Montreal is a great weekend getaway with lively streets and a cheerful atmosphere. Experience the European charm of one of North America’s few French cities. With an array of festivals, this city is hopping all year long.
Our detailed guide has everything you need to plan your perfect two days in Montreal!
Table of Contents
Recommended 2-Day Montreal Itinerary
A 2 day visit to Montreal provides the perfect amount of time to hit all the must-see places in the city. If you have time, add a 3rd day and explore areas away from the main tourist stops. Montreal’s many neighbourhoods are very walkable and most have bike lanes or paths.
Day 1:
Explore Old Montreal and the Old Port.
- Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visiting Notre-Dame Basilica and the area’s museums.
- Stroll by the Old Port’s sights and attractions.
- Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a restaurant in Place Jacques-Cartier.
Day 2:
On your second day, it’s time to head up the mountain.
- Enjoy a morning hike up Mount Royal. Admire the city from Kondiaronk Lookout.
- For lunch and an afternoon stroll, walk through and sample the cuisines of Little Italy, Mile End, and the Plateau; OR
- Walk Downtown enjoying the city squares and the Quartier des Spectacles .
Day 3 (Optional):
With more time, add a third day and see more of Montreal.
- Rent a bike to explore areas further from the city centre. Cycle along the Lachine Canal in Southwest Montreal.
- Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Islands are another perfect area to visit by bicycle.
- Olympic Park has a large number of gardens and museums to visit. It’s perfect for families.
- End the day trying your luck at the Montreal Casino.
Tourist Map of Montreal
Old Montreal Walking Tour
The best way to start a first-time visit to Montreal is with a walk through Vieux Montréal or Historic Old Montreal. Walk cobblestone streets with beautiful 18th– and 19th-century buildings. Explore the many great boutique shops. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant along Place Jacques-Cartier. An evening walk among the many illuminated buildings of Old Montreal is the perfect end to the day.
Our self-guided walking tour begins at Notre-Dame Basilica, which dominates Place d’Armes, in the heart of Old Montreal.
Notre-Dame Basilica
The basilica is Montreal’s most famous landmark and visually stunning. Notre-Dame Basilica, built on top of an older church, was completed in 1829. While the exterior with its 70-metre, twin steeples is impressive, its interior is magnificent. See the multitude of 24-carat gold stars on the ceiling, the amazing stained-glass windows from Limoges, sculptures and the Casavant organ with 7000 pipes. Its 12-ton, brass “Gros Bourdon” is the one of the biggest bells in North America.
The small chapel, Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Cœur, behind the basilica’s main altar, is very popular for weddings. The amazing bronze sculpture reaching from the floor to the ceiling is both loved and hated.
The Aura Experience at Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica is a 45-minute, evening, multi-media performance highlighting the basilica’s heritage. Tickets must be purchased online.
Next to the basilica, on its south side, is the oldest building in the area, the Old Seminary of Saint-Sulpice, an active Catholic seminary.
In the centre of Place d’Armes is the statue of Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the founder of Montreal. He and his settlers battled the Iroquois on this site in 1644. The monument was erected in 1895 as part of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city.
Continue across Place d’Armes to the Bank of Montreal building is on the northwest side.
Bank of Montreal Museum
The Bank of Montreal Museum, worth a quick visit, is in the 1847 Bank of Montreal building which resembles a Greek temple with its 6 massive columns. Inside, note both the marble decoration and marble counter tops. The Bank of Montreal is Canada’s oldest bank, founded in 1817.
Walk north on Notre-Dame Street to St. Laurent Boulevard and the courthouse on the northwest corner.
Montreal Courthouses
The current Palais de Justice de Montréal, built in 1971, is a contemporary, stone-and-steel building with walls of glass windows.
Continue down the street to the city’s first courthouse. The beautiful “Old” Courthouse, built in 1856, is a municipal administration building.
Across the street is the Ernest-Cormier Building with a beautiful, columned facade. Built in the 1920’s, as the city’s second courthouse, it now houses the Court of Appeal.
Continue east on Notre-Dame Street to the Nelson Monument at the north end of Place Jacques-Cartier. The monument honours British General Nelson’s defeat of Napoléan Bonaparte’s French navy at Trafalgar. Local French Sulpician priests erected it in the early 19th century in hopes of currying favour in land negotiations with the British.
Continuing on Notre-Dame Street, Montreal City Hall is on the left.
Hôtel de Ville de Montréal
Enjoy a guided tour of this 17th-century building. In 1967, then French president Charles de Gaulle made his famous speech, ‘Vive le Quebec libre’ (“Long live free Quebec”) here. It’s said to have been the spark of the Quebec independence movement which is still active.
Across the street from city hall is Ramezay House.
Musée du Château Ramezay
500 years of Montreal and Québec history are presented through both permanent and temporary exhibits at Chateau Ramezay. The house, with its thick stone walls, steep roof with dormer windows and abundant period furniture makes the perfect museum. Be sure to see the beautiful gardens around the house. The house was completed in 1705 for the city’s 11th governor, Claude de Ramezay with the tower added in the 19th century.
Continue on Notre-Dame Street for another 2 blocks to Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site. Learn about the life and works of Sir George-Etienne Cartier, one of the Father’s of Canadian Confederation. Visit his restored Victorian home, with the interior returned to its original 1860s style to see how the Montreal wealthy lived.
Walk a block south on Berri Street. Turn right onto Saint-Paul Street and walk two more blocks to the Sailor’s Church.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel
Climb up the church tower (69 steps) and admire the view of the harbour and Montreal.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help was a favourite of sailors before or after a journey. They prayed before the Virgin Mary’s statue for safe passage, often leaving ship-shaped votive lamps, some of which remain. Even in the 21st century, people still drop by and light a candle for a safe journey.
Marguerite Bourgeoys had the first chapel built on the site in 1657. She is entombed in the side altar on the east side of the chapel. The Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum presents the story of Marguerite, who was canonized in 1982, and the people of 17th-century Montreal. There is access to the archaeological site below the church from the museum.
Walk next door to the stunning, neoclassical Bonsecours Market, built as a public market in the 1840s. A public market until the 1960s, it is now filled with boutique stores, tiny art galleries and food stops.
Follow Saint-Paul Street back to the heart of Old Montreal and Place Jacques-Cartier for a break or keep walking to the river and the Old Port of Montreal.
Place Jacques-Cartier
Enjoy a break at one of the many cafes and restaurants on this sloped street, people watching from their terraces. There are usually buskers, street artists and musicians entertaining the crowds. This area was the site of Montreal’s first public market.
In the evening, the area is a popular dinner destination and its illuminated buildings make it worth a lovely stroll.
Old Port of Montreal
After visiting Old Montreal, walk towards the city’s Old Port. Montreal’s original working waterfront is revitalized, now a beautiful park with lots of activities for the whole family. Stroll the four quays and shop in the nearby stores. Kids enjoy the challenge at the SOS Labyrinthe. For more action, ride the zipline or rent a paddleboat. Be sure to check out the huge ferris wheel and the Clock Tower. In winter, enjoy outdoor skating.
Walk the Promenade du Vieux-Port, a lovely walkway along the waterfront connecting the quays. Start from the north end of the port and wander south.
Clock Tower Quay
The Sailors’ Memorial Clock Tower sits at the tip of the quay. Built in 1922, the tower commemorates the sailors who died in World War 1. Climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the port.
Downtown Montreal residents enjoy the sun and sand at Clock Tower Beach, at the base of the tower. By the way, swimming is not allowed here.
The Montreal Yacht Club’s marina is sheltered within the “L”-shaped Clock Tower Quay.
Jet Boating Montreal is opposite the yacht club at the foot of the quay. Enjoy a white-water, adventure ride aboard their jet boats to and through the Lachine Rapids.
SOS Labyrinthe, a 2-kilometre maze of dead ends and obstacles is in Old Port’s 1900’s Hangar 16. Search the labyrinth for 4 treasures linked to Montreal history and learn stories about the Port of Montreal. Watch out for traps and surprises along the way.
Ride the Tyrolienne MTL Zipline over Bonsecours Island or try the pirate-themed rope course at next door at Voiles en Voiles.
In the winter, ice skate along the Bonsecours Basin, a half-kilometre natural ice rink.
Ride the 60-metre-high Montreal Ferris Wheel for an aerial view of the city. From one of Canada’s tallest observation wheels, see the waterfront below to over 25 kilometres away on clear days.
Continue south to the 2nd quay, Jacques-Cartier Quay, where the ferry to Parc Jean-Drapeau docks and Montreal’s famous circus performs.
Cirque du Soleil Big Top
Enjoy a performance by hometown favourites and world leaders in live entertainment. Cirque du Soleil, founded in Montreal in 1984, is one of the world’s best circus arts companies with shows on tour around the world.
More kid-friendly entertainment is next door on King Edward Quay at Montreal’s Science Centre.
Centre des Sciences de Montréal
The many interactive and educational stations at the Montreal Science Centre are great for the kids (and adults too). There are games, puzzles and experiments to try and more at this hands-on science centre. Watch great science and nature films on the seven-story IMAX screen.
Grand Quay is the landing spot for cruise ships visiting Montreal. The city began in the area opposite the quay.
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
Learn about centuries of history, the First Peoples, the founding of the city up to the present, through the many displays and artifacts. Pointe-à-Callière sits on the site where the city was founded. Visit the archaeological site underground to see the excavated foundations from the 17th century and much more.
