Top Highlights for a Quick Visit to Montreal
Montreal, where old world charm blends with the energy of the new world. It’s historic cobblestone streets, ornate cathedrals and French-inspired architecture provide a sense of timeless European grace. While its vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods, modern skyscrapers, and innovative art scene reflect the dynamic spirit of North American progress and diversity.
Population: 1.76 million
Official Language: French
Province: Quebec
Currency: Canadian Dollar ($)
Major Landmarks: St Lawrence River
Language
French is the official language of the province of Quebec. As such, 65% of Montreal is French-speaking. However, English is also commonly spoken. Attempting a few French pleasantries would be welcomed by the locals.
Helpful Phrases
Yes/No: Oui/Non
Please: S’il vous plaît
Thank you: Merci
Hello: Bonjour or Salut (informal)
How are you?: Ça va?
How much?: Combien?
I don’t speak French very well: Je ne parle pas très bien français
Getting there
Air
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is located 20km (12mi) from the city center and is named in honour of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the 15th Prime Minister of Canada. You can access Montreal with year-round direct flights from 5 continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America) making Montreal highly accessible and a gateway to the rest of Canada. Check Skyscanner for the most affordable flight deals.
Airport Transfer
Ride Share
One of the most convenient method of transportation to downtown is Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft). The pick up area is conveniently located just outside of the baggage collection. A trip downtown, on average, will take 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic. An Uber/Lyft does not have a flat rate and will vary based on demand. Our most recent trip had Uber fares of $42 & $49.
Taxi
Taxi is the other most convenient way to reach the city center and has a flat rate to the city center of $49.45 CAD between 5am – 11pm. Outside of those hours the fare is $56.70
Bus
The city bus, The 747, runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, between the airport and Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM métro stations (Gare d’autocars de Montréal). This bus ride can range from 30-70 minutes. The fare is $11 and is valid for 24 hours throughout the bus and metro lines.
LRT
Construction is underway on a light-rail train that will connect the airport to the historic Central Station in the heart of downtown. This will be complete by 2027 and promises to be the most comfortable and convenient way to get to the city from the airport!
Train
If you happen to be coming to Montreal from Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, New York or Boston, you may want to consider the train. Via Rail provides services within Canada, while Amtrak provides services from US cities. You will arrive in the heart of downtown at Montreal’s Central Station, or “Gare Centrale”.
Where to Stay
We recommend staying in Montreal’s city-centre or the Old Montreal neighbourhood which is adjacent to the City Centre. These two areas are within walking distance to all the attractions we have highlighted throughout this post. Below are 3 hotels in each area that we have stayed in and would recommend.
Old Montreal
A boutique hotel in the heart of Old Montreal known for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Within the hotel is an excellent roof top lounge and a high-end steakhouse.
Another charming boutique hotel that is steps away from Place d’Armes square and Notre-Dame Basilica. This hotel has a Hammam Spa and three quality restaurants to choose from, including a roof-top terrace.
Conveniently located where Montreal’s city centre meets Old Montreal and is walking distance to the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port.
City Center
This lovely hotel boasts the typical Fairmont charm and is located adjacent to the train station for easy access. This hotel is known for the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 “Bed-in for peace”, and where the iconic song “Give Peace a Chance” was written and recorded.
Located in the heart of Montreal’s downtown and adjacent to the Bell Center hockey arena, this hotel is only a short walk from Old Montreal. It also has one of the nicer hotel fitness centers!
Also located in the heart of Montreal, providing easy access to St Catherines Street and the Montreal Museum of Fine Art.
What to Do
Eat Poutine!
Ok, if you’ve never tried this, hear me out! Poutine is a quintessential Quebecois dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. Montreal takes pride in its diverse variations of poutine, often incorporating local ingredients or creative twists, making it a must-try for visitors looking to experience the city’s vibrant food culture firsthand. I suggest starting with the traditional fare, call me a purist! On my last trip to Montreal, my first stop was to a local restaurant, La Belle Province on rue Peel, for the real thing.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the city-centre, the MMFA’s collection showcases Quebec and Canadian heritage, Indigenous and international art from a progressive and innovative perspective. It comprises close to 47,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects dating from antiquity to the present. A must see for the admirer of fine art.
