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Montreal is the largest city in Canada and the most visited by tourists. The place has some amazing architecture and is a heaven for food lovers, shopaholics and sports fans. There are plenty of things to see and explore in this vibrant city. Here’s your list of essentials for the most fantastic things to do in Montreal for a fun vacation. Whether you’re looking for city tour or amazing nightlife – this city has it all. 

10 Best Things To Do In Montreal

Montreal is one of the most visited cities in Canada offering numerous things to do. Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Montreal.

1. Have The Best Time At PY1

Have The Best Time At PY1

What Is It? A huge pyramid structure that transforms into a gigantic dance floor where you can see projection screens featuring some of the city’s most happening electronic music events. The music is played by local artists.

Why Visit? It is one of the most fantastic things to do in Montreal at night. Watch spectacular shows like kaleidoscopic sound-and-light performances by day and enjoy electronic dance parties at night.

Must Read: Places To Visit In Montreal: 7 Best Destination To Be Explored

2. Make Your Way Up Mont-Royal

Mont-Royal

Image Credit: Brewtenant_Dan for Pixabay

What Is It? Mont-Royal is part of the Mount Royal Park. It is a splendid park that was designed by the same person that designed New York City’s Central Park.

Why Visit? To experience the breath-taking view of the city. You can cycle or hike up to the top of the hills. If you are visiting in winter, do go tobogganing or tubing down the 233 metre high hill. During summer, visit the place on a Sunday to watch the ‘Tam Tam Jam’.

Suggested Read: 10 Stunning Experiences Of Montreal In Winter Ensuring The Best Vacay!


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3. Stroll Through Old Montreal

Old Montreal in Montreal

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What Is It? It is the oldest area of the city, established in the 17th century by the city’s first settlers of New France. It is home to Montreal’s well-known historic buildings.

Why Visit? To see some of the most magnificent buildings, wander through the streets and see French restaurants, numerous museums and boutique shops. Don’t forget to watch the street performers at Place-Jacques Cartier, sunning at the Clock Tower Beach, Inuit art at Galerie d’art Images Boréales or the Gothic Revival church Notre-Dame Basilica as it is the best things to do in Montreal Canada.

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4. Witness The World’s Biggest Jazz Festival

Biggest Jazz Festival

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What Is It? The Montreal International Jazz Festival features around 3,000 musicians from around the world. It draws nearly 3 million people each year. This 10-day concert hosts around 650 concerts, more than half of which are free.

Why Visit? Witness fun festivals like Just for Laughs comedy festival which is also one of the most unique things to do in Montreal. This area is centre of attraction for most days of the week in summer due to so many events happening. You can also find the dapper performances of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and Montreal Opera.

Suggested Read: Day Trips From Montreal: 5 Places In Canada To Have Maximum Fun In Little Time

5. Explore The Colourful Jean-Talon Market

Jean-Talon Market

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What Is It? It is a market which hosts a variety of local growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, restaurants and grocers.

Why Visit? It is a wonderful place to shop for cheeses, spices and bulk items. Even if you don’t have to shop anything you can interact with the locals and have a gala time. Don’t forget to taste cheeses of Quebec as well as make sure to have a meal at El Rey Del Taco.


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6. Stroll Through The Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden View

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What Is It? Montreal Botanical Garden is a 75 hectare garden spread out over 190 acres of culturally thematic gardens. It is a National Historic Site of Canada, as well as one of the most significant botanical gardens in the world.

Why Visit? To see a variety of species, for a leisure walk or educational trips. It also hosts numerous outdoor gardens. One of the unmissable places is the Chinese Garden which gets a lot of attention for its Lantern Festival.

Suggested Read: These 7 Churches In Montreal Are Jaw Droppingly Gorgeous And Should Not Be Missed

7. Get Stylish On Mile End

Get Stylish On Mile End

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What Is It? Mile End is a small neighbourhood that is filled with many trendy restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and cafés. It is also an artist hub with galleries, numerous workshops and studios.

Why Visit? If you want to relax yourself head to this place. Walk around the neighbourhood and shop, eat and enjoy coffee. You can shop for used books or thrift clothing. Do make a visit to t St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel which is two famous bagel shops in Montreal. 

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8. Enjoy The View At The Olympic Stadium

Olympic Stadium in Montreal

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What Is It? Olympic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Canada. It is located at Olympic Park. 

Why Visit? Get a glimpse of the city from the elevator of The Big O’s 574-foot high inclined tower, have fun at First Fridays street food festival which takes place from May to October with food trucks from across the city. 

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9. Discover Art Work At The Phi Centre

Phi Centre in Montreal

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What Is It? Phi Centre allows you to see work from local and international artists. The work ranges from the technically accomplished to the provocations of post-modernism.

Why Visit? It is one of the unmissable places for the artist as you can always find something astonishing going on, be it aural, tactile, or visual. Don’t miss the exciting food core event on your trip to Montreal. In this event, chefs and food writers give awesome presentations on building blocks of cuisine, or there are performances by the homegrown storytelling event Confabulation.

10. Eat Delicious Poutine

Delicious Poutine

Image Credit: LAWJR for Pixabay

What Is It? Poutine is chips with cheese curds and gravy. It is somewhat similar to chips, cheese and gravy. The only difference is that instead of graded cheese there is curd.

Why Visit? You should go to sports arenas and food trucks to try this mouth-watering dishes as it is one of the best French Canadian dishes. Some of the best places to try this dish include Tandoori at Chez Claudette, Brown Sauce at Restaurant A.A.

Further Read: Honeymoon In Canada: 12 Best Places To Kick Start Your Romantic Journey

The numerous things to do in Montreal city will let you create some awesome memories. Montreal attractions, superb restaurants, shopping places will all keep you mesmerized. Make sure to add these best things to do on your trip to Montreal and have a wonderful time with your family and friends.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Things To Do In Montreal

What is the best time to visit Montreal?

Montreal has warm summers and cold winters as it experiences a typical continental type of climate. The months of March to May and September to November are considered the best time to visit Montreal.

What is the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Montreal?

Some of the budget-friendly accommodation in Montreal are:
1. Hotel Villa Montreal
2. ZUM Hotel
3. Hotel Quartier Latin
4. Hotel Casa Bella
5. Hotel Quartier des Spectacles

What are the enthralling things to do in Montreal?

The following are some of the enthralling things to do in Montreal:
1. Enjoy the Jazz Festival
2. Montreal Nightlife at PY1
3. Visit the Botanical Garden
4. Shop at Jean-Talon Market
5. Appreciate the Artwork at The Phi Centre

Which are the major tourist places in Montreal?

The major tourist places in Montreal are
1. Mont-Royal
2. Vieux-Montreal
3. Notre-Dame Basilica
4. Parc Jean Drapeau
5. Oratoire Saint-Joseph

What are the best things to buy in Montreal?

The following are the best things in Montreal that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Artisan Jewelry
2. Quebec Cheeses
3. Maple Products
4. Roots Canada Clothing
5. Aboriginal Handicraft

What are all the things to carry for a trip to Montreal?

Documents, First Aid Kit, Right Clothes, Flip Flops, Sneakers, French Phrasebook, Toiletries, Camera, and Accessories are all the necessary things to carry for a trip to Montreal.

What are the famous festivals that are celebrated in Montreal?

Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal International Fireworks Festival, and Les Francos de Montréal are some of the famous festivals that are celebrated in Montreal.

How many days are enough to explore Montreal?

At least 4-5 days are required to enjoy the vibrant city of Montreal.


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