Place Royale, Montreal’s oldest civic square, sits to the north of the museum. The grass-and-treed boulevard of Place d’Youville runs south to Place de la Grande-Paix where the first French colonists landed in 1642. They are memorialized on a monument.
Turn right on Saint-Nicolas Street. The street ends at the Fondation PHI pour L’art Contemporain. Several times throughout the year, the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art presents exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world.
Place d’Armes, where the tour of Old Montreal began, is 2 blocks to the north.
Mount Royal Park
Parc du Mont-Royal sits on the large hill, often called la Montagne or the Mountain, overlooking the city. The 500-acre park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for New York’s Central Park, is a bit of wilderness in the middle of the city.
Join the locals and enjoy hiking and biking through its extensive network of trails. In the winter, try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating on the pond and tubing down groomed hills.
Take the steps located at the top of Peel Street on the park’s east side to hike up Mount Royal. Alternatively, enter the park from Park Avenue at the George-Étienne Cartier monument, who was a 19th-century statesman.
Once at the top, be sure to grab a selfie with a panoramic view of the city below.
If driving to Mount Royal, park in the large parking lot near the centrally-located Smith House. Conveniently this is the park Information Centre, with snacks and souvenirs available as well. This 1858 stone home was built for the park’s grounds keeper.
Wander west to the lake.
Beaver Lake
Enjoy a walk around the man-made lake or a rent paddle boat or rowboat to tour the lake. Families often float model boats. In winter, enjoy skating on the frozen lake.
The café in the pavilion at the lake serves light meals and beverages.
Wander back toward the parking lot and continue east to the lookout.
Kondiaronk Lookout
This broad terrace in front of the 1932 Chalet du Mont-Royal is one of the most popular views of downtown Montreal, a real bird’s-eye view of the city. On a clear day, look eastward to see Mount Royal’s sister mountains; Mont St-Bruno, Mont St-Hilaire and Mont St-Gregoire. They are across the St. Lawrence River, east of the city.
Visit the coffee shop inside the chalet. Paintings and pictures of Montreal and Canadian history adorn the walls.
Continue to the 40-metre-high cross.
Mount Royal Cross
The steel cross was erected in 1924, commemorating city founder Maisonneuve. He carried a wooden cross up the hill in 1643. The landmark, often called the Cross of Montreal, is illuminated at night for all of Montreal to see. On a clear night, it can be seen from as far as 80 kilometres away.
If driving, stop at Belvédère Camillien-Houde for a great view of the eastern part of the city.
On the north slope of Mount Royal there are two cemeteries. Both have tree-lined paths and famous occupants. Canada’s largest cemetery, Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, contains more than 900,000 burials, in its 340+ acres. Since 1854, many famous local politicians, artists, and hockey players, such as Maurice Richard have been interred in this Catholic cemetery.
Cimetière Mont-Royal, the Protestant cemetery established in 1842, is much smaller. Laid out like a terraced garden, many visit to see over 145 species of birds in the natural surroundings.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory is on the northwestern slope of Mount Royal.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
This Christian oratory, dedicated to St. Joseph, is one of the world’s most popular pilgrimage sites to the father of Jesus. St. Joseph’s Oratory is the largest church in Canada. Its immense copper dome stands 97 metres tall, one of the largest in the world. The interior of the main church is stunning.
To access the church from the main parking lot, either climb the steps or take the shuttle bus. There are 283 concrete steps on the right and left sides of the central staircase which has 99 wooden steps. Traditionally, pilgrims prayed to St. Joseph as they climbed the wooden steps on their knees.
Visit the crypt, see murals about St. Joseph and walls hung with crutches discarded by those apparently cured. The museum contains 200 nativity scenes and the simple tomb of Brother Andre, canonized in the 21st century.
Brother Andre joined the Order of the Holy Cross in 1870. In 1904 he began building a chapel to St. Joseph. Word of cures attributed to petitions to St. Joseph led to donations arriving. Brother Andre used the money to begin construction of the oratory which was finished after his death. The tiny, original chapel is on the west side of the oratory.
The adjacent gardens east of the church display the 14 Stations of the Cross, the Passion of Christ.
Downtown Montreal
Modern downtown Montreal is great place to stroll. Explore the many shops along Rue Sainte-Catherine or relax among the many green spaces tucked between the skyscrapers and shops. In winter, head below for some shopping in the underground malls.
A beautiful spot to begin exploring the city centre is on the lower slopes of Mount Royal, in an area which was once home to the city’s most influential residents. Huge mansions once filled the beautiful neighbourhood of Golden Square Mile. There are still stunning 19th-century and early 20th-century buildings even though many were replaced with modern town homes and high rises.
