14 Fun Things to do in Montreal: Explore Montreal
The lively cultural melting pot of Montreal, Quebec draws visitors from all over the world to its world-famous festivals, cuisine, and nightlife. There is never a lack of fun things to do in Montreal, even in the middle of winter. You won’t be bored in Montreal, that is certain, with a seemingly never-ending stream of events and activities taking over each season and pretty much every day. You may rest easy knowing that everyone will have something to experience in Montreal, from families visiting the Centre de la Nature to foodies getting their grub on at the great eateries of Mile End.
1. Fun Things to do in Montreal
Some of the most exciting things you can do in Montreal are mentioned here. Take a look at this article to get detailed information about the same.
1.1. Old Montreal
Beautiful cobblestone walkways may be found in Old Montreal between a vast array of historic churches, upscale pubs and eateries, museums, and gift shops. Additionally, the renowned ancient port is very nearby. There is so much to see that it is not possible to see it all in one trip.
Fortunately, you can choose from a variety of Montreal walking tours that will lead you through famous locations like the Notre Dame Basilica. It is one of the best Montreal attractions.
1.2. Notre Dame Basilica
One of the most stunning churches in the entire world and the oldest church in Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica is a must-see on every trip to the city.
The enormous gold and yellow halls of the cathedral, which is situated right on the border of Old Montreal, hold amazing services and events all year long. Here, choirs from all around the world perform in front of the lovely organ backdrop.
1.3. Montmorency Falls in Quebec City
Travel to Quebec City, the seat of government for the province of Quebec, without fail! It is a short 3-hour drive from Montreal, making it ideal for a day vacation. Similar to Montreal, Quebec City has a bustling arts scene, beautiful architecture everywhere, and a city’s rich history and culture.
The waterfalls at Parc de la Chute Montmorency are a must-see if you’re on a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal. The Montmorency Falls reach an astounding 83 meters in height. Bring your camera because you’ll be able to walk across them from both above and below.
1.4. Montreal Botanical Garden
One of the greatest and most unusual collections of plant life is found at the Montreal Botanical Garden. Thousands of visitors visit it each year, and it is adored by the locals. It features displays of roses, orchids, perennials, alpine plants, and more.
The Insectarium, Biodome, Biosphere, and Planetarium are all a part of Espace Pour La Vie Montreal, which also includes the Botanical Gardens. If you’re pressed for time, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to ensure quicker and simpler access.
1.5. Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park is so large that it contains a lake and is appropriately situated on the mountain from which Montreal derives its name. In addition to being the ideal location for a picnic, Beaver Lake also provides ice skating in the winter and paddle boating in the summer.
The park is home to a lake and also hiking trails, historical markers, and breathtaking lookout areas.
1.6. Saint Laurent Boulevard
Saint Laurent Boulevard, sometimes known as the “Main Street of Montreal,” runs through the heart of Montreal and is the ideal location for all of your shopping. You may spend hours just browsing the selection at the stores, which offer everything from name-brand items to retro and vintage options.
Don’t forget to visit one of the numerous local artisans who have booths set up along the sidewalk to sell their creations. You can be certain that you will go home with a one-of-a-kind item that you will cherish forever, and it significantly supports the neighbourhood’s artistic community.
1.7. Attend a Montreal Festival
Festivals abound in Montreal, and there is always something going on. Particularly during the summer. From the Montreal International Jazz Festival to the Mural Festival honouring Montreal’s vibrant street art culture to the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, Montreal Fireworks Festival and Cirque Festival.
The Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s primary area for culture and entertainment, is where many of the city’s festivals are held. This area hosts year-round outdoor performances and installations. Another interesting fact is that, similar to Paris, France, Montreal has a Latin Quarter, or Quartier Latin, which is home to a large number of theatres, restaurants, and pubs.
1.8. Lachine Canal National Historic Site
The Lachine Canal, a small but attractive body of water that is surrounded by parks and other public spaces, is aptly situated in the Lachine neighbourhood. Festivals and local events are frequently held there.
It features a central route for biking and running, and in the summer, boating and swimming are permitted on the water. Walk the Winter Trail to get some exercise, and then watch neighbourhood youngsters learn to cross-country and ice skate, or bring your kids to participate.
