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Things to Do in Montreal

Tickets, tours and experiences in Montreal, Canada

Events in Montreal

209 events

About Montreal

Montreal is North America's most European city, a French-speaking island metropolis where 17th-century stone facades meet a buzzing arts and food scene. The heart of it is Old Montreal, where cobblestone streets lead to the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica, whose deep-blue, star-studded ceiling and AURA light show leave visitors awestruck.

Along the St Lawrence River, the Old Port has been reinvented as a riverside playground, with sightseeing cruises, a giant observation wheel and the science centre drawing families and couples alike. Just inland, the Place Jacques-Cartier square hums with terraces, buskers and horse-drawn caleches.

Rising above it all is Mount Royal, the leafy hill that gives the city its name. The Kondiaronk Belvedere offers a sweeping panorama of downtown and the river, a favourite at sunset. Add the bagel-and-smoked-meat institutions of the Plateau and a calendar packed with festivals, and Montreal makes a compelling short break in any season.

Highlights

  • Notre-Dame Basilica and the AURA light experience
  • Old Port of Montreal cruises and riverside walks
  • Old Montreal cobblestone streets and Place Jacques-Cartier
  • Mount Royal lookout over downtown and the river

Tips for Visiting Montreal

Book Notre-Dame Basilica entry ahead and consider the evening AURA show for a different, immersive experience.

Explore Old Montreal on foot; the cobblestones are uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.

Time a Mount Royal visit for late afternoon to catch the city skyline glowing at sunset.

Most locals speak both French and English, but a simple bonjour goes a long way in shops and cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Montreal

Do I need a ticket to enter Notre-Dame Basilica?

Yes, there is an admission charge for general visits, which helps maintain the basilica. Tickets can be bought online to secure entry and skip the line, and self-guided or guided options are available. The separate evening AURA multimedia show requires its own ticket.

What is there to do at the Old Port of Montreal?

The Old Port stretches along the St Lawrence River and offers sightseeing and jet-boat cruises, the Montreal Science Centre, a tall observation wheel and seasonal activities such as skating in winter. It is an easy walk from Old Montreal's historic streets and makes a relaxed half-day.

Is Montreal a good destination if I do not speak French?

Absolutely. Montreal is officially French-speaking, but the tourism and hospitality sectors are largely bilingual, and you will have no trouble navigating attractions, restaurants and transit in English. Learning a few French greetings is appreciated and adds to the experience.

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