On the corner of Redpath and Sherbrooke Streets stands the beautiful stone Presbyterian St. Andrew and St. Paul Church. In 1932, this was the heart of Montreal’s Scottish community. The stained glass window behind the altar is a memorial to those members of the Canadian Royal Highland Regiment (the Black Watch) who were killed in WW1.
On the other side of Sherbrooke Street, a block away, is one of Montreal’s most popular places to visit.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Canada’s oldest museum, the huge Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal contains one of the country’s best collections of Canadian art. The collection includes work of the Group of Seven, Paul Kane, Inuit art and more. See the international works of Picasso, Rembrandt and Renoir. The permanent collection also includes sculptures, photographs and prints.
Continue along Sherbrooke to Rue de la Montagne. Turn right and walk 4 blocks. The entrance to the Bell Centre is to the left on Montreal Canadiens Avenue.
Bell Centre
The Centre Bell, seating more than 20,000 fans, is the home of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Canadiens are the oldest franchise in the league and the most successful team in NHL history with 24 Stanley Cups. Montrealers absolutely loves their “Habs”, with constant sellout crowds. Guided tours of the Bell Centre are available. If the Habs are in town, grab a ticket or watch the game with the locals in a neighbourhood bar. It’s a great party!
Windsor Station, formerly a major hub of the Canadian railway system and now an event space, is at the opposite end of Montreal Canadiens Avenue.
Across from the station, Neo-Gothic St George’s Anglican Church was built in 1870. See its amazing woodwork and stained-glass windows/
Canada Place is across Peel Street and Dorchester Square is to its north across René-Lévesque Boulevard. The parks are popular gathering spots for downtown workers and shoppers on sunny days with lots of benches, picnic tables and grassy areas. There may even be a free musical performance. See a number of statues of influential people and the impressive monument to the dead of the Boer War.
Walk to the beautiful Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde east of Canada Place. This baroque-style cathedral, is a Canadian National Historic Site. Built at the end of the 19th century, the cathedral a quarter-sized reproduction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Across the intersection of Mansfield Street and René Lévesque Boulevard, visit MAC.
Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal
Montreal’s Museum of Contemporary Art showcases contemporary art of both Quebecois and international artists. The core of the collection is the 1930’s art of a group of Quebec artists who called themselves the Automatistes.
On the other side of the museum is Place Ville Marie with benches, picnic tables and pretty planters in the summer. Next to the plaza is a cross-shaped building built in 1962 and Montreal’s first skyscraper. The mall under the plaza was the first part of Montreal’s very extensive underground city. Food options abound in Place Ville Marie and the mall below.
Continue on René Lévesque Boulevard to the Olympic Torch commemorating the torch relay of the Summer Olympics held in the city in 1976.
Look down (south) Beaver Hall Hill for several blocks to the beautiful green space of Victoria Square. Named for 19th-century British Monarch Queen Victoria, the square includes the monument to her unveiled in 1872. This park has an original 1900 Art Nouveau casting of a Paris (France) Metro entrance given to Montreal by the city of Paris as a gift for the 1967 World Exhibition.
Continue one block on René Lévesque Boulevard to a 19th-century basilica.
Saint Patrick’s Basilica
The church was raised to the status of basilica in 1989. Saint Patrick‘s has a large amount of carved wooden pieces and decoration. Take note of the pulpit in the church, opened in March 1847 to serve the city’s growing Irish population, and becoming known as the “Irish Church”.
Montreal’s Chinatown begins several blocks further down René Lévesque Boulevard, at Jeanne-Mance Street.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a great lunch stop, with many shops selling foods and crafts. Chinese immigrants came to Canada to work on the railways and many settled in this neighbourhood in the 1860s. The neighbourhood is small, roughly 1 block wide and 4 blocks long, stretching from Jeanne-Mance Street to St. Laurent Boulevard. Look for the two large ornate Paifang Gates, typical of most Chinatowns, on St. Laurent.
Walk a block north on Jeanne-Mance Street to Sainte-Catharine Street and Festival Place.
Le Quartier des Spectacles
The Quarter is a square kilometre dedicated to arts and culture.
In outdoor Place des Festivals, enjoy the 235-jet fountain, one of the largest interactive fountains in Canada. This is a gathering place during the popular Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival. There are often free concerts in the quarter in the summer.
Just to the east is Place des Arts Montreal’s main performing arts complex. Its 2100 seat Maison Symphonique, one of 6 performance venues, is a state-of-the-art concert venue and the home of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
MEM – Centre des Mémoires Montréalaises, at the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street and St. Laurent Boulevard, showcases the human history of Montreal, with people from Montreal’s past telling their stories about life in Montreal. Enjoy the public spaces and the cafe.
St. James United Church is about 3 blocks west on Sainte-Catharine Street. This large Gothic-style church was completed in 1889.