1.9. Montreal Markets
Speaking of food tours, you should visit some of the top Montreal markets to savour delectable treats like poutine, maple syrup, and the world-famous Montreal bagels. You don’t have to take a guided food tour of Montreal; alternatively, you can go to the Jean-Talon Market or Atwater Market.
Jean-Talon Market is one of the city’s oldest marketplaces. The Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal is another must-see market. It is housed in a historic structure built in 1847 and has 18 boutique shops selling goods created in Quebec.
1.10. Saint Lawrence River
As an island in the St. Lawrence River, Montreal, it makes sense to take a boat tour of the city from the Old Port. Discover the origins of the first fur trading post that contributed to Montreal’s emergence as one of the liveliest cities in North America.
Experience one of the most unusual ways to see the Olympic Stadium, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, Habitat ’67, and the rest of Montreal’s distinctive architecture.
1.11. Montreal Tower Observatory
The Olympic Tower, also known as Montreal Tower, the observatory that towers over the city’s Olympic Stadium, is one of Montreal’s most recognizable landmarks. It is one of the highest buildings in the city and is leaning more than France’s renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Although the majority of the building is taken up by offices, there are still lots of entertaining things to do and see in Montreal’s Olympic Park, including the observatory.
1.12. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
This is home to several collections that showcase sculpture and photography as well as modern art from around the world and the local scene. The museum has almost 45,000 distinctive items in total.
Attend the Cinéma du Musée to see a variety of films, usually foreign ones with subtitles in both English and French. Check out their website before visiting because they frequently switch out their highlighted exhibitions and update their events and activities calendar. There are various contemporary art museums, natural history museums, and art galleries in Montreal.
1.13. Parc Jean Drapeau
Spend the day at Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is only five minutes from downtown Montreal. It consists of two islands: Notre Dame Island and Saint Helen’s Island. In addition to Six Flags La Ronde Amusement Park, the Montreal Biosphere, the Montreal Casino, and Saint Helen Island Fort’s Victorian-era defences, the islands, which hosted Expo 67, continue to draw tourists.
Get your bike and ride over to the 4,361-meter-long Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, the location of the Canadian Grand Prix, for one of the area’s most distinctive activities. Its smooth surface is used by cyclists and inline skaters for some practice.
1.14. The Underground City
Even though it can be extremely chilly and also hot in Montreal, people don’t stay inside all year round. Due to the chilly climate, many Canadian cities have underground walkways and malls, but Montreal goes above and beyond with almost 32 km of tunnels housing eateries, pubs, shopping malls, and even music venues.
Place Ville Marie is an excellent place to go if you’re in the underground city and want a great view of Montreal. This shopping centre has an observatory there called Au Sommet and is connected to the underground city. The views are magnificent. The highest restaurant in Montreal, Les Enfents Terribles, is a great place to have dinner.
2. Other Facts
One of the most romantic and lovely cities in Canada is Montreal. The largest French-speaking city outside of France is located in this magnificent urban hub, giving it a distinctively European feel that is only present in French Canada. You will never run out of entertaining things to do in this city, whether you want to admire the historical architecture of Old Montreal or want to take in the views from Mont Royal.
The Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport serves as the city’s primary airport, and as there isn’t a direct metro line that travels downtown, taking an airport transfer is the second-best option for reaching any hotel in Montreal.
Enjoy your vacation in Montreal by booking a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal, which is close to Chinatown and St. Catherine, the city’s best retail district. L’Appartement Hotel offers more space for your money and is within ten minutes from the Place-de-Arms and Notre Dame Basilica.
There are amenities including a rooftop pool, sundeck, gym, and sauna, so you can relax knowing you’ll have a terrific time. Before leaving for the city’s excursions, guests at Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. In particular, from the rooftop terrace, guests at Hotel Bonaventure Montreal can choose between a view of the city skyline or a verdant garden.
3. Conclusion
There are numerous ways to enjoy and spend your time in Montreal. Other than the options mentioned above, there are also many other fun things to do in Montreal. La fontaine park, Little Italy, Montreal science center, Saint Paul Street, Parc du mont royal and many more amazing attractions.
