Your senses will excite in Montreal. French and English intertwine and mix together, flowing through the cobblestone streets and creating their own rhythms and melodies. Murals and street art adorn walls everywhere you look, while the heavenly smells of poutine and fresh bagels waft from local shops on every corner.
If you're considering visiting Canada, Montreal is one of the cities to put on your bucket list. The Canadian city brims with old European charm mixed with modernity and is packed with experiences, including visits to historic businesses and churches, outdoor adventures, excellent restaurants and more.
Top Reasons to Visit Montreal
Montreal holds the title of second-largest city in Canada and provides a plethora of things to see and do. In a single day, you can explore the rich French and English history of Old Montreal and marvel at the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, but also try delicious food in Chinatown and even embark on a white-water rafting adventure. Montreal offers the ability to delight in modern pleasures but also develop an appreciation for the rich French history of this beautiful city.
Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider a visit to Montreal on your Canadian vacation:
1. See the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Looking back into the history of Montreal, you'll no doubt encounter mentions of the great Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, which was built more than 200 years ago. The beauty of the basilica has been inspiring travelers and the people of Montreal for decades, and today, you can go there to view sculptures, stained glass windows and other amazing works of art.
When you go, you can take a self-guided tour that lasts approximately an hour. During the tour, you'll explore 24 points of interest in each nave, including beautiful stained-glass windows, a pipe organ made up of 7,000 pipes, an explanation of the founding of Montreal and more.
2. Learn the history of Old Montreal
Visitors love Old Montreal, where they can enjoy visiting some of the most historic businesses and attractions in the city. Don't let the name fool you, however: Old Montreal is constantly changing, with new features being built regularly. Go to Old Montreal to eat amazing food, walk on cobblestone streets, visit cathedrals, go to museums and experience the history of this great city.
3. Get in some exercise with a Bike Tour
With over 300 kilometers of bike paths in the city, Montreal is a wonderful place to see on two wheels. If you love bikes, you'll love taking a bike tour to enjoy key landmarks, urban settings, quiet streets, beautiful views and photo opportunities.
Tours are abundant, so choose the one that's right for you - whether that's a pleasure ride through downtown and Old Montreal, or a ride through some of Montreal's quieter neighborhoods. If you would rather a more laid-back experience, an e-Bike tour might be for you. Bike tour guides know Montreal in and out and can help you as you learn more about this fascinating and beautiful city.
4. Marvel at Saint Joseph's Oratory
Saint Joseph's Oratory is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and a National Historic Site of Canada. It's the largest church in Canada and one of the largest domes in the world. Inside the church, you'll see an Art Deco interior attracting millions of visitors each year. The Oratory is also the tallest building in Montreal and can be seen from many kilometers away.
5. Invigorate your mind at the Museum of Illusions
Do you love illusions and mind-bending experiences? If so, you'll love Montreal's Museum of Illusions. With more than 70 educational rooms, holograms, stereograms and more, you'll enjoy the brain-teasers you experience when you go. It's not just educational. The Museum of Illusions is an entertainment destination that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The Montreal Science Centre offers another enriching family experience, featuring interactive exhibits and displays that highlight scientific innovations with a unique Montreal perspective.
6. Taste delicious food in Chinatown
Montreal's Chinatown features food markets, stores, Asian restaurants, and cultural centers. This cultural hotspot is near downtown Montreal, so if you're in the neighborhood, stop in for dining opportunities.
7. Enjoy Adventure While White Water Rafting
Did you know that you could go whitewater rafting in Montreal? You can! When you visit the Lachine Rapids with an experienced tour guide, you can enjoy the rapids with confidence. If you have children with you, there are different classes of white-water rapids in the Montreal area, so you can choose a class that is appropriate for your group.
8. Conquer the climb and enjoy Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal is a 761-foot hill and is the highest point in the city. The area is frequented by dog walkers, joggers and other visitors. Mount Royal Park, located at the top of the hill, is one of Montreal's largest green spaces. This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same person who created New York's Central Park.
There's a lot to do in Mount Royal Park. During warmer months, visitors can rent rowboats. In fall, the foliage in the area is colorful and attractive. There are multiple cemeteries and a breathtaking view of the city at the top of the hill.
9. Smell the Flowers at Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden, which is recognized as one of the world's best botanical gardens, is a living museum with twenty thematic gardens, an arboretum, and plants from all over the world. All the gardens are beautiful, but the crown jewels at the Montreal Botanical Garden include the Chinese Garden, the First Nation's Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
How to Get Around Montreal
Montreal is big, but many visitors choose to walk when in the downtown area. Walking is especially easy because much of Montreal is connected via an underground network known as the "Underground City." Even if you're visiting in winter, using the Underground City to get from place to place makes walking easier and more realistic.
Montreal offers an extensive public transportation system with more than 200 bus lines and an underground metro connecting 68 metro stations. The cost of the metro is by the ride, not by distance, making this an economical way for many visitors to get around. Some people have a hard time navigating the metro and bus lines, but if you're in Montreal for more than a couple of days, you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn.