Another 3 blocks west, is a stunning cathedral.
Christ Church Cathedral
Look inside the neo-Gothic Christ Church Cathedral at the 2,778-pipe organ. There are often noon concerts. Sit a bit and enjoy the organ’s beautiful music.
The church is the seat of Montreal’s Anglican diocese. Built in the mid-19th century, based on a parish church in Norfolk England, its Gothic arches show leaves of trees which grew on Mount Royal at the time. Behind the altar, the stained glass windows were installed in the 1920s in memory of the dead of WWI.
Walk west to McGill College Avenue and turn north. Walk by the Illuminated Crowd. The sculptor, Raymond Mason, is famous for crowd sculptures.
The Greek Revival Gates, at the end of McGill College Avenue, are an impressive transition between city and university.
McGill University
Explore the beautiful, treed university campus and buildings. Founded in 1821 by fur trader James McGill, it is one of Canada’s most esteemed universities.
The Redpath Museum of Natural History is located on campus. This natural history museum has great dinosaur fossils, zoological specimens and more.
The Musée McCord Steward is a block east of the McGill gates, on Sherbrooke Street, in a beautiful, stone 3-storey building. Its extensive collection of historical artifacts tells the story of the people who settled in Montreal. The Notman Photographic Archives are an amazing historical record of Montreal and Canada’s development.
Olympic Park Area
This is the area used during the 1976 Olympic Summer Games as the main events area. It’s a great place to take the kids, with lots of activities and attractions.
Olympic Stadium
This is one of Canada’s largest stadiums with over 56,000 seats in the stands and over 60,000 when people can access the stadium floor. While Olympic Stadium isn’t as active as it once was, it still hosts many concerts, trade fairs and special events.
The stadium was designed as the main event venue for the 1976 Olympics. In 1977, it became the home of Major League Baseball’s Montreal Expos until the team’s move to Washington DC in 2004. The Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes used the stadium until 1998.
Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal team played its first season in 2011 at Olympic Stadium before moving next door to the 20,000 seat Saputo Stadium.
The Montreal Tower (La Tour de Montréal) is visible from anywhere in the area (and many places in the city itself). Ride the glass funicular up to an observation deck to admire the cityscape and surrounding park. Rising 165 metres (at a 45 degree angle), this is the tallest inclined tower in the world.
The tower is undergoing major upgrades and is, unfortunately, temporarily closed. The reopening date is estimated as Fall 2027. Check the Olympic Park’s Tower webpage for updates.
Olympic Park Attractions
Olympic Park features a diverse collection of attractions including museums, gardens, and recreational spaces that offer educational and entertaining experiences for visitors of all ages.
| Attraction | Known For |
| Biodome | The former Olympic velodrome showcases 5 different ecosystems with over 250 different animal species and 500 plant types, from the hot Tropical zone with sloths to the Sub-Antarctic habitat with penguins. |
| Montreal Botanical Garden | One of the largest botanical gardens in the world at over 185 acres, featuring over 22,000 plant species spread across 10 greenhouses and 30 themed gardens including China, Japan and First Nations gardens. |
| Insectarium de Montréal | The largest museum dedicated to insects in North America, displaying both mounted exhibits of insects and live critters including tarantulas and scorpions, making it a favorite for children. |
| Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium | A state-of-the-art facility offering digital and interactive exhibits about stars and our solar system, featuring two circular theatres – one for astronomy exhibits and another for multi-media presentations. |
| Dufresne-Nincheri Museum | In the 1918 beaux arts palace of the Dufresne family, see artifacts from the life of this prominent early 20th-century Montreal family. The museum features painted murals, period furniture, and preserves the workshop of Guido Nincheri, an Italian master glass maker who created over 5,000 stained glass windows significant to Quebec and Canadian culture. |
| Maisonneuve Park | A large recreational space with urban trails for hiking and biking, designated picnic areas. In winter there is an outdoor skating rink and groomed cross-country skiing trails. A municipal golf course located to the northeast across Viau Street. |
| Maisonneuve Market | A historic market area since the early 20th century, where the old beaux arts building now serves as a community center while the modern building houses dozens of vendor stalls selling fresh locally-made produce and artisanal foods. |
Neighbourhoods of Little Italy, Mile End, and The Plateau
These neighbourhoods are rich in culture and cuisine and perfect to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Little Italy
This neighbourhood, north of Mount Royal, is roughly bounded Jean-Talon, St-Zotique, Marconi and Drolet Streets. It remains the heart of Montreal’s Italian community.
The Jean Talon Market is a great place to start exploring. At the centre of Little Italy, it is one of the largest open-air markets in North America. Operating since 1933, locals come for all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats and Quebec cheese, local wines and handmade chocolates. In the block south of Jean-Talon Street, from Casgrain Avenue to Henri-Julien Avenue, the two alleys are closed to create the huge pedestrian market zone. It’s open daily.
