all the time.  Montreal is bumping, all the time. Festivals, free shows in the park, special events. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, there’s always a festival or event of some kind, and it just might be your thing. Make you sure you check out Montreal Tourism’s festival and event page before your visit to find out what’s on while you’re there.

Montreal is incredibly diverse.  Montreal is super LGBT-friendly (there’s even an area called the Gay Village) and it consistently has some of the highest immigration rates in Canada, and has for a long time. The result is people of all different backgrounds, and it’s part of what makes Montreal so incredible, particularly when it comes to the food. Families have been moving to Montreal from all over the world for generations, and bringing their amazing recipes with them.

3 days really is enough.   In truth, if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Montreal – 3 is ideal. A weekend in Montreal or a few days is perfect, either as a getaway or part of a longer cross Canada trip. A few days in the city is plenty of time to learn it’s history, see the major landmarks, eat good food, and explore. It’s all about having a good plan, and this with this Montreal itinerary, 3 days will be perfect

More Montreal:

• The Best of Old Montreal: Things to do, Sights, and Food
• Montreal in the Winter: Winter Activities, Festivals, and Food
• Mile End Montreal Food Tour

The Perfect Montreal Itinerary – 3 Days

Day 1 – old montreal.

Montreal is a big city, so it’s best to explore by area. The first, and my favourite area of the city, is Old Montreal and the Old Port. There are often events going on in this area, at the Old Port, and it’s great place for walking and eating out. This itinerary can be done in any order, depending on what time you want to start your day, or are arriving in Montreal.

If you’re breezing through and trying to decide what to see in Montreal in 1 day instead of 3, this Day One itinerary + Mount Royal is what I recommend!

Old Montreal Walking Tour

Wherever I travel, walking tours are one of my favourite ways to start a trip. They help you get oriented, and learn you way around so that you can see and do more later. While Montreal is way too big to cover in just one walking tour, Old Montreal is an area that you will want to keep coming back to. It’s a great point of reference for other areas and many points of interest, too. I absolutely love history, and with Montreal being one of the first cities in Canada, it is brimming with interesting (and straight up bizarre) stories.

Old Montreal is separated in to two sections, East and West. Go on a walking tour that covers both sides , like this one . This is the one that I went on, and our guide had great suggestions, pointed out spots that we went back to visit later, and took us to really cool places. Old Montreal is full of little secrets that you just won’t find on your own.

Pointe-à-Callière

If you want to add a little more history to your day and while you’re visiting Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière Museum is a great addition to your day. This museum of archaeology and history has artefacts from First Nations of the Montreal area, and goes through the history of the British and French arriving in Montreal. I’ve visited the permanent exhibits a few times, and 3-4 visiting exhibits go through per year.

Notre Dame Basilica 

Notre Dame Basilica can be visited any time of day, depending on  how you want to visit. This iconic basilica is one of Old Montreal’s most popular attractions, but it’s main purpose is still to offer services on a daily basis. Every single option involves long line ups in front of Notre Dame in the summer, so come early!

• Attend a service: Mass runs Monday through Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM, Saturdays at 5:00 PM, and Sundays at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM. This is a real church service – no photography or related tourist-like behaviours. The main advantages to visiting this way are, first, that you get to experience the basilica as it was intended, organ music and all. Secondly, there’s no fee. 
• Go on a guided tour:  Guided tours run every 20 minutes, every day. There’s a $6 fee, and you will learn about the history, construction, and architecture of the Notre Dame Basilica. You can also go in without the guide, but you still pay the fee.
• And Then There Was Light: This is a sound and light show, that takes you through the history of the basilica. The show runs Tuesday – Saturday evening, and it costs $10 for adults.
• Include it in a tour: The Old Montreal Walking Tour that I recommended above includes the Notre Dame Basilica in the tour.

Stay Out Late for Cit é Memoire

Once you’re in Old Montreal, I recommend staying there to explore. Revisit some of the same places again after the sun goes down, and explore Old Montreal with Cit é Memoire . This is a free app that you can download, and then follow a map around Old Montreal to find historical video locations.

The entire area is set up with Wifi, so you won’t blow through you data plan and if you’re travelling without one, you can still take part. When you find a Cit é Memoire marker, use the app to activate a video projection. A projection will appear on the side of the nearest building with a brief video, and voice over to share a fun moment or interesting fact from Montreal’s history.

Sights, museums, tours and more  things to do in Old Montreal !

Day 2 – Mile End and Mount Royal

Eat your way through mile end.

The Mile End area is one of Montreal’s trendiest neighbourhoods these days, as it’s got a growing artistic community and some incredibly skilled chefs and bakers in the area. It’s one of those picturesque areas, with houses that have exterior staircases and big flower baskets. There’s also a lot of fun, funky street art so make sure you bring your camera.

Go on a self-guided Food Tour of Mile End Montreal to experience some of the city’s best food. I’ve spent a lot of time in Mile End, so I put together a 2 hour self-guided food tour map that includes 8 stops. One of the really cool things about Mile End is that many of the good food spots offer small, single-item servings that you can munch on while you walk!  There are also guided food tours of Mile End .  I went on one 2 years ago and loved it! It’s how I found a couple of my favourite places, and it  included a couple of neat historical locations, too. Whether you go with a tour or on your own, there are a few places you’ve got to try:

• St-Viateur Bagels:  this place is famous for making the best bagels in the world. My expectations were high, and totally met. Delicious! 
• Kem Coba . This is the best ice cream in the area. I had a rose / raspberry ice cream here that I will never forget.
• Drogheria Fine .  My personal favourite, Drogheria Fine is a small Italian spot, with homemade gnocchi and family-recipe pasta sauce.

Hike to the Top Mount Royal

Mount Royal is only a short ways from Mile End. Follow Avenue des Pins in to the McGill campus until you find a wooden staircase that leads up to the top. This is a significantly faster way up than starting the hike elsewhere. If you enter from Avenue de Parc, you’re in for a long walk.

Once you’re at the top, Mount Royal is one of the best skyline views of Montreal there is!

There are a couple of options once you reach the chalet – go back down, or keep walking to Beaver Lake. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Mount Royal Chalet to Beaver Lake, which is beautiful area with lots of seasonal activities. There’s paddle boats, a park, and a nice picnic area.

The easiest way to leave is to walk back up to the Chalet and exit the same way you came up.

St Joseph’s Oratory

If you’re up for a little history and culture, St Joseph’s Oratory is on the far side of Mount Royal. This beautiful basilica is Canada’s largest church, and it has one of the largest domes in the entire world. Don’t walk here from Mount Royal’s chalet, it’s far. Go back down, then bike or walk over.

Guided tours of St Joseph’s operate daily from June to August for $5, at 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM. If there’s not a guided tour going on while you visit, you can pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet for a $2 donation. The self-guided tour is very comprehensive, this is what I followed on my visit. It takes you everywhere, and you’ll learn tons of history!

Aside from it’s impressive size, St Joseph’s Oratory is also a place where many miracles are said to have taken place. Thousands were reportedly healed through a man Brother André. He says it was St Joseph that made the healings possible, thus the name of the basilica.

Day 3 – Olympic Park

On Day 3, you’re headed across the city to Montreal Olympic Park and Espace de la Vie, and then back to the downtown in the afternoon. 

The Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium opened in 1976, and today can take a guided tour and go up the observation tower for an incredible view of Montreal. The Biodome actually used to be part of Olympic Park, the building was home to a velodrome for track cycling races. The Olympic Stadium itself is still an operational sports stadium, with seating for 56,000 spectators. There are tours available, or you can enter the stadium and walk through the pools yourself.

The Montreal Tower Observatory is currently closed. Updated: March 2021. The guided tour of the Olympic Stadium and Since 1976 exhibition remain accessible. If you want a great view of Montreal, visit 360° Observation Deck Place Ville Marie .

Montreal Botanical Gardens

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are among my favourite gardens in the world. There’s a lot of variety within the gardens, including everything from a First Nations Garden to a Chinese Garden. 

One of the things that comes up every time you search for information on the Montreal Botanical Gardens are pictures of beautiful, massive living plant sculptures. I’ll try to spare you some disappointed by telling you right now – that was a special exhibit. It moves around, and there are not always living sculptures in the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Even so, the permanent gardens are beautiful!

Montreal Insectarium

I know what you’re thinking – how cool can an insectarium be? Really cool! The newly renovated and revamped insectarium is easily one one the best museums I have experienced and worth taking an hour to visit. They took out all the information panels and swapped in unique experiences to build an appreciation for insects. 

Combine the insectarium with your visit to the botanical gardens (it is only a couple minutes walking) or swap the insectarium in on a rainy day.

360° Observation Deck Place Ville Marie

This option is being included as an alternative to the Montreal Tower Observatory while it is closed. 360° Observation Deck Place Ville Marie   is actually more towards Old Montreal, so whether this fits your itinerary may depend on where you’re staying. This observation deck is an incredible, 360° view of Montreal and is open until 7PM in the summer (only until 5 PM other seasons).  There are occasionally awesome events at the top too, like yoga or brunch!

Alternatively, check out the Montreal Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring section below if you want to add more exploring to your day!

Catch a Show at Place Émilie-Gamelin

Place Émilie-Gamelin is a park that exploded in to an outdoor theatre and events venue a few years ago. Come summer, pretty much every afternoon and evening is accounted for with some kind of awesome show. And, a lot of the events are free. Check out the events schedule to find out what’s on while you’re there. This area is near the LGBTQ+ village , so if that’s an area you’re interested in exploring pair these activities together. The gay village has a fun atmosphere and lots of great patios!

One element of Montreal that you can’t miss of your visit is the incredible performances. Theatre, music, and other performing arts are a big part of the city’s culture.

Montreal Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring

Got another day, just not feeling one of the items on the suggested itinerary, or want to see more? There are lots of other areas in Montreal worth exploring. You can either see them on an additional day in the city, or slide a neighbourhood in to one of your days.

• China Town:  This is fun if you want a change of scenery, or to dry some interesting foods. China Town is incredibly vibrant, lots of bright colours, noise, and very busy. On our way through we tried bubble tea and dragon candy.  If you want to visit China Town on this itinerary, add it to Day One.
• Plateau-Mount Royal:  this neighbourhood is close to Mile End (they blend together) and it’s  adorable.  With it being so close, it’s only natural to add it to Day 3 of this itinerary. Plateau is a very trendy, great for Instagram kind of area where you can go for a nice walk and have a great coffee. This blog has a list of the most beautiful places in the area, and maps to find them.
• The Underground City:  there’s a whole other world underneath Montreal. There are stores, walkways, fountains, and “outdoor” patios ( as in you’re under ground, but you’re outside the under ground restaurant…  still technically outdoors?) There are entrances all over the city , and one is right by McGill, near the staircase for Mount Royal. This makes it a great addition to any day!
• The Village:  The Village (also known as the Gay Village) and the Latin Quarter are areas of Montreal with great bars, shows, and clubs. The Village has become Instagram famous in recent years because of the thousands or tiny bulbs hung over the street that form a rainbow. This is a great area to have lunch after a busy morning at Olympic Park.

How to Get Around in Montreal

Montreal is a big city, but it’s transit systems and paths are well-designed and easy to navigate. Whatever method of transit you choose, there are great maps available and lots of signs through out the city to help you find your way.

• Bixi Bike s:  The Bixi bikes sytem is one the easiest and cheapest ways to get around in Montreal. The stations are all over Montreal the place in the downtown, so returning or exchanging the bikes is never an issue. There are beautiful bike paths all through Montreal, so you rarely have to ride on the road. 
• The Metr o:  There are 68 metro stations in Montreal, over 4 different lines. The stations where the lines cross over can be overwhelming, but in reality there are only 3 lines and you just need to know what colour line and what direction you’re going. If you are going a far enough distance to merit the metro, make you sure to plan your route carefully before you go, and get familiar with the metro system map .
• Walk:  Montreal is a very walkable city, particularly if you’ve got a good plan for the day ( hint hint, like this itinerary!)  that keeps you within one area. There’s no need to be in transit more than a couple times a day!
• Take the bus: the city buses in Montreal are easy to use and come frequently. Once again, make sure you know your route ahead of time.

Where to Eat in Montreal

Montreal is known for it’s food, so be prepared to eat a lot, and to eat well. These are a few of my favourite places that I found during my last visit, with great food and reasonable prices.

Tip: The more you use bixi bikes and walking as your transit, the more beaver tails you can have. 

• Montreal Poutine and Beaver Tails:  When in Montreal, there are two Canadian favourites that you absolutely must try . These are poutine and beaver tails. You can find both in Old Montreal. Montreal Poutine is right off of Place Jacques Cartier, the main square in Old Montreal. The Beaver Tail stand faces the water on the other side, along  Rue de la Commune.
• Mandy’s: for something light and delicious, pop in to Mandy’s Gourmet Salads. There are several locations in the city including one in Old Port. It’s one of my favourite spots.
• Taverne Gaspar:  We were thrilled to discover hearty breakfast at very reasonable prices (around $12) at Taverne Gaspar. They have lunch and dinner menus too, though we didn’t try them. This restaurant is part of a boutique hotel in Old Montreal. There is street access, and you don’t have to be a guest to have breakfast here. 
• Bonaparte:  Bonaparte is a great option if you want to enjoy an upscale, multi-course dinner without breaking the bank. The Table d’Hôte menu has many options and includes an appetizer, a main course, dessert, and tea or coffee. FYI they offer you water or sparkling water when you sit down. The sparkling water was notably good,  but also  $10.
• Mile End Montreal:  I touched on this in the Day 2 itinerary but I’ll share it again; eats lots in Mile End. St-Viatuer Bagels, Kem Coba, Panthere Verte, and Drogheria Fine are some of my favourite places in the area.

More Vieux Montreal food recommendations .

Where to Stay in Montreal

• Auberge du Vieux-Port : a boutique hotel that opens out on to the main street of Old Montreal. It’s has it’s own spa, a gym, and roof top patio looking out over the Old Port. I loved Auberg du Vieux-Port because I could get up to take photos of Old Montreal early in the morning – you’re already there!
• Hotel Zero 1 :  a beautiful hotel with a prime location. It’s right by the entrance to China Town, and a short walk from Old Montreal. This budget friendly option includes kitchenettes, so you can prepare your own meals in-room.
• Auberge Le Pomerol : fun yet cozy, this hotel is located part way between Old Montreal and Olympic Park, and it’s near the Greyhound station. There’s a great breakfast spread every morning!

Montreal Food Tours, Guidatour, Espace de la Vie, and l’Auberge du Vieux-Port acted as sponsors on this visit. Luggage Hero is a paid partnership. I did a site inspection before agreeing to add their service to this post. All opinions remain my own.

13 Replies to “What to do in Montreal for 3 Days: Suggested Itinerary and Travel Guide”

Sigh, I miss Canada, especially the poutine. Great guide, it’s true you can see a lot in the city during a few days, and if you’re lucky enough to be there during some of their festivals it’s even better. I love their Jazz Festival.

It’s so much fun during a festival!

I want to go to Montreal so badly! Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver are three destinations I need to get myself too. It’s just insane how expensive flights are from DC. I’m just not a bus person and trains are also pricey so… one day haha.

Hannah, you’ll love Montreal! One of my fav Canadian cities, for sure!

Wow! This is a great and comprehensive post! I live in Montreal but I’ve never really blogged about it- whereas I had three separate Toronto articles at one point haha. Also yes, the city is much, much older- when Canada celebrated its 150th, we were already at 375 years!

I was there for the 375th, so much fun!

I always wanted to go here. Thanks for the good tips and tricks ?

Thanks for the great information! I’m looking forward to a few days stay in September and want to be sure to hit the highlights – this sounds like a great itinerary. I especially love that a garden is included – one of my favorite things! and eating, of course 😉

The gardens are so beautiful! I hope you have an amazing time when you go! 🙂

Thank you for your itineraries – they have been very helpful in planning an upcoming trip. One question… do you think we would be able to do a mile-end food tour, explore Plateau Mount-Royal, and walk to the top of Mount Royal all in one day or is that too much? Thank you!

Hi Aimee! I definitely think you can do those things in a day. Just get an early start and you’ll be all good! Platueau-Mont Royal is a beautiful area but it doesn’t take that long to visit the beautiful parks and streets.

Thank you for this fantasic guide. I will be in Montreal at the end of Nov/Start of Dec for 3 nights, and this seems perfect. 🙂

That’s so good to hear! Have an amazing visit!

Comments are closed.

