At a glance
- Best for
- Food, festivals, history, nightlife and café culture
- Airport
- Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), about thirty to forty five minutes from downtown
- Time needed
- Three days
- Best season
- June to September for festivals, late September to October for colours
- Getting around
- Walking, the metro, buses and BIXI bikes
- Good base for
- Quebec City, Mont-Tremblant and the Eastern Townships
Why go
Montreal is where Canada lets its hair down. Locals spend summer on terraces and at free outdoor festivals, and winter in a network of underground walkways and cosy bistros. It feels different from the rest of North America, and the food alone justifies the trip.
The main sights
**Old Montreal** (Vieux-Montréal) is the historic heart, with cobbled streets, stone buildings and the stunning blue and gold interior of **Notre-Dame Basilica**. The **Old Port** next to it has a riverside promenade, a big wheel and summer activities. **Mount Royal Park**, designed by the same landscape architect as New York's Central Park, rises above downtown, and the lookout at the Kondiaronk Belvedere gives the classic city view. **Saint Joseph's Oratory** is a vast domed church on the mountain's slope. The **Montreal Museum of Fine Arts** is excellent, and **Pointe-à-Callière** tells the city's story on the site of its founding. At the old Olympic site, the **Biodôme** and **Botanical Garden** are great for families.
Neighbourhoods
**The Plateau Mont-Royal** is colourful and lively, with outdoor spiral staircases, boutiques and cafés. **Mile End** is home to the famous bagel bakeries and an artsy, independent scene. **Little Italy** surrounds the **Jean-Talon Market**, one of the best food markets in North America. The **Quartier des Spectacles** is the festival and theatre district, and the **Village** is a welcoming LGBTQ+ neighbourhood. **Griffintown** and **Saint-Henri** along the Lachine Canal are good for cycling and new restaurants.
Food
Montreal has a food culture all its own. Try wood-fired **Montreal bagels** from St-Viateur or Fairmount, a **smoked meat** sandwich at Schwartz's, and **poutine**, fries with cheese curds and gravy, ideally late at night. In spring, visit a **sugar shack** outside the city for maple treats. The restaurant scene is excellent at every budget, and many smaller restaurants let you bring your own wine.
Festivals
Summer is festival season. The **Montreal International Jazz Festival** fills downtown with free outdoor stages, **Just for Laughs** brings comedy, and **Osheaga** is a big music festival. **Igloofest** and **Montréal en Lumière** keep the city busy in winter. Check dates in advance, as hotels fill quickly.
Where to stay
**Old Montreal** is romantic and historic. **Downtown** is central and connected to the underground city. The **Plateau** suits travellers who want a local, neighbourhood feel.
Getting around
The **747 bus** connects the airport with downtown around the clock. The metro is simple and efficient, and the **BIXI** bike share is excellent in warmer months. Driving is not needed and parking is hard.
Language
French is the official language of Quebec. Most people in central Montreal speak English too, but a friendly "Bonjour" when you walk into a shop is always appreciated, and you will often be answered with "Bonjour, hi".
Day trips
Within easy reach of Montreal, **Mont-Tremblant** offers skiing in winter and lake swimming and hiking in summer, the **Eastern Townships** have vineyards, cheese makers and covered bridges, and **Parc national d'Oka** has a beach on the Lake of Two Mountains. Ottawa is about two hours away by train.
Link Montreal with Quebec City and Toronto using the free trip planner.
Questions about Montreal
Do I need to speak French in Montreal?
No. Most people in central Montreal speak English as well as French. Learning a few French greetings is polite and appreciated.
How many days should I spend in Montreal?
Three days is ideal for Old Montreal, Mount Royal, the Plateau and Mile End and the main food stops. Add a day trip or continue to Quebec City.
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
June to September for warm weather and festivals, and late September to October for autumn colours. Winters are very cold but fun if you dress for it.
How do I get from Montreal to Quebec City?
VIA Rail trains take about three and a half hours, and intercity buses run often too. Driving takes around three hours.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
