Montreal's Olympic Stadium, constructed in the mid-1970s as the primary location for the 1976 Summer Olympics, is a versatile facility. Famously known as "The Big O," it derives its nickname from both its name and the distinctive shape of its roof, resembling a doughnut. Additionally, it is sometimes referred to as "The Big Owe" due to the exorbitant cost associated with its construction and the entire 1976 Olympics.

This stadium is Canada's largest with seating capacity. After the Olympics, it was transformed into the home ground for Montreal's pro baseball and football teams. The Montreal Alouettes of the CFL moved to Molson Stadium in 1998 for regular season games but Olympic Stadium still hosted playoffs and the Grey Cup until 2014. In 2004, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C. and became the Washington Nationals.

Presently, the stadium serves as a multipurpose venue for special events like concerts and trade shows. Its permanent seating capacity stands at 56,040, but it can be expanded using temporary seating. Occasionally, the Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer (MLS) utilizes the stadium when ticket demand justifies its large capacity or when inclement weather hampers outdoor play at nearby Saputo Stadium during the spring months.

Nestled within the northern base of the stadium is the Montreal Tower, an inclined tower that holds the distinction of being the world's tallest at a height of 175 meters (574 feet).

The Montreal Biodome, also known as Biodôme de Montréal, is a unique facility that offers visitors the opportunity to explore replicas of four distinct ecosystems found in the Americas. All of these ecosystems, each with its own climate, are housed under a single roof. The Biodome is part of the Montreal Nature Museum, which operates a total of four facilities, including the Montreal Insectarium, Montreal Botanical Garden, and Montreal Planetarium.

Functioning as a museum of the environment, the Biodome stands out due to its exceptional concept. Within its premises, visitors can encounter a diverse live collection comprising over 4,500 animals from 230 species, alongside more than 700 plant species. The architectural design of the building was envisioned by renowned French architect Roger Taillibert, as part of a larger plan for an Olympic park that also encompassed the Montreal Olympic Stadium and the Olympic pool. Originally, the venue served as a combined velodrome and Judo facility. However, in 1988, a feasibility study was conducted to transform the velodrome into a biodome. Construction commenced in 1989, and on 18 June 1992, the Montreal Biodome was officially opened to the public.

In 2003, the Biodome introduced an audio guide system, enabling visitors to receive information about the exhibits they are viewing. Additionally, the system collects data on the aspects that captivate visitors the most. Receivers programmed with French, Spanish, or English for adults, or French or English for children, can be rented by visitors.

Each simulated habitat within the Biodome houses a diverse array of animals. From vibrant macaws residing in the Tropical Forest to majestic lynx inhabiting the Laurentian Forest, from lively penguins in the Antarctic exhibit to the various fish species found in the waters of the Saint Lawrence River, the Biodome showcases a remarkable variety of wildlife. Furthermore, the Biodome has been the site of two significant discoveries: the acarian species Copidognathus biodomus in the simulated estuary in 1996, and the bacterium species Nitratireductor aquibiodomus in the water reprocessing system in 2003.

Situated east of Mont-Royal and north of downtown, Plateau Mont-Royal is a must-see destination when visiting Montreal. Its name stems from its location on the flat terrain of Sherbrooke Street.

Historically, the western part of the Plateau was inhabited by Jews, while the eastern part was predominantly occupied by Quebecois. It was primarily a working-class neighborhood and served as the residence for renowned Quebec writers like Mordecai Richler and Michel Tremblay. Their literary works often featured the Plateau during the 1950s and 1960s.

Prepare to be pleasantly enchanted by the lively ambiance of Plateau Mont-Royal, characterized by vibrant, colorful houses, cozy bookstores, delightful cafes, and a friendly demeanor. Don't miss the chance to explore popular attractions along Saint Laurent Boulevard.

A visit to Schwartz's Deli is a must to experience the origins of the delectable Montreal smoked meat. If you're there in the summer, you can immerse yourself in the bustling street fair that takes place on weekends. This neighborhood emanates a bohemian atmosphere and benefits from its proximity to the esteemed McGill University, which has attracted many residents to settle here.

Presently, the Saint-Denis and Saint-Laurent strip is lined with an array of nightclubs, upscale restaurants, and exclusive fashion stores, offering a diverse range of entertainment options.

Why You Should Visit:
This part of town has a unique architecture with many wrought iron staircases outside the homes. Really elegant area and a great place to walk.
It's worth a trip just to visit Parc de La Fontaine during the summer or fall.

Tip:
Nightlife is good: make sure you go by Saint Denis or Saint Laurent streets.

Located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River, the historic Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port de Montréal) stretches for over two kilometers (1.2 miles) south of Old Montreal, in a natural harbor that was once frequented by Amerindian canoes and then by barges and ships of French fur traders and others.

In service from as early as 1611, the port bore witness to the economic and cultural development of Montreal and remained in use until 1976, when the present Port of Montreal was launched further east. In the early 1990s, the territory was redeveloped and in 2005 changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal. Today, it serves as a recreational and historical area, attracting annually over six million visitors.

A place for all seasons, there's always something happening here! Summer is great for all sorts of riverfront activities such as rollerblading, cycling, quadricycling, and pleasure boating. Taking a boat cruise on the Saint Lawrence river, or renting a pedal boat for a trip around Bonsecours Basin is also available. A thin park, running the entire length of the Old Port Promenade, offers tourists and locals an ideal spot to relax and catch a cool breeze off the water.

Winter is ideal for skating on the outdoor rink or just playing in the snow. At all times of the year, the Saint Lawrence river is awe-inspiring and powerful.

The on-site attractions include a "labyrinth" in Shed 16 (which is a maze of alleys and obstacles built inside an old waterfront warehouse), the Montreal Science Centre (complete with an IMAX Theatre) on King Edward Pier, and the Montreal Clock Tower.

One of the Port's gems is the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil which approximately every two years, in spring, launches a new show from the Jacques Cartier Quay by setting up its signature blue-and-yellow-striped tents. In June 2012, an urban beach, called the Clock Tower Beach (Plage de l'Horloge), was opened adjacent to the Clock Tower.

Cultural events in the area include the Montreal High Lights Festival (Festival Montréal en lumière), Igloofest, and the Matsuri Japon festival.

If you have a couple of hours to kill in Montreal, wandering around the Old Port is worth considering.

Old Montreal is, indeed, old. Walking through it, you will pass along narrow streets lined with buildings that, in some cases, predate Canada as an independent nation. But stepping inside the Pointe-a-Calliere museum will make you see things that are even older – right from the Natives era.

Dedicated to the history and archaeology of Montreal, this museum was founded in 1992, and named after the site of the original settlement of Fort Ville-Marie (precursor of Montreal) – Pointe-a-Calliere.

The museum complex consists of several locations, connected by underground passages, among which are the Mariners' House, the Youville Pumping Station, and the Éperon Building housing the main exhibition spaces.

The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, such as the First Nations heritage, the French colonial period, the British colonial period, and the city's industrialization and modernization. There are also exhibits dedicated to specific topics, such as the history of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, the archaeology of the city's sewers, and the role of Montreal in the Underground Railroad.

One of the highlights of the complex is the Archaeological Crypt, located beneath the Éperon Building. The crypt contains the ruins of some of Montreal's earliest buildings, including its first Catholic cemetery and the old city hall. Another notable exhibit is the Multimedia Show, which is held in the Mariners' House and uses a combination of sound, light, and video to tell the story of Montreal from its earliest days to the present.

The museum also houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase different aspects of Montreal's history, such as the city's role in the fur trade, its importance as a port city, and its cultural diversity. One of the most popular exhibits is called "Building Montreal", exploring the city's architectural heritage through the centuries.

In addition to the exhibits, the Pointe-a-Calliere Museum has a restaurant and a gift shop, which sells souvenirs, books, and other items related to Montreal's history and culture.

Tip:
If you have kids, it's worth checking the museum website to see what's going on for the little ones.

Saint-Paul (Rue Saint-Paul) is the oldest street in Montreal, laid out in 1673 according to a plan by François Dollier de Casson. It follows the path that once bordered the northern edge of the former Fort Ville-Marie and is named after Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, founder of the fort and the first governor of Montreal, who built a home for himself in this area in 1650.

Unlike other – straight – streets drawn by Dollier de Casson, the cavernous cobblestone Saint-Paul is a bit winding. Centered on Royal Square (Place Royale), a major marketplace until 1803, it was destined to become, for many years, the city's main thoroughfare. In the 19th century, Old Montreal was the cradle of the local press, making Saint Paul home to a multitude of French- and English-language newspapers and journals. Busy day and night, the street was the first in the city to benefit from oil lighting.

There are several historic buildings lining Saint-Paul such as the Intendance Palace of 1698 and the Vaudreuil Castle (Château de Vaudreuil) of 1724. The street is also home to such prominent landmarks as the Bonsecours Market and the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours). It also boasts perhaps the highest in the city concentration of tourist-themed souvenir shops, art galleries, boutique hotels, lively rooftop terraces, cafés, and eateries with international cuisine.

Tip:
In case you are budget-conscious, remember that the prices in this area are a bit higher than usual.

Transporting you back to the era of New France, Old Montreal stands as one of the most ancient districts frequented by tourists. Positioned ideally within Ville-Marie's borough, this neighborhood is bordered by Ruelle des Fortifications to the north, McGill Street to the west, the majestic Saint Lawrence River to the south, and Berri Street to the east.

Ville-Marie borough remains vibrant and dynamic, fueled by its perpetually lively neighborhoods, including the bustling downtown core, McGill Ghetto, Latin Quarter, Chinatown, Gay Village, and Old Montreal. Visitors revel in exploring this area using public transportation, indulging in shopping, dining at exquisite restaurants, and exploring renowned museums within Ville-Marie.

Should you find yourself in Old Montreal between July and October, an enthralling experience awaits you-the renowned Montreal Ghost Walks. Led by a local storyteller, this captivating journey uncovers the darker aspects of the area's history, guiding you through haunted locations that will send chills down your spine. You have the option to embark on either the west or east side walking tour. Undoubtedly, Old Montreal offers an unparalleled visitor experience, leaving a lasting impression.

Why You Should Visit:
A stroll through Old Montreal will give you a feel of European charm in North America. The cobblestone streets, the architecture, the restaurants and art galleries – all make an irresistible combination.

Tip:
You can walk from one end to the other of what is Old Montreal in 15-20 minutes, but there is a lot packed into that small section so you can easily spend 2 to 3 days exploring it.

The Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) is a stunning piece of Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by the Irish-American architect James O'Donnell, it was completed, for the most part, in 1829.

The sanctuary was constructed a year later, while the first and second towers were added in 1841 and 1843, respectively. Both towers have bells: the West Tower (La Persévérance), has a bourdon bell nicknamed Jean-Baptiste. It was cast in John Dod Ward’s Eagle Foundry in 1848 and weighs 10,900 kg. Jean-Baptiste tolls only on special occasions, such as funerals, great religious festivals, and Christmas Eve. The East Tower (La Temperance), houses a ten-bell carillon from the same foundry, made in 1842.

The facade of the church was completed in 1865 and includes, among other features, three statues by the French sculptor Henri Bouriché, namely: the Virgin Mary (representing Montreal), Saint John the Baptist (representing Quebec), and Saint Joseph (representing Canada).

The interior – colorful and lavish – took much longer to complete and is quite impressive with its richly decorated columns, intricate wood carvings, statues, and elaborate stained glass windows. Quite unusual for a church, the stained glass windows here depict scenes from the history of Montreal rather than biblical scenes. Another spectacular highlight of the basilica is the Casavant Frères pipe organ, created in 1891, which is one of the largest organs in North America, comprising four keyboards and 7,000 individual pipes.

The Notre-Dame church was raised to the status of a minor basilica, by Pope John Paul II, in 1982 and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989.

Today, the Notre Dame of Montreal is a popular landmark, attracting yearly more than 11 million tourists from around the globe, making it one of the most visited sites in North America. Even the $10 admission fee doesn't turn visitors away.

Over the years, the basilica has hosted a number of important events, such as Céline Dion's wedding in 1994 and the funeral of the former Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, in 2000.

If you're interested in classical and religious music, the basilica offers musical programming of choral and organ performances, including Handel's Messiah every Christmas.

Tip:
The provided on-site brochure is very informative and can be used as a self-guide. Additionally, there's a free 20-minute English/French tour available at entry.
The 'AURA' light show (starting usually at 7 and 9 pm) is exceptional but often sold out, so plan your visit in advance: you can book a ticket online or come early to get a place. Try sitting somewhere in the middle to get the best music & light experience.

Rue Sainte-Catherine represents the main busy-bee area for shopping, commerce, pedestrian sights, sounds and smells of downtown Montréal. A kind of kaleidoscope for your sensory perception – visual, auditory, and olfactory, it's a wonderful place for a social anthropologist or the everyday citizen-visitor to come experience the vibe of the city in centre-ville.

This street runs a long way (15 kilometers/9 miles) from east to west across the city. You can explore the west end where a plethora of fashion boutiques and restaurants/cafes can be found, or check out the pink balls (put up in summer of 2016) over in the east-end Gay Village. Retailers on the west end are a mix of chains and independents – but, really, more of the former.

