What to do in Montreal

Explore Old Montréal

Old Montreal is the historic heart of the city, offering an immersion in the past with its cobblestone streets, 17th-century buildings and European atmosphere.
Start your visit at Place d’Armes, where you can admire Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Gothic church famous for its sumptuous interior.
Continue your stroll along Rue Saint-Paul, lined with art boutiques, galleries and charming restaurants.
Don’t miss the Bonsecours market and City Hall, two emblematic monuments.
A visit to the Old Port, with its water sports and green spaces, is the perfect way to explore this historic district.

Climb to the summit of Mount Royal

Mount Royal, a hill in the heart of the city, is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect as New York’s Central Park, this park offers hiking trails, bike paths and spectacular vistas.
The Chalet du Mont Royal and its belvedere offer a panoramic view of the city, especially magnificent at sunset.
In winter, the park becomes a winter sports paradise, with cross-country ski trails, tobogganing and skating on Beaver Lake.

Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Canada’s most prestigious museums, housing an impressive collection of works of art from Antiquity to the present day.
The museum is divided into several pavilions, each dedicated to a specific artistic period or style.
Among the treasures in the collection are works by European masters such as Rembrandt and Monet, as well as renowned Canadian artists.
The museum also offers captivating temporary exhibitions, lectures and workshops.
It’s a must-see for art lovers and those wishing to discover the cultural richness of Montreal.

Taste the local cuisine

Montreal is a true gastronomic destination, famous for its local specialties and world-renowned restaurants.
Don’t miss the famous Montreal bagel, baked over a wood fire and often compared to the New York bagel.
Poutine, a comfort dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy, is another must.
The city’s restaurants offer a wide range of cuisine, from traditional French dishes to international flavors.
For a unique culinary experience, visit the Jean-Talon or Atwater markets, where you can sample fresh, local produce and discover the flavors of Quebec.

Attend a festival

Montreal is known as the city of festivals, with year-round events celebrating music, art, film and more.
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, one of the world’s largest jazz festivals, attracts internationally renowned artists and thousands of visitors.
In summer, the Just for Laughs Festival offers comedy shows, street performances and special events.
In winter, the Festival of Lights illuminates the city with art installations and festive activities.
No matter when you visit, there’s always a festival to discover.

Discover the Biodôme

The Biodôme de Montréal, located in the former Olympic velodrome, is a unique attraction that lets you discover five ecosystems of the Americas under one roof.
You can observe animals and plants from tropical forests, Laurentian maple groves, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sub-polar regions and the Pacific coasts.
Nearby Espace pour la Vie also includes the Botanical Garden, the Insectarium and the Planetarium, offering a full day of educational and entertaining exploration.
Each offers interactive exhibits and activities to delight visitors of all ages.

Shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine

Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of Montreal’s main commercial arteries, stretching for several kilometers and home to a variety of boutiques, department stores, restaurants and cafés.
This lively street is ideal for a day’s shopping, offering everything from international brands to unique local boutiques.
In winter, you can also explore the underground city, a network of subterranean pedestrian passageways linking shopping centers, hotels and metro stations.
Sainte-Catherine is also home to a variety of events and parades, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Strolling through Parc Jean-Drapeau

Parc Jean-Drapeau, located on Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, is a vast green space offering a multitude of outdoor activities.
In summer, the park offers beaches, swimming pools, hiking trails and bike paths.
Thrill-seekers can visit La Ronde, the largest amusement park in Eastern Canada.
In winter, the park is transformed into a snowsports paradise, with trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating.
The park also hosts major events such as the Osheaga Festival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and outdoor concerts.

Visit Château Ramezay

The Château Ramezay, located in Old Montreal, is a historical museum offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history.
Built in 1705, this historic building served as a residence for the governors of New France and played an important role in Montreal’s colonial history.
The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as historical re-enactments and interactive activities.
The château’s gardens, laid out according to 18th-century traditions, offer a peaceful setting for strolling.
A visit to Château Ramezay takes you back in time to discover the historical roots of Montreal.