Montreal, a vibrant island city nestled on the St. Lawrence River in eastern Canada, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. Known for its rich French colonial heritage and status as the world’s second-largest French-speaking city after Paris, Montreal offers a unique blend of European charm and North American dynamism. Whether you have a fleeting day or a longer stay, this guide highlights the best things to do in Montreal to make the most of your visit.
My own recent day trip to Montreal in October, during the stunning autumn season, provided a delightful glimpse into the city’s allure. While a longer exploration is always recommended, even a single day in Montreal can be incredibly rewarding, offering a taste of its history, culture, and culinary delights. My journey began in Montreal as it presented a more economical flight option from London compared to Quebec City, the actual departure point for my New England and Canada cruise. This fortuitous circumstance allowed me to weave in a Montreal adventure at the outset of my Canadian exploration.
While you could easily lose yourself in Montreal and its surrounding areas for several days, this guide is tailored to those seeking to maximize their time with just one day in Montreal, covering the must-see attractions, activities, and culinary experiences.
A Glimpse into Montreal’s Past
Montreal’s history is a captivating narrative that stretches back to the 16th century. In 1535, Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, became the first European to set foot on the island, which was then inhabited by the St. Lawrence Iroquoians, an Indigenous group. Long before European arrival, the island served as a vital trading hub for various First Nations across the region.
In 1642, the French established Ville Marie, a fortress, marking the beginning of French colonization. The city later transitioned to British rule in 1760. Montreal officially became a city in 1832 and rapidly ascended to become Canada’s economic and cultural powerhouse.
Today, Montreal thrives as a bustling port city, a testament to its international character. Home to over 3.6 million people from more than 120 ethnic communities, Montreal is a truly global metropolis.
Navigating Your Way to Montreal
Reaching Montreal is straightforward, with excellent international and domestic connections. Downtown Montreal is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The airport welcomes direct flights from major hubs like London Heathrow (British Airways, Air Canada) and numerous cities across Europe and the United States.
Upon arrival, the 747 airport bus provides a convenient 24/7 service to Downtown Montreal from just outside the terminal.
For those already in Canada or the US, train travel is a comfortable and scenic option. VIA Rail connects Montreal to major Canadian cities, while Amtrak offers routes from key American cities.
Getting Around Montreal: Transportation Options
Montreal is a city designed for exploration, offering diverse and efficient transportation options. I was particularly impressed by Montreal’s commitment to cycling. With an extensive network of bike lanes spanning 780km and the BIXI bike-sharing system, cycling is a fantastic way to navigate the city.
Walking is another excellent choice for discovering Montreal’s neighborhoods and attractions. The city is pedestrian-friendly and easily navigable on foot.
For longer distances, Montreal’s metro system is a model of efficiency, cleanliness, and safety. Its user-friendly network makes getting around a breeze, and a 24-hour transit pass is available for just CAD$11.
Accommodation in Montreal: Where to Stay
Montreal provides a wide spectrum of accommodation choices to suit every preference and budget, from opulent international hotel chains to charming boutique hotels.
For a luxurious experience, consider The Ritz Carlton (starting around £383 per night) or the Four Seasons Hotel (from approximately £427 per night).
More budget-friendly yet comfortable options include:
For value-conscious travelers, explore:
Must-Try Montreal Food and Drink Experiences
No visit to Montreal is complete without indulging in its distinctive culinary scene. Here are some essential food and drink experiences:
Poutine at La Banquise: If you try only one dish in Montreal, make it poutine! This quintessential Quebecois creation of French fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy is a must-try. For an iconic poutine experience, head to La Banquise. Open 24/7, La Banquise boasts an extensive poutine menu and is renowned as a local favorite, even recommended by the late chef Anthony Bourdain. Visiting for breakfast, as I did, is a great way to beat the crowds.
Beavertails in Old Montreal: Another Canadian treat, Beavertails (Queues de Castor in French), are delightful pastries resembling flat donuts or crispy pancakes. Enjoy them with a variety of toppings. The classic cinnamon and sugar is always a winner, but for a richer indulgence, try the Triple Trip with chocolate hazelnut spread, peanut butter, and Reese’s Pieces, paired with their refreshing Classic Lemonade.
Smoked Meat at Schwartz’s Deli: A Montreal icon since 1928, Schwartz’s Deli is a must-visit for smoked meat lovers. This Jewish deli has remained virtually unchanged for nearly a century and is famous for its daily smoked brisket. The smoked meat sandwich is their signature dish.
