Top Things to do in Montreal
Montreal City is the gateway to Canada’s Quebec province, combining the grace of Europe with rugged adventure of Eastern Canada.
Within a few hours travel from the U.S.A., you can fly into Quebec and discover European charm without the jetlag.
During our 24 hour stay, we visited the top sights in this city, dined at Chef Boulud’s famous restaurant, and even got a maple sugar massage. Sharing our list of recommended places to stay, dine, spa, and things to do while visiting this vibrant city.
What to Do:
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Vieux Montreal:
First on our list of the top things to do in Montreal–Tour Old Montreal with Context Travel, and learn about the history from its fur trading days to the industrialization of this city.
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Check into Spa St. James:
Book a Ritz Carlton Montreal Maple Sugar Massage at the swankiest spa in Montreal – Spa St. James. Call 514.844.4590 for reservations.
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Hop On Hop Off Gray Line Tours:
For a 2-hour orientation of this city, we hopped on the Gray Line open bus tour, and saw the main sites.
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Rue St. Paul:
Stroll along this charming street in the Old Town where you’ll find shops, boutiques, cafes, and feel like you’re walking through Paris.
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Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon Secours “Sailor’s Church” in Old Montreal:
The interiors are fabulous from the elegant Notre Dame where Celine Dion was married, to the quaint “Sailor’s Church” where small model ships and boats hang from the church rafters to bless sailors.
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Festivals:
Music to Art (May to October): There are dozens of music, art and food festivals taking place in this city between May and October. We saw several murals from the recent murals festival decorating the Mount Royal neighborhood.
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Farmer’s Markets:
Visit the Marche Jean-Talon and the Marche Atwater to find local produce and handmade goods.
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Biosphere Biodome Museum:
Visit the Island St. Helene where you can learn about the environment at the bubble-like Biosphere Museum.
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Parc du Mont Royal:
After a stroll in the lush gardens of Mont Royal, enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of the city.
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L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph:
Visit the Oratory of St. Joseph, largest Catholic church in Canada.
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Museums:
Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – Canada’s oldest art institution, or learn about how Montreal was founded at the Pointe a Calliere in the heart of the Old Port.
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Olympic Stadium:
Last on our list of the top things to do in Montreal, make sure to visit the Olympic Stadium!
Where to Stay:
Ritz-Carlton Montréal: We recommend staying at one of the city’s finest hotels, Ritz Carlton Montreal. A historic icon, the Ritz-Carlton Montréal offers a luxury hotel experience with fine dining, elegant guest rooms, incredible spa, and an indoor rooftop pool.
When it opened its doors in 1912, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal set a new standard for luxury. Today, more than 100 years later, the Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street blends its historic splendor with contemporary design, offering an unparalleled five-star hotel experience in the heart of downtown. The only Quebec hotel to hold the prestigious AAA Five Diamond, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal offers guests:
- Five star hotel accommodations blending historic elements with modern features
- Fine dining at Maison Boulud, featuring modern interpretations of classic French cuisine in an upscale setting
- Elegant meeting and event spaces that offer flexible seating arrangements and state-of-the-art technology
- A rooftop and terrace featuring an indoor saltwater pool and stunning views overlooking the city
- Afternoon Tea, which originated at this downtown Montreal hotel
- A Montreal spa where senses are awakened in a peaceful sanctuary
Where to Dine:
Located in the Ritz Carlton Montreal, is the world famous Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant – Maison Boulud. We dined at this upscale Montreal restaurant where 3-Michelin star Chef Boulud and his team presented us with an exquisite meal. We watched as dishes were created in the open kitchen. His meals are inspired by French culinary tradition with a focus on local produce and artisanal Quebecois products.
How to Get Around:
We recommend getting to/from the airport to your hotel, and around Montreal City with Rudy Limousines. Our drivers with Rudy Limousines were punctual, professional, and knowledgeable with the best routes in Montreal. Rudy’s has established itself as a premier car service and exceeded our expectations!
Acknowledgements:
Global Adventuress would like to thank the Ritz Carlton Montreal for hosting our stay, Maison Boulud for hosting our meals, and Spa St. James for hosting a spa treatment.
Also, we want to thank Rudy Limousines for hosting our transfers, and Context Travel and Daniel for a fabulous tour of Old Montreal!
