The best places to see in Montreal
If you are planning to visit Canada, the region of Quebec is one of the most attractive on the Eastside! Montreal is the major city in the region, and the second most populated in the whole country – so definitely it should be on your bucket list!
I have combined for you the best places to see during your visit to Montreal (mostly during winter or spring as it was the seasons I experienced while living there) and I highly recommend you to download the Best Travel Apps of 2020 to plan your journey!
The Mount-Royal
Located in the heart of the city, the Mount-Royal is the closest mountain offering a panoramic view of Montreal. Nature lovers will enjoy the walk in this giant park, that welcome visitors all year round.
The Park Jean Drapeau
Head to St Helen Island by crossing the St Laurent river, and discover the beautiful Park Jean Drapeau and all its outdoor activities! From snowshoeing to dog sledging, without forgetting maple syrup tasting at the sugar shacks and also the discovery of the Inuit culture. The winter unveils a wide variety of snow activities for families who look for adventures and gathering in a friendly atmosphere.
FACTS
Located in the heart of the park, you will be facing an interesting circular structure called The Biosphere. The artistic shape is recognizable from far away, and visible from Montreal old town. You should definitely pay a visit to this museum entirely dedicated to the environment. The Biosphere’s mission is to raise citizen awareness, action, and engagement about major environmental issues: air, water, biodiversity, climate change and sustainable development.
The charming streets of Old-Montreal
Located next to the river banks, the Old Town is a must-see during your visit as its historical streets have a very special taste. From impressive building architecture to famous statues, you will feel to travel in time! Moreover, many restaurants are located in this area, a perfect place to try the Poutine! This national dish is composed with french fries and a massive amount of cheese topped up with sauce – a must-try to keep you warm for hours in the cold winter!
You will be able to shop your official Canada’s souvenirs from there as many small shops are located in the heart of Old-Montreal. But not only, my favourite one was the Art Gallery “Images Boréales“ promoting Inuit Art and I would highly recommend you to go have a look at their collection to get an insight of Canadian Arctic culture.
The Old Port and Clock Tower
Part of the Old-Montreal neighbourhood, the Old Port is the historical port of the city. Located on the St Laurent river banks, the white Clock Tower remains an iconic monument, the symbol of the entrance of the Port in souvenir of men lost at sea. It has been now rehabilitated into parks and welcomes many attractions for families such as ice-skating, festivals, an observation wheel, charming tourist boats, and even a small beach in the summer!
The Park La Fontaine
Montreal is known for being a city close to nature, so the Park La Fontaine should be on your bucket list to discover the city through another angle. During your walk, simply whistle and you will meet the real locals of the place!
The Botanical Garden
Nature lovers, here is one stop for you! Between ten closed domes and thirty outdoor spaces, the Botanical Garden has so much to offer! With more than 75 hectares of colourful plants, visitors will be transported through a vegetal world tour from Mexico to Japan.
Entrance fees: $ 21 CAD / Adult
The Museum of Fine Arts
For those interested by Arts, Montreal has a lot to offer with its street art but not only as it proposes a wide collection in the Museum of Fine Arts – featuring artists from all over the world! You can also download their mobile app to discover the museum directly from your smartphone.
Entrance fees: $ 24 CAD / Adult
The Olympic Stadium
Built for the Olympic Games of 1976, the Olympic Stadium is now a tourist attraction and enables visitors to climb on the top of the iconic Tower of Montreal. Choose a sunny day and climb up to this observatory at 165 meters high from the ground, you will enjoy a magnificient 360° view of the city !
Entrance fees: $ 24 CAD / Adult
FACTS
The Olympic Stadium won the Guiness World Record as the world’s tallest inclined tower.
The St Joseph Oratory
For those looking for a spirituality, or simply would like to visit an iconic building in Montreal, you will be amazed by the fabulous architecture of the St Joseph Oratory.
TRAVEL TIPS
As it was built on the top of a hill, you should go visit this place in the afternoon, so you can enjoy its spectacular sunset view over the city while going back home!
The Basilica Notre-Dame
Located on the Place d’Armes in Old-Montreal, the most famous gothic church in the city is definitely the Basilica Notre-Dame. Part of the Canadian heritage, this impressive yet stunning building deserves a visit!
Entrance fees including 20 minutes guided tour: $ 10 CAD / Adult
I hope this article would have given you helpful insights to prepare your next journey to Montreal.
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