• 1.1.1 Ville-Marie borough
• 1.1.2 Plateau Mont-Royal district
• 1.2 Other Montreal districts and Montreal Island towns
• 1.3 Elsewhere on the island
• 2.1 Orientation
• 2.2 Gay Montreal
• 2.3 Climate
• 2.4 Visitor information
• 3.1.1 Other airports
• 3.3.1 Trains from within Canada
• 3.3.2 Trains from the United States
• 3.5.1 From Montreal Central Station ( Gare Centrale )
• 3.5.2 From Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
• 3.5.3 From Ontario
• 3.5.4 From the United States
• 3.5.5 In winter
• 4.1 On foot
• 4.3.1 In winter
• 4.4.1 By metro and bus
• 4.4.2 By train
• 4.5 By taxi
• 4.6 By ride hailing
• 5.1 Architecture
• 5.2 Landmarks
• 5.3 Museums
• 6.1 Cross-country skiing
• 6.2 Ice skating
• 6.3 Water sports
• 6.6.1 Music festivals
• 6.6.2 Film festivals
• 6.7 Sports to watch
• 7.1 Language classes
• 7.2 Universities
• 9.1 General
• 9.3 Splurge
• 9.4 Furniture and antiques
• 10.1 Montreal specialties
• 10.2 Ethnic restaurants
• 10.3 Markets
• 10.4 Restaurants
• 10.5 Restaurant chains
• 10.6 Alternate
• 11.2 Dance clubs
• 11.3 After-hours clubs
• 11.4 Karaoke
• 11.5 Gay and lesbian
• 13.2 Internet
• 14.1 Weather
• 14.2 Hospital
• 15.1 Consulates
• 15.2 Newspapers

Montreal ( French : Montréal ) is the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec . While Quebec City is the political capital, Montreal is the cultural and economic centre, and the main entry point to the province. With 1.7 million citizens in the city and 4 million in the urban area, Montreal is Canada's second largest city, and the largest francophone city in the Americas. Still, around 12% of the population speak English as a mother language, and most Francophones are conversant in English to varying degrees of fluency. Old Montreal has a heritage of colonial times. Though a large city, Montreal gives opportunities for outdoor life , and for watching the legendary Montréal Canadiens ice hockey team.

Central Montreal

Ville-marie borough.

Neighbourhoods from west to east:

Plateau Mont-Royal district

Other montreal districts and montreal island towns, elsewhere on the island.

On an island in the St. Lawrence River at the historically highest navigable point, Montreal has been a strategic location since before the arrival of Europeans in Canada. A thriving Iroquoian town called Hochelaga was on the site of present-day Montreal when explorer Jacques Cartier first visited in 1535. In 1642, the tiny town of Ville-Marie was founded as a Catholic mission by Paul Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve. It soon became a centre of the fur trade. After its capture by the English in 1762, Montreal remained (until the 1970s) the most important city in Canada and was briefly capital of the province in the 1840s.

Prohibition on sales of alcohol in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s made Montreal a destination for cross-border fun seekers from nearby New England and New York. The city built up a seedy, yet playful, industry in alcohol, burlesque, and other vices. In the 1960s, an urban renewal drive centred on Expo 67. The World's Fair in Montreal brought a subway system (the métro) and attractive urban parks and is considered to be one of the most successful World Fairs. Over 50 million visitors gathered in Montreal during this memorable summer. The 1976 Olympics left a strikingly idiosyncratic stadium and many other urban improvements.

The opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1959, though much-lauded as an economic boom, spelled the beginning of the end for Montreal's economic dominance in Canada. Once the transition point between western railways and eastern sea carriers, Montreal watched helplessly as some of this business moved farther west, up the now navigable seaway, to ports in Ontario and on Lake Superior. The Quebec sovereignty movement, which began to pick up steam in the 1960s, further chilled the atmosphere for Canada-wide businesses, many of which moved their headquarters to Toronto.

Following an economic depression in the 1980s and 1990s, Montreal became more secure in its place in North America and the world. It remains a centre of culture, arts, computer technology, aerospace, the biotech industry, and media for all of Canada.

Orientation

Montrealers use an unconventional compass, using the river and the mountain as cardinal points. When you are downtown, the St Lawrence River is “south” and Mount Royal is “north”; making the West Island and the East End correct in both their names and orientations. This tends to confuse visitors because the “East” End is really north and the “South” Shore is east, and the St Lawrence River runs almost north-south at this location.

Most local maps use this convention as do the highways around the city. For example, Autoroute 15 north actually runs northwest and Autoroute 40 east runs northeast.

To underscore this fact, a Montreal map will show that the "south end" of Victoria Bridge is in fact further north than the "north end".

Gay Montreal

Montreal is an extremely inviting destination for gay and lesbian tourists. Canada's contributions to gay rights have become widely known, but Quebec was the first province in Canada to pass a non-discrimination law for sexual orientation and to provide same-sex civil unions (although Toronto was the first municipality in Canada to do so). Same-sex marriage is legal in Quebec (neither residency nor citizenship are required for a marriage licence, but there is a three-week waiting period after you receive the licence) as it is in the rest of Canada. Canadian and Quebec immigration law allow residents to sponsor their same-sex partners or spouses. The métro station in the Gay Village, Beaudry, is marked with rainbow pillars. Montreal's pride celebration (last week of July, first week of August) is the second-largest in Canada after Toronto 's.

The climate of Montreal is a true humid continental climate with 4 distinct seasons. The city has warm—and occasionally hot & humid—summers, generally mild springs and autumns, and often very cold & snowy winters. Montreal gets over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, daylight hours range from 05:15-20:45 in early summer, to 07:30-16:15 in the December. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with around 2 metres of snow per season.

Visitor information

• 45.5003 -73.5717 1 Centre Infotouriste de Montréal , 1255 rue Peel, bureau 100 ( At rue Sainte-Catherine; metro Peel ), ☏ +1 514 873-2015 , toll-free: +1-877-266-5687 , [email protected] . Apr 1-May 7: 09:00-17:00; May 8-Oct 4: 09:00-18:00; Oct 5-Mar 31: 09:00-17:00; Closed: Dec 25 & Jan 1 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Visitor information from MTL.org

YMQ  IATA is used as the metropolitan area airport code for the airport and rail station.

• 45.4581 -73.752 1 Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport ( YUL  IATA ) ( ☏ +1 514-633-3333 / ☏ +1 800-465-1213 ), also known to locals as Dorval Airport, is west of the city centre on Expressway ( Autoroute ) 20. It is well-connected domestically, and to Europe and the United States, but connections to the rest of the world are much more limited. Travel time to the airport from the city centre can be as much as an hour, depending on traffic.

Other airports

Plattsburgh International Airport and Burlington International Airport , in the United States, are 1 hr 20 min and 1 hr 50 min away, respectively, by car from Montreal. Adirondack Trailways offers a bus service from Plattsburgh International Airport to Montreal. Greyhound offers a bus service from Burlington International Airport to Montreal. For travellers from the US, these airports may offer a significant cost savings compared to Trudeau but at the added inconvenience of arranging ground transportation between the US and Canada.

From Toronto , take Highway 401 east about 5 hr until it becomes Autoroute (freeway) 20 on the Quebec side of the border. It will then take about an hour to get to downtown. Be alert for frequent speed-limit changes along this road. To reach downtown follow the Centre-Ville signs and take Autoroute 720 (Autoroute 20 continues over the Pont Champlain bridge to the South Shore).

From Ottawa , it's about 2 hours east along Highway 417 (which becomes Autoroute 40 in Quebec) to Montreal. The portions of Highway 417 and Autoroute 40 between Ottawa and Montreal (west of the Autoroute 40 interchange with Autoroute 25) are part of the Trans-Canada Highway .

From Quebec City , it's about 3 hours west on either Autoroute 40, or Autoroute 20 followed by Autoroute 25. Autoroute 20 west of Rivière-du-Loup and Montreal area portions of Autoroute 25 between Autoroute 40 and Autoroute 20 are parts of the Trans-Canada Highway.

From New York City , take Interstate 87 north through Albany and the eastern half of New York State for about six hours. After the border crossing near Plattsburgh , the freeway becomes Autoroute 15, which leads directly into downtown Montreal over the Pont Champlain, the most beautiful approach to the city. The drive time from Plattsburgh to downtown Montreal is approximately one hour.

From Boston , take Interstate 93 to Interstate 89 after you cross into New Hampshire. Follow Interstate 89 north to and through Vermont to the border crossing, where it turns into Highway 133. This secondary road continues to Autoroute 10, which leads directly into downtown Montreal. The whole trip takes about 5 hours. Once you cross the border it is about 1½ hours to Montreal.

From Rouyn-Noranda , Val-d'Or , and Mont-Tremblant , take route 117, and transfer on to Autoroute 15. Route 117 is part of a branch of the Trans-Canada Highway , that starts from its interchange with Autoroute 40 (Trans-Canada Highway's main route) in Montreal , which becomes Highway 66 in Ontario. Highway 66 ends as part of the Trans-Canada Highway about 14 km west of Kirkland Lake , where Highway 66 intersects with Highway 11, which is another branch of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Trains from within Canada

VIA Rail Canada train routes serving Montreal:

• Between Quebec City and Ottawa including stops in Drummondville , Saint-Hyacinthe , Saint-Lambert , Montreal, Dorval , and Alexandria . Multiple trains daily travel the entire route and some additional trains travel daily between Montreal and Ottawa. Travel time to Montreal from Ottawa is 2 hours (from $35), from Drummonville is 1.25 hours, and from Quebec City is 3.25-3.5 hours (from $47).
• Between Montreal and Toronto including stops in Dorval , Cornwall , Brockville , Kingston , Belleville , Cobourg , and Oshawa . Operates 6 trains daily. Travel time to Montreal from Toronto is 5.25 hours (from $85) and from Kingston is 2.25-2.5 hours.
• Between Halifax and Montreal on The Ocean route, including stops in Moncton and Sainte-Foy (near Q ue bec City ). Operates 3 evenings per week. Travel time to Montreal from Halifax is 22 hours (from $133 coach, $187 upper berth, $245 bedroom)), from Moncton is 17.5 hours (from $110 coach, $162 upper berth, $219 bedroom), and from Sainte-Foy is 3.5 hours. A shuttle between Sainte-Foy and Quebec City's train station is available for The Ocean trains, but must be reserved in advance. The choice of sleeping accommodation varies according to the season. Along with trains between Montreal and Quebec, the Ocean is now almost exclusively operated by modern Renaissance trains that were built for the aborted Channel Tunnel sleeper services between Great Britain and France .
• Between Jonquière (in the Saguenay region) and Montreal including stops in Hervey-Jonction , Shawinigan , Saint-Paulin , Saint-Justin , and Joliette. Travel time to Montreal from Jonquière is 9 hours (from $55) and from Shawinigan is 2.5 hours. Operates three days per week. Route operates as a wilderness service: a request stop may be made at any point along the route for those who want to hike and kayak in the remoter regions of Quebec that the train passes through.
• Between Senneterre (in the Abitibi region) and Montreal including stops in La Tuque , Hervey-Jonction, Shawinigan, Saint-Paulin, Saint-Justin, and Joliette. Travel time to Montreal from Seneterre is 11.5 hours (from $81), from La Tuque is 5.5 hours, and from Shawinigan is 2.5 hours. Operates three days per week. Route operates as a wilderness service: a request stop may be made at any point along the route for those who want to hike and kayak in the remoter regions of Quebec that the train passes through.

Trains from the United States

The journey to New York is cheaper but slower than by bus (see below), but it makes up for it with superior comfort, extra legroom, the ability to walk around the train and visit the cafe car for food and drink at your leisure, and the good view from the train of the Lake Champlain and Hudson River scenery.

Train passengers leaving from Boston may take the Regional Service to Penn Station, New York City, and transfer to the Adirondack line to Montreal, but this method requires significant layover times in New York.

The train station has no permanent lockers but it's usually possible to keep it guarded by Via Rail for less than a day if travelling with it. There is Wifi and a few power outlets.

Buses arrive and depart from the Gare d'autocars de Montreal (not to be confused with the Gare Centrale or central train station) at 1717 Berri Street (adjacent to the Berri-UQAM metro station). Call +1 514-842-2281 for schedules and prices.

Intercity operators include:

• Autobus Galland , ☏ +1-450-687-8666 , toll-free: +1 877-806-8666 . Operates bus service in Quebec . ( updated May 2022 ) Operates bus service between Mont-Laurier and Montreal and including stops in Mont-Tremblant , Saint-Jérôme , Mirabel , and Laval . Travel time to Montreal from Mont-Laurier is 4.75-5 hours and from Mont-Tremblant is 2.75-3 hours, and from Saint-Jérôme is 1.25-1.5 hours. Operates several days per week between Mont-Laurier and Montreal. There are additional trips between Mont-Tremblant and Montreal, resulting in daily service along that part of the route.
• Between Rouyn-Noranda and Montreal including stops in Val-d'Or , Grand-Remous, Mont-Laurier, Mont-Tremblant , Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts , Saint-Jérôme , and Laval . Stops between Mont-Laurier and Montreal are drop off only on the way to Montreal and pick up only on the way to Rouyn-Noranda. Travel time to Montreal from Rouyn-Norand is 9-9.5 hours, from Val-d'Or is 7-7.5 hours, and from Grand-Remous is 4.25-4.75. Operates daily. From Rouyn-Noranda there is service to North Bay .
• Between Ottawa and Montreal including stops in Gatineau and Laval . Travel time to Montreal from Ottawa is 3.5 hours. Operates daily.
• Autocars Skyport , ☏ +1-514-631-1155 , toll-free: +1-800-471-1155 , [email protected] . During ski season (December to April), operates a multiple times per day non-stop route between Montreal International Airport and Mont-Tremblant , where it stops at various hotels. $95 per adult one-way, $161 per adult round trip, $65.50 per child (2-11 years old) one-way, $111 per child round trip . ( updated May 2022 )
• From New York City including stops in Albany , Saratoga Springs , and Plattsburgh . Travel time to Montreal from New York City is 8.25-9.5 hours, from Albany is 5.75-6.25 hours, and from Plattsburgh is 2.25-2.5 hours.
• From Boston including stops in Manchester , Concord , Hanover , White River Junction , and Burlington . Travel time to Montreal from Boston is 8.5 hours, from Manchester is 7 hours, from Concord is 6.5 hours, and from Burlington is 3 hours.
• From Dolbeau to Montreal including stops in Val-Jalbert , Alma, and Quebec City. Travel time to Montreal from Dolbeau is 9 hours, from Val-Jalbert is 7.25 hours, from Alma is 6.25 hours, and from Quebec City is 3.5 hours. Operates several days per week.
• From Jonquiere to Montreal including stops in Chicoutimi and Quebec City. Travel time to Monteal from Jonquiere is 6.75 hours, from Chicoutimi is 6.5 hours, and from Quebec City is 4 hours. Operates daily.
• Several days per week there a same day connection to and from Sept-Îles involving a transfer in Baie-Comeau. Travel time to Montreal from Sept-Îles is 14.5 hours.
• Between Montreal and Granby (1.5 hours if direct, 1.75 hours if transfer required in Bromont).
• Between Montreal and Sherbrooke with stops in Longueuil , Bromont, and Magog . Travel time to Montreal from Longueuil is 15 minutes, from Magog is 1.5-1.75 hours, and from Sherbrooke is 2-2.25 hours. Operates multiple times daily.
• From Gatineau via Ottawa . Travel time to Montreal from Gatineau is 2.75-3 hours and from Ottawa is 2.25-2.5 hours.
• From Quebec City via Drummondville . Travel time to Montreal from Quebec City is 3-3.25 hours and from Drummondville is 1.25 hours. Operates multiple trips daily. Most trips do not stop in Drummondville, but at least one trip per day stops in each direction.
• From Quebec City via Saint-Hyacinthe , Drummondville and Victoriaville . Travel time to Montreal from Quebec City is 4.25 hours and from Drummondville is 1.5 hours. Operates two days per week. For Victoriaville stop, it is drop off only for trips to Quebec City and pick up only for trips to Montreal.
• From Quebec City via Trois-Rivières . Travel time to Montreal from Quebec City is 3.75 hours and from Trois-Rivières is 1.75-2 hours. Operates multiple times daily.
• Timed connections in Quebec City enable same day trips to and from Rimouski via Rivière-du-Loup . Travel time to Montreal from Rimouski is 6.25-7.75 hours and from Rivière-du-Loup is 4.5-6 hours.
• Timed connections in Quebec City and Rimouski enable same day trips to and from Gaspé , Percé , and Pointe-à-la-Croix. Travel time to Montreal from Gaspé is 13.75 hours, from Percé is 14.5 hours, and from Pointe-à-la-Croix is 9.5 hours.
• Rivière-du-Loup (as of May 2022, Maritime Bus is not operating here due to Covid-19)
• Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC / Campbellton , NB (2 km taxi ride between these communities)
• Tour Express , ☏ +1-514-228-2303 , [email protected] . Intercity service Montréal-Ottawa and Montréal-Gatineau. Travel time to Montreal from Ottawa is 2 hours. ( updated Jul 2021 )

Montreal is an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, accessible only by bridge. Not all bridges are bike accessible; however, several are, including the breathtaking Jacques Cartier bridge. Prominent bike lanes exist throughout the city, most notably along the Lachine Canal, Rue Rachel, boulevard de Maisonneuve, rue Brébeuf, rue Berri, rue Cherrier and along rue Laurier. The Plateau-Mont-Royal is where most of these bike paths are and is the neighbourhood, along with neighbouring Mile-End, where there are the most people who cycle and walk as a means of day to day transport. It has the highest density population wise and the lowest car ownership rate per household. However, bike theft is an issue, especially in the Plateau. Most locals can recall a time when they witnessed bike theft, though the situation is getting better now that the public bike share program, Bixi, has been implemented. It was not uncommon to have somebody offer you a stolen bike for sale on the street. Be equally aware of the peripheral articles of your bicycle; seats, baskets, and wheels can often be easily detached if not properly secured to the bike's frame or locked with a u-lock.

