While Toronto has been written and vlogged about the most, Montreal is the more wonderful city to travel, live, and work. It has been ranked one of the best cities in the world by The Economist, Lonely Planet, and MSN. Montreal has many personalities — it is a bustling commercial city, a safe and quiet place to raise a family, and an exciting tourist attraction. In addition, there’s never a dearth of things to do in Montreal, Canada. So, if you’re thinking about traveling to this Canadian city, read on to discover what it is all about.
Notre Dame Basilica
Voted one of the world’s best places to visit by National Geographic and one of the top Montreal attractions, the Notre Dame Basilica is a stunning marvel of architecture. As a structure that was built in the honor of Saint Joseph, the scale, symmetry, and intricate gothic detailing are truly inspiring. The mass here only accentuates the awe you experience upon viewing this monument.
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 110 Notre Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T1, Canada | Timing: Hours of operation are affected by the pandemic. Visit https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/fr/covid19 for more details. | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/npQy22y8vGpozVtb7 | Phone Number: +15148422925
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the center of the city’s tourist industry and one of the top places to visit in Montreal. It has restaurants, bars, and night clubs and many other sightseeing options along with things to do in Montreal, Canada.
Some of the spots to see include the Old Port of Montreal, where you can tour the largest underground city in North America or head over to Saint Laurent Boulevard, which is another major street with tons of shops and restaurants.
By Murat ilgarlar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Vieux Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Y51MdjvAbYnXSEFR9
Place Jacques Cartier
Place Jacques Cartier is a historic square located in Old Montreal. Its north-south axis follows that of the Saint Lawrence River. Pointe a Callier (the Museum of Archaeology and History) is located north and west, Saint Sulpice Seminary is located south. The historic marker indicates that this used to be the meeting point for the colonial assembly of New France during the 17th century. Do not forget to stop by at its iconic restaurants.
By Jean Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Place Jacques Cartier, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B3, Canada | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/waAnYXoT7rBpeMU59
Château Ramezay
Château Ramezay is a historic house museum in Old Montreal, built between 1705 and 1724 by merchant Louis Théandre Chartier de Lotbinière, Marquis de Lotbinière for his wife Marie Madeline Bossé. However, it’s most notable for its time as a prison and later a museum. Today it offers suitable accommodations and a slew of history-filled spots that you can visit at your leisure. It also makes for a fantastic wedding venue.
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 280 Notre Dame St. East, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1C5, Canada | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/Chateau Ramezay?share | Phone Number: +15148613708
Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium is located at the Hochelaga Maisonneuve district’s Olympic Park. It opened in 1987 on the demolished Olympic Stadium site and was built to accommodate all current sporting events except for the ceremonies. The stadium’s seating capacity is 57,300 for rock concerts and expos, which are always through the roof.
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By REUVEN FRIZI, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4545 Pierre de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, Quebec H1V 0B2, Canada | Timing: 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dLgPtKmbnpaR1aiZ8 | Phone Number: +15142524141
Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe à Calliére)
You may have heard of a shipwreck, an archeological dig, or a city museum, but how about all three bundled together? Montreal Museum of Archeology and History is a manmade space that has been built around the findings from the Pointe à Callière archaeological site.
Founded in 1992 by the merger of the city’s archaeological and historical collections with that of the former Stewart Museum, Pointe à Callière is devoted to presenting human history as told by archeology.
By Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 350 Place Royale, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 3Y5, Canada | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LAF3tU5SctzmfZH98 | Phone Number: +15148729150
Montreal Biodome
The Biodome will take you on a journey through four climates—arctic, tropical rainforest, sub-tropical and boreal forest. You can walk, drive and even ride a bike on the top of the world!
The Biodome has four indoor botanical parks, each one showcasing different ecosystems (Tropical Rainforest, Laurentian Forest, Saint Lawrence Marine Habitat, and Quebec Fieldlands). These botanical parks mimic several ecosystems found in Canada’s province of Quebec.
By Fishhead64, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4777 Pierre de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1B3, Canada | Timing: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Mi8gTEsX7pBA6QUZ9 | Phone Number: +15148683000
Jardin Botanique Montreal
Jardin Botanique in Montreal is the city’s most famous botanical garden, much loved by locals and visitors. This botanical garden features a jaw-dropping array of exotic plant species, which is not only a photographer’s dream but also a botanical garden escape for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Address: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B2, Canada | Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, Friday to Saturday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6px9ebJzQr5XG9NK6 | Phone Number: +15148683000
Contemporary Art Museum of Montreal (Musée d’art contemporian de Montréal)
The Contemporary Art Museum of Montreal is a structure that contains one of the largest collections of Quebec, Canadian and international art in North America. There are more than 12,000 works by close to 5,000 artists.
It presents temporary exhibitions of Quebec and international contemporary art, develops projects aimed at broadening the knowledge and awareness of contemporary art, and provides a venue for intellectual exchange about art.