Time Out Market Montréal: For a diverse culinary experience, visit the Time Out Market Montréal, located in the Centre Eaton de Montréal shopping mall. This sprawling food hall features over 40,000 sq ft of top-tier food vendors, offering a taste of Montreal’s vibrant food scene. It also transforms into a brilliant Christmas Market in December.
Top Attractions: Unforgettable Things to Do in Montreal
Montreal is a city brimming with attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the year. Even during the colder winter months, the city maintains its vibrant energy. Here are some of the best things to do in Montreal:
Explore Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Old Montreal, or Le Vieux Montréal in French, is a captivating historic district nestled between the St. Lawrence River and Rue Saint Antoine. This charming area is a must-see, transporting you back in time with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and captivating atmosphere.
Consider enhancing your Old Montreal experience with a guided tour:
- Ghost Tour: Discover haunted sites on a guided ghost tour.
- Off the Beaten Path Tour: Explore hidden gems with an intimate small-group tour.
- Small-Group Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in Old Montreal with an extra-small group walking tour.
Key attractions in Old Montreal include the iconic Notre Dame Basilica and St. Joseph’s Oratory, two significant religious landmarks. St. Joseph’s Oratory holds the distinction of being the largest church in Canada.
Place Jacques-Cartier is another highlight of Old Montreal. This historic square, connecting City Hall to the waterfront, has been a central meeting point for centuries and today buzzes with musicians, artists, and market stalls.
Old Montreal is also home to the Old Port, a lively waterfront area. If arriving by cruise, you’ll dock right in the heart of this vibrant district. The Old Port offers attractions like an IMAX theatre, a Science Centre, an observation wheel, and seasonal activities such as zip-lining in summer and ice skating in winter. It’s a popular spot for locals to walk, run, and enjoy picnics.
Enhance your Old Port experience with:
- St. Lawrence River Cruise: Enjoy a sightseeing river cruise departing from the Old Port.
- La Grande Roue de Montréal: Purchase tickets for the Montreal Observation Wheel.
Ascend Mont Royal Park
Mont Royal Park, a stunning green space overlooking the city, is a must-visit. From its summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Montreal and the surrounding landscape. You can reach the park on foot from downtown or via bus lines 11 or 711. In summer, the park is a hub for picnics, barbecues, concerts, and birdwatching. Winter transforms Mont Royal into a snowy playground for snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating.
Discover the Montreal Biosphere
Located on Île Sainte-Hélène in Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Montreal Biosphere is a unique and family-friendly attraction. It’s the world’s largest spherical structure of its kind, originally built for Expo 67 and now a museum dedicated to environmental themes, featuring engaging activities, installations, and exhibitions.
Parc Jean-Drapeau itself is worth exploring, especially in summer, with its Jean Doré beach, canoeing, pedal boats, cycling, a water park, and picnic areas amidst flowers and public art. Winter activities include ice skating, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.
Stroll Along Saint Laurent Boulevard
Saint Laurent Boulevard is a vibrant artery of Montreal, renowned for its diverse shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s a must-visit to experience Montreal’s culinary and fashion scenes. During the day, explore its artsy cafes and eclectic boutiques. In the evening, return for craft beer spots, cabaret shows, nightclubs, and dive bars.
Venture into the Underground City (RÉSO)
Montreal’s Underground City, also known as RÉSO or La Ville Souterraine, is a fascinating network of over 20 miles (32km) of tunnels connecting shops, restaurants, hotels, and metro stations. It provides a climate-controlled escape, especially welcome during winter.
While the Underground City is an intriguing concept, navigation can be challenging due to signage. If you’re keen to explore, a guided tour might be beneficial: Underground City & Downtown Tour. Alternatively, focus your visit on specific sections connected to major attractions or shopping centers.
Immerse Yourself in Marché Jean-Talon
Located in the Little Italy district, Marché Jean-Talon is a bustling farmers market popular with locals, especially on weekends. While it might require more time to reach, especially with only one day in Montreal, it’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts. As one of the largest open-air markets in North America, Marché Jean-Talon is the perfect place to sample local produce, cheeses, maple syrup, and other Quebecois specialties.
Making the Most of Your Montreal Visit
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best things to do in Montreal. Whether you have a single day or more time to explore, Montreal offers a wealth of experiences to create lasting memories. For those planning to explore beyond Montreal, consider visiting nearby Quebec City – explore my guide to Quebec City here.
If you have any questions or need further recommendations for your Montreal adventure, feel free to ask!
And for those considering a New England and Canada Fall cruise, my detailed blog post offers insights into that experience.
Disclaimer: This guide is created independently and is not sponsored by any tourism board or hotel.
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