From Montreal Central Station ( Gare Centrale )

Upon disembarking the train, go to the baggage claim area and wait there for a baggage attendant to bring your bicycle to you. If you have checked other baggage, claim it at the conveyor belt. The easiest way to exit the station is at the main entrance near the baggage claim through the parking garage onto rue de la Gauchetière. All other exits require you to carry your bike up flights of stairs. At the west side of the station is the entrance to the Underground City and access to Bonaventure metro station on the Orange line. However, there is no elevator access to the metro from the train station, which means that you have to carry your bike and luggage down several flights of stairs.

From Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

The airport is on the western part of the island. From the main terminal, exit onto the main access road and turn right. Wind along the access road until the first major interchange and turn right. You will reach Albert de Niverville Boulevard and be forced to turn left (south) towards the main highway (Autoroute 20). At the end of this Boulevard, turn right on Cardinal Avenue. To your right, you will come to a pedestrian underpass that takes you under the railway tracks and leads to the Dorval Circle, a very busy traffic circle. This looks intimidating, but the traffic lights will allow you to ride safely under Autoroute 20 to Dorval Boulevard (Boulevard Dorval) . Continue south down Dorval Boulevard until the end. Turn left on Lakeshore Drive (Chemin Lakeshore) towards the city. This road turns into Boulevard St. Joseph. You will eventually come to a bike path to your right that winds along the shores of Lac-Saint Louis (part of the Saint Lawrence river) through the town of Lachine. Continue down this path until you reach the entrance of the Lachine Canal. Cross the canal and continue down the Lachine Canal Bike Path (Piste Cyclable Canal Lachine) and follow the signs to the Old Port (Vieux Port) in Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal). The Lachine Canal Bike Path can be quite busy on weekends and holidays, so be ready to take your time. It is paved over its entire length.

From Ontario

Cyclists approaching Montreal from the west must take secondary highways to Dorion, where Autoroute 20, inaccessible to bicycles over most of its length, becomes accessible as it crosses bridges first to Île Perrot (Perrot Island) and then to the Island of Montreal (at Saine-Anne-de-Bellevue). Bicycles should use the sidewalk on these bridges as traffic is usually heavy. From here, cyclists may take Lakeshore Boulevard and the Lachine Canal Bike Path (see Airport section above) to Old Montreal and the downtown core.

The Isle-aux-Tourtes Bridge on Autoroute 40 is not accessible by bicycle.

From the United States

Cyclists approaching Montreal from the South Shore to the south and east of Montreal may access the Island of Montreal a number of ways (see map ).

The surest (but not foolproof) way is using the sidewalk Jacques Cartier Bridge. When it is not closed for repairs, it is open year round and all day. A paved bike path along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River provides the most scenic approach to the bridge.

The new (Samuel-de) Champlain Bridge (built in 2019) has an excellent cyclist-and-pedestrian path that will take you from Brossard to Nun's Island (and from there, give you easy access to the Pointe-Saint-Charles or Verdun neighbourhoods of Montreal).

An equally popular route is from the Saint Lambert Locks (Ecluses Saint-Lambert) of the Saint Lawrence Seaway near the Victoria Bridge (Pont Victoria) east of Montreal . The bike drawbridge may be blocked by the entertaining spectacle of a ship passing through the seaway. From here, cyclists take the Grand Prix racing track (Gilles-Villeneuve circuit) on Île Notre Dame to the Concord Bridge to Montreal. This route is closed sometimes for car racing events or construction [dead link] . In this case, cyclists can take a circuitous detour down a gravel causeway dividing the seaway and river to the Estacade, an ice boom that crosses the river parallel to the Champlain Bridge to Nun's Island and eventually Montreal. A lesser known crossing involves one at the Sainte Catherine Locks (Ecluses Sainte-Catherine) at Saint-Catherine south of Montreal. These bridges cross the seaway to the same causeway as the Saint Lambert locks. In this case, the road to the Estacade ice boom is paved.

The Mercier bridge and Lafontaine Tunnel are definitely inaccessible to bicycles. These can be dangerous, even in a car. There is no bicycle path crossing the Mercier Bridge.

The Jacques-Cartier bridge operates on a winter schedule when the society that manages the bridge decides conditions are no longer adequate. This means access is closed at night as well as during snow removal operations. The new Champlain bridge bike path is open except during snow removal operations. The Saint-Lambert Locks south shore link closes from about November 15th to April 15th .

Montreal has historically been divided into east and west by boulevard Saint-Laurent, with the west side traditionally being Anglophone and the east side traditionally being Francophone. Numbered addresses on streets that cross Saint-Laurent start there and increase in either direction; most addresses are given as "rue ____ Ouest" (west) or "rue ____ Est" (east). Many streets are named after Catholic saints and figures from local history, both well-known and obscure. In Montreal street names, "east" and "west" refer to the direction parallel to the St. Lawrence River, and "north" and "south" refer to the direction perpendicular to the St. Lawrence River. Because the St. Lawrence River runs almost north-south near downtown Montreal, "east", "west", "north", and "south" are actually northeast, southwest, northwest and southeast respectively. Confusingly, most maps displayed in the city have "Montreal north" on top which can be confusing with a satellite navigation that uses pole north. Also, don't try to navigate by looking at the sun!

Walking is a favoured way to get around the densely packed downtown and the narrow streets of Old Montreal, especially during the warmer months. However, beware during winter months, as sidewalks can be icy and extremely hazardous after winter snow and ice storms. Winter boots with good grip are essential for surviving pavements that have not been cleared. Beware also (as much as you can) of thawing ice falling from overhanging balconies and roofs. But you can always take the stairs down to Montreal's famous "Underground City" ( Montréal souterrain ), called RÉSO, a network of pedestrian corridors connecting Métro stations, shopping centres, and office complexes.

Jaywalking is widespread and rarely punished. However, drivers will usually not stop or even slow down if a pedestrian steps out in front of them, even at marked crosswalks. At an intersection, however, a pedestrian will have right of passage before turning traffic and most drivers respect this. Despite Montreal drivers' poor reputation for aggressiveness, they generally respect pedestrians.

Rue Sainte-Catherine is Montreal's main commercial artery and busiest pedestrian thoroughfare. The "Underground City" and the Green Line (or line 1) of Montreal's Metro is easily accessible from all the major office complexes, shopping malls, department stores, and theatre complexes that line it. Smaller chain stores and restaurants also vie for valuable commercial space. Well-kept historic churches with green space provide quiet oasis and contrast with the giant neon signs of strip clubs. Major hotels can generally be found one or two blocks north and south of Sainte-Catherine in the downtown core. Bars, restaurants, and dance clubs cluster within a block of Sainte-Catherine around Crescent and Bishop, catering to a mostly English-speaking clientele. Rue Saint-Denis, farther east, and the Gay Village between Berri and de Lormier, even more to the east, are mostly French-speaking. McGill College Boulevard in the downtown core from Saine-Catherine offers an open view of Mount Royal to the north and an impressive view of the Place Ville-Marie skyscraper to the south. Keep your head up and beware of following the flow of the crowd on this street: throngs of pedestrians often walk across cross streets against red lights, risking life and limb.

Rue Prince-Arthur, east of Saint-Laurent, is for pedestrians only. Another pedestrian-only locale is Montreal's Chinatown, on Rue de la Gauchtière Est between Saint-Urbain and Saint-Laurent. A good trick for navigating downtown Montreal is to remember that streets slope up toward Mount Royal, which is just north of downtown and easy to see from most locations.

The districts surrounding downtown Montreal are especially delightful on foot. To the south is Old Montreal (Le Vieux-Montréal) (its narrow streets and buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries really can make you feel like you're in Old Europe) and the Old Port (Le Vieux-Port), a waterfront strolling park with exhibits and boat tours, is very popular with the locals. To the north, the Golden Square Mile and the McGill University Campus is wedged between Mount Royal and Sherbrooke Street on the southern slope of the mountain. Old Victorian mansions and townhouses can be found along the sloping streets, many now housing McGill University's offices and libraries. Just west of downtown is affluent Westmount, a perfect example of 19th-century English-style homes and gardens (inhabited to a great extent by English-speaking people) climbing the slopes of Mount Royal's western part (the higher you climb, the larger the old mansions). Just east and northeast of downtown are the mostly French-speaking Gay Village (Le Village Gai) and Plateau (Plateau Mont-Royal) districts. Street after street displays turn-of-the-19th-century row duplexes and triplexes, replete with famous Montreal outdoor staircases, overflowing front gardens (or snow-covered gables, depending on the time of year), and tiny shops tucked into every nook and cranny. For people who like to see a culture where it lives, Le Plateau is the place to wander about in.

Mount Royal (Mont-Royal) is also accessible from the urban core on foot. Fit pedestrians can climb Rue Peel to the southern edge of the park. A series of renovated staircases will take you directly to the Chalet near the top of the mountain, with its classic view of the downtown core. A more leisurely climb to the top awaits those on Olmsted Road (6.5 km), a wide, gently sloping bike and footpath accessible from the Plateau in Parc Jeanne-Mance (also known as Fletcher's Field). Smaller footpaths serendipitously branch off from this road. A cross-country ski path also winds to the top in the wintertime. Mount Royal's park was designed by Frederick Olmsted, a landscape architect who lived from 1822 to 1903 and was also responsible for the design of Central Park in New York City and the Emerald Necklace in Boston .

Driving ( SAAQ ) in Montreal can be a challenge for many North American motorists. Although turning right on a red light is allowed across the rest of Quebec (except at intersections where a sign indicates this is not permitted), right turns on red are strictly prohibited on the island of Montreal. The stop lights at most of downtown intersections are on the opposite side of the intersection, not at the stop line as in some of Europe.

The use of road salt to keep roads ice-free during severe winters takes its toll on the roadways, which are either heavily potholed or subject to perpetual construction. Downtown traffic is dense. Street parking can be difficult. Parking meters are in use seven days a week in most districts (M-F 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 13:00-18:00), including statutory holidays. The standard parking ticket cost is $52. Parking tickets may be appealed in court only by the owner of the car that was subject to the infraction, so if a rented car is ticketed, the person who rented may be unable to contest the charge. Car parking downtown is expensive at around $3 an hour at parking meters or $25 per day at commercial parking lots. Parking signs are all in French, and will describe a day and hour (based on 24-hr clock) along with conditions for parking. Many arterial roads prohibit parking on one side during rush hour, and vehicles are subject to $150 fine plus towing costs and other fees. Montreal does not paint curbs red next to fire hydrants, but it is still illegal to park there.

There are also many private and public parking lots, and their prices vary widely. There may even be $15–20 differences between two parking lots just a few blocks from each other.

During the winter months, heavy snowfalls are common. In the aftermath of a snowstorm, an intensively-prepared "déneigement" (snow removal) process begins with intimidatingly large snow plows and trucks clearing, chewing up, and transporting away the snow. If you leave your car parked on a street, pay close attention to any orange "no parking" signs that will appear on roads to be cleared. Tow trucks will sound a loud 2-tone horn siren just before clearing. This is an announcement that a street is about to be cleared and that all parked cars will be cited/and or towed if they are not moved. For this reason it's important to be able to check your vehicle at least once daily after a snowfall. It is best to use indoor or underground parking if snow clearing is likely.

Many downtown streets are one way, which can complicate getting around. If you see a sign at an intersection that has direction arrows in a green circle, that means those are the only directions you are allowed to turn. Left turns are allowed on a green light provided there are no other signs prohibiting. Visitors should be familiar with the flashing green light, which indicates a protected left-turn (priority), which is equivalent to a green arrow in other parts of the world. Some signals are green arrows that flash, this is the same meaning. Autoroutes (expressways or freeways) can be challenging for visitors, as most signs are French, but most symbols are the same as in English Canada and the United States.

Cycling is the best way to visit the city, especially its central neighbourhoods like the Plateau Mont-Royal; it is a very popular mode of transportation once the coldest winter weather is over. The city is criss-crossed by more than 900 km of cycle paths, and the network is rapidly expanding. In the past few years there has been a major improvement in the quantity of safer separated bike lanes, with new lanes popping up in every neighbourhood. Montreal has become one of the best cities in North America for urban cycling. The Réseau express vélo (REV) provides safe, separated and mostly direct bike lanes in key locations and is best for riding across different parts of the city in a very efficient way. Montreal City Council publish an interactive map of the cycle route network.

One of the nicest path is the Lachine Canal path that stretches from Lachine, along Lac St-Louis, down to Old Montreal along the canal. You can cross over to the South Shore either on the Samuel-de Champlain Bridge, Jacques Cartier Bridge, Île Notre-Dame, or via the Estacade ice bridge from Île des Sœurs.

Even if you are on a bike path, beware of drivers especially if they are turning, as lines of visibility at intersections are not well enforced in the city. Generally Montreal drivers in the central neighbourhoods are used to sharing the road with bikes and so are courteous, there are always a few, usually from outlying neighbourhoods, who give all drivers a bad name. Some downtown bike paths are separated from the road by parked cars, which decreases visibility, both yours and the driver's. The often crowded bike path on rue Rachel one is the worst for this, however the Plateau part of the path will be renovated soon to make it safer and greener. If one is comfortable driving in Montreal, one generally can feel comfortable biking there as well. Montreal pedestrians are known for not waiting for a light to change if there are no cars coming; cyclists are a bit like that too and often treat the many stop signs on residential streets more as yield signs than as stop signs. Wearing a helmet is not required under the law, though, for children especially, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The Bixi system is a public bike-share system. Rated the best in the world, it was designed and developed in Montreal and has since been exported to many cities around the world including London, UK and Sydney, Australia. Major credit cards are accepted. The Bixi was conceived for local active transit but is accessible to tourists as well. For a flat $5 fee, you can use Bixi bikes as much as you like for 24 hours provided you don't use a particular bixi bike for more than 30 minutes at a time before returning it to a docking station. After returning the bike to a docking station, you can get another bike (even at the same station) after a 2-minute waiting period. As of 2023 there are over 830 Bixi stations with over 10000 bikes, including 2300 e-bikes, covering much of the city and some suburbs. The tourist information centre has maps of the stations. Helmets and locks are not provided. You could use your own lock, but there is usually a station not more than a block away on a commercial strip so returning the Bixi to the nearest stand is always the safest and most cost-effective choice. Stations fill up and empty quickly; you may have to bike to the next station to find an empty docking spot. If you have a smartphone, there is an app that shows you real-time the nearest stations, how many bikes are docked, or whether there is a free docking spot available. Be aware that a helmet is mandatory under the law if riding an electric bike. Police has been known to give fines.

Skate and bike rental shops are common, particularly in the Old Port and the Plateau. Visit La Maison des Cyclistes (the cyclists' house) at 1251 rue Rachel Est for all info on cycling in Montreal. (See Do for specific bike paths).

Montreal, however does a fair job of clearing snow on a select number of bike paths in the city, including the REV, the de Maisonneuve bike path, Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Rachel and Clark bike paths. Painted bike lanes, on the other hand are often badly cleared, resulting in dangerous ice build up. The popular Lachine Canal bike path, however, does not have snow removal which makes it very difficult to ride on in winter. The Jacques-Cartier bridge multipurpose path , on the upstream side of the bridge, is closed at night during winter to cyclists and pedestrians. The de la Concorde bridge bike path, however, is open all year long.

Starting in the fall of 2023, Bixi will operate its bike-share service all winter as part of a pilot, although only at a select number of stations, mostly in the denser inner-city boroughs.

By public transit

By metro and bus.

Société de transport de Montréal ( STM ), ☏ +1-514 786-4636 . ( updated Jan 2024 ) STM is safe, efficient, and is overall pleasant to use. Tickets have been replaced by cards with magnetic stripe containing one trip, called an à la carte ticket. These are valid for one trip (including unlimited transfers in the same way for 120 min) on the metro and buses, costing $3.75 each (exact fare in coins is required on the buses but not on the metro) but are also available for less when you purchase two for $6.00 or ten for $27.00 (OPUS card required) either from the metro agent or the automatic fare vending machine in metro stations. Signs and announcements are only in French, though ticket machines are bilingual in French and English. Many metro counter staff are also able to speak English.

