Best Places in Montreal, Canada
The largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, Montreal was named after Mount Royal, a triple-peaked green hill located at the city’s heart.
Surrounded by French-Colonial architecture and many cobblestoned neighbourhoods which were once independent cities, the city of Montreal has been mostly known for hosting some of the most prestigious international events in North America.
Inspiring outdoor spaces with breathtaking surroundings and architecture, this is one of the most populous cities of Canada is also known as the ‘cultural capital’ of the country.
The city is the center of the county's French-Canadian television productions, theatre and various other forms of French media. As an added perk, the city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year especially during summer, including the Montreal Fireworks Festival which presents the largest fireworks display in the world and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in the world.
With so much diversity to see around, explore some of the must-see places in Montreal on a visit to Canada.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The historic museum is the largest art museum in Canada in terms of gallery space. Located on the renowned Golden Square Mile stretch, the museum is also one of the oldest art museums in the country. This city museum has an outstanding collection of artworks from domestic as well as international artists.
Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal
Located in historic Old Montreal, the place is an iconic heritage site besides being an active place of worship. A major city landmark and the most popular destination in Montreal, the 17th-century church is known for its vibrant glass paintings and musical concerts.
Biodome
A walk through five ecosystems found across all over America, this is Montreal's most exciting and fun family outing. A great example of nature flourishing in the middle of the city, Biodome means ‘house of life’, which also can be described as a man-made natural environment.
Known to be the largest natural science museum complex in Canada, this is one place that deserves a must-visit tag.
Montreal Botanical Garden
With widespread thematic gardens and a greenhouse, Montreal Botanical Garden hosts all-season species of plants for its visitors. An oasis situated at the heart of the city, this garden is one of the best and the finest of its kind in the world.
With native flora and fauna, many themed greenhouses and a Chinese lantern garden, this place is one of the best in the city to relax amidst the exotic natural views.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Comprising two islands, one of which is the artificial Notre Dame Island, the Jean-Drapeau Park is home to historic sites, museums and several of Montreal’s best attractions. The urban park houses many outdoor activities, casinos and the renowned Biodome, making it impossible to miss this place on a visit to the city.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Known to be the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, this attraction was built just recently in 2017. Situated in the Old Port of Montreal, with state of the art technology, this wheel was made to offer breathtaking city views.
A must-see attraction for all visitors, there is no way to miss the sight of this giant wheel with 360-degree views of the St.Lawrence River and beyond.
La Fontaine Park
This 34-hectare urban park is made with both English and French-style landscapes. The park is one of the best to escape the city hustle and is filled with green trails, fields and ponds, adding this place among Montreal’s picturesque spots to stop by and spend some relaxed time.
Mount Royal Park
This magnificent green space is one of Montreal's largest green spaces. The park is an all-season place with a great outdoor setting and was built by the same architect as that of the renowned Central Park of New York.
Maisounouvie Park
Located in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighbourhood of Montreal, this is considered one of the large city parks. Known as an urban city oasis, the park offers a range of outdoor activities including cross-country skiing and a skating rink.
Jean Talon Market
A farmers market in the Little Italy district, this market hosts a range of local fruits, vegetables and an array of ethnic cuisines. Founded in 1933, the market was one of the first in Montreal and is renowned for its multicultural flavours. This one of the oldest city markets is the best place to taste seasonal fruits and vegetables, with lots of options to taste the local produce.
Bonsecours Market
Located in Old Montreal, the two-story public market has been one of the main city markets for a hundred years. The historic market building has been recognized as one of the heritage buildings in Montreal.
Known to be the most renowned and notable building in the city, the market features everything from apparel and accessories to art galleries and restaurants.
Montreal's Clock Tower
The Clock Tower in Montreal is an ideal destination to visit during the summer as it offers a relaxing strolling opportunity around the area. The Montreal Clock Tower is also called ‘The Sailor's Memorial Clock’. This is mainly because this stunning landmark was constructed in honour of Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in WWI. The Montreal Clock Tower has one hundred and ninety-two steps which can be climbed to get a divine view of Old Montreal. Nearby this clock tower, visitors can visit the Clock Tower beach for a chill and laid-back summer day!
La Ronde
La Ronde is ranked as one of the most desirable places to spend summer vacations in Canada. La Ronde is a thrilling and adventure-packed amusement park. This park features more than forty rides which are fan-favorite among adults, children and amusement park goers of all ages. Between exploring all the forty rides in the La Ronde amusement park, you should surely take a quick break to indulge in a quick snack time. Try different in-house restaurants in the park where visitors can find some of the most decadent dishes prepared to perfection. To end the adventure-packed day, we recommend you go shopping at the plethora of shops with an endless selection of regional and high-quality goods
READ MORE:
Montreal is the most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec which is a predominantly Francophone part of Canada
Check your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, Israeli citizens, Spanish citizens, and Mexican citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa.