What to buy here: Poutine sauce.

Even though Montreal is well-known for its high gastronomical standards and variety… it does have one little quirk to it. Poutine will always be its most famous dish, whether people opt for its comfort-food feel on gray days or hangover-curing powers. Made with French fries, cheese curds, and a special gravy sauce, it does sound as unappealing as it looks. But once you get your first bite, you know you have entered a new level of gluttony, and you know you’ll want to have it again.

Unfortunately, technology has yet to find a way to effectively take poutine on the plane, but a simple visit to any supermarket can fix this: get one of those powdered mix packets or sauce cans and recreate a poutine of your own in the comfort of your home and for only $3 - but do plan a couple of gym sessions later in the week, as one serving of this hearty dish contains as much fat as a pound of butter! If you had the chance to taste the famous dish at its Mecca, la Banquise, the closest supermarket is located two blocks North at 1000 Mont-Royal Avenue East (open 24 hours).

La Fontaine Park, situated in the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal borough of Montreal, is an urban park spanning 34 hectares (84 acres). It boasts various attractions, including interconnected ponds adorned with a beautiful fountain and cascades, the Théâtre de Verdure outdoor venue, the Calixa-Lavallée cultural center, a monument honoring Adam Dollard des Ormeaux, as well as sports fields and tennis courts.

During the scorching summers of Montreal, the park's ponds are a popular destination, while in winter, they transform into an ice skating haven. Along the park's western and northern edges, visitors can enjoy bike paths.

La Fontaine Park, originally Logan Park, was established in 1874 on the former Logan farm grounds in Montreal. In 1888, significant landscaping took place, including the creation of two basins separated by a bridge designed by Clovis Degrelle. The park was renamed La Fontaine Park in 1901 during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day parade to honor Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, the first Francophone Prime Minister of Canada, not because of its fountain as commonly believed.

In 1929, Léon Trépanier created an illuminated fountain for the park's northern basin, commissioned by Westinghouse Electric Company. The monument honoring Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine was also installed. The Théâtre de Verdure, designed by Claude Robillard, opened on July 8, 1956. This venue, inspired by ancient amphitheaters, hosted famous singers like Clémence DesRochers, Raymond Lévesque, Pauline Julien, and Yvon Deschamps under Germaine Dugas' direction in 1965.

La Fontaine Park houses various buildings like École supérieure du Plateau and Calixa Lavallée pavilion. Currently, the park is home to Théâtre de Verdure and Espace La Fontaine cultural café.

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.

Down by Montreal’s Old Port, where ships once arrived after long, uncertain Atlantic crossings, sailors had a habit of saying thank you properly. In 1771, they built the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (that is, if you want the full poetic version), as a pilgrimage site to honour the Virgin for her “good help” in getting them across the ocean in one piece. Today, it still stands as the oldest surviving chapel in the Old Town—not bad for a building that has already outlived one predecessor...

Because yes—this chapel has layers. It sits directly on top of an earlier church from 1675 that didn’t survive a fire. Head down into the crypt, and you’re not merely underground; you’re stepping into centuries. Excavations have revealed the foundations of that first temple, along with artifacts from both First Nations indigenous communities and the French colonial era—including fragments of Montreal’s early fortifications. In essence, this basement serves more as a “time capsule,” enhanced by the audio tour that fills in the stories behind the stones.

Considering its prime harbour address, it’s no surprise that the chapel picked up the nickname “the Sailors’ Church.” Inside, the decor is simple but quietly striking. Lift your eyes, and you will spot delicate model ships suspended from the ceiling—ex-votos offered in gratitude, tiny wooden thank-you notes from those who made it safely home.

And if you're feeling energetic, climb the wooden staircase into the spire. From there, the view opens wide with the Old Port, the Saint Lawrence River, the harbour, and the remnants of the Expo 67 exhibition. You may also spot the statue of Our Lady of the Harbour, famously name-checked in Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” song, where “the sun pours down like honey.” Up close, you can even inspect the rooftop angels keeping watch over the city.

The chapel also houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, dedicated to the saintly founder of the Notre-Dame congregation. Her remains were returned here in 2005, resting in the sanctuary she helped shape.