Follow Henri-Julien Avenue for several blocks to Chiesa della Madonna della Difesa. The church has a beautiful mural by Guido Nincheri (the famous glass artisan). It commemorates Benito Mussolini signing the Lantern Pact with Pope Pius XI long before Mussolini’s backing of the Nazi’s during World War II.
In Little Italy, there are lots of cafes and pastry shops on Saint Laurent Boulevard, which parallels Henri-Julien Avenue 5 blocks west.
Saint Laurent Boulevard, often called “The Main”, travels through all of the culinary neighbourhoods of Little Italy and Mile End. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, immigrants made the area around this street their home, creating a tapestry of multicultural and culinary riches.
Continue south on Saint Laurent Boulevard to Mile End.
Mile End Neighbourhood
Originally home to Montreal’s Jewish community, Mile End has become a melting pot showing its multiculturalism with lots of Greek restaurants and Italian cafes. Saint Laurent is crudely the centre line of the compact neighbourhood running from Van Horne/Rosemont Avenue south to Mont-Royal Avenue. Over the years, more upscale and trendy dining has arrived, giving Mile End the “hippest” tag.
St. Michael’s and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church is 2 blocks west of Saint Laurent, on Saint-Viateur Street. Enjoy the architecture of this beautiful Catholic church.
Montreal is known for its scrumptious Montreal Bagels and Mile End has some of the best.
These bagels are hand-rolled and dipped in honey sweetened water and then baked in a wood-fired oven. In Mile End, two bagel shops vie for Montreal’s best bagel. Fairmount Bagel is Montreal’s first bagel shop, opened their doors back in 1919 (Fairmount between Clark and Saint-Urbain). There are two St-Viateur Bagel shops on Saint-Viateur West. The original location between Park and Jeanne Mance opened in 1957. Due to overwhelming demand, a second bagel shop opened two blocks east in 1985. Enjoy bagels from both and decided for yourself who has the best bagel.
Another city specialty is the Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich.
This juicy sandwich is made of cured spiced meat. The meat is stacked in layers on rye bread and covered in a mustard spread. Lester’s Deli is one of the most well known on the western side of Mile End (Bernard Avenue at Durocher Street).
Continuing south along Saint Laurent, Schwartz’s Deli (at Napoleon Street) is another well-known option. They’ve been serving excellent smoked-meat sandwiches since 1928, the first deli in Canada.
The Plateau
In this lively neighbourhood of artists and professionals, enjoy the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Notice the winding, wrought iron staircases and balconies on many buildings. The outdoor staircases were added to buildings beginning in the late 1800s accommodating the duplexes being built in the working-class neighbourhood.
Six blocks east of Saint Laurent Boulevard on Rachel Street at Henri Julien Avenue is the massive Saint-Jean-Baptiste Catholic Church. The neo-Baroque church was opened in 1872. By 1892 it was complete including the addition of electricity to the church and presbytery. The church’s interior is stunning with a canopied altar.
Continue east on Rachel Street to the west corner of Parc La Fontaine and sample some Quebec Poutine.
La Banquise has been serving up the Quebec-specialty since 1968. Purists can still enjoy their French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy but there are over 30 varieties with about any kind of topping imaginable.
The beautiful, treed, 86-acre Parc La Fontaine is a great place to stop. There are paths throughout. In the summer enjoy tennis, baseball, soccer, bocce, and volleyball. Grab a picnic lunch and relax on the grass beside the large artificial pond. In the winter, enjoy skating on the pond.
To the southwest, on Pins Avenue between Drolet Street and Henri Julien Avenue, learn about Canada’s oldest French-speaking military unit at Musée des Fusiliers Mont-Royal and its history. The Mont-Royal Fusiliers formed over 150 years ago and its members have distinguished themselves when called to serve the country. It is an active army reserve unit belonging to the 34th Canadian Brigade Group of the 2nd Canadian Division.
Hotel Dieu Hospital is at the border between the Plateau and Mount Royal Park at the end of Pins Avenue. Visit the Museum of the Hospitallers of Hotel Dieu on Pins Avenue and learn about the nuns of the Religieuses Hospitalières de St-Joseph. They arrived in the 1600s to minister to the poor, sick and dying. They ran the hospital for over 300 years until it was taken over by the province and the University of Montreal in the 1970’s.
Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Islands
Jean-Drapeau Park, on two islands just east of the city: Île Ste-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, was the site of Expo ’67. The 1967 Word’s Fair celebrated Canada’s Centennial. Explore the many recreational opportunities, paths and gardens in both summer and winter. Some of the old pavilions, such as the Biosphere, were repurposed and house interesting attractions for the whole family.
