Things to Do and See in Montreal
How Did I Fall In Love With Montreal
I wasn’t actually looking for a second home but I found Montreal: a booming place with a blooming personality and plenty of things to see and do, in a uniquely European way.
I should say the change was not easy, I’m from a tropical country and leaving the beach so far away to be in a cold city with a lot of snow, was something I’ve never expected to happen. But it’s been five years since I moved to Montreal and I always find something that makes me fall over again, from the diverse cultures, good eats, beautiful sights, through the charming architecture.
So if you are looking for the perfect getaway I’ll convince you that it is the perfect place for your next trip.
A little bit from everyone.
I don’t know what it is about the city, but every single thing has its something. Depending on your interests, there is always something to do throughout the year, even in winter, from a good museum to graceful sights.
Mont-Royal
The largest park/hill in Montreal, the best place to visit during summer and get a remarkable view of the city from the Chalet du Mont-Royal. It’s quite a hike up to the hill, but the view is worth it. Besides, you can always take a cab, or the bus, which is cheaper.
For those early birds, the sunrise from the top of the hill is such a beautiful thing. Sometimes there is someone playing the piano and make a complete experience.
The park is free to visit.
During summertime there is plenty of green spaces and activities to enjoy such as biking, walking, and picnic, especially around Lac aux Castors, or Beaver Lake, where you can also rent a boat, and every Sunday afternoon, locals gathered around the George-Etienne Cartier Monument, for the famous Tam-tams. In the winter, it’s cold and icy but the view is still amusing and there are options for skating, snowshoeing, and sledding.
Basilique Notre-Dame
Located in Old Montreal, this is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve seen. The glamorous Gothic Revival design, the magical lights, the impressive organ inside, and the luminosity at night are just a few things that make this place so delightful. And behind the sanctuary is a small modern style chapel, Chapel of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur, that’s quite beautiful.
There is typically an $8 admission fee for the Basilic and lines during summertime are long, but this is certainly a must-see and you’ll find it on every Montreal Bucket List.
Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal)
Behind the Basilica is what’s considered Old Montreal, the romantic square of the city and everyone’s favorite. Narrow streets and stunning old buildings, a lot of boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. My two favorites streets are Saint-Paul and Place Jacques-Cartier, where you can also find lots of street artists.
The walk along the river to admire the boats and cruises, reach the clock tower, with a great view of Montreal, and the urban beach, which is open in the summer, a small space with sand, chairs, and parasols.
During wintertime, there is an outdoor ice rick and bonfires lining the street.
Oratoire St Joseph
It is Canada’s largest church where you can get one of the best views of Montreal.
This church architecture and design are beautiful along with the landscapes. It is a peaceful and serene place. An experience worth taking.
Plateau Mont-Royal
Oh, Le Plateau!
The most photogenic neighborhood in Montreal. Home of vintage boutiques, new coffee shops every then and now, beautiful parks, picturesque Victorian houses, vivid murals, attractive bars, and delicious restaurants.
RESO – The Underground City
Montreal is also known for its underground city, a series of walkways, buildings, metro stations, hotels, and shopping malls that are interconnected underground. Pretty useful during wintertime when temperatures drop below – 20°c.
Botanical Garden
The ideal place to take a full relaxed day and disconnect from the bustle. There are many beautiful and breathtaking gardens, but my favorite is the Japanese Garden.
Every autumn, they organize Jardins de Lumière, traditional Chinese lanterns, a zen tour of Japan, and the First Nation projections are part of this magical show of lights.
Museum of Fine Arts
Montreal is full of fascinating museums but I particularly love the MMFA that connects several buildings, with outstanding exhibits that worth the admission fee. It’s also free on the first Sunday of the month.
Parc Jean Drapeau
Free to visit! Do you need more reasons?
This is where the Grand Prix race takes place every summer. The rest of the year, you’re allowed to walk or bike around the track.
The Biosphere and Jardin des Floralies are also located on this island.
Markets
If you are a market lover like me, Montreal’s markets have their charm. My three favorites: Jean-Talon Market, Atwater Market, and Maisonneuve Market. Where you can find fresh local and seasonal products and more.
Festivals
Montreal is the city of festivals.
Indoor private venues and free outdoor stages and open areas that host over 100 festivals such as the Jazz Festival, the most famous in Montreal, and the largest one in the world.
Montreal Beer Festival, International Fireworks Festival, Les FrancoFolies, Food Trucks Festival, Just for Laughs, Osheaga, Fashion Festival Mode et Design, Weekends du Monde. No matter the season, there will be at least one festival.
Food
Heaven for food lovers.
The iconic dishes: poutine, smoked meat, and bagels, are three more reasons to love the city. But the diverse cultures make the food scene of this city something marvelous.
Local craft beers
If you love beer, Montreal would be a paradise for you, but if you don’t like beer, you’ll learn to love it, as I did.
There are so many microbreweries around the city for you to try.
I could keep going on the beautiful sights and things that make me love this piece of earth but I honestly think that you should come and see it yourself.
