Montreal is one of the most visited cities in French-speaking Canada, and one of North America's industrial and cultural centers. Here's what you can do to discover it on your trip. Montreal is not only one of the most important cities in Quebec, Canada, but also one of the country's most visited tourist destinations. This is due in part to the number of attractions and activities it offers, but also to the fact that it has historically been one of North America's cultural landmarks, so there are many ways to discover it during your trip. Visiting Notre-Dame Basilica, gazing at the city skyline from the Ferris wheel, seeing Mount Royal and exploring Jean-Talon Market are just some of the top things to do in Montreal, a city that also offers adventure tours, ice hockey matches and visits along the St. Lawrence River, which plays a major role in this destination.
1. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica
Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, though less famous than its Parisian namesake, is not to be outdone in terms of beauty and architectural splendor. Built in the 19th century, this majestic basilica is an example of the neo-Gothic style, captivating all visitors with its elegance and ornamental details. inside the basilica, stained glass windows tell the story of the city and its important figures, bathing the space in mystical light and bringing to life the rich history of the site. The high vaulted ceilings also feature designs that mimic the Paris Basilica, which served as the inspiration for this Montreal religious building dedicated to the French-speaking Catholic community. Intricate details and sculptures adorn the walls and pillars, creating an architectural work of art that deserves to be admired up close. You can appreciate the dedication and skill of the craftsmen who worked on the decorations and fashioned the building, which has been a symbol of the city's faith and culture for over a century. The basilica is not only an attraction in its own right, but also maintains the worship calendar. During your visit, if you wish, you can take part in the religious ceremonies, and if you're planning to visit Montreal at Christmas, you can attend the Christmas Eve mass on this site.
2. Discover the city skyline from the Giant Ferris Wheel
If you want to see Montreal in all its splendor, you can't miss the city skyline from the Giant Ferris Wheel. This experience will give you a unique perspective of the city during a leisurely ride that will take you above the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a panoramic view not to be missed. From the Old Town to the modern skyscrapers of the financial center, you'll discover every corner of the city from gondolas that reach heights of over 60 meters. You'll have a unique opportunity to appreciate how architecture blends into the natural environment, as you'll also see the ubiquitous St. Lawrence River weaving its way between buildings and parks. The Giant Ferris Wheel will also allow you to take some of the most beautiful photos of your trip, whether by day with the sun illuminating the city, or by night when the bright lights tint the skyline, as a visit to this site is one of the best things to do in the evening in Montreal. The Ferris Wheel is one of the starting points for guided tours of Montreal. If you decide to buy tickets for the Giant Ferris Wheel, you can take advantage of your visit to see the banks of the St. Lawrence and nearby attractions.
3. Tour Mount Royal
A visit to Mount Royal is an enriching experience that combines natural beauty with the history and culture of this Canadian city. Mount Royal, a hill that rises in the center of the city, offers visitors an oasis in the midst of urban bustle. A visit to Mount Royal gives you the opportunity to explore the picturesque paths and trails that wind through the park. From easy routes for enthusiastic hikers to more challenging trails for adventure seekers, you'll find options for all skill levels. What's more, from the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the heart of Montreal . This site is part of the history and culture of the city and its inhabitants. The very name Montreal comes from this natural attraction. If you opt for a guided tour of Mount Royal, specialized guides will tell you about the park's design by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect responsible for New York's Central Park. If you plan to visit Montreal in April or during the spring months, you can discover the park surrounded by vibrant colors as native species of plants and trees bloom.
4. Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts houses a vast collection in galleries showcasing a wide range of works, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and historical artifacts. The exhibition covers different artistic periods and styles, and is one of the best things to do in the city with children, especially for its interactive exhibits.what's interesting about this exhibition is that the information provided on each work and artist is clear and precise, allowing you to understand the historical and cultural contexts in which the works were created. This will facilitate your visit and enable you to wander around on your own, without needing to opt for a guided tour, as the signage is also available in several languages. What's more, the museum's atmosphere allows visitors to relax during their visit and get in touch with the works on display. Experienced art lovers and casual tourists alike can enjoy this experience at one of Montreal's finest museums, located in Ville-Marie, halfway between Notre-Dame Basilica and the foot of Mount Royal. If you plan to visit Montreal in winter, skating rinks are located close to the museum, so you can make the most of your visit to this part of the city.