To get to the park, drive across the Jacques Cartier Bridge. For a much more relaxing journey, take the passenger ferry from Old Port and enjoy the views along the river. The Montreal Metro is also a great transit option.
Before crossing to the islands, just before the Jacques Cartier Bridge, stop at the 19th-century prison.
Pied-du-Courant Prison
Take a guided tour of Patriot’s Prison, built between 1831 and 1840. Learn about the rebellions of 1837-1838 against the British Crown and the living conditions at the prison.
Île Ste-Hélène is the “north” island with lots of walking and cycling baths.
La Ronde
Montreal’s massive summer amusement park, La Ronde, has over 40 thrill rides and roller coasters. Don’t worry. There are tamer rides also; Ferris wheels, boat rides and rides for the kids. Concerts in many music genres and the annual International Fireworks Competition keep the crowds coming all summer long.
Biosphere Museum
The Biosphere sits under the frame of the geodesic dome that was the United States pavilion for the Expo ’67. During Expo, the large 20-story-tall dome had an acrylic covering protecting the exhibits.
The building, given to the city at the end of Expo, was named the Biosphere in 1968. Montreal created an aviary and a series of hanging gardens under the dome. A 1976 fire melted the covering which was not replaced and the building closed. In 1995 the Biosphere Museum opened dedicated to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River ecosystem and its connections to society. The museum continues to be a leader in environmental issues and stewardship both locally and globally.
Île Notre-Dame, a man-made island, was created in the early 1960s from the earth removed during the building of Montreal’s Metro system.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit is a Formula 1 Race Track ringing the island. Every June, it hosts the Montreal Grand Prix, the Canadian segment of the Formula 1 World Championship.
This track is special as the general public can use the track for cycling, rollerblading and walking. I had a blast taking my bike for a lap on this 4.4-kilometre-long track.
Jean-Doré Beach
On hot summer days, locals seek relief at Jean-Doré Beach, an artificial beach in the middle of the race track. Canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals are available. There is open water swimming, beach volleyball and much more.
As it does get busy on hot summer days, check for tickets and purchase online before visiting.
Montreal Casino
The Casino de Montréal is a great way to end the day with more than 3000 slot machines and 100+ gaming tables. There are a number of restaurants on site and live cabaret performances. The building was the French pavilion during Expo 67.
Just across the Concorde Bridge at the southern end of Montreal’s Old Port is Habitat 67.
Habitat 67
Habitat 67 was the McGill thesis project of internationally renowned architect and urban planner Moshe Safdie, then a 24-year-old student. Built for Expo 67, this unique housing complex was visited by tens of thousands and was the temporary residence for some visiting dignitaries. Cubes are stacked at different angles providing the 150 residential units both privacy and great views of the river. Today it is classified as a city heritage monument and a prestigious address. Habitat 67 Guided Tours are available.
Southwest Montreal and the Lachine Canal
The area west of the city centre consists of several neighbourhoods; Griffintown, Little Burgundy, Saint-Henri and Verdun.
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
The Lachine Canal stretches from the Old Port for 14 kilometres to St. Louis Lake in western Montreal on the St. Lawrence River.
Built between 1821 and 1825, the canal enabled small flat-bottomed boats on their way west to the interior of the continent to bypass the Lachine Rapids. The canal was enlarged twice in the 19th century as the size of boats increased. The canal’s use declined significantly with the opening of the larger St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 and was ultimately closed to shipping in 1970.
Parks Canada took over management and revitalization of the historic canal in 1978. Since 2002, the 5-lock canal system is open for pleasure craft use each summer. For information about navigating the canal, check the Parks Canada Lockage and Navigation webpage.
The National Historic Site is the waterway itself, a green urban park along the canal and the remains of the industries which grew along the canal. A multi-use path between Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis connects it all together and is maintained from April 15 to November 15. There are activities in the parkland year-round.
An excellent way to explore the canal and surrounding parks is by bicycle. Enjoy riding the 14.5-kilometre trail that runs along the canal.
The Lachine Lock is at the western end of the canal. Visit the lock station’s Visitor Centre for information about the canal’s history.
The neighbourhoods of southwestern Montreal were once blue-collar, industrial areas and developed in close proximity to the canal. Recently, many artists have moved to the area. Arsenal Contemporary Art is behind Lien Nord Park, between Saint-Gabriel Lock and the Atwater Footbridge.
Arsenal Art Contemporain Montréal
Arsenal galleries support and promote Canadian contemporary art. Founded in Montreal in 2011, there are now galleries in Montreal, Toronto and New York. The Montreal Arsenal gallery is huge, occupying a former shipyard warehouse.
Opposite the Atwater Footbridge, grab a picnic lunch in the beautiful art-deco building, with a huge clock tower. The Atwater Market has a great selection of vegetable, meat and fish vendors along with specialty merchants carrying products such as olive oils, vinegars and locally made items. Open since 1933, it is one of the Montreal’s oldest markets.
