Guidebook for Montréal
Sightseeing
Quintessential Montreal Must See. The old port of Montreal transports you to the little Europe of Montreal. Here you'll find the old cobble stone roads right by the port adjacent to some of the best restaurants , terraces , bars and coffee shops. Beautiful in the winter and summer.
330 locals recommend
Old Port of Montreal
333 Rue de la Commune OQuintessential Montreal Must See. The old port of Montreal transports you to the little Europe of Montreal. Here you'll find the old cobble stone roads right by the port adjacent to some of the best restaurants , terraces , bars and coffee shops. Beautiful in the winter and summer.
The Chalet is actually not the main attraction, its the 180 degree view of the city. Take Serpentine path , or Camille Houde trail to access the Mont Royal Chalet , the paths along the way will also make you pass by Beaver lake ( how Canadian eh ! ). You can lounge / run / bike here during the summer or have some winter fun on the outdoor ice rink.
159 locals recommend
Chalet Du Mont Royal
1196 Voie Camillien-HoudeThe Chalet is actually not the main attraction, its the 180 degree view of the city. Take Serpentine path , or Camille Houde trail to access the Mont Royal Chalet , the paths along the way will also make you pass by Beaver lake ( how Canadian eh ! ). You can lounge / run / bike here during the summer or have some winter fun on the outdoor ice rink.
Just under 3 hours from Montreal but oh so beautiful all year long !
A UNESCO world heritage treasure. Stroll he only fortified city north of Mexico and its cobblestone streets!
Use website below to help you plan your visit throughout the seasons :
https://www.quebecregion.com/en/what-to-do/activities-attractions/must-see-attractions/
117 locals recommend
Quebec City
29 Rue Notre-DameJust under 3 hours from Montreal but oh so beautiful all year long !
A UNESCO world heritage treasure. Stroll he only fortified city north of Mexico and its cobblestone streets!
Use website below to help you plan your visit throughout the seasons :
https://www.quebecregion.com/en/what-to-do/activities-attractions/must-see-attractions/
Nice spot to spend half a day or if you like to partake in activities a 1-2 day stay will suffice. So magical during the winter and quaint and beautiful during the summer.
Great spot to hit the slopes during the winter !
Use the site to help you navigate your visit:
https://www.tremblant.ca/things-to-do
330 locals recommend
Mont-Tremblant
Nice spot to spend half a day or if you like to partake in activities a 1-2 day stay will suffice. So magical during the winter and quaint and beautiful during the summer.
Great spot to hit the slopes during the winter !
Use the site to help you navigate your visit:
https://www.tremblant.ca/things-to-do
This church in the heart of old Montreal is a jewel of Quebec Heritage . Oh and also homegirl Celine Dion got married here! I would recommend you walk down the cross street St Sulpice to SSENSE cafe ( 5th floor ) for a UNIQUE coffee shop designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield or walk a little further down to hotel William gray for a meal or a classic Italian coffee shop now also running through them called Olympico.
819 locals recommend
Notre-Dame Basilica
110 Rue Notre Dame OThis church in the heart of old Montreal is a jewel of Quebec Heritage . Oh and also homegirl Celine Dion got married here! I would recommend you walk down the cross street St Sulpice to SSENSE cafe ( 5th floor ) for a UNIQUE coffee shop designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield or walk a little further down to hotel William gray for a meal or a classic Italian coffee shop now also running through them called Olympico.
Canada's largest church. Saint Andre Bessette began the construction of a small chapel back in 1904 until eventually it grew to what it is today. STUNNING church with a beautiful and interesting history. A MUST MUST MUST SEE. Also boasts beautiful views. It is reminiscent of the Sacré Coeur basilica of Paris.
154 locals recommend
Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Queen-Mary/du Frère-André)
Canada's largest church. Saint Andre Bessette began the construction of a small chapel back in 1904 until eventually it grew to what it is today. STUNNING church with a beautiful and interesting history. A MUST MUST MUST SEE. Also boasts beautiful views. It is reminiscent of the Sacré Coeur basilica of Paris.