So, ultimately, what looks like a pretty stop by the water is in fact a story of fire and survival, voyages and gratitude, saints and sailors—all tucked into one remarkably resilient little chapel...

Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) owes its name to the adjacent Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours).

Inaugurated in 1847, for over a century this was the primary agricultural market for the Montreal area. Also, for a brief period – just one session, in 1849 – the building housed the Legislative Assembly (Parliament) of United Canada and, throughout 1852-1878, accommodated the Montreal City Hall.

The elongated two-story Neoclassical edifice with a tin-plated dome and columns is considered one of the main achievements of Canadian architecture. In 1984, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The design – by British architect William Footner – was influenced by Dublin's Customs House. Further additions, including a 900-square-meter concert and banquet hall, completed in 1860, were designed by Irish-born Montreal architect George Browne.

The building continued to serve as the farmer's central market, as well as a venue for banquets, exhibitions, and festivals until it was closed in 1963. After standing idle for a few years, it was slated for demolition.

Luckily, the property was later transformed into a multi-purpose facility with a mall incorporating outdoor cafés, restaurants, and exclusive boutiques selling authentic Canadian crafts such as jewelry, leather, and hand-blown glass – all made in Quebec. Those keen on maple tree products will be particularly delighted to find here a huge variety of relevant merchandise including beer, wine, butter, and even lollipops.

However, if shopping isn't your prime interest, you may just as well walk around the site and find some pretty angles to photograph the building's grand-looking exterior. Or, perhaps, grab yourself a seat in one of the cafés and restaurants lining the facade and have a good time.

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.

Open to the public in September 2017, to mark the 375th anniversary of the city, The Big Wheel of Montreal (La Grande Roue de Montréal) is the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, standing at 60 metres (200 feet). It is also the fourth of its type installed worldwide following those in Hong Kong (2014), Baku (2014), and Chicago (2016).

Situated directly on the river, on Bonsecours Basin Island in the Old Port of Montreal, the wheel provides a 360° view of the city, including Old Montreal, its historic buildings, Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier), and the architecture of Downtown Montreal with Royal Mountain (Mont-Royal) as the backdrop. To the south, unfolds the Saint Lawrence River and its seaway, while in the middle of the river, you can see Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island – the former sites for Expo 67. In the evening, the dominant view is the illuminated Mount Royal Cross accompanying the changing lighting on Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

The wheel has 42 passenger units, each capable of carrying up to 8 persons, for a total capacity of 336 passengers. The climate-controlled cabins are suitable for use all year round, day and night, in temperatures down to −40 °C (−40 °F) and winds of up to 240 kilometres per hour.

A small park by the wheel contains modern and clean facilities including a restaurant, a cafe with an ice cream parlor, a gift shop, and restrooms.

Package deals are available for families, and those wanting VIP rides, yearly passes, and more. You do not have to book or reserve a time in advance – just show up and pay. Certainly not a bad addition to an Old Montreal itinerary!

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.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a church that doesn’t whisper modestly from the sidelines. It steps confidently into the spotlight as one of the grand showpieces of Gothic Revival architecture in North America. Designed by Irish-American architect James O'Donnell and largely completed in 1829, this temple proves that Montreal doesn’t do subtle when it comes to sacred spaces.

Its sanctuary was constructed a year later, and then came the towers—because, apparently, one dramatic silhouette wasn’t enough. The West Tower, known as La Persévérance, houses a bourdon bell affectionately called Jean-Baptiste. Cast in 1848 and weighing a polite 10,900 kilograms, it doesn’t ring for just anything. Funerals, major religious festivals, Christmas Eve—Jean-Baptiste has standards. Across the façade, the East Tower, called La Tempérance, contains a ten-bell carillon, also from the 1840s, ready to chime with considerably more enthusiasm.

By 1865, the façade was complete, crowned with three statues—of the Virgin Mary for Montreal, Saint John the Baptist for Quebec, and Saint Joseph for Canada—created by French sculptor Henri Bouriché. It’s practically a stone family portrait of the nation...

Once inside, any expectation of restraint disappears. The interior is a riot of colour, carved wood, painted columns, statues, and stained glass. And here’s the twist: the windows don’t focus on biblical scenes. Instead, they tell stories from Montreal’s own history. It’s less “Old Testament” and more “local greatest hits.”