The Metro is entirely underground. Montreal metro stations and train cars do not have air conditioning. This means the Metro can sometimes get uncomfortably hot, in every season. It is, however, still the best transport option in the city.

Only certain metro tickets are valid in Laval and Longueuil . You will need to buy an All Modes AB ticket for $4.50. A full listing of all types of tickets and their validity can be found here.

You must keep your payment card as it is your transfer and your proof of payment ( correspondance ); fare inspectors may give you a large fine if you are unable to show it when they request it.

If you are using cash to pay your fare on the bus, it is important to have the exact fare, since the driver does not give change. Transfers are not provided when paying in cash.

Tourist passes offer unlimited travel on the bus and metro for periods of one day ($11) or three days ($21.25) and are well worth it to avoid fumbling for change, checking transfer times and restrictions, and worrying about getting off at the wrong stop and having to repay. There is also an option for unlimited evenings ($5.75), valid between 18:00 and 05:00 the next morning, which can be practical on a night out, since it's cheaper than buying a two-way ticket (which would cost $6). They are available for purchase at all metro stations (pay cash or use Canadian credit or debit cards only). Weekly ($29, valid for one calendar week running Monday through Sunday) and monthly ($94, valid by calendar month) passes are also available; unlike one day and three day passes, weekly and monthly passes must be loaded onto an OPUS card (see below) and are not available in paper ticket form.

The OPUS card is a smart card with a chip that contains your fare and transfer information. The OPUS card can be purchased at all metro stations and transit fare points of sale. As of January 2017, the card costs $6.

OPUS cards can be refilled at metro stations using the automated machines or at the ticket booth.

At each metro station, directions are not indicated by compass directions, such as westbound or eastbound. Instead, trains go in the direction of a metro line's terminus. The green line runs from Angrignon in the west to Honoré-Beaugrand in the east. If you were to travel eastbound, for example, you would look for Honoré-Beaugrand on the platform. If you were to travel westbound, you would look for Angrignon . There are four interchange stations at which commuters can change subway lines without extra charge: Snowdon (blue/orange), Lionel-Groulx (orange/green), Berri-UQAM (green/yellow/orange), and Jean-Talon (orange/blue).

Bicycles are permitted aboard metro trains outside of the rush hours such as: before 7:00, from 9:30 to 15:30 and from 18:00 to end of service on weekdays and all day Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Bikes are only allowed in all cars of the train but are asked to not use the lead car, up to a maximum of 2 per car. STM staff may deny bikes aboard the metro for safety reasons such as special events that might generate a high level of ridership. Lists of such events are posted on the STM website and at the entrances to metro. During festival season in Montreal, bikes are sometimes restricted.

Bike riding inside stations or the Underground City is strictly prohibited.

• Line 11 - Vaudreuil–Hudson between Montreal and Hudson including Montreal-Ouest and Vaudreuil-Dorion . Service is available daily, though almost all trips are between Montreal and Vaudreil. The only trips to or from Hudson are from Monday to Friday with 2 morning trips from Hudson and 2 afternoon trips to Hudson.
• Line 12 - Saint-Jérôme between Montreal and Saint-Jérôme including stops in Laval , Blainville , and Mirabel. Service is available daily, though on Saturdays and Sundays, the service only travels between De la Concorde and Saint-Jérôme. Transfers from Montreal's Metro are available at Montreal's Lucien-L'Allier station (weekday rush hours and evenings only), Vendôme station (weekday rush hours and evenings only) and Parc station (weekdays only), and Laval's De la Concorde station (every day).
• Three other exo lines operate, but only Monday to Friday.

Commuter train stations are divided into three zones that radiate out from downtown. Stations have automated machines from which you must purchase a ticket appropriate to the zones of the station you are traveling to or from, whichever is farther (for example, a trip from Zone A to Zone B or vice versa would require a All Modes AB ticket). A pre-purchased ticket card (L'occasionelle) must be validated at the card scanners at the entrance to the platform. In general, reduced fares (for students and seniors) require ID that is not available to travellers, but if you are staying in the area, ask an employee for more details as the rules are complicated, but you can get good savings.

There are no ticket machines on the train and ticket inspections are random. Incorrect tickets sometimes go unnoticed because inspectors check only occasionally. However, it is best to avoid taking chances as if the ticket is not valid, the customer can get a fine of $400. The ticket machines should now all be bilingual in English and French. The two downtown stations have staffed ticket booths Monday to Friday, but not in the evenings. Other stations may also have booths but generally only during either the morning or afternoon rush hour.

• Taxi MonTaxi , ☏ +1 514-322-1322 . 24/7 . Professionnal Taxi Service in Montréal ( updated Feb 2024 )
• Taxi Bonjour Montreal , ☏ +1 514-366-3333 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Taxi Champlain , ☏ +1 514-271-1111 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Taxi Co-op , ☏ +1 514-725-9885 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Taxi Diamond Montreal , ☏ + 514-836-0000 . ( updated Jul 2022 )

By ride hailing

• Uber . ( updated Jul 2022 )

MapArt produces an excellent map in book-form of downtown Montreal and environs, including Vieux Montréal, Mount Royal, the Plateau, and areas as far north as the University of Montreal and as far south as Parc Jean-Drapeau. That form is handy as you can avoid always folding a map of the whole island.

Below is a basic map of the primary areas of interest to visitors.

Architecture

Many notable historical buildings and churches are located in Montreal, the vast majority of which are in old Montréal . Most of these date from the 17th to the 19th century, showcasing the variety of architectural styles seen in these periods. At night, several of the buildings are beautifully illuminated, seemingly glowing from within. A Tourist Welcome Office brochure from bonjour québec lays out a walking map. It is worthwhile to follow the map twice, once during the day, and again at night.

• Of the four Roman Catholic Basilicas in Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique de Notre-Dame) at Place d'Armes is undoubtedly the most famous church in Montreal. This architectural marvel is known throughout the world for its lavishly decorated and colourful interior. This basilica, splendidly exemplifying the Gothic Revival style, is an extremely popular tourist attraction.
• Although rather small and not a basilica, another notable church located in Old Montreal is the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours) near the Bonsecours Market, the first church to be founded in Montreal. It is known for its maritime theme and beautiful frescoes on the inside walls and ceilings.
• Downtown Montreal houses Saint Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph), the largest church in Canada. Stylistically based on elements of the Italian Renaissance, it features the third highest dome in the world, and acts as the highest point in all of Montreal .
• Downtown Montreal is also home to the opulent Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral (Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde), a National Historic Site of Canada modeled on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and Saint Patrick's Basilica (Basilique Saint-Patrick), which was built to serve Montreal's Anglophone Catholic community.
• Aside from churches, a main architectural feature of Montreal is Habitat 67 , located at Cité-du-Havre, near the Old Port (Vieux-Port). The only intact pavilion remaining from Expo’ 67, Habitat 67 is known around the world as an excellent example of post-modern and minimalist architecture. Its conception has had an incalculable impact on later development of modular homes, and is thus well worth checking out.
• Le Plateau combines scenic residential streets with hip shopping and dining.
• Vieux-Port (Old Port), is located south of rue Saint-Antoine between rue McGill and rue Berri (metro Champ-de-Mars or Place-d'Armes). The Old Port is a large waterfront green space with attractions such as Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal Science Center, the Labyrinth, the Clock Tower, and a large outdoor audio-visual stage which is the site for the Canada Day fireworks. It is a vibrant place to visit during the day and the evening. ☏ +1 514-496-7678, toll-free: +1 800-971-7678, [email protected]. 6AM-Midnight.
• Downtown Montreal has skyscrapers, the enormous McGill university campus, churches, and museums. Several blocks are connected by the famed 30 km of underground arcades and malls, allowing comfortable walking and shopping when the weather is foul.
• Parc Jean-Drapeau , site of the 1967 World Fair, now devoted to green spaces and a large outdoor concert venue. The Gilles-Villeneuve racing circuit, home of the Montreal Formula 1 Grand Prix. An artificial beach, a huge outdoor pool complex, and the Montreal Casino are also in or around the park.
• A few kilometres to the north, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve offers the Olympic Stadium , the Insectarium , the Jardin Botanique , and the Biodôme . This diverse range of activities and environments offer something for all ages. When planning a trip, allow four hours to see all four.

Montreal contains a wide variety of museums - over 50 in total, both well known and hidden gems. Both types are well worth visiting, and will provide a worthwhile experience.

• Featuring dozens of expositions and over 44,000 works spread over 5 enormous pavilions, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal), in Downtown , is the largest museum in Canada, and one of the largest in the world. Having many prominent travelling exhibits, it is both the oldest and most visited museum in Canada, and as such, is a wonderful experience.
• The Canadian Centre for Architecture , also known as the CCA, is a research center and museum providing montrealers, tourists and researchers alike a great place to visit and learn about structures and spaces that surrounds up. To learn more about upcoming exhibits, check out the calendar .

• A hidden gem in the old RCA Victor factory complex in St-Henri, the Musée des ondes Emile Berliner , in Saint-Henri , is a science and history museum dedicated to communicating the heritage of the audio industry in Canada and the world. In line with this, it pays tribute to Emile Berliner, the inventor of the gramophone, and his descendants’ contributions to the evolution of sound recording. Moreover, the museum looks at the roles and noteworthy contributions of Canadian companies in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the role of Montreal companies and RCA Victor in the creation of satellites and the Canadarm. This makes it a worthwhile experience for those interested in science and technology, as well as Canadian history.
• The Redpath Museum (Musée Redpath), is located Downtown at the heart of the McGill University campus, is a fascinating museum of natural history. Watch out as it is only open durinng the week. For more information about their opening hours, check out this link .
• The McCord Museum (Musée McCord), in Downtown , is a museum dedicated to exploring Canadian history.

In Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau , you will find the Casino de Montréal and the La Ronde , a Six Flags family amusement park.

Cross-country skiing

During the winter, many parks offer the possibility to do cross-country skiing with groomed paths, including Parc regional de l'Ile-de-la-Visitation (ski rental available), Parc du Mont-Royal (ski rental available and usually the best ski conditions, and Parc Maisonneuve and Jardin Botanique (no ski rental).

Ice skating

There is year-round ice-skating at 1000, rue De La Gauchetière (metro Bonaventure). There is free skating at Lac aux Castors Beaver Lake in the Parc Mont-Royal, in the connected ponds of Lafontaine Park in Plateau Mont-Royal, and in the Vieux-Port in front of the Bonsecours Market and many parks.

Water sports

• River surfing — Although the Saint Lawrence River is frozen nearly solid for four to five months out of the year, the waterway has become a magnet for aficionados of this new sport. Unlike their oceanic brethren, river surfers ride the standing waves in fresh waterways. The Saint Lawrence has two main hot spots for the sport: Habitat 67 is close to the bridge between Montreal and Île des Soeurs, the site of the 1967 Expo and the Montreal Casino. (This wave is also known as Expo 67.) The Surf 66 Boardshop at the 1952 rue Cabot offers lessons.
• Kayaking — Just off the shore of the park in Lasalle are the Lachine Rapids. Huge waves, fast water, and loads of fun for kayaks. Lessons are available on site in the huge eddy formed by the peninsula. Annual surf (rodeo) competitions at "Big Joe" (still called "Beneath the Wheel" by old schoolers). Other famous play waves on this set of rapids on the St. Lawrence river are, Istambul and Constantinople, Pyramid, Slice and Dice, Black and Decker, and HMF on the other side of the islands. For those seeking less of an adrenaline rush, there is always the Bunny Wave (La Vague a Guy) upstream near the bike path at Park Rene Lesvesque. Rafting these same rapids is also a fun option.

A map of the cycle path network is available from Vélo Québec . Particularly pleasant places to cycle and skate include:

• Parc Maisonneuve — A large park with smooth paths.
• Parc Jean-Drapeau — Particularly the Île Notre-Dame on the Formula One race track: a fantastic view across the water to downtown Montreal.
• Lachine Canal — Bike paths west of the Old Port.
• Rivière-des-Prairies — You can ride across Montreal Island from west to east along the river on the north of Montreal. Many sites have incredible views. A stop at Perry Island is a must.
• Square Saint-Louis , corner of rue Saint-Denis and rue Prince-Arthur, slightly north of rue Sherbrooke (metro Sherbrooke). A charming little park with majestic trees and a lovely fountain, lined with charming houses on three sides (the Institute of Hotel Techniques of Quebec hotel school is the fourth side). This was the site of the first water reservoir in Montreal.
• Parc Jean Drapeau — The former Expo 67 fairgrounds, Parc Jean Drapeau is spread across two islands (Ile Ste-Helene and Ile Notre Dame) in the Saint Lawrence River. On Sundays in the summer, join thousands of Montrealers revelling in the sunshine and music outdoors at Piknik Électronique. People enjoy riding a bicycle around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve race track on Île Notre Dame. La Ronde and the Montreal Biosphere are here. (metro Parc Jean Drapeau)
• Parc Lafontaine , from avenue Papineau to avenue du Parc Lafontaine and from rue Rachel to rue Sherbrooke. Ice skating on the lake in the winter, baseball, boules, and outdoor theatre in the summer. (metro Sherbrooke)

• Parc Maisonneuve and Jardin Botanique de Montreal ( from rue Sherbrooke to boulevard Rosemont and from boulevard Pie-IX to avenue Viau (metro Pie-IX or Viau) ). The Jardin Botanique is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world and features the First Nations Garden, the Insectarium, the Tree House, and 16 different themed gardens and greenhouses.  
• Parc du Mont-Royal , ☏ +1 514-843-8240 , [email protected] . North of avenue des Pins, between avenue du Parc and chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges. This beautiful, immense urban park tops the "mountain" (at 232 m (761 ft), it's more like a hill) that overlooks all of Montreal and lends the city its name. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of Central Park and Prospect Park in New York, the park is elegant and accessible, and has hundreds of nooks and crannies to explore. A broad and gradual 8-km (5-mile) bike and pedestrian path begins at the Monument Georges-Étienne Cartier (on Avenue du Parc, opposite the western end of rue Rachel, where the bike path continues), winding its way around the mountain and culminating at the Belvédère (lookout) and Chalet Mont-Royal, with incredible views of downtown, the St. Lawrence river, and the Eastern Townships. The Belevedere and Chalet are also accessible from downtown by the newly restored staircase, access via the path at the top of rue Peel. Many smaller paths and trails crisscross the park. For lazy visitors, or those with limited mobility, you can enjoy a wonderful view from the mountain by taking bus route 11, which stops at the lookout on Chemin Remembrance, and at Beaver Lake. Every Sunday during the summer, thousands of people get together at the monument on Avenue du Parc to enjoy the big tam-tam jam.  
• Parc Jeanne-Mance , bordered by avenue du Parc, avenue Duluth (with a small extension south as far as avenue des Pins), rue de l'Esplanade and avenue Mont-Royal, directly across from Parc du Mont-Royal. Includes tennis courts, baseball/softball diamonds, a soccer/football pitch, beach volleyball courts, a skating rink in winter. Also a very popular dog-walking venue.
• Parc de l'Ile-de-la-Visitation , ☏ +1 514 280-6733 . Rue d'Iberville and boulevard Gouin, (metro Henri-Bourassa, Bus 69 east). This regional park is along the Rivière-des-Prairies. Quiet and enjoyable place to bring a lunch and relax for an afternoon. Good starting point for a cycling tour along the river.  
• Parc Daisy Peterson Sweeney , near Marché Atwater ( an incredible year-round market filled with indoor merchants specializing in fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods.) and the Lachine Canal ( a beautiful canal with a bike path and several parcs along side it), is one of the best places to visit to play chess during the summer. On Tuesdays 4pm to 8pm, Saturdays 11am to 5pm and Sundays 11am to 5pm there are chess games organized by the city where people of all ages like to gather for free!

Montreal has a bewildering variety of festivals, ranging from one-day ethnic fairs to huge international productions running two weeks or more. They are generally held in the summer and autumn, though increasingly they can be found throughout the year. Here are some of the larger ones:

• Just For Laughs Festival . Comedy festival with three main components: indoor paid shows (usually stand-up, but not always), free street theatre/comedy, and a mini film festival called Comedia. July.  
• Shakespeare-in-the-Park . During the summer in parks around Montreal, Repercussion Theatre puts on outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays free of charge.  
• Festival du Monde Arabe . In November, an annual festival celebrating the music and culture of the Arab world takes place in Montreal. Many Arab performers, traditional and modern, take the stage.  
• Festival Mondiale de la bière . Annually, in May: several days of tasting beers, ciders, and other beverages from all over Quebec, Canada and further afield. The event typically offers over 500 different beverages, from over 70 brewiers, from many countries. There is no admission fee, and samples typically sell for 2-8 tickets ($1 a ticket) for a 150-200 ml sample. There are also musical performances and food kiosks. The festival can get very busy at peak times (Friday and Saturday evening of the event), so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid possible long queues.  
• Montréal en lumière . A relatively new wintertime affair, attempting to transplant the city's festival magic to the cold season. Includes three main categories of activities: food and wine, performing arts, and free activities both indoor and outdoor. February.  
• Montreal International Fireworks Competition , ☏ +1 514-397-2000 , [email protected] . In La Ronde amusement park (in Parc Jean-Drapeau). This fantastic festival features full-length fireworks displays, accompanied by orchestral music, by national teams from about a dozen countries around the world. Although the hot seats are inside the La Ronde theme park, the fireworks are visible from pretty much any clear space or rooftop in the centre of the city. Pedestrians can watch from Jacques Cartier Bridge, which is closed from 20:00 on fireworks nights. Another good spot is the promenade west of the Old Port. $35–45 ( seats in La Ronde, free everywhere else ). Saturdays 22:00 from mid-June to late July, and Wednesdays 22:00 from mid-July on.  
• Fete de St-Jean-Baptiste . June 24 is Quebec's national holiday ( Fête nationale ). During the evening, a huge show takes place at Maisonneuve park. This is the show to go to hear made-in-Quebec music. Free. Street parties can also be found all over the city.  

