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Montreal Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Montreal’s premier nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Montreal. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

An Intro to Montreal

Named after Mount Royal the triple peak hill located in the middle of the city, Montreal is the most populated city in the province of Quebec and the second biggest city in terms of population in Canada. The city is centred on the island of Montreal which got its name from the city and enjoys a four seasons weather throughout the year. It has tropical weather during the summers and snows during the harsh Canadian winters.

Montreal was the economic capital of Canada and the biggest in terms of population and size before Toronto took over. It remains an important centre of commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, education, art, culture, tourism, food, fashion, gaming, film, and world affairs. Montreal has the second-highest number of consulates in North Canada and several organization’s headquarters are in the city.

The city is ranked number one for the best city for university students. This diverse population which consists of native Canadian population, migrants, business class people, students and others has given rise to a ton of activity in the city along with one of the best nightlives in the whole of Canada.

In this article we will be seeing more about the night life and the night clubs of Montreal along with the best bars, bar restaurants, discotheques and nightclubs that one needs to visit when in the city.

Nightlife in Montreal

Nightlife in Montreal though not as famous as the one in Toronto is still really good and can get anyone pumped up by any standards. One unique feature about the nightlife in this amazing city is the local bands, there are numerous of them and most of the places play some kind of local music almost every night. Most of these local bands start in Montreal then go on to play in Toronto and New York . The local population of the city is friendly and warm. You can always grab a drink whenever you want but for the proper leg breaking dance floors you might have to wait a little longer. Over all the nightlife in Montreal is a one with plenty of options to choose from with a good mix of local and international taste for the visitors to choose from.

Best areas of Montreal for Nightlife

Beyond its bilingualism, French colonial architecture, and unique elements of Québécois culture, one characteristic that makes Montreal a popular destination for Canadians and international visitors alike is the city’s infamous party scene. Here are some of the best areas to stay for exploring the nightlife in Montreal:

Downtown Montreal

Being centrally located is always a good idea when it comes to exploring the nightlife scene in Montreal, because the downtown area offers easy access to many of the districts listed below—in addition to the lively array of restaurants, bars, and clubs (both dance and strip varieties) that can be found along the main stretch of Rue St. Catherine. Downtown, you’ll also be able to see most of the city’s seemingly countless festivals. If you want to be right at the heart of the action, downtown Montreal should definitely be your top choice.

Rue Crescent

If you’re downtown, it’s hard to miss Rue Crescent. It’s alive with young people looking to have a good time among the many clubs and bars that line the street. This stretch is most suitable for revelers in their early 20s, especially undergraduate students or those who have ventured to the city in order to take advantage of Quebec’s 18+ drinking age—among the lowest legal drinking ages in North Canada.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the city’s historic district, which also puts it among the most popular tourist destinations. Among the cobblestone streets and historic architecture—with some structures dating as far back as the 17th century—you’ll find a number of bars, elegant lounges, and upscale dining options. Some of the finest hotels in the city can also be found in Old Montreal , so it’s a perfect place to stay if you want to have easy access to the downtown core while also enjoying a touch of sophistication.

The Plateau

The Plateau is another popular neighborhood to stay in during your visit to Montreal. It doesn’t feature a wide variety of hotels, but you’ll certainly find numerous hostel and Airbnb listings for this area. Bars, including sophisticated wine bars, pubs, and clubs, lie along major streets like Avenue Mont-Royal, Boulevard St. Laurent, and Rue St. Denis—which are conveniently within a few minutes’ walking distance from one another.

Boulevard St. Laurent

Along with Rue Crescent, Boulevard St. Laurent is one of the main arteries for nightlife in Montreal. Many would vouch that it’s the preferred stretch for clubs, especially those catering more to young professionals rather than undergraduate students and tourists. Aim for Airbnbs that are as close as possible to this vibrant boulevard in order to catch all the fun. Stick to the area that runs from around Rue Ontario up to Avenue Mont-Royal for the widest range of clubs, restaurants, and more.

Apart from the above-mentioned areas there are also other locations like village which is considered to be the LGBT friendly neighbourhood of Montreal, Monkland Village for a mellowed down friendly ambience, Little Italy famous for its side bars along with its mouth-watering Italian cuisines and Rue St. Jacques which is famous for its off beat experience.

Best Bars of Montreal

It wouldn’t be wrong to call this splendid city Paris of North Canada with all the class and elegance that this city possesses. The nightlife and performance venues here are among the best things to do in Montreal, and not just because we have an 18+ legal drinking age or an unquenchable after-hours scene. Some of the bars here double their worth with amazing DJ programs, while our supper clubs are among the best restaurants that put away their dinnerware and become amazing parties. From raves with pumping bass to relaxing vinyl venues, there’s something for everyone in the Paris of North Canada.

Here is a list of best bars from the city of Montreal:

Ausgang Plaza

While not a nightclub by definition, this multifunctional space sees more than its fair share of packed DJ performances. Being 4,500 square feet of blank canvas, that means this address sees anything from film festivals to VJ projections as well on top of a variety of music ranging from trip-hop to trippy sound art. No matter what’s happening, the community vibes are strong here.

Part supper club, part nightclub, part speakeasy, this subterranean address themed after a forest is a popular spot in the downtown core—after the entirety of Crescent Street, anyway. Frequented for seafood platters and cocktail parties in the evening, the crowds start to really stream in when the tables are tucked away and music by resident and guest DJs starts to spin. One of the more elegant venues in town.

Mayfair Cocktail Bar

Visits earlier in evening will suggest this is a jazz-driven cocktail bar with Victorian fixtures, but that all changes in the later hours of the weekend. The space opens up, the music starts, and there’s a line-up of people running up street, all eagerly waiting to cram themselves into the space. As it’s a smaller place than any conventional nightclub, it’s thereby more intimate, with choice drinks to boot.

New City gas

If electronic dance music is your jam, New City Gas is the place to go to. Known for welcoming EDM heavyweights like Tiesto, David Guetta, Bauer and Steve Angelo (Swedish House Mafia), it’s a massive converted warehouse in Griffintown. The industrial space includes a large outdoor area and spans two floors that can hold up to 2,000 people. While there, make sure to pay a visit to the opulent restroom area, which features a communal Turkish fountain cloaked in purple mood lighting and chandelier accents.

Locals know this is the place to be for heavy rock, punk and metal shows, but there’s more to it than that. This particular spot gets props for the separation of its bar from its spacious performance area, so patrons can drop in to have a drink and listen a bit before deciding to join in on the show/live band karaoke/movie screening/video game tournament going on. No jerks allowed.

