Top Things to Do in Montreal Canada
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Montreal Canada will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here; keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Montreal Canada.
READ Complete Canada Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
READ Exploring Montreal Canada’s Street Art Scene
100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Montreal Canada
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Montreal Canada
- Grab an ice cream and explore the Old Port
- Zipline across the harbor
- Stop at Place Jacques Cartier and watch the street performers
- Take a ghost tour through old Montreal
- Try your luck at the Montreal Casino
- Ride the roller coaster at La Ronde
- Tour Notre Dame Basilica and check out the blue ceiling with 24-carat gold stars
- Watch the Aura Light Show
- Download the app and take a DIY tour of the Cite Memoire outdoor projection tour
- Explore the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
- Check out the underground city (RESO)
- Tour the campus of McGill College
- Attend a performance at Place des Arts
- Try out the musical swings at Quartier Des Spectacles
- Attend a Cirque Éloize show
- Check out the colorful buildings of the Latin Quarter
- Explore the red-light district and famous Café Cléopatra
- Walk under the balls in the Village
- Purchase a drum and participate in Sunday Tam Tam
- Explore the 1976 Olympic Park
- Climb the staircase to the St Joseph Oratory Basilica and listen to the organ
- Watch a hockey game
- Relax in the floating Bota Bota Spa on the St. Lawrence River with a view of the Old Port
Best Museums in Montreal Canada
- Explore the street art along Saint Laurent Boulevard
- Wander the galleries in the Le Plateau neighborhood
- Spend an afternoon browsing the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or DHC/ART Foundation for Contemporary Art
- Check out the interactive exhibits and IMAX show at the Montreal Science Centre
- Learn about Montreal’s sky at the Planetarium
- Explore Montreal’s birthplace at Pointe-à-Callière Museum
- Learn about Canadian and Montreal history at the McCord Museum
- View the human rights exhibits at the Montreal Holocaust Museum
- Explore the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Jewish Montreal
- Check out the mummies and fossils at the Redpath Museum
- Walk through 5 ecosystems at Montreal Biodome
- See the Canadian Centre for Architecture exhibits
Outdoor Activities in Montreal Canada
- Have a picnic at Parc Maisonneuve
- See the Japanese and Chinese-themed gardens at the Montreal Botanical Garden
- Relax on the beach at Plage de l’Horloge or Jean-Doré Beach
- Walk down Rue St Paul, the oldest street in Montreal Canada
- Take a harbor boat ride along the St Lawrence River
- Go for a paddle boat ride in La Fontaine Park or Beaver Lake
- Take a walk along the Lachine Canal
- Watch the sunset from St. Joseph’s Oratory Gardens in Mount Royal Park
- Go for a hike in Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville
Where to Eat in Montreal Canada
- Learn how to make bagels
- Eat lots of croissants and maple treats
- Give some love at Café Chat L’Heureux
- Have lunch in Place des Arms Square
- Head to Chinatown for dinner
- Eat a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz Deli
- Eat poutine at La Banquise
- Explore Little Italy and stop by the Jean-Talon Market
- Eat at Gibeau Orange Julep
- Eat bagels at St-Viateur or Fairmont
- Check out Montreal’s BYOW restaurants on Duluth Avenue
Montreal Canada Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Drink ice cider and ice wine
- Have a cocktail on the rooftop terrace of Terrasse sur L’Auberge, Hôtel Nelligan, Club Unity
- Stop for a cocktail along Saint-Denis
- Bar hop along Crescent Street and don’t miss Sir Winston Churchill
- Take a craft beer tour or check out the rotating beer menu at Dieu du Ciel
- Stop by Whiskey Café for samplings
- Listen to blues at Bistro à Jojo
- Sip craft cocktails at La Distillerie, Le Lab, Bar Renard, or Le 4e Mur
- Dance the night away at Stereo, New City Gas, or La Voûte
Shopping in Montreal Canada
- Shop, shop, shop along St Catherine Street
- Browse the boutiques of Mile End or Bonsecours Market
- Explore the network of underground shops at The Underground City
- High-end shop in the Golden Square Mile along Sherbrooke Street
- Browse the market stalls at Jean-Talon Market, Atwater Market, or Le Marché Bonsecours
