Montréal is absolutely worth visiting. French and English intertwine, flowing through cobblestone streets and creating their own rhythms and melodies. Murals and street art adorn walls everywhere you look, while the smell of poutine and fresh bagels waft from local shops on every corner.
If you’re considering visiting Canada, Montréal is one of the cities to put on your bucket list. This 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.
10 Reasons to Visit Montréal
Montréal is the second-largest city in Canada and offers plenty of things to see and do. In a single day, you can explore the rich French and English history of Old Montréal and marvel at the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, while also trying delicious food in Chinatown and even embarking on a white-water rafting adventure.
Montréal attractions blend big-city energy with old-world charm, so every stop teaches you something new about the city's roots. Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider a visit to Montréal on your Canadian vacation:
1. See the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Looking back into the history of Montréal, you’ll no doubt encounter mentions of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, which was built in the early 1800s. The beauty of the basilica has inspired travelers and the people of Montréal for decades and today you can visit 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 the nave, the basilica’s main hall, including beautiful stained-glass windows, a pipe organ made up of 7,000 pipes, an explanation of the founding of Montréal and more.
2. Learn the history of Old Montreal
Visitors love Old Montréal, where they can enjoy some of the city’s most historic businesses and attractions. Don’t let the name fool you, though; Old Montréal is constantly changing, with new features being built regularly. You can eat amazing food, walk 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, Montréal is a wonderful place to see on two wheels. As a rider, you’ll love taking a bike tour to enjoy key landmarks, urban settings, quiet streets, waterfront views along the St. Lawrence River 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 Montréal or a spin through some of Montréal’s quieter neighborhoods. If you’d rather have a more laid-back experience with less pedaling, an e-Bike tour is a good choice.
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 Montréal, its dome rising more than 300 feet above Mount Royal's summit, making it visible across the northwestern part of the city.
5. Invigorate your mind at the Museum of Illusions
Illusion lovers will find their match at Montréal’s Museum of Illusions, which features more than 70 educational rooms, holograms and stereograms. The Museum of Illusions is as entertaining as it is educational, with brainteasers the whole family can enjoy.
The Montréal Science Centre offers another enriching family experience in the Old Port, with hands-on exhibits like Nanualuk, which explores the Arctic through Inuit legends, plus a seven-story IMAX theater.
6. Indulge in Iconic Montréal Foods
Montréal is a food lover’s city full of iconic foods. Poutine, smoked meat sandwiches and Montréal-style bagels all got their start here. Plus, the city’s Chinatown neighborhood adds food markets, stores, Asian restaurants and cultural centers to the mix, all within walking distance of downtown.
Make sure to try Montréal’s contribution to hot dog culture, especially if you’re a die-hard Chicago- or New York-style hot dog fan. No matter your taste, there are plenty of restaurants in Montréal for you to explore during your stay.
7. Embrace the Holidays at Montréal’s Christmas Markets
Visit Montréal during the winter holidays and you’ll find the city dressed for the season. Christmas markets pop up across downtown and Old Montréal, offering local crafts, mulled wine, warm pastries and festive lights that make a cold night worth bundling up for.
You can even take part in a Christmas walking tour in Old Montréal to learn how the city has celebrated the holidays for generations, from its French and English roots to today’s traditions.
8. Enjoy Adventure While White Water Rafting
On a jet boating tour of Montréal's Lachine Rapids, you’ll get soaked while taking in views of the Montréal Casino, Victoria Bridge and the Clock Tower along the St. Lawrence River. This two-hour outing includes life jackets, ponchos and secure lockers for your belongings.
Seats up front deliver a more intense splash, while seats toward the back offer a gentler ride, so groups with kids as young as six can pick the experience that suits them best. Bring a bathing suit or a change of clothes, since this is a wet trip from start to finish.
9. Conquer the climb and enjoy Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal is a 761-foot hill, the highest point in Montréal, frequented by dog walkers, joggers and other visitors. Mount Royal Park, located at the top of the hill, is one of Montréal’s largest green spaces. It’s the brainchild of Frederick Law Olmsted, the same person who created New York's Central Park.
Mount Royal Park packs in some of the best things to do in Montréal, from renting a rowboat in warmer months to catching the colorful fall foliage. Wander through the park’s cemeteries, then head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of the city.
10. Smell the Flowers at Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montréal Botanical Garden, recognized as one of the world’s best botanical gardens, is a living museum featuring 20 thematic gardens, an arboretum and plants from around the world. All the gardens are beautiful, but the crown jewels at the Montréal Botanical Garden include the Chinese Garden, the First Nations’ Garden and the Japanese Garden.
How to Get Around Montréal
Getting around Montréal is easy, no matter how you like to travel:
- Metro: Montréal 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 per 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 Montréal for more than a couple of days, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn.
- Walking: Montréal is big, but many visitors choose to walk when they’re in the downtown area. Montréal is connected via an underground network known as the Underground City. So even if you’re visiting in winter, using the Underground City to get from place to place makes walking easier and more realistic.