5. Watch a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey match at the Bell Centre stadium
Attending a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game can be an unforgettable experience for any Canadiens fan, and is one of the most interesting things to do when visiting the city. From the stands of the Bell Centre stadium, where the franchise plays, you can hear the roar of the crowd, dressed in the team's emblematic colors of red, white and blue. The Montreal Canadiens, with their rich NHL history and heritage, are one of the league's most successful franchises, and also represent the city in Canada and the United States. From September to January, you can attend regular season games, and from February to April, the playoffs. So, depending on when you travel, you could be witnessing some of the league's greatest moments. During your visit to the Centre Bell, you'll also discover one of Canada's most technologically advanced stadiums and visit the epicenter of Montreal entertainment, as it's not only the place to find sporting activities, but also musical and artistic performances. The Centre Bell stadium is well connected to the rest of the city, so you can get there by public transport or by taking the Montreal sightseeing bus. Note that if you want tickets for field hockey matches, you'll need to book in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
6. Take a sightseeing cruise on the St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River divides the city in two, and one of the best ways to discover it is to take a sightseeing cruise. This experience will allow you to see the city from a completely different perspective, as you'll discover a landscape made up of a perfect blend of Montreal's historic and modern architecture. During the cruise, you'll discover the cultural richness of the river's banks. From the majesty of Old Montreal, with its cobblestones and stone buildings, to the modern urban developments that line the water, every street corner tells its own story. These Montreal sightseeing cruises, usually with the help of an expert local guide, will provide you with interesting and reabout points of interest, city history and local legends, enriching your experience as a visitor. What's more, these cruises will allow you to see the Jacques Cartier Bridge, which rises majestically over the St. Lawrence River, offering a view of its iconic structure and providing one of the best photo sequences of your trip.ances of your trip, especially if you plan to visit Montreal in summer, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are generally clear.
7. Getting lost in the Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden is an attraction that will immerse you in a world of natural beauty and tranquility. With its vast thematic gardens, this site offers an urban sanctuary where nature takes center stage. As you enter this green oasis, you'll be surrounded by a diverse array of flora and fauna, allowing you to discover one of the city's most popular natural wonders. Every corner of the botanical garden is a surprise. From serene ponds floating with water lilies to paths surrounded by colorful flowers, each area has its own personality and charm. Getting lost in this natural labyrinth is also an opportunity to explore at your own pace, delighting in the details of each plant and soaking up the scents and sounds of nature. As you immerse yourself in this space, you'll find hidden corners and areas for reflection, ideal for moments of relaxation. But the Botanical Garden is also fertile ground for photography enthusiasts, as each trail offers the opportunity to capture memorable images and is often included in the itineraries of the best Montreal tours. If you're looking to relax between excursions or take some time out during your trip, getting lost in this lively, harmonious space will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get closer to nature in a special way. The Montreal Botanical Garden is, without a doubt, a place to lose yourself and find yourself in the midst of the natural beauty it offers.
8. Stroll through the Jean-Talon market
Montreal has a long tradition of commerce and industry, and one of the places that best reflects the city's cultural heritage is the Jean-Talon market, renowned for its food products. This iconic site is a gourmet's paradise, offering fresh produce from the Quebec region and around the world. As soon as you enter the market, you'll be seduced by the aromas of fruits, breads and spices, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The colorful stalls of local farmers and merchants offer a variety of quality products. Take a stroll down the aisles and revel in the diversity of flavors and textures the market has to offer. In addition to raw materials, the Jean-Talon market is an ideal place to enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience. The prepared-food stands offer a selection of local and international dishes, from delicious tacos and poutines to crepes and Mediterranean recipes. Sitting down at one of the open-air terraces to sample these delicacies is a real treat for visitors. A visit to the Jean-Talon market is also an opportunity to get in touch with the local community and discover the passion of producers and merchants for their work. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, creating an experience that reflects the city's rich culture and love of food. What's more, if you visit Montreal in December, you'll find an organized Christmas market.
9. Discover Montreal's Old Port
Discovering the Old Port is a journey back in time, transporting you into the city's rich history. With its cobbled streets and centuries-old stone buildings, this charming district retains the charm of the past and has become a cultural and tourist epicenter of Montreal. As you stroll through the streets, you'll be amazed by the historic architecture mixed with cafés, souvenir stores and art galleries. The red-brick buildings and ancient facades invite you to imagine what life was like at the city's origins, while the warm lights that illuminate the Old Port's nights create a warm, romantic atmosphere, especially at Christmas, which is one of the best times to visit Montreal. The Old Port is also a great place to enjoy local cuisine. Restaurants and bistros offer a wide variety of dishes, from classic Québécois cuisine to international flavors, all accompanied by panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River. However, the heart of the Old Port is undoubtedly the port itself. From here, you can embark on a cruise on the St. Lawrence, take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront or enjoy the events and festivals that enliven the region throughout the year.
10. Visiting Ottawa from Montreal
Montreal offers a multitude of attractions, but it's also one of the best cities in Canada to use as a starting point for visiting neighboring cities. One of the most popular options is to visit Ottawa, Canada's future capital, which is linked to Montreal by urban and natural landscapes that will amaze you throughout your trip. If you plan to travel to Ottawa from Montreal, you'll have the opportunity to discover the majesty of its government buildings and historic monuments, which contrast with the modernity and vitality of the capital. Parliament, with its Gothic architecture, is one of the most common attractions, as is the Rideau Canal, which transforms into a winding waterway in winter, becoming the world's largest skating rink. Ottawa is also famous for its world-class museums, such as the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery, which offer a fascinating insight into the nation's rich culture and heritage. In addition, the city boasts a number of parks and green spaces, such as the National Capital Commission Park and Botanical Gardens, ideal for enjoying a day outdoors. A trip from Montreal to Ottawa will immerse you in the cultural diversity and history that define Canada as a country. Visiting these two cities is an opportunity to appreciate the architecture, cuisine and traditions of this part of the world, as part of an enriching experience for visitors.
