For a taste of Europe, without leaving North America, travelers need look no further than Montreal, a 141-square-mile island in Eastern Canada that promises to delight and surprise visitors with its magnificent architecture, flavorsome cafe and culinary scene and compelling history. With easy-to-master public transportation and four well-established seasons, Montreal is an accessible and undeniable beautiful destination, no matter the time of year.
Whether vacationers have days to spend or only a few precious hours, the “Paris of North America” is full of must-see sights and attractions. Here are a few activities and experiences in Montreal travelers won’t want to miss.
Wander Jean-Talon Market
Situated just 24 minutes northwest of Montreal’s downtown district, Jean-Talon Market is an iconic sightseeing spot ideal for snapping photos, browsing beautiful shops and food stalls and, perhaps most importantly, grabbing a delicious bite to eat. As part of the city’s Little Italy neighborhood, here, a good meal is never far away, and travelers love this spot for its fresh fruits and veggies, tasty samples, sweet and savory crepes and delightful coffee and vino. To get here, visitors can hop on the Metro and ride towards Montmorency until the Jean-talon stop. Alternatively, they can rent a bike or order an Uber bound for the west side of town.
Explore the Downtown District
A vibrant area to explore by foot, travelers can head to Downtown Montreal for an intriguing mix of old and new architecture, world-class museums, endless restaurants and cafes (many with cutesy patios to enjoy), live music and entertainment and more. L’Anneau (The Ring), a massive silver ring squeezed between two contemporary buildings, is a unique stop for a photo op, and those who visit at sunrise or sunset may be treated to a lovely view of nearby Mount Royal set against a painted sky. Rue Sainte-Catherine (St. Catherine Street) is the main drag in this area, and a walk up and down the bustling throughway promises to provide plenty of entertainment.
Stay at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Speaking of Downtown Montreal, vacationers looking for a convenient and comfortable stay in the heart of all of the action might consider Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, a 950-room luxury hotel with ties to John Lennon and Yoko Ono as the pair famously recorded their song “Give Peace a Chance” on the property’s 17 floor in 1969. Built directly on top of the city’s Gare Central Station and offering quick access to RÉSO, Montreal’s underground tunnel network connecting office buildings, shopping centers and more, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a fantastic homebase for travelers thanks to its quick access to destinations and attractions across the city and comfortable accommodations.
Get Lost in Old Montreal
Spanning 0.27-square-miles, approximately ~15-20 city blocks, Old Montreal is a sight to behold with its stunning 18-19th century architecture, cobblestone streets and distinct French-colonial personality. Formerly a territory of Nouvelle France, or “New France,” an afternoon spent exploring this pocket of town will have travelers feeling as if they’ve been transported across the pond to Europe as they browse local shops and cafes, stand in awe of architectural wonders like Notre-Dame Basilica, Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and Marché Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market) and simply get lost admiring their beautiful surroundings. Just a quick walk from the heart of Old Montreal is Vieux-Port de Montreal (Old Port of Montreal) where visitors can hop aboard La Grande Roue de Montreal — a massive Ferris wheel — admire the historic St. Lawrence River or take a stroll along the Old Port Promenade.
Visitors looking to learn more about the area might consider joining a guided walking or food tour for a fun and interactive way to explore.
Cast Your Vote in the Great Bagel Battle
Speaking of food, did you know Montreal is famous for its bagels? Distinct in flavor, Montreal-style bagels contain malt and egg and are boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking. Unlike other bagels, Montreal-style bagels are made without salt and are described as being smaller, thinner, denser and sweeter than their counterparts. To finish, they’re often topped with sesame or poppy seeds. Regarding the title of “best bagel in the city,” Montreal is home to two major contenders: Fairmount Bagel and St. Viateur Bagel Shop. To settle the ongoing debate for themselves, and crown their personal winner, travelers can head to the destination's Mile End neighborhood where both bakeries have storefronts just minutes away from each other.
Experience Coffee Culture
With a cafe on seemingly every corner, coffee culture is serious business in Montreal. Like many things, the city’s java obsession can be traced back to its French roots, as, in the 18th century, coffee beans were a rare import reserved for the elite. By the 19th century, availability became more widespread, and by the 1970s, Montreal’s vibrant coffee culture was in full swing. For two memorable stops in touristy areas, visitors won’t want to miss a visit to Crew Collective, a coffee shop located in an ornate nearly 100-year-old-bank, and Cafe Olimpico, an authentic Italian cafe with locations in Downtown, Old Montreal, Mile End and more.
Ride the Metro
With four lines and 65 stations across the island of Montreal, the Metro is a fast, safe and reliable way to get around the city. Spanning nearly 40 miles, Montreal’s subway system runs from 5:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays) and connects riders to much of the destination. For tourists, the Orange Line hits many highlights including Jean-Talon (Jean-Talon Market), Plateau-Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park), Champ-de-Mars (Old Montreal) and Bonaventure (Downtown). Riding is affordable too, and visitors can grab an unlimited three-day pass for around $15 USD.
Admire the Views From Mount Royal Park
Designed by American Landscape Architect and Journalist Frederick Law Olmsted in 1876, Montreal’s Mount Royal Park is a sprawling greenspace nestled in the heart of the city. The perfect spot to revel in the beauty of all four seasons, this impressive park boasts majestic views of Downtown and the St. Lawrence River, making it a worthwhile stop for visitors. Inside, a wide variety of plants and wildlife await in addition to various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, jogging, skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. During warmer months, the park plays host to cultural events and live music, while chillier times make for a great opportunity to cozy up at Chalet de Mont-Royal, a gorgeous onsite Chalet with dark exposed beams, glowing chandeliers and a roaring fireplace.
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