This underground club in Old Montreal’s been maintaining a reputation for hosting as many lavish dinner services as it does popular DJ nights. Earlier hours of the evening have an attractive cocktail program and Japanese fusion menu from one of the best chefs in town, but at night? A killer light and sound system are put to good use by top acts both local and international.

Le Salon Daome

Since moving to its current address in early 2018, this club’s been looked to for a more laidback nightclub experience for over a decade—that is, until the party picks up in the early morning. Currently one of best places to enjoy music from quality DJs, the styles spun here range widely, but each make the most of the top-notch sound system they’re using.

These are some of the best bars in the city and no matter what you are looking for the city has got you covered, it offers something for everyone. Visit to these bars is a must to get a taste of the vibe of the city.

Best Bar Restaurants of Montreal

Sometimes after a long day at work or on a sober evening or after a long night of dancing you need some good yummy food to fill your tummy and keep you going. Don’t worry because Montreal has plenty of options which provide mouth-watering cuisines to its visitors. These venues provide a plethora of local cuisines along with some international flavours. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that drink and feast on those mouth watering cuisines cause you are in Montreal my friend.

Here is the list of best bar restaurants of Montreal

Casa Del Popolo

If you want to meet regulars and check out the latest Montreal sounds this ultimate dive bar (in a good way) is where you want to be. But just because it’s a dive doesn’t mean it’s cheap – cover charge can hit 10.00 and pints of beer top $6.50. Try to time your visit with your musical preferences i.e. Sunday nights are best for Bluegrass fans, while Swing junkies will want to show up on Wednesdays, but check first. Sometimes the bands start late – around 11 pm. Like many of Montreal’s best spots it’s a bit on the small and crowded side with a real arty, original decor.

Club Soda’s medium-sized, 800-seat concert space sits in a great downtown location and is perfect for performances of all stripes from the “Just For Laughs” comedy fest to name acts from the International Jazz Festival to Burlesque shows and everything else in between. The second floor of the two storey spot offers the best views and more private seating. It’s often possible, with a little elbow jostling, to get close to the band on the first floor. The space tends to be a bit on the narrow side but high ceilings allow for half-decent acoustics. The light shows are well done too.

Le Divan Orange

It’s ironic that Le Divan Orange provides comfortable sofas because sitting down and /or relaxing is the last thing on your mind once the music starts. The place is colorful with lots of interesting art hanging about and mostly well designed, except that the bathrooms are behind the elevated stage that otherwisse allows for maximum visibility. The crowd (which changes depending on the wide variety of French and English music playing)is really into music which is quite experimental and goes on until the wee hours. It’s possible to hear variations on Funk, Country, Gospel, Blues and Hip-hop – sometimes in the same evening.

Foufounes Electriques

Foufounes (slang for electric ass) is a lively and eclectic spot at 185 east Ste. Catharine, easily recognizable by the huge spider sculpture attached to the wall of the main entrance. It has been a downtown staple since the early 1980’s. Foufounes is pretty happening all year round but the patio strewn and hung with oversize metal sculptures and cartoon figures set against a graffiti covered wall define the hip urban summer patio experience. The three floor club and bar regularly features top local bands and has hosted well-known acts like Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana. The crowd is quite mixed but the vibe is always friendly and laid back.

Le Chavel Blanc

A favorite beer-drinking spot, Le Chavel Blanc is a bit out of the way on Ontario Street in Montreal’s east end and off the beaten tourist track . It’s a small, casual, semi-chic upscale 50’s retro kind of place with sparkling tile and intimate low lighting that’s perfect for a night out talking with friends. The best beers are those that are brewed on site – particularly the smooth and rich cream ale. The prices are very reasonable for craft beer too. The crowd is mostly mixed French English but predominantly French – particularly the mostly bilingual staff and the ages range from early 20’s to early senior.

Known for having some of the wildest nights in Old Montreal, this club below street level holds packed nights every weekend full of sparklers and hoisted bottles. Some of the best times, however, are had during their seasonal and themed celebrations full of costumes. No matter the day you visit, the customized sound system reverberating off its stone walls here is the real drawcard.

These bar restaurants are mellowed down with good food during the day and the turn up the energy during the nights and miraculously turning into high energy bars. These places could also be a nice opportunity to interact with a few locals and understand the culture of the place from them. You might even get a city tour from a local if you are lucky. If you have good mouth-watering food, lip smacking drinks and great ambience to dance all night is there anything else that you are looking for?

Major Events happening in Montreal

Day and night, Montréal pulses with activity. Each season, it is host to an array of events, exhibitions, and gatherings for the thousands of culture, nature and thrill seekers who come here to enjoy its diverse offerings. Montreal is an international host city, where some of the world’s most exciting events are held annually.

Let us look at some of the most prominent events happening in the city of Montreal

• Fire on Ice
• Fete des Neiges
• Montréal en Lumière
• Nuit Blanche à Montréal
• Butterflies go free
• Montreal digital spring
• Montreal Impact
• Cabane à Sucre Urbaine
• Blue Metropolis
• Fashioning expo
• Piknic Electronik
• Festival Transameriques
• Go Bike Festival
• Montreal Jazz Festival
• Grand Prix du Canada
• Montreal Beer festival
• Montreal fireworks
• Fantasia Film Festival
• Just For Laughs
• First Peoples Festival
• ÎleSoniq Montréal
• Gardens of Light
• MEG Montreal Festival
• World film festival
• Black & Blue Festival
• Black film festival
• Festival du Nouveau
• Cinemania Film Festival
• M for Montreal
• Luminothérapie
• The Nutcracker
• Merry Montreal

These events happen through the year and are celebrated with a lot of fun and fanfare. One needs to visit Montreal during these fests to witness how the city comes together to celebrate them with much fanfare, fun and frolic. These events are diverse in nature and come from varying back grounds like history, art, modern events, sports and so on. Make sure to visit these events when in Montreal. Also, since these events happen at various parts of the city it would be a good idea to check for the location and book stay accordingly so that one can get the maximum out of these events.

What time does nightlife peak In Montreal?

The nightlife in Montreal starts in the late evening. Though most of these places are open through the day, the actual fun starts sometime in the evening. The bar-restaurants in this town of Canada close slightly early compared to the pubs and the nightclubs. Mist places would take the last order around 2:00am. The nightclubs on the other hand stay open until the dawn as they offer live shows, music, and performances. You will also get a chance to attend the film promotion ceremonies in the evening and night. The clubs stay open until 6:00 am where you can enjoy the DJ music, dance, and drinks. So, get ready in the evening and enter a bar-restaurant. After eating and drinking there you can move on to the clubs. It is the best timing schedule for the nightlife in Montreal. The party peaks around mid-night and goes on till the early hours of the dawn. The que can get quite long in the weekends so make sure you get there well ahead of time or ensure that you have a reservation before hand.

Best Nightclubs of Montreal

Montreal has the amusements for the nights in the form of nightclubs, and late-night bars. In this part of the guide, we will be seeing more in detail about the famous nightclubs located in Montreal where you can enjoy the dance, music, and drinks at the same time. Here are the details of the most amazing clubs located in Montreal which stay open until the dawn: –

Billy Kun is the more sophisticated sister bar of Le Cheval Blanc, easily identified by the signature stuffed ostrich heads adorning the walls running the length of the barroom. It serves the same great brew as Le Cheval Blanc but the location is more accessible on Mont Royal near St. Denis around the corner from the Mont Royal Metro station. It’s also a great spot to relax, drink absinthe and take in a jazz quartet. It’s more popular with the 30 plus crowd of professionals and successful artists and most of the conversations seem to be in French. Its low light setting is perfect for date night although the music can get a tad loud for conversation.

Upstairs Jazz bar and grill

This intimate spot complete with candle-lit tables and vintage records adorning the walls is a favorite of jazz fans across the country who can hear seasoned pros as well as up and coming musicians. There are enough bar seat too so those traveling solo will fit right in. The excellent bistro-style food and drinks-including good wines by the glass are reasonably priced to match the cover charge, which rarely tops $12.00. It’s also serves Spanish tapas dishes and good scotch. The crowd includes jazz fans from mid-college age to seniors. The staff are pleasant and helpful. The room can get a bit stuffy but an outdoor patio provides relief. You can also sit there and enjoy the music without paying cover charge especially if you arrive without reservations. The club is conveniently located near the downtown business hotels.

Sir Winston Churchill Pub Complex

Winnies is a cozy living room-like bar – just as the original owner intended and it’s part of a pub complex of two other spaces including a dance bar on the upper level called Katrina’s that specializes in cocktails and DJ music. Winnies is a great spot if you’re traveling alone as the other patrons are quite chatty and friendly as you would expect for a neighborhood pub, an old favorite of Montrealers including the writer, Mordecai Richler. The bar offers two for one specials from 4:30 pm until 8 pm and pitchers of cocktails are $20.00 on Wednesday evenings.

Pop Bar a Vin

Montreal’s favorite wine bar is conveniently attached to a wonderful restaurant, Laloux and indeed even shares some of the same menu offerings which pair wonderfully with the epic wine lists that include tasty organic varieties. Wine selections include some interesting options from France, which can be difficult to find in the rest of Canada. The tapas plates of sardines, cheese and charcuterie are carefully chosen to pair with each wine selection but it’s the tasty combinations on their flatbread pizzas that are the real draw here while the “pop!” refers to their creative “poptails”. The mid-century Danish teak furniture adds to the hip and sophisticated ambiance that still feels warm and inviting.

Club Pelicano

This quality of cocktails and its décor—designed as though it sits at the bottom of a drained pool—are great drawcards for this bar, but so is their musical curation. Guest DJs using their vinyl rigs are just as valuable as are the locals here, and just about every night of the week has some good music playing. Weekends are the best for dancing while weekdays are solid for aural appreciation.

The Diving Bell Social Club

Fashioned after the storied DIY venues of yore, this spot focuses on performances by local artists and activities for the community. A social club in the truest sense, the music’s great here and it’s quickly gained a spot in our hearts for its film screenings, karaoke nights and more. The Plateau’s had quite a few problems with nearby neighbours and venues like this one coexisting, so we’re hoping this one sticks around.

These nightclubs are a huge attraction in the nightlife of Montreal and they are all unique in their own ways. One needs to get well dressed and head to these places or they need to get ready to be denied entry at the gates. So, reach their around mid-night when the party is just peaking and grab a drink and get on the dance floor because Montreal promises you a night like no other perfectly blended with international sounds with the rawness of Canada.

Montreal located on the island of Montreal in the Quebec province of Canada is a historically prominent city with a lot of French influence. It is the second most populated city in Canada and biggest city in the Quebec province of Canada. The city remains as a important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, education, art, culture, tourism, food, fashion, gaming, film, and world affairs and is the best city for university students to live.

The nightlife in Montreal is full of bars, bar restaurants, pubs, discotheques, nightclubs and other fun things. Most of these places offer an international experience blended with local flavours. The local bands here offer a great taste of the local music which is quite famous in this region. One can grab some mouth watering food and sip in on a few drinks and dance all night while they enjoy the nightlife of this marvellous city.

The nightlife starts pretty late in this city, the dining places are open all day they offer food along with drinks. While the pubs and nightclubs open late in the evening and go on till the early hours of the morning. The party typically peaks around midnight.

There are events happening round the year in this city and they are from various backgrounds. Does not matter what kind of event you are looking for be it sporting action, food festivals, music festivals, dance festivals the city has got something for everyone. Make sure to visit the city during the events to witness the culture and the vibe of the city.

Overall, the city of Montreal has a unique charm of its own and this is best experienced than described. So pack your bags catch the next flight and head to Montreal!

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Crazy Moon Laval – Bar de danseuse

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant Included

Here's where to eat, stay, and explore in Montreal, according to a local.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Places to Eat

Best nightlife, best shopping, best neighborhoods to visit, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais , are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of their favorite cities in Canada in 2023 .

The sophisticated, French-speaking (yet very bilingual), culturally diverse city lays claim to world-class restaurants, lovely parks, superb art galleries and museums, a dynamic music scene, inspiring 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

It can also be a lot of fun in the winter , when locals like to get out and celebrate the cold and snow, even extending the revelry at outdoor festivals and concerts at night.

R.M. Nunes/Getty Images

Thom Seivewright, a Montreal expert and former hotel concierge, launched his small-group tour company, Tours Montreal , in the Canadian city in 2016. “Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size,” he says. “There’s obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.”

There’s a big emphasis on food , too. Montrealers love their bagels, cheeses, poutine, and maple syrup, and they’re loyal to their chef-owned restaurants. “It’s a little gem of a city that has world-class dining — and world-class junk food,” says Seivewright. 