- Taxis and Rideshare services: Both are available when you need to get somewhere fast. But if you want a more relaxing way to get to your destination, consider renting a bicycle.
Where to Stay
Montréal lays claim to a bevy of outstanding hotels, including the following centrally located establishments with top AAA ratings:
- Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (900 Blvd Rene Levesque West-Bldg A): This landmark hotel offers convenient Four Diamond-designated accommodations and high-end amenities. Making a skyscraping splash on Montréal's cityscape upon its construction in 1958, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has no shortage of historical significance: from hosting John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 "Bed-In for Peace" (and "Give Peace a Chance" recording session in Suite 1742) to serving as headquarters for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Highlights include the full-service spa and the on-site bistro fare at Rosélys.
- Hôtel Le Germain Montréal (2050 Rue Mansfield): This chic (and colorful) AAA Four Diamond-designated hotel gives you ready access to the charms of Old Montreal, among the oldest and architecturally richest urban cores in North America and all the energy of the Quartier des Spectacles district. Designed by Zébulon Perron with a playful Sixties-style touch, the 23-story hotel includes a happening lobby bar, French-inspired cuisine at Le Boulevardier and a summer dining terrace, plus a fitness room and massage facility.
- The Ritz-Carlton Montréal (1228 Rue Sherbrooke West): The sole AAA Five Diamond-designated hotel in Québec (and the second Ritz-Carlton location to open in North America), The Ritz-Carlton Montréal has offered the pinnacle of luxury hospitality on Sherbrooke Street since 1912. From the heated marble floors in the bathrooms to the hotel spa's crackling fireplaces and indoor saltwater pool with a downtown view, elegant comforts abound here. Sit down to French dining in Maison Boulud and savor high tea or lounge cocktails in the Palm Court. A special gem is the Cosner Art Gallery, notable for its works by acclaimed Canadian painters.
- Providing strategically located accommodations atop Place Bonaventure, this AAA Three Diamond-designated hotel in the heart of Montréal has an oasis feel, what with its water-laced gardenscape (including a duck pond) and fountains. The year-round outdoor heated pool on the rooftop is a definite draw. Hôtel Bonaventure also harbors two restaurants, a bar and an executive lounge as well as a fitness center and spa.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Montréal?
The best time to visit Montréal depends on what you want out of your trip:
- Spring (April to May): A shoulder season with fewer crowds and lower prices. Spring is a fantastic time to see the city’s flowers in bloom.
- Summer (June to August): The most vibrant, energetic time to be in the city, but also the busiest and most expensive.
- Fall (September to November): Another shoulder season and a favorite for many visitors thanks to colorful foliage. Plan a trip to Montréal during the fall for cooler weather and smaller crowds.
- Winter (December to March): The coldest and quietest time to visit, but also home to holiday lights and Christmas markets if you don’t mind bundling up.
FAQs
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 Montréal?
Montréal has typical northern climate patterns, which means it’s very cold in winter and its summers aren’t 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 you’re traveling and plan to wear layers, no matter the weather. Check out our packing tips to make sure you bring your essentials.
What type of ID do Americans need to visit Montréal?
You’ll need a valid passport to enter Canada from the United States. If your stay is longer than 180 days, you’ll also need a visa. If you have a criminal record, you could be denied entry into Canada.
Is Montréal safe?
Montréal is an incredibly safe city and has appeared on lists of the world’s safest cities, including Berkshire-Hathaway’s. Still, you need to practice caution when you’re traveling, especially when in crowded spaces.
Is Montréal expensive?
Visiting Montréal can be expensive during peak tourist seasons. If it’s important to you to stay in one of the best hotels in Canada 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 Montréal cheaper when on a budget.
Visit at a time of year when the prices are lower (fall, winter or spring) and explore all of your options for a hotel in Montréal. Limit your shopping budget and spend more time outdoors. If you have a AAA Membership, you can also enjoy discounts on your hotel and other activities.
How many days do you need to visit Montréal?
Plan on three to four days to see Montréal's highlights, including Old Montréal, the Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal Park, with time left over for a meal in the city’s food scene. Add a day or two if you want to explore at a slower pace or take a day trip outside the city.
What’s the difference between Montréal and Québec City?
Montréal is Canada’s second-largest city, known for its mix of French and English culture, big-city energy and diverse neighborhoods. Québec City, the provincial capital, is smaller, more historic and almost entirely French-speaking, with cobblestone streets inside a walled Old Town. Many visitors pair the two cities on one trip.
Plan Your Trip to Montréal With AAA
With centuries of history, a vibrant food scene and neighborhoods that feel like a trip to Europe without the transatlantic flight, a trip to Montréal is an easy yes. If you want to see even more of the country while you’re there, these top Canada excursions can help you extend the trip beyond the city.
Start planning with the experts at AAA Travel, who can help you build an itinerary, book a hotel and find the excursions that fit your trip. And with your AAA Membership, you’ll get discounts on hotels, activities and more along the way.
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