The Best Travel Guide to Montreal

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Montreal

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North America Canada Montreal

Overview

Montreal The guide was updated: 2025-12-23

Montreal is Quebec’s largest city and one of Canada’s most multicultural places, shaped by French roots, North American ease, and a constant creative pulse. Food, music, and festivals spill into the streets, and each neighbourhood feels like its own small world. Often called the Paris of North America, it’s a city recognised for its vibrant dining scene, lively nights, and a rhythm that’s impossible not to get caught up in.

Facts

Population:	City: 1.97 million (2025)
Currency:	Canadian Dollar (CAD, $)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Montreal Gazette: montrealgazette.com Montreal Times: mtltimes.ca The Suburban: www.thesuburban.com CTV News: www.ctvnews.ca/montreal
Website:	www.mtl.org/en https://montreal.ca
Tourist information:	Tourist Welcome Office in Old Montreal (Bureau d'Accueil Touristique du Vieux-Montréal) Place Jacques-Cartier, 174, Rue Notre-Dame E., Montreal +1 514 844 5400

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Section in Montreal

From historical landmarks to eclectic neighbourhoods to lose yourself in, Montreal could very well be one of the coolest places on earth. There is enough to do and see to fill up an entire holiday, and every season brings its own charm. Frozen lakes in winter leave way for flowery mounts in spring, and sunbathing in the summer disappears into the maple colours of fall. With its mix of history, culture, and nature, Montreal never fails to impress

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

Old Montreal is the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where cobblestone streets, stone façades, and centuries-old buildings still set the pace. Be transported back in time as you wander past historic squares, churches, and former warehouses along the river. After visiting the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, walk through the area from Champ de Mars to Place d’Youville. Along the way are landmarks such as City Hall and Bonsecours Market, small museums, and public spaces, as well as cafés and shops tucked into historic buildings.

Vieux-Port de Montréal & La Grande Roue de Montréal

Vieux-Port de Montréal & La Grande Roue de Montréal

The city’s Old Port is a lively waterfront area with plenty to see and do all year long, from pedal boats and bicycles in summer to winter events like Igloofest and New Year’s celebrations. Take a walk along the piers, catch a street performance, or stop at the Clock Tower Beach for a relaxed moment by the water. This is also where La Grande Roue de Montréal, the tallest observation wheel in Canada, is located. From 60 metres up, it offers 360° views over the city and the St. Lawrence River.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal

Step off the busy streets of Montreal and into nature to take in city life from up above. Mount Royal is a perfect viewpoint to see the entire city in all its glory. The way up is a bit of a hike, so wear good shoes, but once you're there, take a deep breath and let the clean, fresh air fill your lungs. Do not miss Saint Joseph's Oratory.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The most famous and picturesque cathedral in Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, is sure to leave an impression. Walk through the nave, across the dark blue floor, watched over by the large statues, to reach the impressive altar. The Basilica is a breathtaking sight, one that will most likely put you in a meditative state.

Montreal Botanical Garden

Montreal Botanical Garden

Step into a green escape in the middle of the city and explore over 22,000 plant species across 10 exhibition greenhouses and around 20 themed gardens. Take your time wandering the tree-lined paths, ponds, and the Japanese, Chinese, and alpine gardens. Nearby attractions like the Biodôme, Insectarium, and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium are all within walking distance, making it easy to combine a few stops in a single visit. Allow a couple of hours to fully appreciate each space and its unique displays.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Montreal is praised by the overwhelming majority of its visitors, and for good reason: it has the largest collection of fine art in Canada, as well as a continuous rotation of exhibitions. Just like the city itself, the museum showcases two sides to art: historical and modern.

Laurentian Mountains

Laurentian Mountains

Head north from Montréal to explore Quebec’s forested peaks, sparkling lakes, and charming towns like Mont-Tremblant. The region offers steep slopes, rock formations, and seasonal colours that shift from spring greens to autumn reds. Outdoor activities are abundant year-round, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking, biking, and paddling in summer. Stop in a lakeside village for a coffee or stroll, or simply enjoy the views from scenic roads and lookouts.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a Formula One circuit on Notre-Dame Island, which hosts the Canadian Grand Prix each year. Outside race days, the full circuit is open to cyclists, rollerbladers, and pedestrians, offering a rare chance to experience the layout and corners used by F1 drivers.

Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology & History

Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology & History

Discover the birthplace of Montréal at this national archaeological and historic site. Explore the layers of the city’s past, from Indigenous settlements to colonial times. The museum also showcases contemporary installations alongside historical artefacts, letting visitors trace over 1,000 years of human activity in the area. Walk through excavated remains, old streets, and multimedia displays to get a real sense of how Montreal grew into the city it is today.

Bell Centre

Bell Centre

There's always something going on at Bell Centre, Montreal’s main indoor arena and home of the Canadiens hockey team. Check the schedule for NHL games, major concerts, or Cirque du Soleil, or join a guided tour that gives access to behind-the-scenes areas like the locker rooms.

Montreal Biosphere

Montreal Biosphere

The Montreal Biosphere is an environmental museum housed inside a geodesic dome on Saint Helen’s Island. Explore exhibitions on climate, water, and ecosystems, with hands-on displays that work well for families. The setting is also part of the appeal, with parkland and river views all around.

Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood

Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood

Plateau Mont-Royal is an iconic residential neighbourhood known for its outdoor staircases, brick Victorian townhouses, independent shops, and strong creative streak. Wander its leafy streets to catch live music, browse small boutiques, or settle into a café that feels like a local living room. Streets like Saint-Denis and Mont-Royal Avenue are lined with record shops, bakeries, bookshops, and bars that fill up quickly in the evenings. Being close to Mount Royal also makes it easy to mix neighbourhood wandering with a walk or picnic on the mountain.

La Ronde

La Ronde

La Ronde is a huge amusement and entertainment park located on Saint Helen's Island. With around 40 attractions ranging from roller coasters to water games, it's a great activity for families in the summer. Keep in mind it closes during winter and usually reopens in May.

The MEM — Montreal History Centre

The MEM — Montreal History Centre

House in a converted fire station, The MEM celebrates the diverse stories of Montrealers through exhibits, public spaces, and cultural activities. This newly transformed museum highlights the city’s rich and plural identities, offering a space where the voices of Montreal's past and present come to life.

Rage: Axe Throwing

Rage: Axe Throwing

Do you have some stress or anger you would like to get rid of? Say no more, Rage is the activity for you. This very unique place will teach you how to throw axes in eleven different throwing corridors. Whether you're here for a celebration or to release negative energy, be prepared to discover your inner warrior.

Bota Bota

Bota Bota

Housed in a converted river ferry, Bota Bota is a floating spa on the St Lawrence River offering saunas, hot tubs, and outdoor pools, with the occasional daring dip in the river. The spa also hosts DJs, movies, yoga classes, and live music events. Expect to pay a little extra for such a unique experience.

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