Long known for its exuberant after-dark scene, Montreal has it all, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, jazz bars to pulsating dance clubs. The city is even planning to create a 24-hour nightlife district .

Here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The fashionable, Parisian-style brasserie and rooftop terrace at Hôtel Le Place d’Armes, a boutique luxury property overlooking Place d’Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also responsible for New York City’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal is an oasis of greenery in the city center.
• Mon Lapin, a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy serving natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small plates, was voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 . 
• Bar Furco’s lovely terrace becomes lively in the summer during Montreal’s ritual cinq à sept (happy hour).
• Saint Laurent Boulevard, a.k.a. the Main, is a good place to get a glimpse of Montreal’s 19th- and 20th-century immigrant history. It's also the historical dividing line between French and English in the city.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan , located in the heart of Old Montreal, was T+L readers' favorite city hotel in Canada in 2023 . Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront. Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Another T+L reader favorite, Hôtel Place d’Armes is housed in four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica. The property is highly rated for its tasteful rooms featuring hardwood floors and brick walls, swanky French brasserie , and popular rooftop terrace. 

Hôtel Uville

One of the city’s newer hotels, opened in 2020, Hôtel Uville got its name thanks to its location in Old Montreal’s Place d’Youville. Uville is part design hotel, part museum — a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and '70s. This was transformative period, a time when francophone Quebecers were turning away from the Catholic church and leading the charge in North America vis-à-vis cuisine, style, and design — the culmination of which were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics.

“This hotel is very cool,” says Seivewright. “They did a great job. The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing. They’ve got archival photos and artifacts from the '60s and '70s in each of the rooms, and documentary films from the National Film Board that you can watch on your room’s TV.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Montreal’s grande-dame hotel, the Ritz-Carlton , opened in 1912 in the city's Golden Square Mile. In addition to housing chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud , the refined property offers afternoon tea in the ornate Palm Court and seasonal garden terrace, Spa St. James, and an indoor saltwater pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Located in Golden Square Mile since 2019, the posh  Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is connected via a third-floor walkway to the luxury department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy . The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator. What more could you want from a world-class Montreal hotel ?

Best Things to Do 

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Parc du Mont-Royal

What Central Park is to New Yorkers and Hyde Park to Londoners, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Mount Royal Park, is to Montrealers. At 764 feet high, Mount Royal may not be much of a mountain, but the park is, as Seivewritght says, “the heart and soul of the city.” He adds, “The fact that Montreal is a four-season city and Mount Royal is a four-season park makes it even better because you’ve got skiing, skating, and tobogganing in the wintertime. And in the summer, you can go biking and walking.” You can also go for a picnic and rent a rowboat or Mölkky or spikeball equipment at Beaver Lake. 

Old Montreal

With its graystone buildings and narrow streets, Old Montreal can sometimes feel like a slice of Europe in North America. Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here. Not only will you find the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica , the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel , the Second Empire-style City Hall, and the neoclassic Marché Bonsecours , but it’s also home to pretty boutique hotels, haute-couture shops, and chef-owned restaurants.

Pointe-à-Callière

A national archaeological site, Pointe-à-Callière , now an impressive archaeology and history museum, sits above the ruins of the birthplace of Montreal. “The Pointe-à-Callière museum is amazing,” says Seivewright. “They’ll take you underground to see the ruins of the original fortifications of Montreal, the original city the French built here in the 1600s.” Visitors can also see Indigenous artifacts uncovered during a dig and part of North America’s first collector sewer, built between 1832 and 1838.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Gallery

Opened in Montreal in an 80,000-square-foot building in 2011, Arsenal Contemporary Art has since expanded to include locations in Toronto and New York City. “Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town. These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal. It has an amazing [selection] in its permanent collection, but it also puts on temporary exhibits that are just mind-blowing,” says Seivewright.

Montreal is a city of festivals, with everything from jazz (the city hosts the world’s largest jazz festival) to Pride to circus arts celebrated here. There’s even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called the Quartier des Spectacles . While there are festivals year-round , May to September is the city’s busiest period.

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La Banquise

One of Quebec's most beloved foods is poutine, traditionally a mess (translation of "poutine") of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But poutine continues to get more upscale. A veritable institution since 1968, La Banquise doesn’t claim to be high-end, but the casual eatery serves 35 kinds of poutine and it’s open 24 hours. “La Banquise is a classic. I’m [vegetarian], and in my opinion, the veggie gravies are even more delicious,” says Seivewright. “A lot of people knock La Banquise because it’s popular, but I stand by it.”

Montreal Plaza

The design at Montreal Plaza is elegant and stylish, yet also notable for its eccentric touches like a dollhouse hanging upside down from the ceiling and Elmo sitting on the bar. Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs. Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crête and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way. “This is my favorite place,” says Seivewright. “It’s not the just the way the food is prepared or what it is, but the whimsical, creative way it’s presented.”

Sushi Momo , from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreal’s best vegan sushi restaurant. The sleek, dimly lit, botanically adorned space in the Plateau area is inviting, while the artfully plated confections are a feast for the eyes and the fusion of flavors a song for the taste buds.

Nora Gray , a lively, casual restaurant in Griffintown, is known for its southern Italian cuisine, updated cucina povera , and privately imported natural and organic wines. The dark wood, banquettes, long bar, and warm candlelight lend the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and club-like feel. 

Dominique Lafond

Voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 , Mon Lapin is a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy. It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.

Henryk Sadura/Getty Images

Cloakroom Bar

The 25-seat Cloakroom Bar , with a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere, was named Canada’s second-best bar in 2023 . “It’s one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world,” says Seivewright. “It’s hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler. It’s very exclusive feeling. You tell them, 'I like gin, I like citrus,' and they’ll create something for you. If you’re three people and you all like the same thing, they’ll create three different drinks.”

Situated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Diese Onze is an intimate jazz bar that also serves tapas and mains. “I’m a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze,” says Seivewright. “It’s a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.”

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

A Montreal institution since 1995, Upstairs is, funnily enough, located in a basement. It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 

Established in 1997, this European-style pub between the Quartier des Spectacles and student-heavy Quartier Latin is quite cozy inside, but it’s the enclosed, leafy terrace at the back that draws people here come summer. The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Élisabeth is about the ambience. 

The minimalist redesign of the Canadian Fur Company building (hence Furco ), located on a downtown back street, is a big draw for wine lovers and the happy hour crowd. It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.

Maison Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre 's Montreal-made, ready-to-wear pieces marry timeless feminine styles with contemporary flair and function.

Entering this handsome Crescent Street atelier-cum-boutique near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is like stepping into an old-school European tailor shop. Started by their father, Arthur Der Shahinian, sons Tavit and John carry on the tradition of crafting impeccably fitted and designed bespoke men’s suits and shirts, with damask silk lining and hand-sewn button holes, never compromising on quality or friendly, professional service.

Simons is originally from Quebec City, but it’s popular in cities across Canada. The small, mid-range department store downtown carries popular fashion brands as well as its own collections, in addition to homewares. “I’m a big fan of Simons,” says Seivewright. “I buy half my clothes there. The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that it’s a local brand.”

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

Montreal’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a one-stop shop for all things luxury, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Clients can also enjoy a personal shopping experience in one of the five fifth-floor suites or the glamorous art-deco Café Holt, with its remarkable solar-like orb set above the central bar.

Saint Laurent Boulevard

“Saint Laurent [Boulevard], between Saint Joseph Boulevard and up to Van Horne Avenue, has the best boutique design shopping nowadays,” says Seivewright. “You could go all the way up to Little Italy and it’s still amazing. I was walking there the other day and every single window I walked by made me want to go in. There are furniture shops, clothing shops, and jewelry shops — some of it is new, some of it is vintage, and it’s all local.”

Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri, once a francophone working-class neighborhood, is now gentrified, replete with popular, chef-owned wine bars and restaurants, antiques shops, cafes, and boutiques. Still, it retains pockets of its former self. “I love it because it has parts that haven’t changed in a hundred years and others that make it the most modern neighborhood in Montreal,” says Seivewright. “It’s got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll have a multimillion-dollar home next to a really rundown place, and you see that contrast. Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English. You've got old people, young people — it’s a neighborhood where everything mixes.”

Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End

Once relegated to working-class European immigrants, the Plateau/Mile End area is the epicenter of Montreal’s creativity and bohemian joie de vivre. Leafy streets lined with triplexes fronted by balconies and steep, often-winding, wrought-iron staircases invite visitors to explore this neighborhood bursting with convivial cafes, top-drawer restaurants , funky vintage shops, and trendy boutiques.

For a glimpse into how the upper crust of Montreal lived until the 1970s and '80s, head to the neighborhood of Outremont. Its two main shopping and dining strips are Bernard Ouest and Laurier Ouest avenues — part of the former turns into a pedestrian-only area come summer, with restaurant terraces sitting directly on the street.

Montreal is a four-season city. Late April to mid-May tends to be best for blooming trees, while October to early November is usually prime for leaf peeping. The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare. For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal. Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May. Visit in May, June, or late August through September and October to avoid the worst of the summer temperatures and crowds.

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Montreal can be reached via regular flights with Air Canada, Delta, American, and United. Flying from New York’s LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, better known as Dorval (YUL), takes about 90 minutes gate to gate. Driving may be cheaper, but it takes about seven hours, and unless you’re planning to pay for hotel parking, parking in Montreal can be a hassle. For travelers living in New York or Vermont, a more scenic and leisurely option (10 hours) is Amtrak’s Adirondack train from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station).

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In summer, the best way to get around is on foot or by Bixi, the city-wide bicycle rental system. In 2023, Bixi decided to end the storage of their bicycles during the winter, so they are now available year-round. However, there are not as many stations as in summer. The metro (subway) is fairly reliable and frequent during rush hour — and often the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not. An Opus card can be purchased with several fares added, if you’re planning on using the metro and/or buses often. Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.

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20 Best Things to Do in Montreal

By Todd Plummer

Montreal is one of Canada's most exciting cities, but it's also an incredibly historic place. When French explorer Jacques Cartier visited what is now known as Montreal in 1535, he found a thriving community of St. Lawrence Iroquois, whom are now believed to have inhabited the area for at least 3,000 years. Flash forward to today, and there are centuries of history weaving their way through each and every neighborhood, and a plethora of museums, tours, and architecture that all speak to that. But Montreal hums a modern tune as well, with music and nightlife, and world-class design and technology community, and some of the best food in the world . From Plateau to Verdun, our editor's picks of what to do in Montreal will have you leaving the city enlightened, full, and probably a little bit tired—all marks of a trip well spent.

Read our full Montreal travel guide here .

Mount Royal Arrow

Mount Royal Park, Montreal's unofficial playground north of downtown, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) and inaugurated in 1876. The park sprawls more than 692 acres and is a favorite destination of Montrealers, who make use of the park year-round, from jogging and enjoying family picnics in summertime, to skiing and tobogganing in winter. Attractions include the Mount Royal Cross (first erected in 1643), Mount Royal Chalet, Beaver Lake, and Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument.

La Grande Roue de Montréal Arrow

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River just steps from Old Montreal, the largest observation wheel in Canada, brings guests nearly 200 feet into the sky, offering panoramic views over the city, tee river, and Mount Royal. It’s touristy, but it’s worth it for those of us who love seeing cities from above. Bringing you high above Old Montréal, each ride is long enough for you to appreciate the sights and start to understand the city’s topography, but not so long that you’re wishing it would be over. For added thrills, upgrade to the “VIP Package” aboard gondola number 42: It’s the only one on the wheel that has a glass floor and Italian leather seats.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Arrow

The MMFA was founded in 1860 and has since grown into one of the most visited museums in North America; visitors flock from all corners of the globe to view the outstanding permanent collection: some 43,000 works from antiquity to today, much of it on display throughout five pavilions. The enormous institution also hosts seasonal blockbuster exhibitions. Be sure to visit the breathtaking Napoleon collection.

McGill University Arrow

Canada's leading research university occupies a prime piece of picture perfect real estate in central Montreal, nestled between Mount Royal and the skyscrapers of downtown. Whether you're dropping in for a lecture or just passing through on your points elsewhere, spend a little time getting lost amid the buildings here and you'll be rewarded with some serious Hogwarts vibes. Walking up the main entrance from the front gates, you'll be greeted by the inspiring, iconic tableau of the Arts Building cupola framed by Mount Royal; museums and libraries are to your left, and imposing gothic revival classroom buildings to your right. Guided tours are available and depart from the Welcome Center on rue McTavish, just make sure to sign up online as group sizes are limited.

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

CNT Editors

Marché Jean-Talon Arrow

In the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America, is an unmissable Montreal experience for food lovers. The space, which is full of small shopkeepers, bustles with activity year-round; you'll find local fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, grocers, and restaurateurs. It's hugely popular with locals and tourists, and if you're looking for old-world charm, there's nothing better.

