Montreal, a vibrant metropolis in Quebec, Canada, is a city that effortlessly combines history, culture, and modernity. Famous for its unique blend of French and English cultures, exquisite cuisine, vibrant festivals, and a thriving arts scene, Montreal is a city rich in history and hospitality.
From its charming cobblestone streets to its thriving arts scene, Montreal offers a multitude of attractions for visitors to explore. In this expert’s travel guide, you’ll take a journey through Montreal’s must-see sights and learn valuable insights to make the most of your time in this captivating city.
What To See In Montreal: Mount Royal Park
No visit to Montreal would be complete without a trip to Mount Royal Park — simply called “the mountain” by locals. This sprawling green oasis offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or even a hike to the summit. The iconic Mount Royal Cross stands proudly atop the mountain, symbolizing the city’s rich heritage.
The park’s lush greenery, meandering paths, and serene atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Families can enjoy picnics on the grassy areas, explore the wooded trails, or simply relax and admire the scenic surroundings. Hiking and walking through the park are the most popular outdoor activities and can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. On the walking trail, you may come across Beaver Lake — a recreational spot offering paddleboats and rowboats during the summer and an ice-skating rink during the winter. Further down the path is the Smith House. This charming stone building serves as a gathering center for learning about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts through educational displays and exhibits.
If your family needs a break from all the walking, the park has many playgrounds scattered throughout, offering a fun and safe environment for children to play. Equipped with swings, slides, climbing structures, and more, these playgrounds make for the perfect rest stop. Keep an eye out for seasonal festivals that entice all ages to explore the culture through music, food, and crafts.
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Old Montreal. Wander through its cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved 17th-century architecture, quaint shops, art galleries, and delightful cafés.
This historic district showcases the city’s rich heritage and unique history. Walk the streets and feel like you’re stepping back in time. What to see in Old Montreal? You’ll encounter landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market, and Place d’Armes. Plus there are plenty of museums to stop into, including the Pointe-à-Callière Museum featuring interactive archaeological exhibits, and the Centre d’histoire de Montréal displaying the city’s past through multimedia presentations.
While wandering the streets of Old Montreal, you’ll come across street performers showcasing their unique talents. Musicians, magicians, jugglers, and other artists add a lively atmosphere to the district. You’ll also find many boutique shops with specialty items that make for perfect gifts or souvenirs. And don’t wait to take a breather at one of the local dining spots, including an array of cafés, bistros, and restaurants. From French cuisine to international flavors, there’s something for everyone.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Gaze in awe at the breathtaking beauty of the Notre-Dame Basilica. Known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, intricate woodwork, and vibrant stained-glass windows, this historic church is a true masterpiece. Attend a concert to admire the impressive Casavant organ during your visit. Whether you wander on your own or join a guided tour, the Basilica’s history is something most visitors find intriguing.
While you can certainly attend a religious service at the basilica, you may also want to purchase tickets to the Aura light and sound show. Aura is a specialty event that takes you on a journey through the history and artistry of the Basilica. Spectacular lighting effects, music, and projections on the interior surfaces create and immersive and mesmerizing experience. Aura is an evening performance that runs six days a week (excluding Sundays).
The Museum Of Fine Arts
Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the extensive collection housed within the Museum of Fine Arts. With over 44,000 works spanning various periods, styles, and mediums, the museum collections encompass art from around the world. From classic to contemporary, the museum showcases works from renowned artists worldwide, including artists of European, Canadian, American, African, and Asian descent. The exhibits feature paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, decorative arts, and more. Don’t miss the permanent collection featuring Canadian art, as well as the rotating exhibitions that offer fresh perspectives.
If you’re here to learn more about the artwork, the museum hosts a range of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages. These programs include guided tours, lectures, workshops, art classes, and interactive activities designed to engage visitors with the artworks on display. There are even hands-on workshops tailored for children, making it an incredible family-fun opportunity.
Quartier Des Spectacles
Experience Montreal’s vibrant arts and entertainment district, Quartier des Spectacles. This bustling neighborhood is known for its numerous theaters, concert halls, and performance venues. Keep an eye out for festivals, such as the Montreal Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs, which bring the streets to life with music, comedy, and cultural celebrations.
It’s a cultural hub for a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, and multimedia installations. The district features numerous public spaces, squares, and plazas that are transformed into interactive art installations and gathering spots during festivals and events. Throughout the year, the district hosts a multitude of festivals and live performances that are tailored to a wide range of ages and interests.
Montreal Botanical Garden
Escape the bustling city and explore the tranquility of the Montreal Botanical Garden. Spanning more than 190 acres, this expansive garden features a wide variety of themed gardens, including traditional Japanese and Chinese gardens, as well as a rose garden. Take a leisurely stroll, attend a guided tour, or simply relax amidst the natural beauty.
The botanical garden is one of the largest gardens in Canada, covering an area of 190 acres. It features an impressive collection of more than 22,000 plant species, including stunning gardens, greenhouses, and thematic exhibits. Stroll through the various gardens with your family or with a guide. The educational programs are for visitors of all ages. Families can participate in interactive exhibits, including the world of plants, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.
While you’re visiting the garden, step into the Insectarium, featuring a vast collection of live insects and preserved specimens. Learn about these insects and their habitats, behaviors, and ecological importance. After you get your fill of insects, play at one of the outdoor spaces and relax while your children enjoy the large playground area.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
Spanning over 11 miles, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the main tourist street in Montreal. It runs through the heart of the city and is lined with an abundance of shops, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The bustling street offers a lively atmosphere and is perfect for shopping, dining, and taking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings. It’s centrally located, offering easy access to Place des Arts, Quartier des Spectacles, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, just to name a few. When it comes to what to see in Montreal, many of the city’s top sights can be found on Rue Sainte-Catherine.
The street is lined with both large shopping complexes and smaller, independent shops, providing a varied experience for all tastes and budgets. From department stores and international retailers to boutiques and specialty shops, you’ll find a wide range of options for clothing, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, and more.
It wouldn’t be one of the most iconic spots in the city if it didn’t offer amazing dining options. The street is dotted with numerous restaurants, cafés, and eateries catering to different culinary preferences. Find a diverse range of cuisines, including local Quebecois dishes, international flavors, trendy bistros, and casual eateries. If nightlife is up your alley, this street is perfect for an all-day event. Catch a theater performance, concert, or blockbuster movie, and then enjoy the lively bars, clubs, and music venues.
Final Tips For Your Montreal Visit
When planning your trip to Montreal, it’s important to give yourself enough time to properly see and experience the city’s top sights. For most people, three days is a good amount of time to spend in Montreal — it’s enough to get a taste of the city’s highlights. Focus on these must-see landmarks and exploring key neighborhoods, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the local culture. Montreal is known to be a highly walkable city, making it easy for you to easily bounce from one spot to the next.
Montreal’s vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a captivating urban experience. Soak in the city and embark on a remarkable journey through Montreal. For further reading on things to see and do in and around Montreal, check out these fun and informative articles, also on RCI.com: