Montreal has a European flair and sophistication that makes it one of the most popular metropolitan centres in Canada. The second largest Canadian city next to Toronto, Montreal has an outstanding lineup of tourist attractions, museums, cultural centres and historic landmarks that are hard to narrow to a list of 10 - so here are 16!
Old Montreal is a jewel nestled along the St. Lawrence River. Once a fortified city, the old town is now a safe and vibrant community.
Like Quebec City, Old Montreal is very European in character. Cobblestone streets, a café culture, and historic 17th and 18th century architecture, all contribute to the quaint charm of Old Montreal that is unique amongst cities in North America.
2. Montreal International Jazz Festival
Every June/July, the Montreal International Jazz Festival offers about 500 concerts, of which three-quarters are free of charge, and hosts about 2000 musicians from over 20 countries. About 2 million visitors visit an event that has become THE international jazz rendezvous and a laboratory for the creation of new talent, most recently contributing to the successes of artists such as Diana Krall and Norah Jones. (Text courtesy Montreal Jazz Fest website.)
Photograph of Mont Royal at Sunrise by Yves Marcoux courtesy Getty Images.
Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Empire State Building in NYC, Mont Royal, which looms over Montreal, acts as a natural GPS. A hike to the summit of Mont Royal (pronounced mawn-row-yal in French) will reward you with the best view of the city. The lookout is part of Mount Royal Park, which was landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted, best known for his work in New York's Central Park.
4. A Walk up Saint-Denis Street & Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Especially for shopping enthusiasts but of interest to anyone who wants to see Montreal at its hippest and most happening, the area in and around Saint-Denis Street & Saint-Laurent Boulevard (not too far from Parc Jean Mance) boasts hundreds of great restaurants, boutiques, and shops, populated by hundreds of well dressed beautiful people.
Wonderful museum that explores the history of Montreal through archaeological studies and artefacts. Point-a-Calliere offers an exceptional guided tour, which is free with admission. This tour includes a tour of an actual archaeological dig inside the building. In fact, the museum conserves and exhibits thousands of square metres of archaeological remains in situ. A nice restaurant is on the upper floor and has a nice view of the river.
This science centre and ecological zoo is home to four distinct ecosystems: lush Tropical Forest, temperate Laurentian Forest, St Lawrence Marine Ecosystem, and the Polar Worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic. A great visit for families.
Great gallery in a central location with a collection that comprises over 7,000 works produced by more than 1,500 artists. Both Canadian and, more specifically, Quebec artists are featured. Free admission and guided tour Wednesday evenings.
8. The Lachine Canal
Once a way to avoid the Lachine Rapids on the St Lawrence River, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site now offers a 14-kilometre (8.7-mile) bicycle and pedestrian pathway, many picnic areas and open green spaces. Escape the metropolis for a while and bike or paddle along the Lachine Canal.
Even if you're not the gambling type, the Montreal Casino is a sight to behold. Built inside the pavilions of France and Quebec from Expo '67, the casino is a multi-level extravaganza of adult fun and entertainment.
The Jean-Talon Market is frequented more by Montreal residents than tourists, which translates to truer prices and a more genuine range of product. Whether you want to soak up the atmosphere of a Montreal market, pick up lunch or buy a tasty Montreal souvenir, Jean Talon Market is well worth a visit.
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