OASIS Immersion Arrow

There's a deep history of and passion for design and technology in Montreal, and this immersive exhibit held at the Palais des Congres is the largest of its kind in Canada. The show itself is a stunning display of natural landscapes, videos of artists performing and creating, poetry that floats across the screen, and psychedelic designs that transport the audience; the substance of the show itself appeals to adults and children alike. Because you need to book tickets in advance the exhibit never gets too crowded, so you'll be able to keep your distance from others and experience the magic without feeling cramped. Expect to hear lots of "oohs" and "ahs."

Space for Life Arrow

The Montréal Space for Life, home to the Biodôme, Insectarium, Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, and Botanical Garden, is the largest natural sciences museum complex in Canada. This is a great place to explore and embrace the natural world; don't miss the “Gardens of Light” lantern festival and the dazzling “Butterflies Go Free” event, both held annually at the Botanical Garden.

Cafe Olimpico Arrow

Founded in 1970, Café Olimpico is a European-style café that serves a wonderful selection of coffee, espresso drinks, and Italian pastries. The Mile End landmark is a favorite among hipsters and artists, including Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau Arrow

There are two volumes of conversation allowed at Bota Bota, a floating spa docked in Montreal's Old Port: “quiet” and "silence." Since opening in 2010, it has become an attraction for locals and tourists drawn to its spa treatments and hydrotherapy circuit. You can soak in a mineral-rich hot tub—and perhaps conquer that jet lag—while gazing upon the Downtown core, Mount Royal, and the historic Old Port, all from the river. While admission is typically limited to guests over the age of 18, the spa recently brought back its popular “Pirates Layover,” where children between 12 and 17 can visit on select dates to learn about and experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.

MURAL Festival Arrow

From Mile-End to Griffintown, Montreal is covered with murals. Public art is a huge part of the city’s cultural landscape, and each summer for about ten days, the annual MURAL Festival offers live painting sessions, workshops, and music performances in celebration of the street artists who keep this city (which can be oppressively grey and cold for much of the year) so colorful. Luckily for those of us who can’t make the trip up north during the festival itself, many of the murals are left up year-round. Boulevard Saint-Laurent is now the largest street art corridor in Canada, with works ranging from figurative representations of historic Montrealers to more abstract designs: The MURAL Festival website has a wonderful dynamic map to help you navigate them all.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill Arrow

Upstairs, located downtown, is home to many Montreal-based acts, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and jazz legend Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at the club too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival; it has also been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, so you know there'll always be something good on.

Pointe-à-Callière - Museum of Archaeology and History Arrow

Pointe-à-Callière, the largest archaeology museum in Canada, is built atop the historic Old Montreal sites where the city was founded in 1642. There is lots of drama here, from the excavated remains of the original settlement to interactive video installations. Pointe-à-Callière also presents three to four temporary exhibitions every year.

Saint Joseph's Oratory Arrow

The majestic Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the world’s great Catholic basilicas, was founded by Saint Brother André, who is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. More than 2 million people visit the pilgrimage site each year (both religious and non-religious), and its dome is the third-largest of its kind in the world after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire and Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome . It's without question one of Montreal's most impressive architectural jewels.

Beyond the Bagel Tour – Museum of Jewish Montreal Arrow

Jewish food historian Kat Romanow knows her bagels, bialys, and rugelachs. Her Beyond the Bagel walking food tour, offered through the Museum of Jewish Montreal, is a highly informative, well-organized romp. The Plateau and Mile End might be known today for their posh hipsters and nightlife hotspots, but this tour pulls back the curtain on the layers of history found in this part of the city. It's a much more fulfilling dive into Montreal cuisine than just grabbing a bagel or smoked meat sandwich on your own. As much of the excursion is outdoors, just note that this one is not generally offered between November and March.

Lachine Canal Arrow

The Lachine Canal flows from the historic buildings of Old Montreal, past the gentrified glass condo buildings of Griffintown, and through the hipster neighborhood of St. Henri before flowing into the industrial areas of Angrignon and Lasalle. Because it cuts through so many residential neighborhoods, you'll get a real glimpse of how Montrealers spend their downtime. On warm summer days, there isn't a better place to go for a jog or walk in the city.

Guidatour's Old Montréal Walking Tour Arrow

Guidatour's professional guides have earned their excellent reputations, and the company's Old Montréal East and Old Montréal West itineraries both stop off at the must-see Notre-Dame Basilica , including an interior visit at no additional charge. Both tours last 90 minutes, and they're best for those looking for a crash course in the history of Montreal. You'll be amazed at how many hidden treasures you stumble upon in such a short time span. As much of Guidatour’s offerings are held outdoors, scheduled tours are generally on hold for the colder months. If you can brave the cold, however, feel free to reach out directly through their website to inquire about setting up a private tour.

Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal Arrow

Since the mid 1960s, the informal, yet institutionalized, phenomenon known as Tam Tams has been one of the city's quirkiest and most beloved traditions, coming to Mont Royal Park every Sunday during the warmer months. At the base of the George-Étienne Cartier Monument obelisk, groups of friends, strangers, and percussionists from all walks of life gather to form communal drum circles, artisans and craftspeople sell their wares and LARPers (that's, Live Action Role Players) have lightsaber fights and medieval jousting matches.

Cité Mémoire Arrow

Cité Mémoire, the largest outdoor video-projection installation in the world, features 25 tableaux composed of images projected on alley walls, trees and the ground throughout Old Montréal accompanied by narration, and music. The work as a whole tells stories of famous and not-so-famous Montrealers; and they put forward themes and values central to the city's identity. You'll learn about Marguerite Bourgeoys, the French founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, as well as sports icons Jackie Robinson (whose season with the Montreal Royals was important in his breaking of baseball's color barrier) and Maurice Richard. There are also tableaux about The Jewish Children’s Transport train (the orphans who survived Nazi concentration camps and were adopted by Montrealers); the burning of the Parliament in Montreal in 1849; Montreal’s fabled Sin City era (set to the rhythm of Montrealer and jazz icon Oscar Peterson’s piano).

La Banquise Arrow

If you go to just one poutine joint in Montréal, make it la Banquise in the Plateau district a 1968 institution that's known far and wide for its classic and comprehensive poutine menu. You'll find something for everybody here, from meat gravy to vegan sauce. Late night, be prepared for long queues of hungry club-goers.

