Trip to captivating cities Canada in the USA offers admiringly diverse culture, tourism and pleasing hospitality to its voyagers. Be it Toronto, London, Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal and Calgary, all are the major metropolitan and culture hub. Speaking about Montreal, after London, it is considered as the largest tourist hub of Canada. It tempts travel enthusiasts through beautiful skylines, stunning historic structures and amazing vistas. It is the most prominent host city for international events throughout North America.
What makes Montreal this much famous in the international travel market? Do you know what are the major travel attractions of Montreal? Let’s know more about Montreal from every corner.
Quick Tour of Montreal
Montreal is the most prominent and the largest city of Quebec province. Apart from this glory, it is the second-largest French speaking city in the world. It is renowned for its rich colonial past, cosmopolitan cultural and global trade. The best attractions in Montreal offer plentiful discovery and entertainment opportunities.
This impressive, eclectic city combines European culture with the American way of life and presents its visitors a wide range of things to do. Such as nature lovers can enjoy city views at Mount Royal and the Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Fine Arts can fascinate art lovers, and food lovers can savour Poutine, a delicious national dish of Canada. Montreal boasts a rich history which you can witness at Old Montreal.
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Popular Things to do at Montreal
Our list of popular things to do for every traveller in Montreal will interest you if you’re planning an escapade. From quaint Old Town rooftop bars and restaurants to the Basilica and Gardens, Montreal is home to many beautiful places. Take a look.
Explore the Historic Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the most popular tourist spot in the city; situated on the west bank of the Saint-Lawrence River, the Vieux-Montreal. This Montreal’s ancient appeal was founded in 1642, features a few 17th-century buildings and considered as the original site of the French colonial origins. Old Montreal is lined with beautiful antique boutiques, galleries, restaurants and a few gothic souvenir shop.
You can stroll on the cobblestone district to admire well-preserved buildings and most prominent public squares such as Place d’Armes, Place Royale and Place Jacques-Cartier. You can also board a horse-drawn carriage and meander through Chateau Ramezay residence of the 18th century with its Governor’s Garden in the French colonial style and enjoy performers and musicians on the streets.
Admire Notre-Dame Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica is a historic site and the oldest church located in Old Montreal which cannot be missed. This cathedral is an ornamented set a spectacular example of religious art and artistry, with its Gothic Revival architectural style. The current basilica settled around the site of the original parish church was inaugurated in 1829 but initially, it was founded in 1656.
The Neo-Gothic façade’s twin towers face the Place d’Armes. Victor Bourgeau designed the intricate and adorned interior. The impressive carved pulpit by the sculptor Louis-Philippe Hebert, the Casavant Freres company’s 7,000-pipe organ, and the stained-glass windows showing beautiful scenes of Montreal are highlights of Notre Dame Basilica.
Unfold Panorama From Mount Royal
Rising at the height of 233 m, Mount-Royal is part of the Mount Royal Park where you can stroll and it enables the visitor to adore monuments to Jacques Cartier and King George VI. You can unfold a magnificent panorama of the whole of the 51km walkway of the Ile de Montreal and the St. Lawrence.
The name of Montreal came only from Mount Royal and it is a popular natural spot to hangout especially in winters. Besides this, the Royal park comprises many attractions such as Mount Royal Chalet, 2 lookouts, Mount Royal Cross, a snow tube, a skating rink and playgrounds.
Feel Romance at Gardens of Light
The Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Montreal. Better views can be achieved when if you visit Montreal in September-October because the Botanical Gardens are illuminated for the annual Gardens of Light, forming a bewitching landscape.
If you want to propose your loved ones in a unique style then must visit the gardens of lights which creates an amazing aura in the night. Thus making it an interesting place for romantic couples. The Chinese Garden displays traditional lanterns, the Japanese Garden features a contemplative path and the First Nations Garden hosts a multimedia experience.
Enjoy Cruising Along Saint-Lawrence River
Make a tranquil journey on Montreal’s Saint-Lawrence river via cruise rides. A cruising along Montreal’s river is a pleasant way to relax after the hectic city tour and feel the serenity of the city. It feels unrealistic when the city skyline looks bluish during sunset and even more beautiful in the golden shade during the night.