Music festivals

• Montreal International Jazz Festival ( Festival International de Jazz de Montréal ). The world's largest jazz festival, this festival is a major international event, attracting many big name artists. Many streets in downtown Montreal are closed off to traffic for two weeks and several concert stages are set up. There are many free outdoor shows and indoor concerts (paid). Late June - early July. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• POP Montréal International Music Festival , ☏ +1 514-842-1919 . A massive feast of up-and-coming bands in a variety of popular genres. In early fall, host to more than 80 events, more than 300 artists, a conference, and an arts fair. POP Montreal showcases emerging and innovative artists alongside rising international stars and is committed to encouraging vibrant indie communities.  
• MUTEK . An annual gathering, held in Montreal. The MUTEK festival showcases emerging forms of electronic music and the latest trends in sound creation.  
• Heavy Montréal . A two-day heavy music festival taking place in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène.  
• Osheaga Music and Arts Festival . A three-day indie & alternative rock festival held annually in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène at the end of July/beginning of August.  

Film festivals

• Fantasia ( Asian and fantasy ). July.  
• Image + Nation ( Gay and lesbian ). November/December.  

Sports to watch

• Canadiens , Ice hockey, Canada's national winter sport: Bell Centre ( Centre Bell ), 1260 rue De La Gauchetière (metro Lucien-L'Allier or Bonaventure), . One of the greatest institutions in Quebec culture. If you want to see a game, it helps to know someone with tickets, as they generally sell out within minutes of going on sale. They are widely available through unofficial channels and scalpers, but be prepared to shell out as they don't come cheap! You can also get cheaper tickets if you're a resident of the HI youth hostel. You can also stay in front of the hostel and ask a resident to buy a ticket for you if you aren't staying at the hostel!
• Alouettes , Football (Canadian Football League), Percival Molson Stadium ( Stade Percival-Molson ), avenue des Pins at University (playoffs: Olympic Stadium), . A dominant team in the last part of the 2000s, but now somewhat less so, the Als have won the Grey Cup three times since being reborn in 1996, including back-to-back in 2009 and 2010. Molson Stadium is an excellent place to see a game; tickets can be hard to come by when the team is doing well.
• Club de Foot Montréal , Association football (soccer), Saputo Stadium ( Stade Saputo ) at 4750 Sherbrooke street East and Viau in the Olympic Park (metro Viau). Formerly known as Montreal Impact , it is one of the newer teams in Major League Soccer, and the league's third team in Canada, joined MLS in 2012. The previous version of the Impact/CF Montréal was a consistent contender in several different leagues (including three in the last three seasons before the team joined MLS) at the U.S./Canada second level. CFM occasionally use nearby Olympic Stadium for matches that are expected to draw unusually large crowds or if the weather restricts outdoor play.
• Tennis — Montreal hosts an ATP Tour Masters 1000 event (men) every odd-numbered year. In even-numbered years, Montreal hosts a WTA Premier 5 event (women). The tournaments are held at IGA Stadium ( Stade IGA ) in Parc Jarry in the North End. The main stadium is of special historic interest to baseball fans—part of its seating is the former backstop grandstand of the stadium that hosted the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) before they moved to Olympic Stadium.
• Canadian Grand Prix : This Formula One race is staged at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame, with the next on 7-9 June 2024.

Language classes

Montreal is a popular destination for language-immersion programs in French and English. Many schools arrange accommodations — either in dorms or with a family and provide cultural programs with trips around the city and beyond. Prices are usually higher for non-Québécois and higher-still for non-Canadians. Most are in Downtown and the Old City. Intensive, non-resident programs are also offered by the YMCA and Quebec government.

Universities

Montreal is home to one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious universities, McGill University . McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the world, but not each faculty. It is a university with a huge endowment fund. Concordia University is the city's other English-language university, the largest east of Toronto, and has over 40,000 students. Though Concordia lacks a medical school and law school, it still has a world class business school and its arts and sciences programs are top tier. Its student population is generally more multicultural than McGill's and the school's origins in and continuing emphasis on adult education make it popular for mature students, since it holds many graduate-level courses at night. Both universities are research focused.

The Université du Québec à Montreal (UQAM) and the Université de Montréal cater mainly to Francophone students. The Université de Montréal is the second largest French-language university in the world, after the Sorbonne in Paris and is one of the largest research institutions in Canada. The Université de Montréal has two affiliated schools, Polytechnique Montréal (engineering), and HEC Montréal (business school) that offer undergraduate and graduate studies.

Université Laval , Université de Sherbrooke , and Universté du Québec à Chicoutimi , all Francophone, also have campuses in the Montreal area.

Every university, with the exception of Laval, lends its name to a metro stop to indicate the university's approximate location. For example, the Guy-Concordia subway station, at the intersection of Rue Guy and boulevard de la Maisonneuve ouest, is no more than two minutes away from its namesake university (Concordia).

As Montreal is in the province of Quebec, which has its own immigration policies, those wishing to work in Montreal will have to go through two processes, once with the Quebec government, then with the Canadian government after the Quebec government has approved your application. If you are employed with a foreign company which has a Montreal office, you can seek a transfer. You can also seek a job with a Montreal employer and they can sponsor you for a temporary work visa. If you are a skilled worker (see CIC website) you can immigrate based on your own skills.

French language ability is a requirement for most jobs, as businesses are required by provincial law to greet and serve clients in French. Jobs that do not require prior French language ability are mostly IT jobs, and academic jobs at Montreal's two Anglophone universities. The Quebec provincial government provides free French language courses for newly-arrived expatriates and immigrants who speak little to no French, and you are highly advised to sign up for one of these courses as soon as you arrive to aid your integration into society.

The United States–Mexico–Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) allows skilled U.S. and Mexican professionals to obtain a Canadian work visa provided they are qualified in certain professions.

If you are a U.S. citizen aged 18–30 and a full-time student, you may qualify for a Canadian work visa valid for six months. Students from France, Britain, New Zealand, and Australia can also benefit from work programs. As well, if you obtain a degree from a Canadian university, you are eligible to remain in Montreal and work for up to one year.

For anyone else, the Immigration Canada (CIC) website explains a number of ways foreigners can legally work in Canada.

Student jobs include babysitting, painting during the summer, and moving furniture in June. McGill and Montreal universities are always in search of research subjects and so are Montreal's many biotech firms. Montreal also has many call centres, which constantly seek to hire new employees and offer flexible working hours.

Although Montreal's economy has been booming, the city remains remarkably affordable compared to other major cities in Canada and the United States. Shopping in Montreal ranges from eclectic budget stores to high-end fashion, with a wide spectrum in between.

Rue Ste-Catherine, between rue Guy and boulevard St-Laurent, has many of the big department and chain stores as well as a few major malls. Avenue Mont-Royal has funky consignment and gothic clothing stores from boulevard St-Laurent to rue Saint-Denis and a mixed bag of neighbourhood stores, used record shops, and gentrified boutiques heading east towards avenue Papineau. Rue St-Viateur is one of the city's most interesting streets, with its amazingly varied range of businesses crammed into the short stretch between Boulevard St-Laurent and Avenue du Parc.

St-Laurent remains one of the city's prime shopping streets, more or less along its whole length. Just about anything can be found there, with different blocks having different clusters of businesses (Asian groceries and housewares near de La Gauchetière, cheap electronics a little farther up, hip boutiques between Prince-Arthur and Mount Royal, anything and everything Italian between Saint-Zotique and Jean-Talon). Rue Sherbrooke ouest, west of the Autoroute Décarie, has an increasingly interesting concentration of largely food-oriented businesses. Jean-Talon market, near the intersection of Jean-Talon and St-Laurent, has a wide variety of local produce and food products (maple syrup, cheese, etc.) at very good prices.

For electronic stuff, the largest chain store is BestBuy. You can also find many smaller ones on Boulevard St-Laurent (between Ontario and Sherbrooke).

• Village des Valeurs , 2033 Pie IX ( Métro Pie IX ). Second hand store providing montrealers with shops inside and outside of Montreal. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• Le coffre aux trésors "Chainon" , 4375 Boulevard St Laurent ( Métro Sherbrooke ).  
• L'Aubainerie Concept Mode , 1490, av du Mont-Royal E ( metro mont royal ).  
• Friperie St. Laurent , Friperie St. Laurent , ☏ +1 514-842-3893 .  
• Some military equipment shops around St-Laurent and Ste-Catherine.

For trekking and outdoor, you also have many options

• MEC , 8989, boulevard de l'Acadie , ☏ +1 514-788-5878 . Mountain Equipment Co-op is a co-operative with staff who know the stores merchandise well.  
• La cordée , rue Ste-Catherine . Great store to stock up on your favorite or some essential gear for your next outdoor activity. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• Kanuk , 485 Rachel St E . Kanuk are best known for their winter coats and parkas. ( updated Aug 2023 )

Trendier boutiques can be found on rue Saint-Denis, north of rue Sherbrooke and south of avenue Mont-Royal est, and on rue Saint-Laurent (continuing as far north as Bernard). The latter is becoming more upscale, so the range of shopping is highly variable and lower in density as one goes north of Mont-Royal. Rue Sherbrooke has a number of high-end stores (notably Holt Renfrew) and commercial art galleries in a short strip running approximately from McGill University west to rue Guy. Farther west, Sherbrooke intersects with Greene Avenue in Westmount, which has a short, but luxurious retail strip. Avenue Laurier, between St-Laurent and its western end, is one of the city's prime spots for eating and shopping in high style, though there are still a few affordable spots here and there.

Furniture and antiques

On boul. St-Laurent, a cluster of high-end home furnishing stores. It starts roughly at the corner of rue Marie-Anne and is very prominent in the block between rue Marie-Anne and avenue Mont-Royal, with sparser, but still interesting stores as far north as rue Saint Viateur. Antique buffs will find interesting stores all over the city, but they'll want to make a special pilgrimage to rue Notre-Dame Ouest, when you head east from avenue Atwater. Rue Amherst, in the Gay Village, also has a significant concentration of antique dealers.

Montreal is a culinary mecca and has a huge variety of food options, from diners and fast food to low-cost ethnic restaurants to haute cuisine . The city was ranked 2nd best dining city in North America after San Francisco and ahead of New York. The large local Jewish population has contributed local specialties including huge smoked meat sandwiches (beef brisket) (Schwartz's is undisputably the most authentic smoked meat restaurant) and small, crusty bagels (the undisputed classic bagel places are St-Viateur's and Fairmount Bagels). Other specialties are "all-dressed" pizza (pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers), pizza and spaghetti with smoked meat, and Québécois favourites like split pea soup and poutine.

Many Montreal restaurants are "apportez votre vin" ( bring your own wine ). This may sound like a hassle, but you end up paying much less for wine with dinner if you bring it yourself. There's usually a SAQ (government liquor store) or a dépanneur (convenience store, with a limited selection of typically inexpensive wine) nearby; ask your waiter where it is. Your waiter will open your wine for you; corkage fees are rare, but don't forget to factor this service into your tip so make sure to ask. If you are driving from the United States, you may find Canadian liquor prices quite frightening. Even the duty-free shops along the border are rarely cheaper than an American liquor store (although these are still cheaper than the SAQ). Visitors can bring in 40oz of hard alcohol, 1.5L of wine, or a 24-pack of beer.

Separate bills ( la facture in French) are common and you may be asked ensemble ou séparément? (together or separately?) The standard tip for acceptable restaurant service is 15% and is not included.

Never call a waiter "garçon"! Use "monsieur" or "madame".

Montreal specialties

There are several foods that are specialties of the city:

• The Montreal-style bagel, where bagel worshippers flock to St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel , and pontificate about which is better. Both are within blocks of each other in the Plateau Mont-Royal district, on Saint-Viateur and Fairmount streets, respectively.
• Montreal-style smoked meat , a type of corned beef, distinct from other forms such as pastrami, is available at many restaurants, but by far the most highly esteemed is that available at Schwartz's on the Main (Boulevard Saint-Laurent) in the Plateau Mont-Royal district. Traditionally it's served as a sandwich, in heaping portions and slathered with mustard, but you'll also see it as a topping on pizza, poutine, hot dogs, or spaghetti, or even incorporated into Chinese-style egg rolls (a specialty of Chenoy's , a local chain of delis). Other well-known local smoked meat restaurants include Main Deli Steak House (across the street from Schwartz's) and Lesters Deli (in Outremont).
• Steamé (steamie), a steamed hotdog on steamed bun, with mustard, sauerkraut and onions. Some locations may replace sauerkraut with coleslaw.
• Poutine is popular across Quebec (and Canada), and Montreal is a great place to sample this gooey mess of French fries, melted cheese curds, and beef gravy.

Ethnic restaurants

As Montreal has a very ethnically diverse population, it has various quality ethnic restaurants.

• Indian: The Indian community in Montreal is around Parc metro station where many Indian restaurants can be found. An example is Bombay Mahal.
• Portuguese: Around Little Portugal, near the intersection of Saint-Laurent and Rachel.
• Persian: An Iranian cafe-resto is Byblos cafe.
• Chinese: Mainly in Chinatown (near Place d'Armes metro), and near the Anglophone universities.
• Japanese: A Japanese non-sushi restaurant is Kazu.

To buy your own food or regional products, the public market at Jean-Talon, 7075 avenue Casgrain (metro Jean-Talon or De Castelnau), is the place to go. Open daily 08:00-18:00, the market is especially noteworthy for its selection of produce. Even though they're not strictly part of the market, the many stores lining it on the north and south sides complete it wonderfully with superb selections of cheese, meat, and just about anything edible. The surrounding streets are heavily Italian-flavoured and have excellent grocery stores, butchers, bakeries, and restaurants.

Across town, the Atwater Market is also superb, though quite different from (and much smaller than) Jean-Talon. Here, you'll find the city's best butchers, and good selections of cheese, fish, and produce. It is on avenue Atwater, just south of rue Notre-Dame Lionel-Groulx station

Restaurants

Montreal claims to have the most restaurants per capita in North America.

With delis and bakeries and diners galore, Montreal offers great budget dining. Venues are scattered all over the city, but the largest concentration of restaurants is along boul Saint-Laurent, rue Saint-Denis and ave du Mont-Royal in the Plateau . Tasty and cheap ethnic food, lots of Indian buffets, can be found around the Jean-Talon market .

Two Montreal classics, poutine and the smoked meat sandwich, can make a filling meal for under $10. Pizza by the slice can be had for a toonie ($2), and there's always the option of rolling your own picnic with fresh produce from Atwater Market or Jean-Talon Market.

Several kosher restaurants can be found within a few blocks of each other on Queen Mary road not far from the Snowdon Métro station in and boul Décarie near Villa-Maria-des-Neiges in Côte-des-Neiges . The other greatest concentration of kosher food in along Bernard in Outremont .

Smoked-meat and sausage poutine aside, Montreal is vegetarian-friendly with several veggie and vegan restaurants and veggie options on most menus.

Montreal has excellent ice cream parlours, many of which make their own ice cream. There are also restaurants dedicated to desserts.

Restaurant chains

Local restaurant chains that travellers might not be familiar with, with various locations throughout the city, include:

• Brasserie La Cage . Sports bar and grill. Great place to watch Montreal Canadiens hockey games, the atmosphere gets crazy during the NHL playoffs!  
• Les Trois Brasseurs ( The Three Brewers ). Microbrewery with a pub-style menu and a European flair.  
• Juliette et chocolat . Specialised in chocolate desserts and famed for its very rich drinking chocolate.  
• Rockaberry . Enormous portions of cakes, pies, crumbles and brownies.  
• Copper Branch . Vegan chain serving sandwiches, wraps, soups and some desserts.  

If you are really on budget, there are a few community restaurants (like Chicrestopop ) which serve very cheap meals. Usually these locations are reserved for the homeless.

