Montreal travel getaways are among the most popular North America’s destinations. With its vibrant culture and European flair, the city is a hotspot for travellers who enjoy an exciting getaway. As the most important metropolis of the Canadian province of Quebec and the second largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris), a trip to Montreal offers a bit of that unique “je ne sais quoi” that makes it such a one-of-a-kind destination in North America. It is one of my favourite destinations, so check out some of my personal Montreal travel adventures and advice articles below.
One of Montreal’s most popular travel destinations is Old Montreal, the city’s historic port area down by the St. Lawrence River. With its cobble-stoned streets and historic limestone buildings, this area evokes a different era. Its vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene add to the popularity of Old Montreal. Some of the main sights include Place Jacques-Cartier, the city’s main square which is anchored by Montreal City Hall, a Second Empire masterpiece. The Bonsecours Market was opened in the late 1840s and today is home to attractive shops, cafés and galleries. Notre Dame Basilica is Montreal’s most magnificent church and offers a regular multimedia show that presents the long history of this Victorian-era church. Pointe à Callière is where Montreal was first settled and the museum located there presents Montreal’s archeological history.
Downtown Montreal is where the city’s skyscrapers are located, but none is allowed to be higher than Mont-Royal which overlooks the city with its beautiful park and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Quartier Latin or Latin Quarter is the heart of Montreal’s restaurant and club scene where you can also enjoy countless cafés, boutiques and galleries. The Plateau is located near downtown next to Parc du Mont-Royal and is a showcase for Montreal’s typical duplex and triplex townhouses from the early 1900s.
In addition to the stunning Park du Mont-Royal, the city offers other outdoor Montreal travel opportunities in places such as Parc Lafontaine or Parc Jeanne-Mance. The waterfront along the St. Lawrence River offers outstanding cycling opportunities for those who want to stay active.
Montreal is a city of festivals, and some of the most internationally renowned ones include the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs Festival. Winter festivals include the Fête des neiges and Montréal en Lumière. Among many others, the city hosts the Francofolies (a French music festival), an Anarchist Bookfair, a Beer Festival, Folk Fest, a Bike Fest, a Burlesque Festival as well as huge Canada Day festivities. Also very popular is the Montreal International Fireworks Competition with participants from around the world. There are electronic and all sorts of other music festivals, fashion and design festivals, arts festivals and all sorts of other special events including the Montreal Grand Prix in June. Montreal loves to party and you will have lots of fun during your trip to Montreal!
Parc Jean-Drapeau is the site of the 1967 World Fair and today offers great green spaces and concert venues. It is also home to the Formula 1 circuit, the Montreal Casino, the Montreal Biosphere and a huge beach. Other main attractions in Montreal include the Olympic Stadium, the Botanic Garden, the Insectarium and the Biodome. On the other side of Mont-Royal is another famous landmark, the impressive Saint Joseph’s Oratory, a national shrine and Canada’s largest church.
Montreal travel getaways offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the unique culture of Quebec along with some fantastic cuisine, special events and music. Some of the articles below will give you some great travel ideas for exploring Montreal.