The grounds of the 1976 Olympics. The Montreal tower attached to it boasts the title of tallest inclined tower in the world. You can take a ride to the top to observe the panoramic views, on clear days you can see as far as 80 kilometres ahead. You can get a package to see the Observatory + Botanical Garden, Insectarium & Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium since they're all nearby, definitely worth a visit.
https://parcolympique.qc.ca/en/what-to-do/the-montreal-tower/schedule-and-rate/#1541696309768-80eb74d8-46d8
823 locals recommend
Olympic Stadium
4545 Av. Pierre-De CoubertinThe grounds of the 1976 Olympics. The Montreal tower attached to it boasts the title of tallest inclined tower in the world. You can take a ride to the top to observe the panoramic views, on clear days you can see as far as 80 kilometres ahead. You can get a package to see the Observatory + Botanical Garden, Insectarium & Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium since they're all nearby, definitely worth a visit.
https://parcolympique.qc.ca/en/what-to-do/the-montreal-tower/schedule-and-rate/#1541696309768-80eb74d8-46d8
In the vicinity of Botanical Gardens and Insectarium + Biodome ( as of summer of 2019 ) + Montreal Observatory / Olympic Stadium. You con find packages to see them all!
https://billets.espacepourlavie.ca/en/billetterie/forfait
260 locals recommend
Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan
4801 Av. Pierre-De CoubertinIn the vicinity of Botanical Gardens and Insectarium + Biodome ( as of summer of 2019 ) + Montreal Observatory / Olympic Stadium. You con find packages to see them all!
https://billets.espacepourlavie.ca/en/billetterie/forfait
The Gardens are in the vicinity of the Olympic Stadium , Insectarium , Biodome ( reopens summer 2019 ) and Planetarium. You can find packages with access to all of these , great for family fun or the curious minds.
http://m.espacepourlavie.ca/en/rates/botanical-garden-insectarium
970 locals recommend
Montreal Botanical Garden
4101 Rue Sherbrooke EThe Gardens are in the vicinity of the Olympic Stadium , Insectarium , Biodome ( reopens summer 2019 ) and Planetarium. You can find packages with access to all of these , great for family fun or the curious minds.
http://m.espacepourlavie.ca/en/rates/botanical-garden-insectarium
Parks & Nature
A must see. Mount Royal Park has been designed by Frederick Law Olmsted , the same designer behind New York's Central Park. This park is an artery into the city, you can gain access to this through the many near by trails , some starting in downtown Montreal leading all the way to the Plateau. You can also walk up to the cross atop the mountain. Perfect for beautiful running/cycling paths, family fun , paddle boats , bbq and some sun bathing. In the winter you can use the ice rink, go snow shoeing and tubing. Also in the summer on Sundays you can attend "tam-tams " right by the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument , its a free festival with instrumentalist, dancers and vendors.
995 locals recommend
Mount Royal Park
1260 Chem. RemembranceA must see. Mount Royal Park has been designed by Frederick Law Olmsted , the same designer behind New York's Central Park. This park is an artery into the city, you can gain access to this through the many near by trails , some starting in downtown Montreal leading all the way to the Plateau. You can also walk up to the cross atop the mountain. Perfect for beautiful running/cycling paths, family fun , paddle boats , bbq and some sun bathing. In the winter you can use the ice rink, go snow shoeing and tubing. Also in the summer on Sundays you can attend "tam-tams " right by the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument , its a free festival with instrumentalist, dancers and vendors.
Literally across the street from this location. Beautiful park !
Bustling in the summer with sun bathers , book readers, fun seekers, loungers and players to enjoy some kisses from the sun.
Winter you can skate on the ice rink , snow shoe and cross country ski!
1637 locals recommend
La Fontaine Park
3819 Av. Calixa-LavalléeLiterally across the street from this location. Beautiful park !
Bustling in the summer with sun bathers , book readers, fun seekers, loungers and players to enjoy some kisses from the sun.
Winter you can skate on the ice rink , snow shoe and cross country ski!
Shopping
Ogilvy Montréal
500 Rue Saint-JacquesVisit this Montreal Department store for your high end shopping wants!
Montreal high end department store founded in 1837 , beautiful conserved facade and interior with your favourite designer brands. This is the Barney's / Saks / Selfridges of Montreal. You can visit Holt's Cafe for a little taste of fancy.
72 locals recommend
Holt Renfrew
1300 Rue Sherbrooke OMontreal high end department store founded in 1837 , beautiful conserved facade and interior with your favourite designer brands. This is the Barney's / Saks / Selfridges of Montreal. You can visit Holt's Cafe for a little taste of fancy.
The Eaton Centre is part of what is known as the UNDERGROUND CITY or RESO. This underground passage way gives you access to the many shopping malls : Les Cours Mont Royal / Place Montreal trust / Eaton / Promenades Cathédrale / The Bay / Place Ville Marie. As well as access to many metro stations ranging from Peel / Mcgill / Bonaventure etc.
