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A thriving arts scene and a unique blend of old and new makes Montreal a popular stopover for visitors to Canada. Here our personal travel managers give you a snapshot of the best bits of this exciting city.
What to see
Mont Royal — Take a walk up the mountain from which Montreal gets its name for a fitting and scenic introduction to the city.
Old Montreal — The original heart of Montreal is lined with cobblestone streets and European charm that make for a memorable stroll. Here you can take in the vibrance of the city’s oldest street, Rue Saint Paul which was paved in the 1600’s, and pay a visit to Notre-Dame Basilica which bears a striking resemblance to its Parisian counterpart.
Montreal Botanic Garden — A must see for nature lovers, Montreal’s botanic garden is recognised as one of the largest in the world. Located near the city’s 1976 Olympic stadium, themed gardens full of thousands of plant species provide a great spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to eat
Montreal’s food scene is up there with the best of them and a visit to the heart of French Canada is not complete without treating yourself to a few local favourites.
Bagels — Renowned for their distinctive variety of wood-fired bagels, head over to crowd-favourites Fairmount Bagel (74 Avenue Fairmount O) or St-Viateur Bagel Shop (263 Rue Saint Viateur O).
Poutine — This gravy-doused delight is a local specialty. For a taste of one of Montreal’s favourite comfort foods you can’t go wrong at La Banquise (994 Rue Rachel E).
Smoked meat — Schwartz’s Deli (3895 Boul St-Laurent) is a popular destination for anyone looking for a famous Montreal smoked meat sandwich.
What to drink
Montreal boasts a lively nightlife with niche bars to suit almost any taste.
Quality service and an extensive cocktail menu make La Distillerie a must when visiting Montreal. There are three locations throughout the city, click here to find out more.
As one of Montreal’s most well known wine bars, Pullman (3424 Av du Parc) is worth a visit, not only for it’s selection of more than 450 wines, but also to see admire its wine glass chandeliers.
Brutopia (1219 Rue Crescent) and its unique selection of house beers is also a favourite for beer lovers.
What to do
Festivals — With a long list of festivals dedicated to all areas of the arts, Montreal is the place to go for your festival fix. If you’re around in the summer, don’t miss the Montreal International Jazz Festival, regarded as the biggest in the world.
Museums — Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (1380 Rue Sherbrooke O)
Boasting work from the likes of Picasso, Monet and an impressive collection of homegrown artists, Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts is a must see for art aficionados and casual admirers alike.
Markets — Jean-Talon Market (7070 Avenue Henri Julien)
One of the great things about visiting a cultural hotspot such as Montreal is mingling with the neighbours. There are few better places to brush shoulders with Montrealers than the Jean-Talon Market with its lively and yet quaint village atmosphere.
Shopping — Rue St-Denis
Often referred to as the Paris of Canada, Montreal is a popular shopping destination. Take a walk along Rue St-Denis for a great variety of more than 300 boutique stores, cafes and eateries.
Does this sound like your kind of holiday?
Get in touch with one of our personal travel managers for more great ideas on what to do on your next Canadian adventure.
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