Exploring Sainte-Catherine Street (Rue Sainte-Catherine)
Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal is a bustling street renowned for its vibrant blend of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, stretching across the downtown core. Most of the downtown hotels are within walking distance of Sainte-Catherine Street and will make this area a definitive part of your Montreal experience.
The Underground City
Make sure you check out what’s below the city! Built as a practical solution for Montreal’s cold winters, exists a 30+ km underground system of shops & restaurants. It is one of the largest underground complexes in the world! This bustling district can be accessed from the street level, the metro stations or through various department stores and office buildings throughout the downtown core.
Mont Royal
Mont Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)
A run through Parc du Mont-Royal is a must-do on our trips to Montreal. Nestled on the downtown Mont Royal is this beautiful park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same architect behind New York’s Central Park). This is a great space for panoramic views of the city skyline, picnicking, hiking/running, and simply enjoying nature.
Atop the mountain is a cross, symbolizing Montreal’s religious history. It can be accessed via several hiking trails, the most popular being the Chemin Olmsted (Olmsted Trail). The cross is illuminated at night and is visible from many parts of the city.
The Oratory of Saint Joseph (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal)
The Oratory of Saint Joseph (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) is a significant landmark in Montreal, dedicated to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Canada. It includes the Basilica of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, a magnificent church with a dome that reaches 97 meters (318 feet), making it one of the largest domes in the world. Inside is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, intricate mosaics, and religious artwork.
Explore Old Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal)
One of Montreal’s most iconic landmarks, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Built between 1824 and 1829, Notre-Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s oldest churches and has played a central role in the city’s religious and cultural history. Visitors can attend Mass, explore the basilica on guided tours, or simply admire its beauty during designated visiting hours.
The basilica offers a sound and light show, The Aura Experience, that enhances your visit by combining light projections with orchestral music and narration. This multimedia experience highlights the beauty and significance of the basilica’s architecture and artwork. There are limited times and tickets which need to be purchased in advance.
Old Port of Montreal
Montreal’s Old Port, known as Vieux-Port de Montréal, dates back to the early 17th century and is paramount in Montreal’s history along the St. Lawrence River. Today, it has been revitalized while maintaining it’s historic charm and architecture. The port area itself, is adjacent to Old Montreal and has a great promenade with food vendors, entertainment and shops. It is also a great area for a run early in the day, or to access the water with a kayak rental or boat cruise.
La Grande Roue du Montreal
Canada’s tallest observation wheel! La Grande Roue de Montreal is a prominent attraction located in the Old Port of Montreal. It’s a giant ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and beyond. Visitors can enjoy a scenic ride in enclosed cabins that provide a unique perspective of Montreal’s skyline, especially stunning during sunset or at night when the city lights up. The ride typically lasts 15-20 minutes.
Science Centre
The Montreal Science Centre opened in 2000 and occupies the historic building of the Old Port’s former grain warehouses. A great family activity consisting of exhibits, interactive tools and the cinesphere (known for being the first permanent IMAX theatre in the world).
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil was founded in Montreal in 1984. Of course you will want to check out a show in it’s hometown! Often in the summer months there will be a performance under their Big Top Tents. Currently, they are set up in the Old Port. Visit Cirque du Soleil for information on current performances.
Shop and Eat in Old Montreal
Strolling through Old Montreal is a must-do. You immediately feel like you are transported from the vibrant metropolis to an old world European village. Historic architecture, and charming cafes line cobblestone streets. Jaques Cartier Square is a particularly lively area that epitomizes Old Montreal. I recently enjoyed a fabulous meal nearby at Pub Wolf & Workman that offered great food, interesting cocktails and a charming atmosphere.