Cabaret Mado Arrow

Like much of Montreal's Gay Village, Cabaret Mado, a cabaret drag bar, is a little gritty, a little sparkly, and utterly fabulous. Mado, an icon in Quebec's vibrant gay scene who has performed for more than 30 years, often oversees the nightly festivities herself by hosting live drag shows most nights of the week. It's a pretty intimate space, so there isn't a bad seat in the house. Just be warned: Those seated in the front row are most vulnerable to be corralled into the show (willingly or unwillingly).

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Montreal   Travel Guide

Courtesy of © Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal |

14 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montréal's many museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, legendary shopping districts and trendy nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for visitors. For a taste of historic Montréal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) free

As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.

The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica , Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal) Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)

Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.

Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.

Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) free

This 761-foot hill from which Montréal got its name is the highest point in the city. Towering over central Montréal, Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year, and it's one of Montréal's largest green spaces. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who's also the credited architect of NYC's Central Park ).

During the warmer months, you can rent rowboats on the park's Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. You can also take a stroll through one of the park's three cemeteries (one English, one Jewish and one French).

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Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal) Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a free electric shuttle to take you around the garden grounds during the summer months. – Debra Smith

Thanks to 10 large greenhouses – each tailored to a specific theme – this 190-acre botanical garden offers a scenic year-round respite from the metropolis' downtown core and a seasonal home to more than 20,000 species of flora.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

Montréal's most prestigious museum has been building its collection of fine arts for more than 150 years. Visitors will find its more than 45,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects divided among six sections and spread across the museum's five pavilions.

In addition to an impressive collection by Canadian and Quebec artists, there are four floors containing works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The museum's noteworthy decorative art collection includes pieces from 1400 to 1900, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, and textiles by international artists as well as several pieces of furniture designed by Frank Gehry. The state-of-the-art Cinéma du Musée presents independent and international films with English subtitles, and lectures and performances are presented regularly at Bourgie Hall.

St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) free

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal is St. Joseph's Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and Canada’s patron saint. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, past visitors said it's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of the oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts. The Crypt Church below the basilica is decorated with intricately-carved murals, and thousands of candles Illuminate the art deco-style Votive Chapel.

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Always greet a shopkeeper with a cheery hello or "bonjour" upon entering a shop or store. It’s appreciated and considered good manners. – Debra Smith

In a world dominated by overly refrigerated, fluorescently lit supermarkets, the Jean-Talon Market brings a breath of fresh air to your shopping experience. It’s one of the largest public markets in North America and one of the oldest, (established in 1933) with a flavor all its own.

Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal) Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you purchased a Montréal Museums Card , you can use it at all five of the Espace pour la vie Montreal locations. – Debra Smith

Not to be confused with the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Biodôme is located in the Olympic District and is part of a complex that includes the insectarium, planetarium, and Montreal Botanical Garden . A favorite for families, the Biodôme features five distinct ecosystems that house plants and animals. With the way each of the ecosystems are set up, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience with the animals compared to a conventional zoo.

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Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum) Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum)

Many say that this museum is the best place to go to begin exploring Montréal. While the modern architecture may not be typical of a history museum, the real reason to come here is to hop in the elevator and head underground. Here, visitors can look through a glass floor that sits on top of the remains of Fort Ville-Marie unearthed during archaeological digs overseen by the museum from 2002 to 2015. 

You can also follow the development of Montréal from its days as a fledgling colony and on up through the present day with a 17-minute multimedia program called "Generations MTL" that’s projected onto the archeological site and narrated by six historical characters .

Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) free

Two islands in the St. Lawrence River make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, a sports, culture and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike. Located just five minutes from downtown Montréal via the Jean-Drapeau metro stop (Yellow line), the former site of Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics now boasts several attractions that are sure to appeal to a variety of different interests.

Culture hounds will appreciate the collection of public art that's sprinkled throughout the park as well as the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to the environment housed in the iconic Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome. There are also miles of hiking trails and the Floralies Gardens for outdoors lovers. Meanwhile, families will be delighted by La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Aquatic Complex – specifically the outdoor pool, which has a cushioned rubber bottom – and Jean-Doré Beach. Though the park's outdoor pursuits are most popular in the summer, it’s a wonderful place to visit in early spring too, when the park’s bistro converts to an urban sugar shack.

Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) free

Montréal’s largest park, Parc-nature du Cap Saint-Jacques sprawls across more than 800 acres and sits between Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies on the southwest tip of the island of Montréal. It offers year-round activities, sandy beaches and water views.

In the winter, make use of snowshoe paths, cross-country ski trails and a sliding hill, and in the summer, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails before cooling off at the beaches that line the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. There’s also a small organic farm, two welcome centers and free all-terrain wheelchairs and sit-skis that can be reserved in advance.

St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel

A Montréal institution for more than 65 years, St.-Viateur Bagel is flourishing under the watchful eye of Joe Morena and his three sons. There are now four bagel cafes under the St.-Viateur banner, but for the original experience you must visit "La Maison du Bagel," or "Home of the Bagel," at 263 Rue Saint Viateur in Mile End.

Follow the delicious aroma of bagels simmered in honey water and baked on a hardwood plank in a wood-burning oven and join the line that forms day or night. Hand-rolled bagels come in classic sesame or poppy seed, all dressed with onion and garlic, or on the sweet side with cinnamon raisin or blueberry. While you’re waiting, check out the photographs of famous customers, from hockey greats to prime ministers, that line the walls.

La Grande Roue de Montréal La Grande Roue de Montréal

Enjoy a thrilling view of Old Montréal , the city center and the St. Lawrence River on the highest Ferris wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Forty-two climate-controlled cabins gently lift riders up nearly 200 feet and go through three revolutions on this 20-minute ride. Choose from cabins that seat up to eight, or splurge on a spacious VIP cabin, which is equipped with a glass floor and Italian leather seating for four riders. The view through the tempered glass windows is perfect for photographs during the day. At night, the wheel lights up as well as the giant cross on the top of Mount Royal and the Jacques Cartier Bridge bringing additional romance to the ride.  

Visitors recommend a ride at sunset and consider it a must-do while in Montréal that’s worth the splurge. They report that wait times are usually short and the ride is long enough to enjoy all the sights.

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Lachine Canal National Historic Site Lachine Canal National Historic Site free

A watery wonderland in the heart of Montréal, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site runs for nearly 9 miles from the entrance at Lock No. 1 in the Old Port to Lock No. 5 at Lake Saint Louis in Lachine. The canal originally opened in 1824 to provide a source of hydraulic power and contributed to Montréal's industrial and commercial development as a major trade port. Today, it's a popular spot for a stroll and a picnic (stop at the nearby Atwater Market to pick up provisions before your visit to the canal).