If you are staying in Montreal, there are several collective cooking locations where a group of people cook larger portions to freeze and stock for worker's lunch breaks.

The legal age to purchase alcohol in Quebec is 18 and the Québécois are now much more rigid in enforcing this age limit. All retail alcohol sales stop at 23:00 and bars and clubs stop serving at 03:00.

Quality wine and liquor (but only a small selection of imported beers) can only be purchased at SAQ shops, most of which are open until 18:00 Sunday to Wednesdays and 20:00 or 21:00 on other days; the smaller SAQ Express outlets are open daily from 11:00 to 22:00. Beer and a small selection of lower-quality wine are also sold at convenience stores (dépanneurs) and grocery stores. Some supermarkets have partnered with the SAQ to offer a few selection bottles, so if you are caught outside business hours or are in a hurry, places like IGA Extra and Métro generally offer a better variety of wine than the local dépanneur .

The selection of beer to be found in grocery stores and even the humble corner store have exploded in the last decade in and around greater Montreal. Two micro-breweries in particular are world-class: McAuslan (brands include St-Ambroise and Griffon) and Unibroue (Belgian-style ales such as Blanche de Chambly, Maudite, La Fin du Monde, and simpler, more affordable U lagers). Boréale makes a good, if unspectacular range of brews, while Rickard's and Alexander Keith's domestics are gaining popularity among locals. Most stores also sell a few major imports such as Stella Artois, Sapporo, Guinness, Leffe and of course, Heineken.

Montreal has three main strips for bar-hopping. Rue Crescent, in the western part of downtown , caters mostly to Anglophones and tourists. It tends to be trendy and expensive. On the edge of the bar-heavy Plateau , Boulevard Saint-Laurent gets extremely busy when McGill and Concordia students are back in town for a new session. Between rue Sherbrooke and avenue des Pins you'll find trendy clubs and bars with more of a Francophone clientele. Farther up St-Laurent, it's relatively downscale and linguistically mixed. Rue Saint-Denis, between rue Sherbrooke and de Maisonneuve, is the strip with the strongest Francophone feel. There are also many good bars away from the main strips, like on Avenue Mont-Royal, and even nowadays on Rue Masson et Rue Ontario in the eastern part of town. You should never have to line up to go have a drink, because there's virtually an unlimited choice. Depending on the day of the week, the best events vary. For example, on Tuesday you should go to Les Foufounes Électriques for cheap beer and a unique experience in a Montréal institution.

Dance clubs

Dance clubs can be found all over the downtown area, with hotspots on boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue Crescent. Check out the Plateau , too.

After-hours clubs

After-hours clubs, for those who aren't tired out by 03:00, are open to 10:00. They do not, by law, serve alcohol at this time.

Stereo , in Quartier Latin , was once voted #5 of the top 10 clubs in the world by Muzik magazine. Circus , also in the Quartier Latin, is a luxuriously decorated after-hour in Montreal.

There are a couple of Karaoke places Downtown .

Gay and lesbian

Montreal has as many gay and lesbian bars as San Francisco. Every October on Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day in the U.S.) hosts the "Black and Blue" circuit party, attracting thousands to enjoy the thrill of harder dance music and hordes of pretty, shirtless men. Most popular gay bars can be found in the city's Gay Village , on the eastern stretch of Ste-Catherine and easily accessible by the Beaudry metro, between Amherst and Papineau. Unity , Apollon , and Sky are the dance club favourites, while Cabaret Mado offers excellent drag performances. There are also pubs, male strippers, restaurants, saunas, and karaoke in the area. The four main stripper bars are Stock , Campus , Taboo , and Adonis . The most popular sauna is Oasis .

For the budget traveller, Montreal offers youth hostels with dorms or private rooms and budget bed and breakfasts (sometimes with very skimpy breakfasts). The densest collection of budget hotels are in the Latin Quarter , in the streets east of Berri-UQAM metro and the intercity bus station. Old Montreal has a couple of quality hostels, but you'll pay more to be there. Montreal is also the city with the most Couch Surfing members, so it is easy to find a hospitable local host for a few nights.

Mid-range options include Downtown chain hotels to "gîtes", guest houses that range from a single room in an apartment to elegant historic homes with three to five rooms. Gîtes are usually found in the more residential neighbourhoods like the Plateau .

On the upper-end, four and five-star luxury and boutique hotels are mostly concentrated in Old Montreal and Downtown .

Montreal is home to four major universities and numerous smaller schools. Students routinely sublet apartments in the summer months.

Montreal has four area codes: the long-standing 514, the newer 438, 450 and 579 for surrounding, off-island areas. The area code must be used for all calls: even if it's the same one you're calling from and even if calling next door. For example, calling a 514 number from within 514, use " 514-123-4567 ". Dialling the same number long-distance would be 1-514-123-4567 .

Montreal's free public Wi-Fi network, " MTLWiFi " is available at over 800 locations, such as public buildings, libraries, busy streets, and open areas. In the downtown, nearly every major intersection has a hotspot.

The Grande Bibliothèque (Great Library) has many free Internet terminals, which require a library card (free to Québec residents with proof of address). Montreal library branches also provide computer access; non-residents pay a fee for a library card which provides access.

Photocopy shops often have internet terminals available, as do many cafés and some bookstores. There are also long-standing cyber/internet cafés (minus the café part) such as Battelnet 24 at many locations in Montreal including one at mezzanine level in the rue Guy entrance of Guy-Concordia metro.

Red Canada Post mailboxes are found along most main streets. Post offices are often inside pharmacies: look for the Canada Post logo.

For emergencies call 9-1-1 .

Although Montreal is Canada's second largest city, it shares Canada's low violent crime rates making it relatively safe. However, property crimes, including car theft, are remarkably high: make sure to lock your doors and keep your valuables with you. Take extra care if you want to visit Montréal-Nord or Saint-Michel. These neighbourhoods are the worst of the city and shootings are not unheard of in these areas. There is, however, little for tourists to do and they are unlikely to enter by accident.

Part of Montreal's Sainte-Catherine downtown corridor is arguably where crime is common in the city, especially east of Place des Arts. There are homeless people panhandling during the summer and fall. Although most of them are polite, there are some that are more aggressive. Avoid individuals wandering on the streets that appear intoxicated. The street is at its most dangerous around 03:00 when closing clubs and bars empty their drunken crowds into the street. You may also come across occasional pockets of street prostitution, especially around strip clubs.

In Montreal, pickpockets are not very common, but keep an eye on things when watching street performances in the Old City or in other crowds.

If you are concerned about safety on the metro, use the first metro car where the driver is. Emergency intercoms are on every metro car. Emergency phone booths are on every platform throughout the metro system, which is generally safe. While written instructions are in both English and French, most announcements (usually about delays) are in French only so if you think you heard something in the announcement that may affect you, just try asking a fellow passenger for a translation.

The STM offers a "between stops" ( entre deux arrêts ) service that allows women travelling alone at night to get off the bus between two regularly designated stops if the bus driver feels they can stop the bus safely.

Pedestrians and bike-riders should be especially careful. Crosswalks are rarely respected. Motorists have a general contempt for pedestrians, especially when they are trying to make a right turn at an intersection.

Wasps are a considerable menace during the height of summer. Consider carrying vinegar with you in case of stings to help neutralize the sting. Otherwise, see below if you are allergic for the nearest hospital.

Montreal is often icy and cold in winter, be careful by dressing appropriately for the conditions and be mindful of ice or snow anytime you are driving or walking. Street clearing of snow is generally effective.

Summers are warm to hot and can be quite humid. Being surrounded by rivers adds to this effect.

The closest hospital to Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport is the Lakeshore General Hospital at 160 avenue Stillview in Pointe-Claire. ( +1 514-630-2225 )

The Montreal General Hospital is at 1650 avenue Cedar. ( +1 514-934-1934 )

The McGill University Hospital (Glen site) ( MUHC ) is at 1001 Decarie Boulevard ( +1-514 934-1934 ).

The Jewish General Hospital is at 3755 rue Côte Ste-Catherine. ( +1 514-340-8222 )

If you do not have Quebec Health Insurance, be prepared to pay by credit card at the door as it does not accept traveller's insurance (but you may be reimbursed when you return home).

Several hospitals offer service in French and English.

The Gazette is the city's English-language daily.

If you have some French, hit the voir.ca website for good restaurant reviews and an overview of what is happening.

As in the rest of Quebec , language politics and Quebec sovereignty are contentious issues in Montreal. Don't make the assumption that all French Canadians are in favour of Quebec's separation from Canada as many (especially in bilingual Montreal) are against it. Also, while most Francophones in other parts of Quebec identify solely as Québécois and not Canadian, many Francophones in Montreal identify as both Québécois and Canadian. If you really want to discuss those topics with locals, be sure you are well-informed. It is still safer to avoid the subject, as it is still a very emotional issue. Use common sense and be respectful.

The main language in Montreal, as in the rest of Quebec, is French. Making an attempt to use the language is a great way to show respect for locals, whether or not they can speak English, even if you can manage only a few words with a very strong accent. However, Montreal is considered to be one of the world's most bilingual cities with many residents whose primary language is English, and you will often hear locals code switching between French and English when having a conversation. In case of doubt, you may want to open with a warm "Bonjour!" ( Good day ) and see what language is used in response. Most likely you will be answered in English, if your French accent does not sound local. Don't be offended if you are trying to speak French and locals respond to you in English. Since most Montrealers speak both French and English, they are simply trying to make things easier for you.

Many people working in the tourist and service industries are completely bilingual without accents. But don't make jokes about French people (especially since Francophones in Montreal are mostly Québécois with a few Acadiens and Franco-Ontariens, all of whom consider themselves different from the French from France and from one another). Also, do not assume that all Québécois are Francophones. Montreal has a significant English-speaking community with a long history in Quebec and many immigrants whose first language is neither English nor French ("Allophones").

Montreal makes an excellent entryway for visiting other cities and destinations in Quebec and the northern United States . You will have to pass the border control if you go to the US, and arm yourself with the appropriate visas and papers. Add at least one extra hour for the border control.

• The Adirondacks are a 2½-hour drive to the south. These mountains make up the largest park in the contiguous US and offer outdoor activities like hiking, rafting and skiing.
• Boston is a 5-hour drive to the southeast.
• Mont Tremblant lies less than two hours north in the Laurentides .
• The Eastern Townships are two to three hours straight east.
• The Laurentians and in the Eastern Townships between December and March offer good downhill skiing. There are some very good night-skiing centres such as Ski Bromont and Mont-St-Sauveur.
• The Monteregie townships, a short drive east of Montreal.
• New York City is a 6½-hour drive directly south.
• Ottawa is two hours west by car.
• Quebec City , about 3 hours to the north east on Highway 40, is almost but not quite a day trip. You'll want to stay over, anyway.
• Tadoussac , about 6 hours away by car, has great whale-watching
• Toronto is more distant, but still a doable 6-hour drive (or a faster 4½-hour train trip).

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The Best Montreal 3 Day Itinerary

After living a four-hour drive from Montreal for most of my life, I finally made a visit to this fantastic city. I planned a long weekend in Montreal, with some of the focus going on exploring a skating trail that was the perfect day trip from Montreal. The city itself has plenty to keep you occupied if you just want to spend your time in the city but I can never resist a good day trip destination. Having booked this trip for the end of January and Ontario and Quebec weather always being iffy at this time of year, I did have to cancel and reschedule because of an ice storm. Ice storms really don’t care about anyone’s travel plans and they are horrible for driving.

Luckily, I was able to reschedule this trip for February. While winter might sound like a bad time to have a city vacation, Montreal is a great winter destination. There are plenty of cozy restaurants to relax into after a day exploring and it’s easy to explore on foot. There are several places to ice skate right in Montreal and great day trip options for winter sports like skiing or skating. I was also lucky enough to visit while they were having a light festival so there were night-time activities to do as well that really added to the character of the city.

Montreal is definitely a city I recommend at any time of the year.

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Table of Contents

Itinerary for Montreal

Montreal has plenty to do so I recommend spending between 2-5 days in the city. In this itinerary, you can easily cut out day three and just stick to seeing the sights of Montreal. You need a rental car for day three, though the first two days can be done without one. If you don’t want to rent a car, there are day tours from Montreal you can join.

If you have more than three days in Montreal, you may want to add on some of the museums or gardens that Montreal has. The Redpath Museum and the Montreal Botanical Garden and Biodome both come with great recommendations but were closed when I visited.

3 Days in Montreal, Quebec

Day 1: Arrive to Montreal as early as possible. Explore St. Joseph’s Oratory and Mont Royale. Day 2: Explore the Plateau in the morning and Old Montreal and Port in the afternoon. Day 3: Take a day trip from Montreal, like La Mauricie National Park or Quebec City. Day 4: Depart from Montreal. Visit either the Botanical Garden or Redpath Museum if there is time.

Getting Around Montreal

By Bicycle or Scooter- You can rent bikes from Bixi bike stations to explore Montreal. Another option is to join an e-scooter tour of Montreal . On Foot- I found Montreal to be a very walkable city. Most of the sights are in a very small area. If you get tired, there are buses and a subway to connect you between areas.

By Bus- A really good option to cut down on some walking is half-day bus tour of Montreal . It stops at most of the places on this itinerary to save on walking time.

By Boat- Another way to cut down on walking is to sightsee the city from the St. Lawrence river .

Where to Stay in Montreal

Hotel 10 – I stayed at Hotel 10 and loved the hotel and the location. The location is perfectly placed between downtown Montreal and the Plateau and Latin Quarter. I found it to be within walking distance of everything I wanted to see in the city except for St. Joseph’s Oratory and to be located near all the restaurants and cafes I wanted to try. The room itself was really large and the bed was super comfy. I would definitely stay here again as they had fantastic service and allowed me to cancel with no penalties when I needed to reschedule because of bad weather.

Where to Eat in Montreal

Montreal is truly an amazing destination for foodies and there really is something for everyone in this city. You can check out my full guide to food in Montreal here .

Sushi Momo – This is an amazing, cosy, vegan sushi restaurant. Vegan and sushi may not sound like it goes together, but trust me, you won’t miss the fish here. Really delicious food and my favourite place I ate at in Montreal.

La Banquise – Said to be one of the best poutines in Montreal, this is a great place to try poutine. They have everything from a traditional poutine to vegan poutine.

Patisserie Kouign Amman – The perfect French bakery to stop at. Everything was delicious here, especially the kouign amman and croissants. I wish this was my neighbourhood bakery.

What to do in Montreal in 3 Days

St. joseph’s oratory.

St. Joseph’s Oratory on Mount Royal was one of my favourite things to do in Montreal. This Roman Catholic Basilica has gorgeous steps up to this beautiful dome. There are fantastic views from several of the outside viewing platforms. Inside St. Joseph’s Oratory you can explore some of the exhibits they have on or check out the interior church. When I visited, the dome was undergoing renovations, expected to be completed in 2022 so you can not go up the dome right now. When it is completed, the height of the dome will give views over Mount Royal. Being the highest building in the city, you can see St.Joseph’s Oratory from many places in Montreal. Completed in 1967, St.Joseph’s Oratory is Canada’s largest church and one of Montreal’s must-see buildings.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal sits high above Montreal and it’s this large hill that gives Montreal its name. Try saying Montreal with a French accent rather than English and you will see the similarities in the words. Mount Royal has fantastic views over Montreal. There’s also plenty to do here like visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory or exploring everything on the hill. If you visit in winter, there is an ice skating rink as well as snow tubing and trails for cross-country skiing. This large park is perfect to get away from the hustle of the city and is so convenient to visit.

The Plateau Neighbourhood

The Plateau neighbourhood of Montreal was my favourite area of the city to explore. The route I took in this area was to walk up St.Laurent Boulevard and across Rue Rachel E and then down St. Denis Street. I loved the character of the streets here. It also took me past some seriously delicious restaurants and bakeries .

There is some very beautiful and creative graffiti in the area here as well to explore if you are into street art. One of the city’s most popular Instagram locations is at Square Saint Louise and it’s worth making a stop at, especially if you want serious France-vibes.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the part of the city that is most likely to give you European vibes. It dates to the 17th century and has adorable cobblestone streets. The Notre Dame Basilica was the main thing I visited in this area and then it was just enjoyable to wander the streets and take in the buildings. The areas around the basilica are the most historic looking. Check out Rue Bonsecours and Rue Saint Paul to find two of the oldest streets in the city and with plenty of French-architectural influence. This walking tour of Old Montreal would be a great idea if you want to see the best of the city and learn more of the history.

Notre Dame Basilica

Located in the Old Montreal neighbourhood of the city, the Notre Dame Basilica is a Gothic Revival church that is a must see while walking around the area. The whole neighbourhood is full of beautiful, European looking streets but the basilica is not to be missed. It’s one of the most visited churches in North America and a top sight to see in Montreal. The interior is particularly striking, with gold stars and deep blue walls.

