11 Top Things To Do in Montreal

Cobblestone streets, grand stone buildings, and lively squares make Old Montreal one of the city’s most fascinating areas. Place Jacques-Cartier is always buzzing with activity, while the Old Port offers waterfront paths and seasonal events. The Bonsecours Market, once a major public market, now houses boutiques and art galleries inside its striking silver-domed structure.

A symbol of the city, the Notre-Dame Basilica is known for its Gothic Revival architecture and intricate wooden interiors. The deep blue vaulted ceiling, gold accents, and stained glass windows make it one of the most impressive churches in North America.

Rising above the city, Mount Royal Park is a year-round retreat. The Kondiaronk Belvedere offers one of the best panoramic views of downtown, while trails wind through forests and open green spaces. In summer, it’s a popular spot for picnics and Sunday Tam-Tams drumming gatherings. In winter, the park turns into a hub for sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.

With over 20 themed gardens and massive greenhouses, the Montreal Botanical Garden changes with the seasons. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are among the highlights, while the Insectarium offers a closer look at butterflies and beetles. In spring and summer, colorful blooms fill the gardens, and in autumn, the Gardens of Light festival illuminates the pathways.

Built over the city’s original settlement, Pointe-à-Callière Museum takes visitors underground to see preserved foundations and centuries-old artifacts. Exhibits cover Montreal’s Indigenous roots, colonial past, and maritime history, while temporary exhibitions bring in global cultural themes. The museum also features an old sewer tunnel, now an interactive exhibit beneath the city streets.

collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. European masterpieces, Indigenous and Canadian works, and contemporary pieces are all displayed across its vast galleries. The museum’s temporary exhibitions often bring in high-profile international artists and designers.

Originally a major industrial route, the Lachine Canal is now one of the most scenic areas in the city. A bike and pedestrian path runs alongside the water, passing historic warehouses and green parks.

Jean-Talon Market has been a staple of Montreal’s food scene since 1933, offering a mix of fresh produce, regional delicacies, and specialty foods. Located in Little Italy, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in North America. Farmers and vendors sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, and maple syrup products, while bakeries and cheese shops offer Quebecois favorites like tourtière and fromage en grains

Standing 60 meters tall, La Grande Roue de Montréal is the tallest observation wheel in Canada, providing panoramic views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River. It operates year-round, with climate-controlled cabins ensuring a comfortable ride in any season. On clear days, the view stretches as far as Montérégie and the Laurentians.

The Montreal Biodome recreates five ecosystems found in the Americas, allowing visitors to walk through environments ranging from a tropical rainforest to the subpolar regions. Originally built as a velodrome for the 1976 Olympics, the space now houses hundreds of species, including capybaras, lynxes, penguins, and golden lion tamarins, and makes a great destination for both adults and children alike.

As one of the most significant religious sites in Canada, Saint Joseph’s Oratory attracts both pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts. The basilica, built in the early 20th century, is known for its massive dome, and visitors can explore the main church, a museum showcasing religious artifacts, and a candle-lit chapel where crutches left behind by those claiming miraculous healings line the walls.

Choosing the right location makes it easier to explore Montreal’s top attractions. Accor offers several hotels in the city, each with convenient access to different parts of Montreal:

• Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: close to museums, Mount Royal Park, and luxury shopping.

• Novotel Montreal Centre: centrally located near the Bell Centre and Sainte-Catherine Street.

• Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth: connected to Montreal’s Underground City, perfect for winter stays.

For added benefits, joining Accor’s ALL loyalty program provides access to exclusive offers, discounts, and rewards during your travels.