Then, there’s the magnificent pipe organ by Casavant Frères, installed in 1891. Four keyboards. Around 7,000 pipes. It doesn’t accompany music—it commands it.

In 1982, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to minor basilica status, and in 1989, it became a National Historic Site of Canada. Today, more than 11 million visitors pass through its doors each year. Even the ten-dollar admission fee fails to discourage the crowds—because grandeur, apparently, is recession-proof.

This basilica has also seen its share of headline moments: Céline Dion married here in 1994, and former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was honoured here in 2000. From pop royalty to political royalty, the guest list is impressive...

If you enjoy choral and organ music, keep an ear out for performances—including Handel’s Messiah at Christmas. The on-site brochure doubles as a handy self-guide, and there’s a free 20-minute English or French tour at entry. And if you can, book ahead for the “AURA” light show. Sit somewhere in the middle. Rest assured—when 7,000 pipes meet immersive light, you’ll want the full effect...

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.

Dating back to the 1860s, Montreal’s Chinatown may not sprawl for blocks and blocks like some of its U.S. cousins, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavour. Its borders are proudly marked by traditional guardian lions, as if to say: “Yes, it’s compact, but it’s mighty!”

You can wander through it in about an hour, soaking up the red lanterns, bilingual signs, festival banners, and that unmistakable perfume of roasting duck and simmering broth drifting through the air. But here’s the thing—this is not a neighbourhood you simply look at. To truly understand it, you have to eat it.

Short on time or budget? Slide into Pâtisserie Harmonie for fluffy savoury buns or a Vietnamese bánh mì that refuses to be modest. If you’re ready to commit more seriously, then hand-pulled noodles, soup dumplings, dim sum carts, and lacquered Peking duck are waiting to change your afternoon plans.

For hand-stretched noodle theatrics, try Nouilles de Lan Zhou. For classic dim sum done properly, head to Kim Fung. Dumpling devotees debate between Mai Xiang Yuan and Bien Maison. Craving pho? Pho Bac has you covered.

Korean comfort food lives at Chez Bong, while Orange Rouge adds a polished, fusion twist. Ramen fans line up at Sumo Ramen, and for cocktails with attitude, there’s Le Mal Nécessaire. Peking duck loyalists swear by Beijing or Mon Nan. And just to keep you guessing, La Capital Tacos serves bold Mexican flavours on Chinese dinnerware—because why not?

For sweet drama, pick up Dragon’s Beard candy at Bonbons à la Barbe de Dragon—a confection pulled into thousands of silky strands before your eyes. Or grab crispy roast duck, pork, or chicken to go from Lam Kee.

Small? Yes. Skippable? Not a chance...

St. Catherine Street is Montreal’s main artery of motion — the place where shopping bags swing, buskers compete with traffic lights, and the scent of espresso collides with perfume and street food. If you want to understand the city centre without opening a history book, stand here for five minutes. It’s a living documentary. Sociologists could write theses on it. The rest of us just people-watch and call it a great afternoon.

The street stretches an impressive 15 kilometres — or about nine miles — slicing east to west across the city like a commercial spine. Head west, and you’ll find fashion boutiques, cafés, big-name brands, and the occasional independent shop bravely holding its ground. Slide east, and you reach the Gay Village, where those famous pink balls — first strung up in 2016 — float overhead each summer like a cheerful urban art installation that decided to stay for the party.

When summer arrives, St. Catherine shifts gears. Parts of it get closed for traffic and turned into a broad pedestrian promenade. By the first weekend of June, the street feels like Montreal has collectively decided to step outside. Festivals spill into the roadway. Terraces expand. Music drifts through warm air. People linger because they can — and because winter memories are still fresh enough to make sunshine feel precious.

And yes, winter. When the cold settles in, the wind barrels through the corridor with impressive determination. It’s less café terrace and more urban wind tunnel. But even then, the street keeps moving. Shoppers hustle. Lights glow against grey skies. Montreal doesn’t really hibernate — it just adds layers.

Whenever you visit, St. Catherine offers options. Eat. Browse. Pause. Observe. It’s not a quiet street, and it’s not meant to be. It’s Montreal at full throttle — and that’s exactly the point.