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'.

McGill University, situated in Montreal, is a renowned public research institution. It was established in 1821 through a royal charter granted by King George IV. The university bears the name of James McGill, a Scottish merchant whose generous bequest in 1813 laid the foundation for the precursor of the university known as McGill College. In 1885, the institution officially became McGill University.

McGill University stands as one of two non-American universities affiliated with the Association of American Universities, with the University of Toronto being the other. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the sole Canadian member of the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF) within the World Economic Forum.

McGill University offers a wide range of degrees in over 300 fields of study. The majority of students are enrolled in the university's five largest faculties: Arts, Science, Medicine, Engineering, and Management. It has high admission requirements and is known for its diverse international student population. McGill consistently ranks among the top universities globally and in Canada, holding the top spot in the Maclean's Canadian University Rankings for medical-doctoral universities for 15 years.

McGill University's alumni community is impressive, including 12 Nobel laureates, 145 Rhodes Scholars (the most among Canadian universities), 10 billionaires, current and former Canadian prime ministers, the current Governor General of Canada, eight foreign leaders, 28 foreign ambassadors, and over 100 national legislators. Its graduates also consist of nine Academy Award winners, 11 Grammy Award winners, 16 Emmy Award winners, four Pulitzer Prize winners, and 121 Olympians with over 35 Olympic medals. Additionally, McGill is proud to have alumni who invented basketball, modern ice hockey, and gridiron football, as well as the founders of major universities and colleges.

McGill has a strong research history, with notable contributions like Ernest Rutherford's atomic nucleus discovery and Nobel Prize-winning work on radioactivity. The university is also associated with important inventions such as the first artificial cell and web search engine. With a large endowment per student, McGill has substantial financial resources, including a record-breaking $200 million donation in 2019 to establish the McCall MacBain Scholarships program.

If you think skyscrapers have the last word in downtown Montreal, look up. Rising confidently among the glass and steel is a dome that feels suspiciously Roman.

This is Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, and yes, that dome is modeled on Saint Peter's Basilica. Think of it as Rome’s greatest architectural hit—re-recorded in Québec. Slightly scaled down, perhaps, but impressively faithful, right down to the red copper baldachin above the altar, hand-carved in Rome itself. No shortcuts here...

Completed in the 1890s, the cathedral somehow manages to look older than it is, while also feeling more streamlined than many of its European cousins. Compared to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, its interior feels lighter, calmer, and almost minimalist.

The design is clean, the lines are clear, and the colours lean toward soft pastels rather than dramatic flourishes. On a sunny day, the stained glass comes alive, casting shifting light across the ceiling, the altar, and the organ pipes at the rear. It's the kind of place where you instinctively lower your voice.

Take a moment near the baptismal font and look up: a striking stucco crucifix crowns it—one of Québec’s most significant religious sculptures. Around you, Italian marble stretches across floors and walls, adding a quiet sense of grandeur. The artwork pays tribute not just to biblical figures but to Montreal’s own spiritual history, including Marguerite Bourgeoys and Marguerite d’Youville, founder of the Grey Nuns. This cathedral tells the city’s story as much as it echoes Rome’s.

Step outside and glance at the façade. You’ll notice 13 statues—just like at Saint Peter’s—but with a local twist. Instead of Jesus and the 12 apostles, these figures represent patron saints from parishes that supported the diocese, including Saint Hyacinthe, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint John the Baptist. A European silhouette, a distinctly Canadian cast...

The overall effect is peaceful, dignified, and unexpectedly transportive. For a moment, downtown Montreal fades away, and you could almost believe you’ve wandered into an old basilica somewhere in Europe—just with better maple syrup nearby...

And before you leave, have a look at the gift shop. It carries distinctive jewellery and religious keepsakes—small reminders that Rome may be far away, but its architectural spirit has clearly made itself at home here.

Completed in 1847, in the thick of the Irish Famine migration, Saint Patrick’s rose as a spiritual anchor for Montreal’s English-speaking Catholics — much as Notre-Dame Basilica serves the city’s French-speaking faithful. It stands as one of Canada’s purest expressions of the Gothic Revival style, later recognized as both a historic monument and a National Historic Site. In other words, this isn’t just another church. It’s a statement in stone.