The vibe is completely different in summertime, when Montréal comes most alive and part of Sainte-Catherine becomes a wide pedestrian walkway. Starting around the 1st weekend of June, people can be found at all hours of the day soaking in the sun, enjoying street festivals and the fleeting warm weather. Winters can be harsh, as wind can whip through the street like a wind tunnel. Whenever you decide to visit, be courteous and explore the possibilities for dining and entertainment.

Montréal has many beautiful churches and this is one of those that you should see when visiting downtown. Despite being nestled among many high-rise structures, its dome is unmistakable, modeled on Saint Peter's in Rome. Though somewhat “scaled-down”, the church is a perfect replica of the same, right down to the red copper baldachin over the altar that was fully hand-carved in Rome.

Dating back to in the 1890s, the cathedral appears older than its years, while at the same time feeling relatively modern as compared to Notre-Dame across town or even other cathedrals in other major cities – mostly due to the cleaner, simpler design. While not particularly ornate, the interior is still pretty, marked by soft hues that lend a gentle and slightly feminine touch. On a sunny day, the brilliant colors of the stained glass windows make it easy to observe the details – from the vibrant ceiling to the altar and the beautiful organ pipes at the back. You may also notice the baptismal font is surmounted by an impressive stucco crucifix – one of the most important pieces of religious sculpture in Quebec.

While the floor and walls are covered in Italian marble the main works of art are dedicated to the city's devout Catholics, including depictions of Marguerite Bourgeoys and Grey Nuns founder Marguerite d'Youville. Like Saint Peter's, the cathedral also has 13 statues that adorn the facade, but breaking with tradition they do not represent Jesus and the 12 apostles. Instead, they represent the patron saints of parishes that offered them to the diocese and include Saint Hyacinthe, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint John the Baptist.

Why You Should Visit:
Peaceful and ornate, this Cathedral will make you feel as if you are in an old basilica in Europe.

Tip:
Don't forget to check the gift shop that has many unique gift and jewelry items.

Windsor Station, situated in Montreal, is a former railway station that played a significant role as the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station and CPR headquarters from 1889 to 1996. Its location is bordered by Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal to the north, Peel Street to the east, Saint Antoine Street to the south, and the Bell Centre to the west.

Renowned New York City architect Bruce Price was entrusted with the Windsor Station project, where he opted for a Romanesque Revival style. The building's walls are constructed with gray limestone sourced from a quarry in Montreal, while the columns outside boast an impressive width of 2.1 meters (6.9 feet). Originally named the Windsor Street Station after its location on Windsor Street (now known as Peel Street), the station underwent its first expansion between 1900 and 1903, followed by another expansion from 1910 to 1913, both designed by Canadian architects. The third expansion in 1916 introduced a striking fifteen-storey tower that dramatically altered Montreal's skyline.

Since 1993, Windsor Station has been disconnected from the rail network. The site has been transformed into an office complex, accommodating various restaurants and cafés. The interior concourse, accessible to the public, is available for private and public events. The terminal tracks, totaling 13, and the overhead canopy have been removed and replaced with a public square.

Recognized for its historical significance, Windsor Station was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1975 and obtained the designation of a Heritage Railway Station in 1990. In 2009, it was further acknowledged as a provincial historic monument.

The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts is housed in three separate buildings on either side of Sherbrooke Street, which are connected through underground walkways. One ticket, valid for a full day, allows access to them all (except for the special exhibit which costs extra and is often not to be missed), taking you on a perfectly balanced art-history tour.

The five pavilions, with their distinct designs, speak volumes about the museum's exhibitions. The modernist Desmarais Pavilion (where the main entrance and the restaurant are located) is filled with light and houses most of the permanent collection of exquisite artworks from around the world, including treasures from Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Oceania and the Americas dating from the 4th millennium B.C.E. to today. The back of this building connects to the recent addition of the Hornstein pavilion, which hosts 750 classical-to-early-modern artworks and actually goes the length of using projectors and LCDs to create that moonlight-in-a-forest atmosphere that so many people find "romantic".

After enjoying traditional paintings and sculpture, you may transition to more modern, contemporary and Canadian exhibits, or visit the pavilion dedicated to decorative arts, featuring fun and funky stuff to delight the eye and imagination. It's all rather spread out on a very complex layout, so give yourself enough time to make the experience worthwhile.