You can take Croisieres AML’s evening cruises with loved ones as they offer lovers dine, dance under the stars and romantic ambience. If you are visiting at the time of new year celebration, then you can join fireworks cruises. And also attend the biggest fireworks festivals in the world which is L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec Fireworks.
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Worship at the St. Joseph’s Oratory
The Oratoire Saint-Joseph or the St. Joseph’s Oratory located near Mount Royal Park, is devoted to Canada’s patron saint. It is considered as the mecca for Catholic pilgrims sue to its huge Renaissance-style domed basilica dating back to 1924. It is the biggest church in Canada and a well-known sightseer spot of Montreal.
Here, in 1904, Brother Andre of the Congregation de Sainte-Croix had already built a small chapel, performing miraculous healing acts for which he was baptised in 1982. In one part of the sanctuary in the original chapel is his cemetery. In a second chapel, decorative items are exhibited. A chapel leads up to Mount-Royal behind the church.
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
Admire one of the largest collections of art pieces in Canada at Montreal via museums of fine arts. Located near the old town, this prestigious museum was founded in 1860 by a group of regional art collectors and patrons. It houses over 41,000 works from ancient times till today, including paintings, sculptures, graphic art, photos, and artefacts.
When you enter, you will notice decorative art exhibited in 5 zones: International art, World cultures, decorative arts, Quebec and Canadian art, and educational artwork. Take a break at the Beaux-Arts Bistro during your stay, which serves tasty snacks and beverages.
Take Kids To La Ronde Amusement Park
La Ronde Amusement Park is one of the largest amusement parks of Canada situated on St Helen’s Island, in the middle of the St Lawrence River. Initially constructed in 1967 as International and Universal Exposition area but later turned into an amusement park. Visiting this park is a great way to experience full-on entertainment with your kid.
It offers over 40 rides, fun shows and many amusing adventure attractions for every age children. Rides are categorised as kid’s, family and thrilling one and these can be accessed according to your height. There are many food options available from Mexican to Italian to North American at this park. So take out some time after city travel and visit La Ronde.
Admire Montreal Biosphere
The stunning architecture of Montreal’s Biosphere has attracted millions of tourists from all over the world. The museum here houses some of the best green technologies and provides the solution to ecological issues.
The beauty of this museum unveils after sunset when the Biosphere illuminates with beautiful lights every night. This bIosphere museum of Montreal is the largest such structure in the world.
Attend the Montreal International Jazz Festival
If you are visiting Montreal during summer then attending the International Jazz festival is quite worthy. Montreal International Jazz festival is the largest and most popular festival in the world. International de Jazz held around late June and lasts till early July.
The festival shuts a major part of the downtown area as it welcomes around 2.5 million visitors annually. Tourist flock here to attend more than 650 concerts at both indoor and outdoor venues. This jazz festivals fill the aura with energy and soulful music.
Shop at Jean-Talon Market
Jean-Talon Market is the oldest and the largest market n North America located in Little Italy district since 1933. Jean-Talon Market offers the opportunity to get a glimpse of the daily life in Montreal, even if you don’t want to buy anything just gel up with local It’s a popular place to mingle with locals and small shopkeepers. It has more than 300 vendors selling items during the peak season. Many food items reflect the origin of Quebec. Don’t forget to try the Quebec cheeses and make sure to dine at El Rey Del Taco.
Still, if you are not done with the city tour, then visit Montreal Ferris wheel positioned on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. Also known as La Grande Roue de Montreal in French, it offers astonishing sights of the Old Town, St Lawrence River and the spectacular glimpses of Montreal city skyline.
Best Time to Travel to Montreal: With average temperatures ranging from -9°C in winter to 21°C in summer, Montreal has a humid continental climate. The months of March to May and September to November are considered for planning a trip to Montreal.
Bottom Line
These above mention attractions, savouring at good restaurants, shopping places will all keep you fascinated and help you in making beautiful memories for a lifetime. On your trip to Montreal, make sure to add these best things to do and have a great time with your family and friends.
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