938 locals recommend
Centre Eaton Montreal
705 Rue Sainte-Catherine OThe Eaton Centre is part of what is known as the UNDERGROUND CITY or RESO. This underground passage way gives you access to the many shopping malls : Les Cours Mont Royal / Place Montreal trust / Eaton / Promenades Cathédrale / The Bay / Place Ville Marie. As well as access to many metro stations ranging from Peel / Mcgill / Bonaventure etc.
Food Scene
Located on the 44th floor of a downtown building providing you with a beautiful view of the city as well as an outside patio. A play on Quebec Cuisine , come see this restaurant with panoramic views , beautiful decor and great ambience.
146 locals recommend
Les Enfants Terribles
1 Bd Robert-BourassaLocated on the 44th floor of a downtown building providing you with a beautiful view of the city as well as an outside patio. A play on Quebec Cuisine , come see this restaurant with panoramic views , beautiful decor and great ambience.
Rotating Restaurant in the Old port of Montreal. Providing 360 degree panoramic views of the entire city on the 31st floor. Portuguese Restaurant with en emphasis on seafood.
25 locals recommend
Portus 360
777 Bd Robert-BourassaRotating Restaurant in the Old port of Montreal. Providing 360 degree panoramic views of the entire city on the 31st floor. Portuguese Restaurant with en emphasis on seafood.
A staple of Montreal eats. Known for their Smoked Meat ! Another great option is Reubens ( on 1116 Sainte-Catherine W.) for Smoked Meat and a larger variety menu.
836 locals recommend
Schwartz's Deli - Sandwiches - Steaks
3895 Boul. Saint-LaurentA staple of Montreal eats. Known for their Smoked Meat ! Another great option is Reubens ( on 1116 Sainte-Catherine W.) for Smoked Meat and a larger variety menu.
C’ChoColat
1255 Rue BishopUnique treats for your sweet tooth!
Delicious grilled greek style chicken. I recommend the breast or thigh trio with fries but make sure to ask for the pita and tzatziki ! Yum!
7 locals recommend
Sparta Chicken
1235 Rue Sainte-Catherine ODelicious grilled greek style chicken. I recommend the breast or thigh trio with fries but make sure to ask for the pita and tzatziki ! Yum!
Beautifully decorated Japanese restaurant known for their diverse sake selection. Great karaage chicken.
https://www.leblossom.ca
28 locals recommend
Le Blossom Bar
1101 Boul. de Maisonneuve EBeautifully decorated Japanese restaurant known for their diverse sake selection. Great karaage chicken.
https://www.leblossom.ca
Favourite ramen spot! Great vegetarian options as well. Slurp away !
* My favourite is the Vege Tan Tan - spicy and creamy base , I always add nori for an extra delicious touch!
8 locals recommend
Ramen Misoya
2065A Rue BishopFavourite ramen spot! Great vegetarian options as well. Slurp away !
* My favourite is the Vege Tan Tan - spicy and creamy base , I always add nori for an extra delicious touch!
Uniquely and wonderfully decorated Salad Bar. Will convert ANYONE into a salad lover. Large menu with lots of options and a great selection of snacks and treats!
Lots of locations across the city!
120 locals recommend
Mandy's
425 Rue Saint-NicolasUniquely and wonderfully decorated Salad Bar. Will convert ANYONE into a salad lover. Large menu with lots of options and a great selection of snacks and treats!
Lots of locations across the city!
Grab and Go Coffee Shop.
In the summer I recommend the coffee float, a large serving of soft serve vanilla ice cream with coffee, grab it and head to parc la Fontaine to cool off as you melt! oh and if you're lucky try to get your hands on the cookie dough ice cream sandwiches !
36 locals recommend
Noble Café
430 Avenue Laurier EGrab and Go Coffee Shop.
In the summer I recommend the coffee float, a large serving of soft serve vanilla ice cream with coffee, grab it and head to parc la Fontaine to cool off as you melt! oh and if you're lucky try to get your hands on the cookie dough ice cream sandwiches !
One of the BEST sushi spots in the city! Its small but cozy and the staff is amazing. You can choose rolls based on your favourite artists such as the Michael Jackson / Bob Marley / Madonna / Beatles and more ! If you allow them to select for you, they'll make sure you'll get to try their most popular dishes and enough for the quantity of people present.
72 locals recommend
Saint Sushi
424 Av. Duluth EOne of the BEST sushi spots in the city! Its small but cozy and the staff is amazing. You can choose rolls based on your favourite artists such as the Michael Jackson / Bob Marley / Madonna / Beatles and more ! If you allow them to select for you, they'll make sure you'll get to try their most popular dishes and enough for the quantity of people present.
World renowned chef and restaurant. Ranked among the best world wide. Expensive but not over the top and oh so delicious! If you're a fan of Obama , he grabbed a bite here with Trudeau when he visited, you might just get to feel a little presidential.
