Top Attractions & Fun Activities in Montreal – Eat, Explore, Repeat
Montreal isn’t just a city — it’s a mood. It’s got the charm of Paris, the friendliness of Canada, and enough food to make your jeans feel tight before the weekend’s over. It’s a place where you can wander cobblestone streets in the morning, eat enough poutine to make you question your life choices in the afternoon, and end the night at a jazz festival wondering if you should quit your job to become a street musician.
I’ve been here in every season — when flowers spill out of café windows, when autumn turns the parks into a warm painting, and when winter tries to turn me into a human popsicle (still worth it). Here’s my no-boring-bits, fully-tested, slightly humorous guide to things you absolutely should do in Montreal.
Start in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Old Montreal is the city’s postcard shot — cobblestones, street performers, horse-drawn carriages, and cafés that make you think, “Should I just move here and write a novel?”
Kick off your wander at Place Jacques-Cartier, where people-watchers and gelato-lovers unite.
Don’t miss:
- Notre-Dame Basilica – If this place doesn’t make your jaw drop, check your pulse. It’s stunning, peaceful, and perfect for pretending you’re in a movie.
- Old Port – Summer? Ziplining over the waterfront. Winter? Ice skating under fairy lights. Bonus: you can eat a beavertail (a deep-fried pastry, not an actual beaver appendage — just to be clear).
- Bonsecours Market – A historic spot full of boutiques and handmade gifts. Great for finding souvenirs that aren’t keychains shaped like moose.
Conquer Mount Royal
Mount Royal is basically Montreal’s giant backyard. In summer, it’s full of picnics, bikers, and the famous Tam-Tams — a Sunday drum circle that attracts everyone from barefoot hippies to curious tourists. In winter, it’s a snow-covered playground for sledding and skiing.
Insider tip: The Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout has the best view in town — the kind of view you see in tourism ads and think, “Yeah, right.” But no, it’s real, and you’ll probably take at least five versions of the same photo just in case.
Get Your Culture On (Without Feeling Like a School Trip)
Montreal’s museums are like the city itself — classy but never stuffy.
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – From ancient artifacts to modern “wait, is that art?” installations.
- Pointe-à-Callière Museum – Built over the city’s birthplace, so you’re literally walking on history.
- Contemporary Art Museum – Weird, colorful, and perfect for Instagram.
- Street Art Tours – If you come in June for the MURAL Festival, you’ll see entire buildings turned into massive, jaw-dropping works of art.
Eat Like You Mean It
Warning: Montreal might ruin you for food elsewhere.
- Poutine – Fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Sounds simple, but the first bite is basically a warm hug for your soul. Go to La Banquise for options like bacon, pulled pork, or “La Elvis” (yes, with peanut butter).
- Montreal Bagels – Smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York’s. The great debate: St-Viateur vs. Fairmount. Solution? Eat both. Twice.
- Smoked Meat Sandwich – Schwartz’s Deli. Don’t overthink it. Order it medium-fat with yellow mustard and prepare for a meat coma.
- Jean-Talon Market – A colorful chaos of fresh produce, maple syrup, cheeses, and baked goods that will have you “accidentally” buying way too much.
- French Pastries – Any boulangerie will do, but the rule is: if it’s flaky and buttery, you order it.
Festival Hop Like a Local
Montreal is basically on permanent party mode. There’s a festival for everything — music, comedy, lights, even outdoor winter raves (because Canadians are wild like that).
- Montreal International Jazz Festival – The biggest jazz fest in the world. Even if you “don’t do jazz,” you’ll still find yourself dancing.
- Just for Laughs – Hilarious and world-famous. The city becomes a giant comedy club.
- Igloofest – An EDM party in January. People dance in snowsuits, and somehow it’s amazing.
- Montreal en Lumière – A winter festival with lights, gourmet food, and outdoor fun.
Enjoy the Outdoors (Yes, Even in Winter)
Montrealers don’t let a little thing like freezing temperatures stop them from going outside.
- Lachine Canal – Perfect for a summer bike ride or a romantic stroll.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Because nothing says “urban adventure” like paddling with skyscrapers in the background.
- Parc La Fontaine – Gorgeous in every season, plus a skating rink in winter.
- Verdun Beach – Yes, there’s an actual sandy beach in the city. No, it’s not the Caribbean, but it’s still fun.
Get Quirky
Montreal’s charm is in its little oddities.
- BIXI Bikes – Cheap, easy, and a fun way to explore neighborhoods like Plateau and Mile End.
- Underground City (RESO) – 33 km of connected tunnels, perfect for escaping snowstorms or heatwaves. Also good if you just want to live like a mall rat for a day.
- Olympic Stadium Tower – The tallest inclined tower in the world. Go up for views, stay for the “Wow, they actually built this” moment.
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory – Peaceful gardens, stunning architecture, and a view that will make you feel very small in a good way.
Take a Day Trip (Or Three)
Got extra time? Montreal makes a great home base for exploring Quebec.
- Mont Tremblant – Ski, hike, or just ride the gondola for the views. Also, hot chocolate here tastes better. Don’t ask me why.
- Eastern Townships – Rolling hills, wineries, and cute villages that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.
- Quebec City – A fairy-tale city just three hours away. Bonus points if you visit during Winter Carnival.
Handy Travel Tips (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)
- Best Time to Visit – Summer for patios and festivals, fall for leaf-peeping, winter for magical snow, spring for smaller crowds (and surprise snowstorms).
- Language – French is official, but most people speak English too. Start with a “Bonjour” — it’s polite and makes you look like you tried.
- Getting Around – The metro is fast, clean, and easy. Walking is great for neighborhoods, but wear comfy shoes (cobblestones aren’t forgiving).
- Weather – Montreal has four seasons… sometimes all in one day. Layer up.
- Tipping – 15–20% in restaurants is standard. Your server is probably paying for their own festival tickets, so be generous.
Montreal Will Steal Your Heart (and Maybe Your Diet)
Montreal isn’t just about checking off sights — it’s about falling in love with the vibe. It’s that first sip of café au lait on a sunny terrace. It’s dancing in the snow at Igloofest. It’s getting into a passionate bagel debate with a stranger.
Every visit feels different. Some trips are about history and museums, others are about eating so much food you need a nap halfway through the day. But no matter what, Montreal always leaves you planning your return before you’ve even left.
So pack your curiosity, your appetite, and maybe your stretchiest pants — because Montreal is waiting, and it’s ready to charm you senseless.