To visit here there is an entry fee unless you are attending mass. Notre Dame has been the site of state funerals as well as where Celine Dion held her wedding.

Old Port of Montreal

The Old Port of Montreal is a beautiful area to walk around. Located right on the St.Lawrence, there are two very iconic views of Montreal located here.

The first is La Grande Roue de Montréal or the Montreal Observation Wheel. This large Ferris wheel is the largest of its kind in Canada. It’s actually a new addition to the skyline, having been opened in 2017 to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the city. From the Ferris wheel you can get views over Old Montreal as well as the St.Lawrence River. You can save time and buy your tickets for the Roue in advance here

If you prefer to stay on the ground, in the winter there is outdoor skating here or it is just nice to stroll around the area and take in the views.

The second iconic building to check out in this area is the Montreal Clock Tower. It’s a bit hidden, you have to walk behind the Ferris wheel and along the river walkway to get to it. Built in 1922, this clock tower is also known as the Sailor’s Memorial Clock as there is a tribute to sailors at its base.

The area is a popular one to walk around in so even during the winter, it can be quite busy and get crowded. It’s a fantastic part of Montreal to explore so even though it might feel like a bit of a walk, it’s well worth it.

Check Out a Festival

Montreal is known as having lots of festivals. Luckily for me, my trip happened to coincide with the Montreal en Lumiere festival. Make sure you check before you go if there is a festival happening or plan around the festival. I didn’t realize it was happening until I was walking around the area and saw all of the light installations. There were also acrobats and high-divers performing as well as a massive ice slide. Montreal definitely knows how to put on a festival.

Day Trips from Montreal

Montreal is perfectly placed to explore the Laurentian Mountains with top destinations like Mont Tremblant or to take a day trip to another city like Canada’s capital of Ottawa or Quebec City. When I visited, I chose a day trip that would explore some of the beauty of the Laurentians and Quebec’s beautiful landscapes.

If you don’t feel like renting a car, there are day trips that you can join from Montreal to explore other parts of Quebec. Some of the most popular day tours from Montreal are Quebec City and Montmorency Falls and the Laurentian Mountains including Mont Tremblant .

Forest Skating Trail at Domaine Enchanteur

This ice skating trail at Domaine Enchanteur outside of Trois-Rivieres is about a 2-hour drive from Montreal and so worth it. Skating on the frozen trails that wind through the pine forest here is a magical experience. I love skating trails, like this one at Arrowhead in Ontario , so this skating trail was a main draw to planning a trip to Montreal.

There are 15 km of trails here to skate on so it’s easy to spend an hour or two skating through the forest here. You can rent skates here and they also have warming stations and drinks and snacks for sale. Try to arrive early to avoid any crowds as this place does get quite busy.

Winter Hiking at La Mauricie National Park

After skating at Domaine Enchanteur, drive to La Mauricie National Park. The drive to the park is beautiful by itself, taking you over snowy rolling hills. Approaching the park, the landscape with the villages and houses on the edge of the river looks very European. It’s more like driving in France than like being in Canada.

While during the summer you can do a nice loop through the park, winter forces the road to be closed so you can only access part of the park. The Saint-Jean-des-Piles Entrance is open for winter and will give you access to a lodge and cross-country ski, snowshoe, and hiking trails.

At the park, you can rent snowshoes or crampons for your boots depending on the trail you choose to hike. There are quite a few trails you can choose from here. I chose the Du Camping route, which took about 2 hours and was only 4.5 km. The trail takes you on a loop through snowy forest and gives you great views of the river below.

Visiting Montreal, Quebec

Overall, I was super impressed with what Montreal has to offer. Three days there is just enough to see the top sights of the city and have a nice day trip. I love the food scene in Montreal and will definitely be planning a trip in the future to explore more of the city and day trips outside of it. Especially in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood there is a feeling of creativity to the city that gives a lot of character to Montreal beyond just being a North American city with European looks. It’s definitely a unique city that has a lot to offer its visitors.

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12 comments.

This post has really motivated me to visit! I’ve only been to Vancouver! So many awesome things to check out in Montreal!!

Vancouver is a lovely city as well! Montreal is a great city destination in Canada, hope you get a chance to visit 🙂

My favorite part of my one visit to Montreal was a day trip to Quebec. So European and fun! Your photos are lovely!

Thanks Sharon! I’ve yet to visit Quebec City but it looks gorgeous!

Can’t believe I’ve never made it up to our northern neighborhood, but I would love to one day. Montreal seems like a wonderful town to visit filled with so much history! Adding to my bucket list for future travels!

Hey southern neighbour! Hope you get a chance to visit Montreal (and Canada!). It’s such a cute city 🙂

I was planning to visit Montréal this summer but hopefully I can go in the autumn, and explore this beautiful place! I’ll keep your article as a reference for later!

Montreal seems like it would be a great autumn destination, hope you can visit then 🙂

Looks amazing… Montreal has long been on my list and I look forward to getting there. Thanks for your post, I’m pinning it for later ?

Montreal definitely exceeded my expectations 🙂 Hope you get a chance to visit soon

Hopefully one day my travels will take to me Montreal. It’s so beautiful

It is beautiful, hope you can visit Montreal at some point 🙂

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Montreal blog — the ultimate montreal travel guide blog for first-timers.

Canada has long been one of the attractive tourist destinations of the Americas. Canada not only has prosperous, thriving and bustling cities but also has majestic nature with spectacular mountain ranges, breathtaking national parks. Coming to Canada, you will discover many famous tourist cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Quecbec or its capital of Ottawa, etc. And definitely speaking of the famous tourist cities of Canada, it is impossible not to mention the city of Montreal — Which dubbed the Canada’s capital of culture, a beautiful and impressive city. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Montreal for the first-time? Let’s check out our Montreal blog (Montreal travel blog, Montreal travel guide blog) with the fullest Montreal travel guide (Montreal visitor guide, Montreal canada travel guide, Montreal city guide, Montreal guide, Montreal tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Montréal — the economic, industry, technology center of the Québec province and the second most populous city in Canada after Toronto with a population of around 4.2 million (Montreal Metropolitan in 2022). With 2 cultures Anglo-French coexisting and harmonizing, when traveling to Montreal, one of the tips that visitors should not miss is to learn a few basic French sentences to communicate, because there are half of Montrealers use French as their primary language.

Montreal blog: Overview of the city of Montreal

Montreal is a large and thriving city located in the province of Quebec, in the southwestern region of Canada. Montreal is about 150km from Ottawa and about 200km from Quebec City. Traditionally, Montreal once was known as the largest city in Canada and also the second largest city in the world after only to the French capital Paris.

If Toronto is one of the cities that bring slightly Urban Style in American style, Montreal is a bustling city in European style. The city of Montreal possesses a modern but equally romantic beauty. Add to that a bit of extravagance. As a large city with a immigrant population from more than 100 different countries, Montreal has a diverse, unique and rich culture.

A brief history of Montreal and culture

Montreal is located in southwestern Quebec on an island in the bed of the Saint Lawrence River, named after a hill on the island — Mount Royale. The Island of Montreal Island has been the land of the Algonquin, Huron and Iroquois indigenous for thousands of years before the French arrived to explore North America in the early 16th century.

In 1642, missionaries founded a village within the boundaries of present-day Montréal. That village was named Ville-Marie and it kept expanding. The majority of Ville-Marie’s population is French, but after Ville-Marie was handed back to the British Empire in 1760, immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland and other parts of Europe also settled here. For that reason, Montreal is mainly a place of intersection between French and British cultures, a miniature of Europe in the heart of Canada.

Besides France, Montreal is home to the world’s largest French-speaking community: Nearly 50% of Montrealers speak French, more than half of Montreal’s population can speak both French and English very well.

Montreal brings the beauty of a romantic and poetic French city, from the ancient streets, calm river to the churches covered with green moss — All bring Montreal peace, leaving a deep impression in the heart of every visitor who have visited here.

Montreal travel blog: When should you visit to Montreal?

Montreal is a city influenced by continental climate with high average humidity throughout the year. Therefore, summer in Montreal is quite warm and pleasant. Summer is also the time when many exciting and attractive festivals in Montreal takes place such as Jazz Festiaval or Just for Laughs.

Most tourists who have traveled to Montreal will admit: Montreal is most beautiful and charming in the fall (September – November). Besides the fresh, cool and pleasant air, the autumn of Montreal also captivates visitors with the yellow and red color of the carpets of maple leaves. The whole space will be brilliant and romantic in the moment when the changing season comes.

Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year, when the trees begin to change their leaves colors and cover the city. While summer is the time for festivals like Jazz Festival in early July, Just for Laughs and Fantasia in mid-July.

Summer (June – August) is a favorable season for tourists from tropical regions like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and other tropical countries the weather is hot and humid, the average temperature fluctuates around 20 degrees, convenient for sightseeing, outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, the winter of Montreal (December – February) is extremely harsh, with heavy snowfall, sometimes with very large blizzards. Snow falls from early December to early March. For that reason, you should visit Canada’s warmer cities like Vancouver.

Spring (March – May), the weather is getting warmer, this is the season to restart Montreal tourism after a long “winter break”, after 3 months of cold winter.

Montreal travel guide: How to get to Montreal?

All flights to Montreal will land at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport which located just over 20km from the city center. The lowest airfare will be about USD 500 – 600 from Vietnam. You should book tickets at least 1 month in advance to save traveling costs.

In addition, you can also take a bus from Toronto, Ottawa or New York from the U.S. to Montreal with affordable prices. Train is also an interesting option. The trains run between Montreal and Halifax, Toronto and New York, it offers wireless networks and beers to drink during the trip.

Getting to Montreal from Toronto

Because I live in Toronto, so there is only Megabus is the cheapest option. But before buying tickets, you should pay attention to find coupons for Megabus, if you are lucky, you can buy tickets at a much lower price for the route Toronto-Montreal. To find these coupons, just go to Google and type a few keywords to get a “bunch” of suggestions. In addition, if you buy in groups, you can also get a discount.

It takes about 6 hours of traveling from Toronto to Montreal. One thing I forgot to say about Megabus is that the terminus is close to the Metro (subway), so it’s very convenient for commuting.

Besides Megabus you can take Greyhound , Via Rail … to get to Montreal from Toronto. If you don’t have a car but have a driver’s license, you can use Zipcar service to rent a car.

Montreal travel blog: Getting around Montreal

Montreal is a city with a fairly developed and convenient public transport system. The whole city has about 192 bus routes, 4 subway lines and 68 tram stations. With a such modern public transport system, you can reach to any place in the city. If you travel a lot, you should buy a day ticket (Pass) to be able to use all kinds of vehicles at cheap prices.

Tourists can buy a day ticket to be able to use all kinds of vehicles at a cheap price with a 1-day or 3-day ticket. Also, there are dedicated bike lanes in Montreal, so if you’re feeling a little adventurous, hop on a Bixi bike, a city public bike-sharing system, and explore the city in another perspective.

Since we were in Montreal for 3 days, we decided to use the Metro Pass (3-day pass for $18). Travel freely with Metro and bus. When buying tickets, remember to ask for a Metro map for easy travel.

Montreal blog: Where to go, what to do in Montreal

The city of Montreal owns a beautiful landscape, impressive small spaces, a peaceful atmosphere. When traveling to Montreal, visitors will admire many quaint, ancient architectures from the 17th and 19th centuries and also many corporate headquarters built in the early 20th century. In particular, the attractions around the city mostly serve free to the community.

Address: 2600 Av Pierre-Dupuy, Montréal, QC H3C 3R6, Canada Architectural style: Brutalist architecture Opened: 1967

Montreal has many interesting attractions for us to explore. One of the most famous attractions in Montreal is Habitat 67 Apartments which is also an strange inconic of the city, was designed by Moshe Safdie, an Israeli-Canadian architect. This is a very unique architectural complex made up of 354 architectural cubes made of reinforced concrete. The cubes are arranged on top of each other in a very special way. This is also considered one of the most unique architectural works in the city of Montreal.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T1, Canada Opened: July 1, 1829

The next place to visit that you should not miss is the Notre Dame Basilica. This is a beautiful old cathedral built in the Gothic Revival architecture and English Gothic architecture styles with a height of 60 m. Coming here, you will surely be amazed and impressed by the intricate carvings on the ceiling of the church. The altar here has an extremely splendid orange-yellow color.

It is the first parish church in North America (construction started in 1647), the Cathedral is steeped in the history of Montreal. It had hosted major events such as the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1982 and the marriage of the Canadian famous singer Celine Dion in 1994.

This is a prominent site of Vieux-Montreal, designed by an Irish architect and built from 1824 – 1829. If you have the opportunity, go inside the Catholic church to admire the works of art and its interior design. It is revealed that the stars on the blue-green ceiling are made of 24-carat pure gold.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

Address: 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3V 1H6, Canada

The famous Catholic Church in Montreal which opened in 1904 with a height of 129 m and built in the architectural styles of Renaissance architecture, Italian Renaissance. The church not only attracting more than two million visitors to visit and pray every year, thousands of people of different religions from all over the world to pray because of the sacredness of “Brother Andre Jesuit” – who is the founder of the church.

Ville-Marie (The historical district of Old Montreal)

Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the highest point: Mount Royal – where the name Montreal comes from. Montreal is also the filming location of many beloved American movies and TV series such as Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, Lucky Number Slevin and The Notebook… Wandering around the Old Montreal, drop by shops, exploring some famous tourist spots, sipping a hot cup of coffee while watching people pass by is also a great experience.

Place Jacques Cartier

This is a lively, bustling public square, surrounded by the unique historic architecture of buildings, cafes, shops and restaurants. During the summer, the area will be closed to vehicles so that locals and tourists can walk freely. Place Jacques Cartier offers views of Montreal City Hall and the impressive Nelson’s Column, the city’s oldest structure.

Saint-Paul Street (Rue St-Paul)

Considered a tourist icon of the city of Montreal, Saint-Paul Street was established in the late 1600s. The street is less than 1 mile long and was once a bustling shopping district in the old town area of ​​Montreal. The most prominent feature is the cobblestone street, the surrounding eateries, bars and old buildings.

Montreal Science Centre

Address: 2 de la Commune St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 4B2, Canada Tickets: CA$18–20 Opened: May 6, 2000

The Montreal Science Centre was founded in 2000, formerly is a science museum of Motreal, Quebec. Here visitors can explore science and technology while they also can imagining the future through dynamic and interactive exhibitions. A good place that suitable for families with kids with interactive exhibitions on science and technology and an IMAX theatre as well.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1J5, Canada Hours: 10AM–5PM/Monday; Tuesday: Closed

Perhaps this is the Montreal’s most prestigious museum, the museum of fine arts was originally founded in 1860 by a group of local art collectors and supporters. Today, the museum includes paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs and decorative artworks displayed through five galleries namely international art, world culture, art decoration and design of Quebec province and Canada and international art.

Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 1 Place Ville Marie, Montreal, Quebec H3B 3Y1, Canada Hours: 11AM–7PM/Saturday, Sunday: 12–5PM/Monday: Closed Founded: 1964

Since 1964, the Museum of Contemporary Art has showcased some of the best contemporary art from around the world. The Montreal Museum of Art is a free entry after 5:30 p.m. every Thursday where visitors can explore the collections of European masters.

Here you will find a wide range of digital and acoustic works, paintings, installation art, temporary works, sculptures and more. Located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles (the city’s major cultural district), the museum is a cultural hub that makes art an integral part of everyday life in the city of Montreal.

Montreal Insectarium

Address: 4581 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B2, Canada

Opened: February 7, 1990 and located in the Botanical Garden, this is a unique insect museum that gathers nearly 250,000 insect specimens with the number of species of 95 and is the largest insect museum in North America. Don’t be surprised to see giant spiders or scorpions.

La Ronde Amusement Park

Address: 22 Chem. Macdonald, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3, Canada

Opened in April 1967 with an area of 59 ha and 8 Roller coasters for Expo 67, the 1967 World Fair. If you go with a family with young children, you should try once to visit La Ronde park – the largest amusement park in Eastern Canada. There are many attractive games such as roller coaster, ferris wheel…

Known as the arts and hipster hub of Montreal, Mile End is a neighborhood located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal district of Montreal. This is a place for young people in general and art lovers in particular. Here you’ll find an array of fashion boutiques, eateries, live music bars, vintage shops and underground music venues. All of these sites immerse themselves in the culture of Canada’s Jewish and Portuguese communities, embodying the richness and diversity of the Mile End.

Mile End has even been called “the heart of Montréal’s incomparable independent music scene”. Some of Mile End’s most famous attractions include Church of St. Michael and St. Anthony, Café Olimpico, Casa Del Popolo, Drawn & Quarterly Bookstore, Wilensky’s Light Lunch (made famous by author Mordecai Richler) and Frank and Oak

La Ville Souterraine (Montreal Underground City)

Traveling to Montreal, visitors cannot help but visit the underground city of La Ville Souterraine. This is a place full of restaurants, shops, hotels, cinemas, exhibition areas, subway stations, nightclubs and libraries.