***The RMS Titanic Walking Tour***
The frieze on the building's exterior is the work of second class passenger Leopold Weisz, 33, who drowned in the disaster. A Hungarian-born Jewish stone carver, Weisz got the job in Canada carving the frieze for the Museum of Arts building in 1911, following which he was contracted to do the stone shields which decorate the Dominion Express Building at 201 Saint Jacques Street W. He had gone back to England to fetch his wife and the couple were to have returned on another vessel, but because of the coal strike, were transferred to Titanic. Mrs Weisz survived, but was about to be deported as an indigent from Canada until her husband's body was recovered, with $15,000 worth of gold sewn into the lining. It was returned to her, and she remained in Montréal.

Why You Should Visit:
If you're happy to discover artists you are not already familiar with or to stop and spend time with at least one masterpiece, this place is a good choice, especially when the weather isn't great to be outside. Collections are well spaced out in appropriate themes and one can't help but be impressed by the lighting and staging of the artwork.

Tip:
Note the reduced admission fees to major exhibitions between 5–9pm on Fridays.
In addition, the first Sunday of each month is free for all and sundry.

Mount Royal Park was opened in 1876. Fredrick Law Olmsted, a famous landscape architect designed this park. It is now one of the largest green spaces in Montreal that attracts more than 5 million visitors every year. If you are a passionate outdoor enthusiast, you will definitely enjoy the wide variety of plants and birds in this park. It also offers plenty of outdoor activities for all ages in all seasons.

Mount Royal Park offers some of the most mesmerizing skyline views of the city. Summit Park is a must-see spot in this park. You can see some rare wild plants here. The Georges Etienne Cartier monument is another important attraction that draws crowds. In recent times, the monument is the site for the popular TamTam’s festivities. The Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park is an ideal picnic spot for locals and tourists.

Mount Royal Park also houses the Smith House, which is a major spot for those who want to obtain historical information about the park and the city. Mount Royal Cemetery is a pleasant place if you want to enjoy a relaxed walking or biking. It is a perfect place for picnicking too. The cemetery is more attractive in May when flowering trees bloom.

Why You Should Visit:
Great panoramic view of Montreal and the large area allows winter activities like cross-country skiing while summer and fall make a great place to hike, jog or walk.

Tip:
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get to the top of Mount Royal once you have reached the park. There is a gravel trail (mainly for bikes) and also a wooden staircase (for walkers) to the top. There is at least one lower vantage point that might make you think you're done, but keep going till you get to 'The Chalet'.

The Lachine Canal traverses the southwestern part of the Island of Montreal, covering a distance of 14.5 kilometers. Prior to the canal's construction, there existed a body of water called "Lac Saint Pierre," which was depicted on Montreal maps from 1700, 1744, and the 1761 map titled "The isles of Montreal. As they have been surveyed by the French engineers."

The name of the canal, Lachine, originates from the French word for China, "La Chine." European explorers aimed to discover a passage from New France to the Western Sea and, subsequently, to China. Consequently, the region where the canal was built was named Lachine.

Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, the canal holds the official designation of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site of Canada. The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site is situated near the western terminus of the canal.

With the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Lachine Canal lost its industrial significance. However, the canal was revitalized as a leisure and recreational space. In 2002, leisure boats were permitted to dock along the canal, and in 1977, a bike path spanning the entire canal was established.

Habitat 67, also known as Habitat, stands as a notable community and housing complex in Montreal, meticulously crafted by Moshe Safdie, an architect of Israeli-Canadian origin. Safdie initially conceived this architectural marvel as part of his master's thesis in architecture at McGill University. Subsequently, it materialized as a pavilion for Expo 67, a prominent World's Fair that took place from April to October in 1967. Habitat 67 has garnered widespread recognition as a significant architectural landmark, commanding attention as one of the most iconic structures in both Montreal and Canada.

The essence of Habitat 67 lies in its arrangement of 354 identical precast concrete modules, artfully combined to form diverse configurations, soaring up to a remarkable 12 stories in height. These modules unite to create 146 residences of varying sizes and layouts, with each dwelling composed of one to eight interconnected concrete units. Initially, the complex consisted of 158 apartments, yet several of these have since merged to form larger dwellings, resulting in a reduced overall count. Each unit is thoughtfully connected to at least one private terrace, ranging in size from approximately 20 to 90 square meters (225 to 1,000 square feet).

Habitat 67 achieved notable status as a key symbol of Expo 67, attracting more than 50 million visitors throughout its six-month duration. Regarded as a "fantastic experiment" and an "architectural wonder," this extraordinary endeavor garnered global acclaim. While considered both a triumph and setback, Habitat 67 managed to redefine urban living and flourished as a highly successful cooperative venture.

In 2017, Canada Post commemorated the 50th anniversary of Expo 67 by issuing a special stamp featuring the remarkable structure of Habitat 67.