Taxis and rideshares are available when you need to get there fast. Do you want a healthier and more relaxing way to get to your destination? Consider renting a bicycle.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Montreal?
The best time to visit Montreal is in the shoulder months: April to May and September to November. Summer is a vibrant, energetic time in the city, but also very busy.
When you visit in spring and fall, you avoid the winter weather and summer crowds. These times of year are also beautiful. Spring is a fantastic time to see beautiful flowers, while fall is when you can enjoy the foliage.
FAQs About Montreal
Get answers to all your questions before you go to Montreal. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Montreal and the surrounding area.
What's the weather like in Montreal?
Montreal has typical northern climate patterns, which means it's very cold in winter and the summers are not too hot. It's rare for summer temperatures to rise above 87 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures commonly drop well below freezing.
Know the time of year when you're taking your trip. Plan to wear layers, no matter when you're going. Check out our packing tips to make sure you bring your essentials.
Is Montreal Safe?
Montreal is an incredibly safe city and has appeared on lists of the safest cities for travel, including Berkshire-Hathaway's safest cities in the world. Still, you need to practice caution when you're traveling. Use common sense in crowded spaces.
What is Montreal known for?
Montreal is a French-speaking city and a cultural hub of Canada. Its European flair makes it a place for the latest fashions and styles. There are many vintage boutiques and places to shop. In summer, hiking and biking are favorite activities among residents and visitors.
Is Montreal expensive?
Montreal can be expensive to visit during peak tourist seasons. If it's important to you to stay in a luxury hotel, or if you're going for the shopping and fashion, it's unlikely you'll have an inexpensive trip. However, there are ways to make Montreal cheaper when on a budget.
Visit at a time of year when the prices are lower (fall, winter, spring), and shop around for a less expensive hotel. Limit your shopping budget and spend more time outdoors. If you have AAA membership, you'll enjoy discounts on your hotel and other activities.
Is traveling internationally different?
International travel is different from domestic travel in several ways. If you're a U.S. citizen, you'll need a valid passport when you enter Canada. You will not need a visa unless you plan to stay more than 180 days. If you're planning a trip to Canada soon, check the expiration on your passport. If your passport expires before you leave, it's best to get it renewed before you go. A few more tips to consider when traveling internationally:
- Check the currency: Many Canadian businesses, particularly in large cities, will accept U.S. dollars. However, the exchange rate between US dollars and Canadian dollars is not equal, and spending US dollars in place of Canadian currency can mean paying a lot more than necessary. Changing your US dollars to Canadian dollars can help save you money.
- Contact your credit card company: You may be able to use your debit or credit card in Canada, but you may pay steep foreign transaction fees. Find out what your credit card company will charge before you go.
- Contact your phone provider: If you plan to use your phone in Canada, contact your phone company before leaving to ensure that you will be able to make phone calls and use your device affordably. Your phone company may charge fees for international roaming.
- Brush up on your French: If you're visiting Canada from the United States, you may find that life in Canada seems similar to life in the U.S. Keep in mind that Montreal is in Quebec, where French is the official language. You will see and hear French everywhere including on signs, on television, on menus, and more.
Still nervous about international travel? Check out our essential tips for an international vacation.
Do I need anything other than a passport to visit Montreal?
You will need a valid passport to enter Canada from the United States. If your stay is longer than 180 days, you will need a visa. If you have a criminal record, you could be denied entry into Canada.
What are some recommended places to stay in Montreal?
Montreal's hotels vary by price and experience. Some hotels are marketed specifically to budget travelers, while other high-end hotels are designed for people who want a luxury experience. You can find both types of hotels on the Trip Canvas website. Choose the hotel that's right for you. Here are a few excellent options to consider:
- For timeless elegance: Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth
- For sleek, modern quality: Le Centre Sheraton Montreal
- For an Urban, inviting hotel experience: Hyatt Centric Montreal
What are some of the best places to eat in Montreal?
Montreal is a French-speaking city with French-inspired food, but many Montreal dishes are unique to the area. If you're looking for French food with a twist, you'll love the surprises you'll encounter in Montreal restaurants. When you book with us, you can earn discounts on food and drink tours in Montreal.
Like any other big city, Montreal has its fair share of restaurants featuring foreign cuisines. At any given time, you can find a range of foods from all over the world. Here are some of the recommended restaurants in Montreal:
- For authentic French cuisine: Maison Boulud
- For seafood lovers: Marcus
- For the carnivores: Joe Beef
- For a taste of Quebecoise food: Restaurant de l' ITHQ
Ready to Visit Montreal?
Montreal offers travel activities that you can remember for a lifetime. To get started on your visit to Montreal, start by checking out the Trip Canvas website for an extensive list of things to do, places to stay, and places to eat.
The experts at AAA Travel can help you plan an itinerary to make your trip to Montreal even better. If you're seeking discounts or on a tight budget, your AAA membership can help you make the best of your vacation and offer access to exclusive offers.
The best way to ensure a successful trip to Montreal is by engaging in smart planning throughout the process. Get started today.