Lachine National Historic Site
Lachine at the western end of the canal, became a hub of local fur-trading operations due to the difficulty of navigating the Lachine Rapids. The Lachine National Historic Site, protects an 1803 fur warehouse. Learn about the relationship between the town, the canal and the fur trade.
Marché de Lachine, the oldest, and smallest, public market in Montreal is less than a kilometre away, at 18th Avenue and Notre-Dame Street.
For a circular cycling route, continue on the cycling trail along La Salle Boulevard and the St. Lawrence River back toward Old Port.
Lachine Museum
The small Lachine Museum sits on the Le Ber-Le Moyne Heritage Site. Visit 17th-century buildings, a collection of archaeological artifacts, art exhibits and a sculpture garden.
Continue southeast. In less than a kilometre, the Fleming Mill is in a park on the left. This is the second mill that Fleming, a Scottish miller, built on this site in 1827. An Anglo-Saxon-type mill, unusual in Quebec, it has been owned by the city since 1947.
There is green space all along the river as you continue east on the cycling path. After about 6 kilometres, Rapids Park is on the right. This 75-acre refuge area sees over 225 species of migratory birds and is a great area for hiking and bird watching. Interpretive panels explain the history of the rapids and the site’s former hydroelectric plant. Kayakers try their skills against the white water rapids beside the park.
Two kilometres further, House Nivard-De Saint-Dizier Museum and Archaeological Site is a 1710 historical home, museum and archaeological site. It is open in the summer. The home is typical of those built in the countryside by the French soon after their arrival. Archaeological investigations revealed Indigenous occupation on site over 5500 years ago.
Continuing another 6 kilometres, taking the cycling path and city streets, the last historic stop is the 17th-century Maison Saint-Gabriel. It was the farmhouse of the King’s Wards, women from France who worked at the farm until they found a husband in the new world. See the beautiful gardens and enjoy a guided tour.
Biking in Montreal
Montreal is a great city for biking, with over 600 kilometres of cycling trails, including the Lachine Canal Bike Path. Many streets have dedicated bike lanes. Don’t have your own bike? It’s easy to rent one.
Bicycle Rentals in Montreal
These businesses rent regular and electric bikes. Several offer guided bike tours as well.
| Business | Location (Street address and neighbourhood) |
|---|---|
| Ca Roule Montreal/Montreal on Wheels Rental and guided bike tours | 27 Commune St. E Old Montreal |
| Ma Bicyclette Rental and guided bike tours | 2985 Saint-Patrick St. Lachine Canal, Southwest Montreal |
| La Bicycletterie JR | 201 Rachel St. E The Plateau |
| Allo Velo Boutique | 141 du Shannon St. Griffintown – Southwest Montreal |
BIXI Bikes
Instead of renting a bike, try Montreal’s bike-sharing network, BIXI. There are lots of BIXI stations and bikes located around the city. Fun fact: Bixi is a blend of bicycle and taxi.
Bike routes in Montreal
With bike rented or grabbed from a BIXI station, it’s time to head out on one (or more) of Montreal’s great cycle trails:
- Lachine Canal – 14.5 kilometres
- St. Lawrence Waterfront Cycling Path (at Pole des Rapides) – 21 kilometres
- Gilles Villeneuve Circuit – 4.4 kilometre circuit
- The Green Route
Route Verte Trail System
The ever expanding network of the Green Trail is more than 5000 kilometres long. For longer trips, use one of the towns in the Eastern Townships as a base. Try portions of Circuit 1, which runs all the way to Gaspe along on the St. Lawrence. South on Circuit 4 travels through great countryside on the way to Vermont.
Best Festivals in Montreal
Montreal has many entertaining festivals in both summer and winter. These are the most popular festivals.
- L’International Des Feux Loto (La Ronde) – late June thru very early August – This is Our Recommended Festival
The International Fireworks Competition takes place weekly (traditionally held on Thursday and Sunday nights). Each week, a different country presents an amazing 30-minute fireworks spectacle. We saw the fireworks from the Jacques Cartier Bridge. - Montreal International Jazz Fest (Downtown) – June/July
The largest Jazz Festival in the world has lots of free Jazz and Blues concerts in downtown Montreal. - Just for Laughs Montreal (Downtown) – July
International comics come to get Montreal laughing. - Montreal en Lumiere (Downtown) – February/March
This winter festival is filled with food, performing arts and outdoor activities for the whole family. - Osheaga (Jean-Drapeau Park) – July/August
The Osheaga Music Festival is one of the biggest in the world. - Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada (Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit) – May/June
International drivers compete annually at the only Canadian stop on the Formula 1 racing circuit.
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