383 locals recommend
Joe Beef
2491 Rue Notre Dame OWorld renowned chef and restaurant. Ranked among the best world wide. Expensive but not over the top and oh so delicious! If you're a fan of Obama , he grabbed a bite here with Trudeau when he visited, you might just get to feel a little presidential.
Park
378 Av. VictoriaMust try Montreal resto. High end sushi by renowned chef Antonio Park.
Breakfast and Brunch Spot. Just go. Trust me, you won't regret it!
134 locals recommend
Arthurs Nosh Bar
4621 Rue Notre Dame OBreakfast and Brunch Spot. Just go. Trust me, you won't regret it!
La Banquise
994 Rue Rachel EstDubbed as Montreals Poutine spot.
Ma Poule Mouillée
969 Rachel St EA Montreal favorite for Portuguese chicken.
Unique menu for delicious breakfast and brunch options with an Australian touch!
20 locals recommend
Café Melbourne
4615 Boul. Saint-LaurentUnique menu for delicious breakfast and brunch options with an Australian touch!
Bakery with a variety of breads. You can also grab a coffee and choose from their small selection of pastries.
74 locals recommend
Hof Kelsten
4524 Boul. Saint-LaurentBakery with a variety of breads. You can also grab a coffee and choose from their small selection of pastries.
Nicely decorated location with delicious food both healthy and naughty. My personal favourite is the panko crusted waffles, you're welcome!
Tommy St-Paul
151 Rue Saint-Paul ONicely decorated location with delicious food both healthy and naughty. My personal favourite is the panko crusted waffles, you're welcome!
Popular Montreal Eatery, book in advance and don't forget to try their desserts!
74 locals recommend
Gema Pizzeria
6827 Rue Saint-DominiquePopular Montreal Eatery, book in advance and don't forget to try their desserts!
SO SO YUMMY! I recommend having their BIG NASTY SANDWICH. Everything is good , you really can't go wrong. You can even ask them to prepare a picnic basket - and they include everything youll need to enjoy your meal!
140 locals recommend
Dinette Triple Crown
6704 Rue ClarkSO SO YUMMY! I recommend having their BIG NASTY SANDWICH. Everything is good , you really can't go wrong. You can even ask them to prepare a picnic basket - and they include everything youll need to enjoy your meal!
I don't want to oversell this but BEST ICE CREAM ON THE PLANET! Only open in the summer but they're soft serve concoctions are out of this world.
8 locals recommend
CA LEM Crèmerie Creamery (NDG)
6926 Rue Sherbrooke OI don't want to oversell this but BEST ICE CREAM ON THE PLANET! Only open in the summer but they're soft serve concoctions are out of this world.
Uniquely designed cafe with delicious coffee and eats! Architect David Chipperfield is behind this beautifully simple space.
SSENSE café
418 Rue Saint-SulpiceUniquely designed cafe with delicious coffee and eats! Architect David Chipperfield is behind this beautifully simple space.
If you're craving middle eastern food , this place is my go to for my guests. Delicious food. My personal favorites are the Beet Mutabbal, Kefta with tahini and pomegranate and the Lamb with yoghurt. Though rest assured everything is on point!
31 locals recommend
KazaMaza
4629 Av du ParcIf you're craving middle eastern food , this place is my go to for my guests. Delicious food. My personal favorites are the Beet Mutabbal, Kefta with tahini and pomegranate and the Lamb with yoghurt. Though rest assured everything is on point!
Entertainment & Activities
A bar with an expansive quantity of board and card games !
62 locals recommend
Randolph Pub Ludique Quartier Latin
2041 R. Saint-DenisA bar with an expansive quantity of board and card games !
Gorgeous Spa on the waters of the old port. Beautiful views , they also have a water circuit you can access without using the other services. You can even enjoy this in the winter, by using the dry sauna or steam room; then you do a quick plunge in icy cold water of the St Lawrence river, then relax for 20 minutes, either in a hot tub or in a quiet place facing the city skyline. And repeat!
Please check website below for special promotions during the weekdays and time of year.
https://botabota.ca/en/promotions/
309 locals recommend
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau
Rue de la Commune OuestGorgeous Spa on the waters of the old port. Beautiful views , they also have a water circuit you can access without using the other services. You can even enjoy this in the winter, by using the dry sauna or steam room; then you do a quick plunge in icy cold water of the St Lawrence river, then relax for 20 minutes, either in a hot tub or in a quiet place facing the city skyline. And repeat!
