13 Best Things To Do in Montreal

Montreal is Canada' s cultural capital, with a combination of contemporary and traditional culture latent in every corner. It is one of the best cities to visit with something for everyone, from vibrant neighbourhoods, museums, markets and world-class restaurants to lush nature to discover with the best day trips.

This guide will introduce you to the 12 must-see and must-do activities in Montreal to get the most out of your trip while getting to know the essence of the city.

Step aboard a scenic Montreal cruise on the St Lawrence River and marvel at the beautiful scenery such as the enchanting Boucherville Islands while the breathtaking Jacques-Cartier Bridge will take your breath away. Booking a cruise on Montreal's St Lawrence River is priced from €48.

If you prefer to take your river experience up a notch, sign up for an on-water spa aboard Bota Bota, a ferry that was transformed into one of the city's best spas where you can get beauty treatments, drinks or dinner at La Traversée restaurant with a view.

And if you're an adventurer, sign up for the Atlantic Passage, one of the world's 7 most famous cruises. It's a 19-day sustainable cruise connecting Canada, Iceland and Greenland that's perfect for explorers eager to meet polar bears, humpback whales, musk oxen and all manner of marine life.

Another must-do in the city of Montreal is to catch a game of Canada's king of sports, ice hockey. Watching an NHL game and in particular the Montreal Canadiens at their Bell Centre stadium will make for a memorable experience during your visit to the city.

This is not just a sporting spectacle, but the intensity of a hockey game and the incredible atmosphere of families watching their team live is something you have to experience.

You can book Montreal Canadiens tickets at a variety of prices, depending on how far in advance you want to go, the stage of the season, the opponent and, of course, where you want to watch the game from. What you should know is that on the Hellotickets website you can find them from around 35 euros.

• I give you more information in our post about how to get the tickets. How to Buy Tickets for Hockey Game in Montreal.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame is a must-see for its impressive neo-Gothic style by New York architect James O'Donnell. You can visit it perfectly by booking a private tour of Montreal or go on your own if you prefer.

Inside the church visitors are immediately impressed by the grandeur of the architecture. The atmosphere is peaceful in this Sulpician temple, which is enhanced by the enchanting sound of the pipe organ played at regular intervals throughout the day.

The basilica represents not only the cultural identity of the city, but also that of the country. It is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and a testimony to the spiritual beliefs of the community. You can also take guided tours such as AURA, a multimedia show that invites you to learn about its cultural richness in an interactive way.

Get ready for a dizzying adventure when you book tickets for the La Grande Roue Ferris wheel! Climb aboard this imposing 60-metre Ferris wheel and be swept up into the heights as you enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city surrounded by kaleidoscopic lighting.

On the Montreal Ferris wheel, the cabins are air-conditioned to create the perfect atmosphere for you to comfortably enjoy the views of the majestic St. Lawrence River and iconic landmarks such as Old Montreal.

If you want to immerse yourself in **Montreal'**s cultural background, visit its exceptional museums with unique artefacts, paintings and exhibits. In addition, the Montreal Hop on Hop off bus will make your museum tour easy, as it includes most of the museums on its route. I recommend booking a bus tour of Montreal online.

From the famous Museum of Fine Arts with its 43,000 works on display since 1860 to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum which is the largest and most visited history museum in the city, all are incredible.

Other captivating spaces are the Montreal Museum of History and the Montreal Science Centre, which are recommended visits among things to do in Montreal with children. There are more than 40 museums in the city and we recommend you visit at least the 10 best museums in Montreal.

Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure as you lose yourself in the picturesque streets of Old Montreal. This historic district will take you on a journey back in time. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and marvel at the beauty of the historic buildings. You can do it on your own or sign up for one of the best tours of Montreal.

In addition to its historical significance, the Vieux Port or Old Montreal is brimming with art and culture. Explore the lively Place Jacques-Cartier, one of the best things to do at Christmas in Montreal for its lively atmosphere, quaint Christmas market and ice skating rink.

But the adventure wouldn't be complete just by booking your guided tour of Montreal. Old Montreal is full of dining options. From classic bistros to modern restobars like Brasserie 701, where you can enjoy authentic French cuisine, to the food trucks of the Vieux Port for some of **Montreal'**s best poutine.

Visit Mont-Royal Park, the city's largest green space, and stroll along the scenic trails of this indigenous and European-Québécois landmark or enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation decks.

History buffs will appreciate several national monuments such as the statue of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Canada's founding father. For the adventurous, the park has outdoor sports facilities such as tennis courts, bike paths and football fields.

I recommend renting a bike in Montreal and exploring the park on your own. Also, don't miss the Tam Tams open-air festival, a classic drumming gathering that takes place on Sundays in summer.