Now, if you’re expecting the gilded drama of Notre-Dame, adjust your expectations. Saint Patrick’s is lighter, brighter, and more restrained. The woodwork is rich without being overwhelming, the Gothic lines clean and confident.

On a clear afternoon, the interior doesn’t merely glow — it performs. Golden light filters through stained-glass windows that line the walls like pages in an illuminated manuscript. Colour spills across the floor, climbs the columns, and settles into every carved detail. And those tall, slender columns — they may look like marble, but are actually pine logs bound together and carefully finished to create the illusion of stone. A little architectural theatre, executed beautifully...

Then there’s the showstopper overhead: a hanging sanctuary lamp weighing in at 1,800 pounds. Suspended high above, ringed by six angels, it’s less a fixture and more a floating sculpture. It commands attention without saying a word — which, in a church, feels appropriate.

Drop by after lunch, and you might hear the organist rehearsing, the notes rolling through the nave long before a service begins. And if the main doors are closed, try a side entrance — one is often left open, as if the building itself prefers to keep things welcoming rather than grand.

There’s also a quiet benefit: it’s free to enter, and chances are you won’t be elbowing through crowds either. You may even find yourself alone, with time to sit, breathe, and let the colours settle.

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.

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.

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.

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...

If a mayor, who adores opera, has a bold idea and an entire city block to work with, this is what you get. Arts Square was the brainchild of Mayor Jean Drapeau, who decided that downtown Montreal should expand eastward—not just with offices and banks, but with arias and applause. The first part of this complex opened in 1963, right in the middle of the city’s construction boom, when cranes were as common as church spires. More theatres followed, and next door, the Contemporary Art Museum joined the cultural lineup—because why stop at music when you can add modern art?

Today, this multi-venue powerhouse fills an entire downtown block and serves as headquarters for some of Montreal’s artistic heavyweights: the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Opera, the Canadian Grand Ballet, and the Jean-Duceppe theatre company. Not content with resting on its cultural laurels, the complex has also been revamped to include a sixth concert hall tailored for the Symphony and a redesigned Grand Foyer to greet visitors.

As summer rolls in, the Esplanade out front transforms into one of the main stages of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, where brass riffs and bass lines float through warm evening air. It also hosts events like the Montreal World Film Festival, proving that this square doesn’t believe in quiet months. The wide steps become an unofficial meeting spot—“See you at the stairs” is practically a local motto—while nearby fountains shoot playful jets of water into the air. On hot days, you’ll find visitors cooling off, shoes abandoned, feet happily dangling in the shallow pools.

From June through August, this is Montreal’s cultural living room. Relaxed yet buzzing, surrounded by restaurants and good shopping, and conveniently linked to the metro, Arts Square is where the city gathers—whether for symphonies, jazz solos, or simply a front-row seat to people-watching.

Along with bagels, smoked meat has been popular in Montreal since the 19th century and is identified as emblematic of the city's cuisine. Many have laid claims to its introduction into the city; regardless, all of these stories indicate the creators are of the Jewish Diaspora from Romania or Eastern Europe. Although the preparation method may be similar to New York pastrami, the meat is cured in seasoning with more cracked peppercorns and savory flavorings, such as coriander, garlic, and mustard seeds, and significantly less sugar.

Soft and succulent with a flavor of its own, the meat served at Schwartz's tastes all the better layered on bread with coleslaw, pickles and a dash of mustard. Opened in 1928, the deli's long popularity has led to it being considered a cultural institution of Montreal. The place remains largely unchanged, right down to its place-mat menus, banquette seating, fast service, fluorescent lighting, and location in the Jewish Quarter.

You can order the old-fashioned sandwich or, if you are going for the first time, try the combination platter which has both smoked meat and rib eye steak with in-house spices. Not only does the platter have a good serving size of meat but you also get to sample two of the restaurant's signature meats and decide what to order if you need more.

Tip:
If you are going for dinner, try to arrive early (around 6pm) for minimal wait times.