Instagrammable Places in Montreal Canada: View Points and Selfies
Photograph the Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), Bank of Montreal, New York Life Building, Aldred Building, Sunlife Building in Dorchester Square, Habitat 67 architecture, Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Place d’Armes statues, Victorian houses in Square Saint-Louis, corkscrew staircases of East St Laurent, Paris Metro railing in Square Victoria, Quartier des Spectacles installations, Jacques Cartier Bridge at night, Mount Royal Cross illuminated, stained glass of the convention center, Grevin Wax Museum, and the Montreal Mural Festival Wall Art
Check out the best Montreal viewpoints: Clock Tower at the Old Port, La Grande Roue de Montreal, Montreal Tower, Place Ville Marie Observatory, Mount Royal Chalet’s Kondiaronk Lookout, Mount Royal Lookout and Summit, Lachine Canal, Belvédère Kondiaronk, Parc Jean-Drapeau Lookout, Belvedere Camillien-Houde
Day Trips from Montreal Canada
- Take a day trip to Québec City and wander the cobblestone streets full of French-inspired architecture
- Visit the Eastern Townships vineyards
- Check out the museums and historic sites in Ottawa
- Go skiing in Saint-Sauveur or Mont Tremblant
- Relax by the beach or hike in Oka National Park
- See Canadian wildlife in a natural habitat at Parc Omega in Montebello
Montreal Canada Festivals and Special Events
Check the Montreal Canada Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan your Trip to Montreal Canada
Why Visit Montreal Canada
Montreal Canada had approximately 11 million visitors last year. Why? Montreal has it all: French-inspired cuisine, a medieval-inspired old town, cobblestone streets, French street signs, an underground city, street art, spiral staircases, pedestrian-only zones, parks, and festivals. Montreal Canada is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Montreal Canada is Enough
3 days in Montreal Canada is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is Montreal Canada Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall travel risk in Montreal Canada is low. However, there is a medium risk of pickpockets. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Montreal Canada
The best time to go to Montreal is from June to September. This is high season and prices increase. Shoulder season in Montreal is April and May and September to November. Winter is cold but heated passageways are available in the downtown Underground City.
How to Get to Montreal Canada
Several airlines fly nonstop to the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). A nonstop flight from LAX to YUL is 5 hours; nonstop JKF to YUL is 1.5 hours. Prepare for your flight!
There is no direct train connection between the airport and Old Town Montreal. There is a free minibus from YUL Airport to Dorval Railway Station where you can take a train to downtown Montreal. The 747 bus runs between the airport and several metro stations for CA$11. An Uber ride costs approximately CA$39 and a taxi is about CA$50.
How to Get Around Montreal Canada
Old Town Montreal is walkable. The city is well connected by metro and bus. Consider purchasing a 3-day unlimited travel card that covers airport transportation. Print a map or add metro stops to your own Google Map here.
What Should I Budget for Montreal Canada
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $195 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Montreal Canada
Couples may enjoy a spa day at Bota Bota, an evening boat cruise down the St. Lawerence River, or a romantic dinner in Little Italy.
Things to Do in Montreal Canada with Young Children
Family friendly things to do in Montreal with young children include the Biodome, Montreal Science Centre, Rides at La Ronde, playgrounds in Jean-Drapeau Park, or the pools at the Aquatis Complex.
Things to do in Montreal Canada with Teenagers
Teens may enjoy exploring Old Montreal, the rides at La Ronde, ziplining across the harbor, or a street art tour.
Visiting More Canadian Cities?
Check out our Canada Travel Guide with links to must see destinations and itineraries!
Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in Montreal Canada, a Bucket List City
Booking Resources for Montreal Canada
Canada Travel Guide
Pick up a Canada Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Montreal Canada Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Montreal Canada Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!