By Thomas1313, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 185 Saint Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3X5, Canada | Timing: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wphkrn1EEV8uJ56r5 | Phone Number: +15148476226
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best things to see in Montreal. It has a great collection of both historic and contemporary pieces. It’s a fascinating destination for art lovers who want to enjoy some fantastic masterpieces and also people who would like to learn more about history, artists, etc. The architecture is also breathtaking. There are three different buildings with a special theme, each.
By Jim Henderson, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1J5, Canada | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Wednesday: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NjoYnePvuqMBHvQw7 | Phone Number: +15142852000
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is a mountain in the city of Montreal that is really the crème de la crème of all the boroughs. Mount Royal keeps a dual identity as a Montrealer cultural center and an internationally renowned tourist destination. It is, in fact, also one of the jewels of the Canadian metropolis, and many travelers flock here each year. They go for sightseeing the famous spots such as the park and Chalet.
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By Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: Montreal, QC H2W 1S8, Canada | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eCe5pVR7gosYBeid6
Underground City
Perhaps no other city in the world has a more complex set of underground tunnels and passageways. The network of these manmade caverns is called the Underground City. The Underground City is an incredible network of tunnels underneath the streets of Montreal. It consists of three levels, including shopping complexes, food courts, and parking. There’s also a metro station and numerous at grade entrances.
As the largest network of pedestrian tunnels, the Underground City is an iconic tourist spot. Stretching from one end of the city to another, visitors can tour for miles through the subterranean city without even knowing it. These tunnels house restaurants, shopping spots, and public spaces such as the “Place du Canada” which connects Central Station to the Bell Center.
Address: 747 Rue du Square Victoria #247, Montréal, QC H2Y 3Y9, Canada | Timing: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cB2atLaJUwLMgiJK9
La Ronde (Park Home)
La Ronde is a big amusement park made up of rides that go around in circles. The amusement park, which could be compared to the Coney Island Park in New York (but much smaller), is located in Saint Helen’s Island, close to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.
It has 50 top Montreal attractions including seven roller coasters and unique attractions such as the famous Merry Go Round. La Ronde was built by Cyclone Taylor, who was also one of the founders of the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team.
By MB-one, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 22 Chemin Macdonald, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3, Canada | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://g.page/laronde sixflags?share | Phone Number: +15143972000
St. Joseph’s Oratory (Oratoire St. Joseph)
St. Joseph’s Oratory is the largest church (by area) in Canada and is a magnificent structure known to be one of the most prominent landmarks. St. Joseph’s Oratory (Oratoire St. Joseph) is an extraordinary monument and must-see spot. Sitting atop the Westmount Summit, 2930 feet above sea level, it affords visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
By Pierre Bona, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3V 1H6, Canada | Timing: 08:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zMjhqByPFEi3P3586 | Phone Number: +15147338211
Barbie Expo
If you’re visiting Montreal and you’re a Barbie fanatic, this is an exhibition you don’t want to miss! Nestled away in the heart of Montreal, the Barbie Expo is a must-see for adults and children alike. This unique dollhouse display is positively dreamlike; so much so that it leaves visitors speechless. The incomparable collection contains nearly 1,000 dolls dressed in what can only be described as designer gowns.
By Librarygurl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1455 Rue Peel suite 206, Montréal, QC H3A 1T5, Canada | Timing: Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 am to 06:00 pm; Thursday, Friday: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WZv6FmSui75ZZ2ZRA | Phone Number: +15143803830
Parc Jean Drapeau
Dating back to 1953, Parc Jean Drapeau has been providing locals and tourists alike with great green space and a full offering of sports and family activities for over 50 years. Bicycle, rollerblade, canoe, pool, concert, or even roller skate, Parc Jean Drapeau has everything for the whole family. It would always be a good idea to include this in your Montreal to-do list!
You will appreciate the wide variety of activities proposed on the site. You can find there the largest tropical water park with a giant bucket, the second biggest artificial lake in the country (20 hectares), and finally, four exhibition halls, among which is the aquatic complex aqueous, containing pools of different temperatures.
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By remundo, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC H3C 1A9, Canada | Timing: 06:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GBQGvjxDTeVf8e7j7 | Phone Number: +15149779328
Jean Talon Market
The Jean-Talon Market on the corner of Rue Jean-Talon and Avenue du Parc is a staple of Montreal. Established in 1933, it’s the largest outdoor farmers’ market in Canada. On any given, day you’ll find all kinds of food vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. The market is home to a couple of grocery stores as well that offer convenient year-round shopping for local produce, meat, and cheese. Even better? The restaurants here use all these ingredients to whip up a slew of delectable dishes.
By Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3, Canada| Timing: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nrvbCYFLT1eoPVTv8 | Phone Number: +15149377754
Montreal Holocaust Museum (Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal)
The Montreal Holocaust Museum is a compelling sight and a solemn reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. A trip to this place is an experience you won’t forget. It is currently the only organization that focuses exclusively on the Holocaust in Canada’s French-speaking province of Québec.
As a non-profit organization, it aims to sensitize the public to the Holocaust and its contemporary forms through exhibitions, lectures, films, guided tours, and new media.