Montreal is a great destination for outdoor activities, including day trips and excursions of one day or more. Some of the best day trips from Montreal include booking a trip to Mont Tremblant, the Quebec and Montmorency Falls tour, Parc Omega, Montebello Lodge and the Thousand Islands.

If you're visiting Montreal for several days and feel like focusing on one place, there's no doubt about it - explore the majestic Rocky Mountains from Montreal! Read more in our posts on How to Get to Ottawa from Montreal y How to Get to Quebec from Montreal.

Venture into epic, rugged landscapes as you marvel at towering peaks, crystal clear rivers and dense forests such as those in Jasper National Park. Traverse challenging, winding trails, discover breathtaking waterfalls and see the diverse wildlife that inhabits this wilderness.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of street art in Montreal! Where is the rendezvous? In Saint-Laurent, the artistic heart of Montreal and the home of Cirque du Soleil.

Saint-Laurent, better known as "le Main", is the perfect place to marvel at the huge murals and creative expressions of all kinds. It is the true mecca of street art in Montreal, with the street art being a testament to the creative spirit and passion that drives the city's artists.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore this bustling central stretch between Boulevard Maisonneuve and Boulevard Saint-Viateur by booking a private tour of Montreal, where a hive of creativity, animation and music fuses with street art.

Montreal boasts an impressive Underground City, a unique network of underground passageways connecting more than 30 kilometres of buildings, shops, restaurants and transportation systems called RÉSO.

The RÉSO offers countless hidden gems and treasures. You can indulge in one of the city's many shopping malls or explore the vibrant urban art scene lining the walls of the tunnels.

The RÉSO offers endless possibilities, and no two visits are alike. And the best part? These places offer reasonable prices. This is a lifesaver when you want to stroll, shop and eat away from the blazing sun or freezing snow, but it's also a destination for the whole family at any time.

Breathing fresh air in the middle of the city is becoming more and more necessary and at Sentier des cimes Laurentides the motto is "explore nature from a different angle", so they more than deliver.

This wooden walkway rises 1,250 metres to take you on a stroll through the treetops and ends at a 40-metre serpentine tower with a picture-perfect view of Montreal. And at the top, a trampoline not for the faint-hearted.

If you're looking for fun for adults and children in Montreal, this is the answer. On the way up the tower there are often surprises such as people dressed up as bears to cheer up the little ones. There's also a restaurant, souvenir shop, workshops and seasonal events with a variety of activities.

Immerse yourself in a world of unique flavours as you explore Montreal's local breweries in one of the best nightlife plans in Montreal, the beer scene.

From Belgian-style beers in the heart of Old Montreal, to modern, avant-garde breweries in hip, bohemian neighbourhoods like the Latin Quarter or Quartier Latin, every sip is an adventurous experience.

You can discover new aromas, flavours and exotic ingredients on your own or book the craft beer tour of Montreal, where locally produced hops and malting barley distillates are the basis of this French-Canadian spirit.

Montreal has a vibrant calendar of festivals and events that surpasses its tourist attractions. No matter the time of year, whether you're into jazz, food, music or film, Canada's cultural capital presents festivals and events all year round.Must-attend events?

• The Montreal Jazz Festival: the largest of its kind in the world and a renowned scene.
• Poutinefest: tantalises the senses from the palate with options ranging from smoked meat lovers to vegans.
• The Montreal Marathon, for thrill-seekers.
• The Montreal Horror Festival, for those who prefer hair-raising thrills.
• Just for Laughs comedy festival if you want to laugh out loud.

Almost all the events are concentrated in Quartier des Spectacles and big and small are equally fascinating. Many are free outdoor performances and, most importantly, hugely enjoyable.

I'm sure you're wondering what is the best time to visit Montreal and I always say it depends on your interests as there are many factors to consider such as weather, budget and whether or not you're travelling with your family.

Whether you are travelling to Montreal in winter, a time of snowy landscapes ideal for winter sports lovers and with less crowds of tourists, or if you are thinking of travelling to the Canadian city in summer, with much milder temperatures but considered high season, you are going to enjoy.

To know the best plans by month, I recommend you to take a look at our lists with the top ten of the best activities:

• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in January
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in February
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in March
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in April
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in May
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in June
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in July
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in August
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in September
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in October
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in November
• 10 things to see and do in Montreal in December

And for the planners out there, we've also prepared for you our best-of guides condensed by day:

• What to see and do in Montreal in 2 days
• What to see and do in Montreal in 3 days
• What to see and do in Montreal in 5 days

Now you just need to buy your flight, organise your arrival to the city and book your airport transfers in Montreal, one of the most important and curious cities in Canada is waiting for you, enjoy it!