Montreal: My Top 5 Things To Do.
Montreal is the second most populous city in Canada. It’s the largest city in French speaking Quebec province and the influence of France is everywhere you look. First nations people inhabited the island that Montreal is built up on as early as 4000 years ago.
The first French explorer to visit is thought to be Jaques Cartier in 1535 and European settlement began in the 1600s. It’s now designated as a UNESCO city of design To get there you can fly into the international airport, or take the train like I did from Toronto!
I took the train from Toronto which was amazing, seeing the countryside and following Lake Ontario. I was in Montreal for 3 nights during October and I did loads of exploring to bring you the top experiences I had while I was there.
1. Mont Royal : Hiking and Fabulous Fall Colours.
Where Montreal probably got it’s name, Mount Royal dominates the skyline of the City. It also acts as an inner city recreational area with loads of people walking, biking and running when I climbed up.
I was so excited because the fall colours were just coming into full bloom. There are a few different paths to hike up, I was heading straight up the super cute McTavish street. Quickly gaining elevation and having superb views of the city.
I wandered along the paths and enjoyed the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the autumn leaves.
Then continued my ascent. It was pretty tough going and I get out hiking quite a lot!
I reached the top and forgot about being a tired sweaty mess because the views were incredible. Framed by the fall leaves you could see right across the city.
It was gorgeous and there were loads of places to sit and relax including a café.
Mount Royal park was designed by the same architect who designed Central Park in New York. It’s just a lot higher up, 233m at its highest point. I wandered around, soaking up the vibes and the sunshine.
Eventually I made my way to the Mount Royal broadcasting tower and down towards the Mount Royal cross. If the climb is too much for you there is a carpark on the Southern side. I climbed down and ended up by the George Cartier statue and Park Ave.
Walk up St Laurent Blvd for some amazing street art, this place is so cool. Stop off at Fairmount Bagel for some delicious treats. One thing I especially loved about Montreal was all the cool little art things dotted about the City. I stumbled across Place des Fleurs-de-Macadam with its amazing cloud fountain.
2. St. Lawrence Riverside: A Charming Waterfront Escape.
Beyond its culinary offerings, the St. Lawrence Riverside is a delightful place to spend an afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the river, admiring the city skyline and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of shops, cafes, and outdoor activities to enjoy.
The fall colours were strong here along the river, with some incredible spots for a photo opportunity. I wandered along to the old clocktower and enjoyed being by the water with some snacks.
Nearby is also the Notre Dame of Montreal, fun fact, this is where Celine Dion got married! From here you can wander around the cute streets of Old Montreal and do some shopping or just enjoy the atmosphere.
3. Art and Culture at the Museum of Fine Arts.
For a dose of culture, head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This world-renowned institution boasts an impressive collection of art from around the globe, showcasing a diverse range of styles and periods. Immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity on display, and discover new perspectives on art and history.
The art area in Montreal is incredible, so many galleries and museums. You could easily spend a week just visiting them. The fine arts museum is definitely the creme de la creme though. I couldn’t believe how big it was! It’s really like visiting 4 different galleries with something for everyone. The sculptures outside are amazing, and I loved all the indigenous art.
Make sure you walk along to ‘La Lecon’ a cute modern sculpture of a student on their laptop. You’ll be hungry after all that culture and nearby is the Time Out Market. Now, this place is insane, soooo many incredible food spots. I had one of the best Ramen I’ve ever tasted there.
4. Discover Montreal’s Vibrant Gay Village.
To experience Montreal’s vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ culture, head to St. Catherine St. East, the heart of the city’s gay village. This lively neighborhood is known for its trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Explore the colorful streets, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the infectious energy of this vibrant community.
I loved Montreal’s gay village, it really felt like a community and it’s so big! I really enjoyed Le Stud for drinks and lots of different rooms for chilling or dancing. Black Eagle for a nice relaxed beer and Le Cocktail for a drag show and a bit of camp!
5. Poutine: Montreal’s Iconic Dish
Montreal is synonymous with poutine, a decadent dish that has captured hearts (and stomachs) worldwide. This iconic Canadian creation is a glorious combination of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich, savory gravy. A must-try for any visitor, poutine in Montreal is an experience not to be missed. For a truly authentic taste, head to legendary spots like La Banquise, where locals and tourists alike flock to savor this culinary masterpiece.
Expect a queue here, but it goes down pretty fast. If it’s a nice day get takeout and head to the nearby La Fontaine Park to enjoy some greenery while you stuff your face with cheesy fried goodness. Greenspot and Lafleur are also great places to try. Make sure you use Google maps and pin them so if you’re nearby it’s a great reminder!
Montreal is a city that effortlessly combines culinary delights, cultural treasures, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a foodie, art enthusiast, or LGBTQ+ traveler, this Canadian gem has something to offer everyone.
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