By Virginiewenglenski, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 5151 Chemin de la Côte Sainte Catherine, Montréal, QC H3W 1M6, Canada | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/museeholocauste?share | Phone Number: +15143452605
St Viateur and Fairmount Bagel
Montreal’s got that European feel to it, and the bagels are definitely a large part of that. The St. Viateur and Fairmount Bagel shop offers variety as well. Whatever your taste, St Viateur and Fairmount Bagel have a tonne of different options for whatever mood you are in.
Fairmount Bagel:
Address: 74 Av. Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2, Canada | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ceNC8RMwajBLssve7 | Phone Number: +15142720667
St. Viateur:
Address: 263 Rue Saint- Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2V 1Y1, Canada | Timing: 06:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u52jhESQaJnvFyCi7 | Phone Number: +15142768044
Place des Arts
Place des Arts in downtown Montreal is the cultural heart of the city. Teachers and students of the University of Montreal study and perform here and artists and musicians exchange ideas. There is a fine arts theatre, a concert hall, and a jazz club.
A contemporary performing art complex, it is situated in the Quartier des Spectacles of downtown Montreal. Four stages — Salle Claude Champagne, Théâtre Maisonneuve, the Studio Théâtre and La Grande Bibliothèque — offer a wide range of cultural presentations including contemporary dance, theatre, music, circus, and multimedia.
By © Caroline Bergeron, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Montreal, Quebec H2X 1Y9, Canada | Timing: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6UCuGdW3VbWKEiyaA | Phone Number: +15148422112
Notre Dame de Bonsecours Chapel
Located at the foot of Mount Royal in Old Montreal, Notre Dame de Bonsecours Chapel is a lesser-known gem of the city and a history buff’s paradise. This 275-year-old historic building was a Jesuit college in the 18th century and now houses an art school. The architecture, stain glass windows, and clocks are well worth a visit!
Built in 1771, Notre Dame de Bonsecours Chapel is astounding with a mix of historical value and architectural design. It was made to be a destination for Port of Old Town residents to gather and enjoy.
By DXR>, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 400 St Paul St E, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1H4, Canada | Timing: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ivrRs26Lvd12v6BN9 | Phone Number: +15142828670
St. Mary Queen of the World
If you happen to be looking for a monument to celebrate your Catholic faith, the Church of St. Mary Queen of the World should certainly be one of your top choices.
Saint Mary Queen of the World has long been one of the most-photographed destinations in Montreal. It is located on Square Victoria, a very popular tourist site since it combines an old church with beautiful architecture, a shopping mall, and entertainment venues.
By Maksim Sokolov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1085 Rue de la Cathédrale, Montréal, QC H3B 2V3, Canada | Timing: 07:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/npnXWrzRBsA5dVK28 | Phone Number: +15148661661
Centre d’Histoire de Montreal
Montreal is graced with a rich and storied history, one that the Centre d’Histoire de Montreal is tasked with preserving. They do this through exhibitions, site visits, demonstrations, and exploration; allowing visitors to rediscover their city or learn something new. If the history of this city takes your fancy, this destination should be a mandatory stop.
It reflects Montreal’s rich history and culture. For over two centuries, iconic structures have come to shape the city into what it is today. In 1837, the post office was built by Karl Lewis Daume after he won the public competition for its exterior design. The building stayed open until 1929 when it was then dedicated to another purpose. After decades of being a storage room, in 1994 the building was converted into a museum — one that now honors its history with visitors from all across the world.
By Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1210 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2S5, Canada | Timing: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/memmtl?share | Phone Number: +15148723207
McCord Museum
The McCord Museum is the oldest and largest Canadian museum outside of the National Gallery in Ottawa. It features a collection spanning from the first nations to the French Revolution.
McCord Museum is the largest museum of Canada’s history and culture. The McCord houses a collection of over 4 million historical artifacts, paintings, and works of art. It also houses a unique collection of photographs and moving images including the Brainard Collection. One of the newer permanent exhibitions is an immersive walkthrough of the city’s history narrated by Leonard Cohen.
By Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 690 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1E9, Canada | Timing: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/museemccord?share | Phone Number: +15148616701
Square Saint Louis
Saint Louis Square can be found in the Old Montreal area. The square was home to the Château Saint Louis from 1698 to 1843. The square is lined with buildings on two sides and open to Notre Dame Street on the other two sides.
There are a number of notable buildings lining Saint Louis Square such as the Notre Dame Church and the former head office of Air Canada.
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Address: Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Timing: 08:30 am to 12:00 pm; 01:00 pm to 04:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9Lp3DH98Pv3RZCPV8 | Phone Number: +15148720311
Montreal, the second-biggest city in Canada, is characterized by its multiculturalism and laid-back vibe. It is not only a melting pot for bilinguals but also for multi-cultural people, which means it has preserved its traditional customs while adapting to all of the newcomers, making room for lots of Montreal attractions. If you are looking for a vibrant list of things to do in Montreal, Canada, we hope you have found them here.