Wondering what to do in Montreal? There are plenty of attractions to explore. This Canadian city offers enough highlights to keep you entertained. We’ve listed the top 3 for you here.
What are the best attractions in Montreal?
The old town and the harbor; here you will find the basilica-cathedral, the town hall, and the Notre Dame;- The Plateau Mont-Royal district and the nearby park of the same name;
- The natural artworks in the Montreal Botanical Garden.
1. The old town
Also known as vieux Montreal, this is a must-see in any city. It is the core of the city where everything used to happen and eventually expanded into the city it is today. In the middle of the old town stands the Basilique-Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, quite a mouthful. An impressive and stately building from the outside, but the interior surpasses it. This is partly due to the impressive dome that is exquisitely decorated. Another beautiful structure is the Hotel de Ville, Montreal’s town hall, designed by Henri-Maurice Perrault and Alexander Cowper Hutchison. But the Notre Dame is the pièce de résistance. The colorful interior and the way light is used in this basilica is amazing to see. The Notre Dame is truly a must-visit.
When you’re in the old town, don’t forget to stroll by the old harbor where there’s always something happening. From the top of the Ferris wheel, you have a beautiful view of the city. From the attractions in vieux Montreal, you can cross the main shopping street Rue Sainte-Cathérine towards the next highlights of the city.
Tip: also explore the attractions around Montreal. Join the Alternative Bike Tour through the neighborhoods of Little Italy, Mile-End, Mile-Ex, and along the farmers’ market.
2. Mont Royal Park & Plateau Mont-Royal
The so-called neighborhood Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is a trendy area with graceful townhouses in various colors. Around the corner is McGill University; the reason why many students live in this neighborhood. There are many cozy bars and restaurants. In addition to Parc La Fontaine, this neighborhood borders the eponymous Mont Royal. Here, too, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. From above, it somewhat resembles Central Park in New York. Especially in the fall, the trees display the most beautiful shades; red, orange, brown, and yellow, definitely worth a snapshot. Around the corner is also the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, the oldest art museum in Canada that houses classical, modern, and contemporary artworks.
Cycle past the attractions with a local guide
The best way to discover the highlights mentioned above is with extra information from a local guide who will show you everything about the city. Book your spot online now for the Montreal Highlights Bike Tour and make sure you don’t miss anything in this Canadian metropolis. Extra tips are always welcome when you are new to a destination, so what are you waiting for? Join the tour on the first day of your stay so that after the tour, you’ll know exactly what else there is to see in Montreal.
3. Montréal Botanical Garden
An artistic botanical garden that even Edward Scissorhands would admire. You’ll be amazed at every turn; it’s like a kind of amusement park. Meticulously maintained, you can admire the most beautiful natural artworks in these gardens, which span a whopping 75 hectares. You’ll find a Chinese garden, a Japanese garden, The First Nations Garden, and much more. Besides plants, there are also various animal species such as squirrels, different bird species, and even turtles. The botanical garden in Montreal is fun for young and old alike.
If you’re traveling through, also consider the best introductory bike tours in Quebec, Ottawa & Toronto. Visit the main attractions and learn more about the cities from a local guide who will also give you the best tips. Also, in the far western tip Victoria, you can enjoy a bike ride with us!