Known as “the home of life”, the Biodome is home to four models of the ecological systems of the Americas, home to 750 species of plants and 4,800 species of animals. In the Naturalia area, children can play educational games and interact directly with the animals. At the fossil exhibition area, you can admire the white whale skeleton up to 10,000 years old.

Lachine Canal

As a national historic site with ancient beauties, it is a destination that anyone coming to Montreal should not forget to visit. The roads on both sides of the canal is a rest stop or picnic for many people. Especially the souvenir shops, the surrounding small markets create a wonderful beauty for interesting discoveries that make you forget the time.

The Lachine Canal has a length of 4km starting from Old Montreal to Atwater Market. Coming here, you can explore the daily life of the people on both sides of the canal which will be very interesting.

Montreal Botanical Garden

Address: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B2, Canada

Consisting of 190 acres of gardens and greenhouses along with the no. of species of 22,000, the Montreal Botanical Garden was established in 1931 and offers a range of themed green spaces including Alpine Garden, Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Rhododendron garden, Japanese Garden… There are a total of 10 greenhouses, and over 22,000 species that can be explored around the peaceful grounds. This is also an interesting place to watch the sunset. If you go in May, you will see cherry blossoms everywhere.

Jean Talon Market

Address: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3, Canada Hours: 8AM–6PM

Jean Talon Market is considered one of the oldest markets in the city of Montreal, located in the Little Italy neighborhood. During the high season, there are more than 300 vendors with various products ranging from fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, spices, cheese to handmade goods. Jean Talon Market is also one of the largest in North America, with most of the produce being local specialties or from Quebec.

The market is open year-round and the stalls change with the seasons. Those interested in exploring Montreal’s cuisine can enjoy sandwiches, pancakes, tacos, cakes, ice cream, fresh juices and great coffee. In particular, the Le Marché des Saveurs du Québec (Address: Marché Jean-Talon, 280 Pl. du Marché-du-Nord, Montréal, QC H2S 1A1, Canada/Hours: 9AM–6PM) store specializes in Québec specialties such as wine, cider, fresh cheeses, smoked meats and some other elegant gifts. This is a great place to buy fresh food and soak up the open atmosphere of the locals. This is a great place to buy fresh food and soak up the open atmosphere of the locals.

Montreal used to be famous as a city with a developed maritime industry. Old Port was once a busy place with hundreds of ships and boats coming in and out. Today, the Old Port has become a familiar resting and relaxing place for Montrealers as well as tourists. Here, you will see the ancient architecture. You will have the opportunity to walk on the cobblestone roads, visit the beautiful Place Jacques-Cartier square. In addition, Old Port also has many modern shops and shopping centers.

Just a few minutes from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal you will find the Old Port. See the quaint buildings spread along both sides of the road. This is a bustling part of the city and a hub for shopping, dining and even live music performances. Stop by to enjoy the performance of talented street artists.

Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is not only a place where you can enjoy the fresh and pleasant atmosphere. Because it is located at the highest point of the city, this park is also an ideal place for you to see the city of Montreal from above. Mount Royal Park is like an observatory in other famous cities in the world.

Olympic Stadium

Address: 4545 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, Quebec H1V 0B2, Canada

Built for the 1976 summer Olympics with a capacity of 66,308 and a height of 165 m as one of the most recognizable structures in the city, it was the home of Montreal’s former baseball team, the Expos, until they moved to the United States to become the Washington Nationals. Currently, it serves as a venue for special events, concerts, trade fairs and conferences. The stadium is a part of the Olympic Park complex, a larger entertainment destination that includes other famous landmarks and attractions: Biodome, Botanical Garden and Insectarium.

This is one of the most impressive works, it is also the most controversial architecture because it was built for the Olympic Games in 1976, but still not completed until 1980 despite the cost up to 1.47 billion of dollars. However, this is also a very attractive place for tourists.

Similar to Vancouver, in the city of Montreal, there is also a neighborhood dedicated to Chinese people living and working. Montreal’s Chinatown is located at De la Gauchetière Street. This place sells a lot of items from food, fashion, households to convenience stores for visitors to explore and discover.

Montreal International Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival is the largest international jazz festival in the world. Come to Montreal in July and take part in a 10-day festival spread across 20 other stages, clubs, and concert halls across the city. Every year attracting more than 3,000 artists from many countries around the world. There are about 650 performances and attracts more than 3 million visitors each year.

When the free outdoor shows take place, most other entertainment activities in the city are closed. The show usually has 100,000 people attending and sometimes even doubles. A few big names who have performed at the festival over the years include Ray Charles, Diana Krall, the Symphony Orchestra, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Ahmad Jamal.

Montreal blog: What and where to eat?

You will definitely want to try the traditional dish and also known as the national dish called “Poutine”. This dish consists of French fries topped with curd cheese and topped with a brown meat sauce. La Banquise (Address: 994 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J3, Canada) is the exclusive shop that offers Poutine (in many variations) and is open all day. Many restaurants here have taken Poutine to a new level with the addition of some other attractive ingredients such as bacon, mushrooms, onions…

Beaver Tails

Referring to Montreal cuisine, beaver tails cannot be ignored. This is a type of pastry made from flour, similar to a donut but with a flattened shape like the tail of a beaver. The pastry is fried to a crispy golden color and spread with a layer of greasy butter or chocolate sauce, fruit jam… When enjoying, you will see that the outside of the cake is golden crispy, the inside is soft and fluffy, and the sweetness of the toppings blends together.

Montreal bacon

Bacon has made its own mark on Montreal cuisine thanks to its distinctive flavor. Unlike any other, the bacon here is made from lean pork loin, adding spices and covered in cornstarch layer. When processing, the pork will be marinated longer, add more pepper and less sugar, so the bacon has a different flavor than other places in Canada. It can be eaten with rye bread and mustard, the bacon is very tender, rich with the flavor of smoke that will stimulate your taste buds.

The best place to try the world famous bacon in Montreal is the restaurant Schwartz’s Deli (Address: 3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X9, Canada/Hours: 10AM–10PM). Schwartz’s Deli is the most famous restaurant in Montreal. Especially, this place always attracts millions of visitors with its bacon. Accordingly, the bacon here is selected from the lean pork loin. Then it will be processed with typical cooking spices and rolled in cornstarch to be smoked. Therefore, this dish has made the name of Schwartz’s Deli restaurant for many years. Mix with the locals and don’t hesitate to order more a plate of pickles and fries while enjoying Motreal bacon.

Caesar Cocktail

The unique combination of vodka and clamato juice – a mixture of tomato juice and sea scallop soup, with a little spicy chili sauce or pepper sauce. An indispensable ingredient is the special Worcestershire sauce, specially formulated from food to mature for 18 months.

Bagel is a ring-shaped bread, famous all over the world, sprinkled with sesame seeds. There are bakeries in Montreal that have been around for hundreds of years, with a special style of baking that is kept very secret. This cake is very popular with tourists because of its unique and attractive taste thanks to the secret of the mixing ratio of ingredients: flour, malt, honey, eggs, yeast, cinnamon…

You can get this bagel at two shops vying for the top spot, Fairmount Bagel or Saint-Viateur Bagels.

Fish and brewis

This dish was created by sailors, is a combination of salted cod and bread. Bread will be soaked in water to soften, salted cod is also soaked in water to reduce salinity, then all are boiled and mixed with cracklings.

After trying all of these greasy dishes and cakes, you may want to enjoy the farmhouse and delectable menus of celebrity chef Normand Laprise by visiting Toque or Brasserie , which together belongs to a small chain of restaurants.

From open coffee shops to Starbucks, Montréal has it all. Through the bustling streets of the city center and even the old houses, you can easily find warm cafes. If you are looking for the perfect combination of delicious pastries, coffee and a place that can make you emotional, go to Tommy Cafe or Cafe Olimpico. If you’re a tea lover, when the clock ticks to 4 o’clock, arrange for Birks Café par Europea to enjoy their famous afternoon tea.

Montreal travel blog: Shopping in Montreal

Take time to stop by Canada’s first lavish fashion house, Marie Saint-Pierre , which also has a boutique on Rue Montagne street. Otherwise, you may want to check out the Ogilvy Department Store (Address: 1307 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1P7, Canada) has been established since 1866. Or you can strolling along Saint-Catherine Street where you can find a lot of expensive goods, major brands and stores.

Saint Catherine Street is home to many unique shops and multi-storey shopping centers, and in the basement there are many retail stores to choose from.

Montreal blog: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Nelligan ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Place d’Armes Old Montreal ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Auberge du Vieux-Port ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Bonaventure Montreal ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-Ville ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top hotels in Montreal on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Happy traveling! Read more guide to other cities: Ottawa , Quebec , Toronto and Canada travel guide here .

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A travel expert who has been to more than 90 countries says these are the best under-the-radar destinations

• Samantha Brown shared three underrated travel destinations to avoid crowds.
• Brown has visited over 90 countries in her 20-year career as a seasoned travel host.
• She said Australia and Canada offer unique experiences.

From Europe and Asia to South America and Australia, Samantha Brown has been to more than 90 countries around the world.

The Emmy-award-winning travel host of the PBS show " Samantha Brown's Places to Love " takes viewers across the globe to share what it's like to experience different cultures.

She's been hosting travel shows on various networks for 25 years, including Travel Channel's "Great Vacation Homes."

In a recent conversation with Business Insider, Brown highlighted three underrated destinations that will wow you without the crowds.

Darwin is an underrated destination in Australia.

Darwin is at the top of Australia in the Northern Territory.

"It's closer to Asia than it is to Melbourne or Sydney," Brown said. Singapore is about 300 miles closer than Melbourne, according to Google Maps.

Despite the roughly four-hour flight between Darwin and these more popular Australian destinations, Brown says it's a hidden gem worth visiting because of its unique landscapes in the two bordering national parks, Mary River and Litchfield.

The surrounding national parks may make you feel as if you're on another planet.

Brown travels to Darwin to see waterfalls, pools, and unique landscapes at Mary River and Litchfield National Parks.

"You're in this phenomenally different landscape from the Outback. Darwin feels as if you are not only hitting a new country but a new planet," she said. "It's unlike anything you've ever seen. And I think if you've traveled that far, you need to see that."

If you enjoy train travel, board the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. It is known as one of the most scenic railways in the world , with dramatic landscapes inaccessible by other transportation modes.

If you can't get to Europe, take a trip to Montreal.

"If Europe is too expensive, go to Montreal ," Brown said.

The city in Canada's eastern province of Quebec is just a 90-minute flight from NYC.

The French-Canadian city feels like Paris, according to Brown.

The French-Canadian city reminds Brown of Paris with historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and French culture.

Most Montreal locals speak French, and with a European aesthetic, it's easy to see why Brown considers it a comparable destination.

"Montreal is one of the best cities in the world," she said. "The 400-year-old city feels like Europe for half the cost."

She's particularly a fan of the public art scene. According to the city's website , more than 1,000 pieces are displayed around Montreal and are free to view.

Brown recommends taking yourself on a free tour. From the streets to the underground metro stations, Montreal is full of art.

"I love public art, and I love places that we are all allowed to inhabit with no money," Brown said.

A great place to start is Place Jacques Cartier , a public square filled with street artists and vendors, as BI previously reported.

Costa Rica may not seem like a hidden gem, but it is during the rainy season.

In Central America, Costa Rica is a hot spot for tourists. From beaches and jungles to volcanoes and cloud forests, travelers can have a range of experiences in one trip.

But fewer tourists visit in the summer, as Costa Rica's wet season begins in late May and spans six months.

Many tourists don't know that the rain clears up midseason for July.

In the midst of the wet season, rain stops in Costa Rica in July, Brown told BI.

"It happens every year, just for the month of July," she added.

Since many travelers assume Costa Rica is rainy all summer, prices for flights and hotels decrease.

"You can go to the Caribbean side, where all the resorts are, or you can go to the interior, where there are volcanoes and rainforests," Brown said. "You're going to a place that everyone loves to go to. The biodiversity is off the charts. But you're going at a time when no one thinks to go."

For more ideas on where to travel this summer , Brown released the ultimate itinerary in a Summer Travel Trends Report in collaboration with Klarna.

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Travel the world without breaking the bank

Travel expert pamela holt shares some “destination dupes” for budget conscious travelers..

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - You don’t have to sell your soul to see the world. Experience some of the most popular travel destinations without emptying your bank account by visiting some of these exotic U.S. and Canadian cities.

Pamela Holt, travel expert and executive producer and host of “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel,” joined our show to share some affordable “destination dupes” for this year’s summer travelers.

“Destination dupes” are more affordable or accessible duplicates of popular travel destinations that offer similar experiences for travelers who are either budget conscious or want to skip the crowds this summer. And here are a few of Holt’s favorite dupes for this year’s summer travel season.

• Montreal, Canada (dupe for Paris)
• Albuquerque, New Mexico (dupe for Spain)
• Sonoma, California (dupe for Tuscany)
• Bora Bora (dupe for Maldives)

Watch the clip to learn more about these affordable yet exciting summer getaways.

For more travel tips and “destination dupes,” visit Holt’s website at pamelaholt.com or find her on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Related: Understanding the benefits of pre-travel stretching

Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.

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You won't be 'overcrowded by thousands of tourists': What to know about Montreal cruises

• Montreal is the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province.
• The city offers a relatively quaint cruise experience.
• The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023.

On a recent afternoon, I strolled beside patches of purple flowers on a wooden walkway at the Port of Montreal. The Promenade d'Iberville green roof, with western red cedar decking and more than 24,000 aromatic and flowering plants, was built on top of the city’s main cruise terminal.

The effect was less industrial infrastructure – like many ports – and more charming urban parks.

Montreal may be the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, but it offers a relatively quaint cruise experience. Bridges between Montreal and Quebec City block vessels with air draft – the distance from the waterline to the highest point on a ship – over 49 meters (or about 161 feet) from berthing at its facilities in Old Montreal.

The ships that visit are generally smaller (though the city can accommodate those with a maximum 50-meter (164 feet) air draft east of the Jacques Cartier Bridge).

“We are positioning Montreal as a niche port for luxury ships,” Yves Gilson, associate director of cruises at the Port of Montreal, told USA TODAY during a visit in May. Here’s what to know about sailing into and out of the city.

The cruise inventory tends to be upscale

Montreal typically welcomes ships carrying 2,000 passengers or less from several upscale cruise lines, which tend to operate ships with lower capacity. Those include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Viking, Ponant and more. Though not a luxury brand, one of the city’s main clients is Holland America Line, which will send its 1,432-guest Volendam ship there this season.

The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023. By contrast, its neighbor to the northeast, Quebec City, saw 154,000 passengers . Despite its smaller population, large ships from operators like Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line will visit Quebec City this season (along with smaller vessels).

Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, added that it’s not just ocean cruise ships that stop in Montreal. “There are river cruises that can get in and out of there as well,” he said.

Gilson noted that the city “could absorb” traffic from bigger ships if not for the bridges. “But on the other hand, the experience for the guest is marvelous because you know they will not be overcrowded by thousands of tourists,” he said.

You can hit the ground walking

The main cruise terminal is close to many of the city’s popular attractions. Old Montreal’s Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica and the Place d’Armes are less than a 10-minute walk away, and numerous restaurants, shops, and museums are also nearby. 

I grabbed a prosciutto sandwich at Italian grocery store Dispensa; ate on a bench outside; picked up a coffee at Cafecito and was able to be at the main terminal within 15 minutes or so on foot while taking in views of the water and architectural landmarks like Habitat 67.

There are also multiple close bicycle rental and Metro stations, and waiting taxis (the port works with software platform, Véco Taxi, which gives priority to electric vehicles).

Gilson said more lines are offering overnight stays in Montreal, giving guests more time to explore.

When is the best time for a Montreal cruise?

Montreal’s cruise season begins in May and ends in October, hitting its peak during the last two months of that period. Feldman said fall foliage is a particular draw for passengers. 

Montreal often features on Canada and New England itineraries alongside ports such as Boston, Massachusetts and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The port’s cruise calendar can be found by clicking here .

The sailings tend to last around 10 to 14 days. “The distances between the ports in this region can be significant and navigation through areas like the St. Lawrence River and around the Gulf of Maine take time,” he said. Passengers on those sailings are looking for a “more immersive experience.”

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“Longer itineraries allow for more time in each port and often include scenic cruising days,” he added.

Cruise ships have historically avoided the area when cold sets in, but that could soon change: Ponant’s icebreaking Le Commandant Charcot will offer sailings in St. Lawrence in the winter of 2025. While the ship will not visit Montreal due to its size – though it will stop in Quebec City – Gilson hopes it will mark a shift.

“And eventually, we believe that all the cruise lines will get into the St. Lawrence during the winter,” he said. “So, it's gonna be an all-year-round cruise destination.”

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Tourisme Montréal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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