Please check website below for special promotions during the weekdays and time of year.
https://botabota.ca/en/promotions/
Arts & Culture
Museum spanning across 3 buildings. One of the best Modern art museums.
ACCESS TO THE COLLECTIONS AND DISCOVERY EXHIBITIONS IS FREE FOR:
-People aged 30 and under /People aged 65 and up every Thursday /The general public: the first Sunday of every month/ The general public during the Holiday season – December 16, 2017 to January 7, 2018 – and Spring Break.
Major Exhibitions are 15$ for ages 13-30 / 23$ for 31 years and up. Wednesdays after 5 pm its 11.50$.
Consult website for more details on fees and exhibitions.
https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/information/admission-fees/
1504 locals recommend
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
1380 Rue Sherbrooke OMuseum spanning across 3 buildings. One of the best Modern art museums.
ACCESS TO THE COLLECTIONS AND DISCOVERY EXHIBITIONS IS FREE FOR:
-People aged 30 and under /People aged 65 and up every Thursday /The general public: the first Sunday of every month/ The general public during the Holiday season – December 16, 2017 to January 7, 2018 – and Spring Break.
Major Exhibitions are 15$ for ages 13-30 / 23$ for 31 years and up. Wednesdays after 5 pm its 11.50$.
Consult website for more details on fees and exhibitions.
https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/information/admission-fees/
Looks small from the outside but has over 1.5 million artifacts and photos of Canadian History. FREE: Every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm, every first Saturday of the month from 10am to 5pm.
366 locals recommend
McCord Museum
690 Rue Sherbrooke OLooks small from the outside but has over 1.5 million artifacts and photos of Canadian History. FREE: Every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm, every first Saturday of the month from 10am to 5pm.
For any film lover.Exhibits are always free.
This film conservatory shows over 500 international films and videos a year. While viewings do have an admission fee, the exhibitions, which include historical equipment, scripts, stills, photos, props, and costumes, are always free
21 locals recommend
Cinémathèque québécoise
335 Boul. de Maisonneuve EFor any film lover.Exhibits are always free.
This film conservatory shows over 500 international films and videos a year. While viewings do have an admission fee, the exhibitions, which include historical equipment, scripts, stills, photos, props, and costumes, are always free
It houses both ancient and modern artifacts, fossils, and minerals. Exhibits include marine vertebrates with terrestrial ancestors (i.e., whales, sea turtles, seals) and dinosaur specimens, including the skulls of a triceratops and a T-rex!
ALWAYS FREE , they recommend voluntary donations of 10$ for adults and 20$ for families.
92 locals recommend
Redpath Museum
859 Rue Sherbrooke OIt houses both ancient and modern artifacts, fossils, and minerals. Exhibits include marine vertebrates with terrestrial ancestors (i.e., whales, sea turtles, seals) and dinosaur specimens, including the skulls of a triceratops and a T-rex!
ALWAYS FREE , they recommend voluntary donations of 10$ for adults and 20$ for families.
Exhibits some of the best contemporary art from around the globe . You can explore an array of digital and sound pieces, installations, paintings, ephemeral works, sculptures, and more.
Half-price Wednesday evening 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
https://macm.org/en/general-information/hours-and-admission/
651 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Montreal
1 Place Ville MarieExhibits some of the best contemporary art from around the globe . You can explore an array of digital and sound pieces, installations, paintings, ephemeral works, sculptures, and more.
Half-price Wednesday evening 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
https://macm.org/en/general-information/hours-and-admission/
They have penguins , do I need to say more!?
* Closed for renovations until summer 2019.
759 locals recommend
Biodome
4777 Av. Pierre-De CoubertinThey have penguins , do I need to say more!?
* Closed for renovations until summer 2019.
Drinks & Nightlife
30 imported vodkas at a -30 ice bar ( don't worry they'll provide you with a quality Mackage coat ). You can also hang out in the regular rooms and grab a bite with your drink.
Cyr - Restaurant & Bar de Glace
3426 Rue Notre Dame O30 imported vodkas at a -30 ice bar ( don't worry they'll provide you with a quality Mackage coat ). You can also hang out in the regular rooms and grab a bite with your drink.
Best music in town in this little spot , not much room for dancing but you always have a great time here.
158 locals recommend
Santos
191 Rue Saint-Paul OBest music in town in this little spot , not much room for dancing but you always have a great time here.
Great selection of drinks , including some fun girly drinks with popsicles in them ! YES POPSICLES ! great ambience as well.
11 locals recommend
BOHO
436 R. Saint-François-XavierGreat selection of drinks , including some fun girly drinks with popsicles in them ! YES POPSICLES ! great ambience as well.