Things to see and do in Montreal

A sight to see in Montreal.

Montreal is the second biggest city in Canada and the biggest city in the province of Quebec. Placed on an island and named after the small mountain in the city, Mont Royale has a bit of everything for everyone. This beautiful Canadian city is an excellent destination for any tourist. Here we put together a list of things to see and do in Montreal.

Visit some museums

If you enjoy visiting museums while traveling, know that Montreal won’t disappoint you. With more than 50 museums and galleries throughout the city, be sure that you will find at least one that will spark your interest. Some of the most fascinating museums include:

  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
  • Montreal Science Center
  • McCord Museum
  • Biodome
  • Montreal Insectarium
  • The Holocaust Museum
  • Canadian Center for Architecture

Besides the indoor galleries and museums, you can take a stroll through the Botanical Garden. There you will find an impressive collection of flora with over 20,000 species displayed. There is something extraordinary to be seen all year round, and it’s a great place to visit if you are traveling with kids. The little ones will surely enjoy the annual Butterfly Go Free exhibit.

Facade of the Museum of Fine Arts in Montreal.
The Museum of Fine Arts is on the list of things to see in Montreal.

Sightseeing in Montreal

If sightseeing is the thing that you enjoy the most when you are a tourist, you are in luck. Montreal has beautiful sights that you can admire. You can go around the city on organized tours or just go on a walk through the streets. You will find that there is something beautiful to see on almost every corner.

Discovery trips along the Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal is one of the most impressive sights to be seen in Montreal. The long path that runs along the canal is full of interesting attractions. If you want to sit back and relax, there are restaurants and cafes with amazing views of the canal. Picnic areas are also an excellent spot for relaxation and for spending quality time with friends or family. If you want to stay fit while you are traveling, rent a bike or take a walk along the banks. During winter, skiing is also an option. This historic site connects the city with nature and makes a great escape from the urban hustle.

Walking through Saint-Louis Square

When looking for architectural grandeur, Saint-Louis Square is the perfect place to find it. Beautifully colored Victorian houses make up what is one of the prettiest residential quarters in Montreal. During summer, musicians and street artists can be found in the square. This adds even more to the “je ne sais quoi” of the place.

Colorful buildings.
A sight to see in Montreal.

Visiting Chinatown

Multiculturalism is fully embraced in this Canadian city, and Chinatown is the spot to prove it. Founded in the late 19th century by the Chinese workers who came to build the railroads, this colorful neighborhood has so much to offer. Montreal’s Chinatown fascinates its visitors with beautiful buildings, shops, and specialty restaurants.

Head down to Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

Montreal was established in 1642 by French settlers. Therefore, you can see the Catholic influences in churches and cathedrals found around the city. Mary Queen of the World Cathedralis one of the finest examples.Built at the end of the 19th century, this neo-gothic cathedral was designed as a smaller version of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Travel through time in the old town

If you want to have a better understanding of Montreal, you should go to Vieux-Montreal.The old part of the city is packed with tourist attractions. You can discover beautiful architecture and historical sites at any step. Furthermore, there is always something happening in this part of the city. Different festivals are held throughout the year. It’s a tourist’s paradise.

A view from old Montreal.
Old Montreal is the place where you can learn about the history of the city.

Explore the public markets

After visiting museums and significant landmarks, it’s time to look at what else is on the list of things to see and do in Montreal. It seems to be a great time to take a peek at what’s fresh in town. If you like to wander through markets and taste local food, the Jean-Talon Market is the place to be. Here you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and fish. It is an excellent place for shopping and eating. This vivid and busy agora is one of the locals’ favorite spots for having coffee on Saturday mornings.

Another great place for gastronomic discoveries is the Atwater Market. You can find local products all year round, and you can also engage in interesting activities. Culinary demonstrations and cooking workshops will open your appetite, no doubt about it.

Have a taste of Montreal

Multiculturality is the word that comes to mind when talking about the food in Montreal. Here you can find a great mixture of French and Canadian cuisine with a splash of Mexican, Chinese, and Middle Eastern influences. Tasting local food is a must on our list of things to see and do in Montreal.

Montreal’s food has the reputation of being one of the best in Canada. Local dishes, as well as foreign recipes, are prepared in such a way that they make you ask for seconds. One of the first things to try in local restaurants is poutine. A bowl of french fries, fresh cheese curds, and plenty of delicious gravy on top is enough to get you addicted.

Girl enjoying some poutine.
Have a taste of local food when in Montreal

Bagels are also a very popular food in Montreal. Served fresh out of the oven, with sesame seeds sprinkled on top, you can find bagels on almost any restaurant’s breakfast menu. The origin of this simple but delicious food in Montreal is still uncertain. But, in all fairness, it’s better to enjoy its taste than to think about how it came to be.

Let’s not forget that you are in Canada. We all know what that means. You can’t say that you visited Canadian lands if you didn’t try maple syrup. The golden, sweet sap that emerges from the maple trees each spring is a feast for your taste buds. Make sure you get some maple syrup back home to your loved ones. They will appreciate this golden treasure for sure.

Have you already fallen in love with Montreal?

While walking the streets of this Canadian city, you might be tempted to make it your new hometown. Although it might take some getting used to if you are coming from another part of the country, professional long-distance movers can help you move here from another province quickly and stress-free so that you can settle down as quickly as possible. With so many fun activities and things to do, you will surely never be bored!

In conclusion

Even though we mentioned some of the things to see and do in Montreal, the list is much longer. This vibrant Canadian city has something to offer to all its visitors. So pack your bags today and head to Montreal!

21 thoughts on “Things to see and do in Montreal

  1. I love Montreal. It is such a fabulous city. I have travelled there many times over the years but usually on business. I have had very little opportunity to explore the city as a tourist. One of my favourite things to do is go for a stroll in Vieux Montreal on a summer evening. And if the Jazz festival is on, even better!

  2. Jodie | That Happy Reader

    I’ve only visited Montreal once so I need to get back there soon. Thank you for pointing out some of the highlights of the city several of which I haven’t yet seen.

  3. lynnmumbingmejia

    Oh gosh, this couldn’t have come at a better time. Given the circumstances, I don’t know if I’ll be able to take the trip but I did plan to travel to Montreal on the third week of September this year! I would love to try a fresh bagel and hot poutine! I’m bookmarking this in hopes I get to go! Thanks for sharing, Mark!

    Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

  4. I have never had poutine but after hearing your description of it, I would love to sit down on an outdoor bench and snack on that! Fresh bagels sprinkled with seeds and a lovely scraping of butter make the food scene sound as good as the historical venues and places of exploration.
    Thanks for sharing!

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