Explore the stunning city of Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province. This city is unique and has varying architectural influences, ranging from French colonial, cobblestones, and Gothic. There are so many great reasons to visit this city. Visit the stunning attractions and really immerse yourself in life here.
We have made a list of the top ten things to do, ensuring we have the best of the best attractions and landmarks on our list, ready for you to use as guidance:
Mount Royal Park
This small mountain is located within the city and is the perfect escape for nature lovers. Even if you aren’t the biggest nature lover, a day trip to Mount Royal Park is an absolute must! The mountain is located on what was once an active volcano site, predating almost 125 million years. The 692 acres offer stunning views of the city and natural landscapes. Whether you decide to hike, take a quick stroll, picnic, or even go skiing on this mountain, you are sure to have a memorable day out here.
Notre Dame Basilica
The Notre Dame Basilica is located within Old Montreal. The church’s interior is regarded as a gothic masterpiece, its architecture and decoration being arguably the most dramatic in the world. This church is a must-visit and no trip to Montreal is complete without a visit here. The Basilica receives 11 million visitors per year.
What draws visitors here?
The church is decorated with a unique color scheme, ranging from gold, blue, purple, silver, and red. The interior is scattered with wooden carvings and sculptures. What stands this cathedral apart from any other in the world is that its stained glass windows do not depict biblical scenes. Instead, the church portrays visuals detailing Montreal’s history. Another feature of note is that this church houses a Casavant Freres Pipe Organ, dating back to 1891 and comprising 7000 individual pipes.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Step aboard the largest observation wheel in all of Canada. Many visitors are attracted to La Grande Roue de Montreal as it gives the finest views of the city. Step inside the gondolas, with crystal clear glass walls you will be able to take in the stunning panoramic views of the city at over 60 meters high. The best part? The ride is only 20 minutes long and located on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River. This leaves plenty of time for sightseeing and visiting other landmarks in Montreal!
Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden)
Visit the grounds that were once hosted at the 1976 summer Olympic games. Parc Maisonneuve (Pie IX Metro) is the site that is now home to Montreal’s lavish botanic gardens. This is a worthy stop on your exploration of the city. The gardens are home to varying plant species, some extremely rare and unique. Stroll through 30 different themed gardens and soak up all that these spectacular displays of nature have to offer. From Vhine, Japanese, alpine, medicinal, shade, useful, medicinal, and even toxic plants. The roses are grown to be used by First Nation peoples and the greenhouses display their own unique offerings. Venture inside one of the ten greenhouses and feel as if you have stepped inside a rainforest and many other natural wonders.
Oratoire Saint-Joseph (St. Joseph’s Oratory)
Regarded as the mecca for pilgrims, St Joseph’s Observatory is a must-visit. Located just outside of Mount Royal, this architectural masterpiece offers visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of Canada’s patron Saint. The huge renaissance style domed basilica dates back to 1924. Visit the tomb of Brother Andre and follow the trail to Mount Royal, where you are guaranteed to take in spectacular views of Montreal.
Montreal Fine Arts Museum
Visit the oldest museum in Montreal and feel transported into an eclectic mix of art and masterpieces. The museum is home to vast amounts of collections, ranging from over 1400 pieces of art, sculptures, and new media. You will see over ten thousand objects, collected from continents all over the world. Artists’ works displayed here range from names such as Matisse, Picasso, Rodin, Otto Dix, Cézanne, Dali, Miró, Monet, Derain, and Kandinsky. This is a must-do attraction for any art lover.
Chinatown
Explore the colorful neighborhood and walk in Chinatown. The neighborhood itself dates back to the 1860’s and is a tribute to the Chinese laborers who came to Montreal in search of a better life and opportunities. Now fast forward to today, it is a cultural epicenter where locals and tourists combined come to marvel at the spectacular colors and decorations. Sit down in Chinatown and grab a bite to eat authentic Chinese food.
Square Saint- Louis and Rue Denis
Explore the lavish and equally stunning French Canadian residential quarter. The Victorian houses are a colorful oasis and embody a combination of multicultural and hippy styles. The quarter is conveniently located near Sherbrooke metro station and is worth hopping off the metro just for a glimpse at these unusual houses. You may find that some of the Victorian buildings have been renovated into restaurants, if you want to grab a bite to eat before embarking on your next stop, then this is the perfect place to do so!
Parc Jean Drapeau
Once the site of the Expo ‘67. It comprises two islands and is located east of the Saint Lawrence River. The two Islands are named Notre Dame Island and St Helen’s Island. The park was named after Jean Drapeau, the mayor of Montreal and initiator of Expo 67.
The biosphere is now a museum dedicated to ecological issues. The building was built in the shape of a sphere and is the largest structure built as such in the world. There are many attractions here on this island and a worthy day out for all the family. The park has multiple attractions for everyone to enjoy, such as the amusement park, casino, beach, and aquatic center. There is so much to see and do. Whether you choose to explore the Biosphere or unwind on the beach. This is an absolute must-see and do!
Cabaret Mado
If you are a fan of live entertainment and comedy, then this is the place for you. Spend an evening enjoying the performances here at Cabaret Mado. Watch live performances from drag acts, and enjoy the singing and dancing. If you feel peckish then simply pop next door to La Dinette a Mado, a 1920s-inspired diner that serves sandwiches, chili, pasta, and many other delicious options. After you’ve enjoyed the live entertainment, the club transforms into a nightclub. Dance the night away and enjoy this local hotspot.
Old Montreal
Explore this 17th-century neighborhood and step back in time to when Montreal was once one of the greatest cities in all of North America. Marvel at the European influence that is apparent throughout this part of town and ventures deep into the heart of the old quarter. Discover what secrets dwell within this part of Montreal. Sample the delicious cuisine, watch the street performers, shop inside the plaza and maybe venture into the famous historical landmarks, such as the Notre Dame Basilica.