From mid-May to mid-October, rentals of all kinds are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats to swan-shaped pedal boats. Fishers can toss a line to catch six different fish species including perch, pike and carp, which cyclists can ride from one end of the well-maintained canal trail to the other in about an hour.

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Montreal Weekend Trip: An Itinerary With Restaurants To Try

Last Updated February 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Montreal Weekend Trip: An Itinerary With Restaurants To Try

Home to the world-famous Cirque du Soleil, Montreal is North America’s top host city for international events, going as far as to host the Olympics in 1976, the first ever held in Canada.

Highlighting the arts, culture, and history, Montreal is full of opportunity. Founded in 1642 by French settlers, the city is predominantly shaped by English and French influences. Whether exploring the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal and its stunning architecture or strolling through the vibrant Montreal Botanical Garden, there are plenty of fun attractions to head out on a Montreal weekend trip! Below are the top attractions, restaurants, and activities for the ultimate three-day weekend trip to Montreal! 

Read more about Quebec

• Best Winter Photography Locations in the Magdalen Islands
• Valcartier in Quebec City is the Six Flags of Tubing
• Guide To The Val Thorens French Alps in Winter
• Review of Chateau Madelinot on Quebec’s Magdalen Islands
• Our full Canada travel guide

Want more Montreal activities?

• Montreal offers such a wide range of attractions and Get Your Guide has great deals on some of the best. Here are just a few of our top picks: 3.5 Hour Guided Bus Tour , St. Lawrence River Sightseeing Cruise , Hop-On Hop-Off Double Decker Bus Tour , and Private Day Tour to Parc Omega & Montebello Lodge . Can’t wait for you to check them out!

In This Article

Day 1 Of The Ultimate Montreal Weekend Trip 

Day 2 of the ultimate montreal weekend trip , day 3 of the ultimate montreal weekend trip , how to get around montreal, the david hotel, hôtel château de l’argoat, final thoughts, travel resources for your next trip, montreal weekend trip 3 day itinerary.

Below, we’ve combined a variety of things to do in Montreal to get a taste of the city’s rich historical, artistic, and cultural scene that are a little more off-the-beaten path from the standard Montreal itinerary.

From Parisian-style pastries at Duc de Lorraine to shopping in Montreal’s Underground City below the heart of Montreal, make sure to bring your camera and your appetite for this ultimate Montreal weekend itinerary full of fun and adventure! 

Be sure to check out The Passeports MTL as some of these attractions are featured on this city pass!

Breakfast At Eggspectation

We’re starting our Montreal weekend itinerary the best way. With a full spread of delicious food choices for breakfast!

At Eggspectation , there are plenty of options, including Belgian waffles, French crepes, omelets, flatbreads, and of course, the restaurant’s famous Eggs Benedict. The restaurant’s reputation and polarity have soared since its founding 25 years ago. The restaurant’s popularity grew so much that it opened 30 locations worldwide!

And you can get a taste of this beautiful breakfast spot yourself on your Montreal weekend trip to get a glimpse into its excellent reputation, dedication to guest satisfaction, and passionate reverence for all things “breakfasty.” 

Tour The Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal

For day one of the ultimate three-day weekend trip to Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is the best attraction, to begin with, encompassing Montreal’s outstanding beauty, history, and architecture.

Montreal’s mother church and the first Gothic Revival-style church in Canada, the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, is a National Historic Site of Canada. Full of religious, historical, and artistic importance, this treasure of Quebec is one of the most visited sites in Montreal and one of the things to do in Montreal. The link between Catholic roots and art, the Basilica style, was a turning point in religious architectural tradition. Adorned with intricate status, tranquil chapels, and masterful paintings, a trip to the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is stunning and worthwhile. 

And to get more of an in-person taste of Montreal with a knowledgeable guide to answer all your questions, consider this private walking tour of Old Montreal. Your guide will take you to the city’s heart to learn more about its history dating from the 17th century to today!

Montreal Underground City

Head to the famed Underground City for food and shopping in the afternoon!

Commonly called le RÉSO, the Underground City was built during the 1960s and, through a network of tunnels, corridors, and plazas, connects restaurants and retailers for a unique shopping experience. Right under the heart of Montreal, this underground network stretches about 20.5 miles away from the woes of the hot sun or freezing snow. 

There are signs throughout the Underground City to act as a guide traveling around the expansive network. Complexe Desjardins is a famous mall that sits across from Place des Festivals. For souvenirs to give to family and friends or to remember the trip, there are more than a few shops in the Underground City with locally-made treats and goodies to buy to take home with you. Renaud-Bray features books by local authors, Squish sells gourmet artisanal local candies, and L’Art des artisans du Québec features striking finery, blown glass, and woodwork to check out. 

On this private wal k ing tour of Montreal’s famous Underground City, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide for a local insight into the history of this famed sanctuary, along with its public art and other well-hidden secrets. 

Dinner At Monarque

End day one in Montreal at Monarque for the best luxurious night out to eat. 

Setting a new standard for elegance, this restaurant, set in a three-room Montreal building that dates back to 1845, is considered restaurant royalty inspired by New York City’s Gramercy Tavern. 

Each room features a different menu. The bar area offers a bar and banquette seating area and a specialty drink menu. The second room is in a more traditional space where a brasserie menu is served. This room’s focal point is the fishbowl window that overlooks the stainless-steel kitchen. Finally, the glamorous dining room has tables and banquettes, serving a four-section dinner menu with two appetizers, the main course, and dessert. 

Eating at this luxurious restaurant in Montreal is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and wanting more! 

Breakfast At Canard Café

Start day two in Montreal at this low-key coffeehouse featuring drinks with latte art, brick walls, baked goods, and casual eats. 

Canard Café is a warm and inviting place that makes it easy to savor comfort, good food, and great coffee. And even if you aren’t the biggest coffee drinker, the food, drinks, comfortable atmosphere, and friendly staff will make breakfast at Canard Café an excellent start to your day. 

Stroll Through The Vibrant Montreal Botanical Garden

Comprising 75 hectares of thematic greenhouses and gardens, the Montreal Botanical Garden is an urban oasis you shouldn’t miss out on visiting!

One of the city’s jewels, the garden is recognized as one of the world’s greatest, acting as a living museum that gathers plants from four corners of the globe. The garden hosts various colorful, vibrant, magical events, activities, and exhibitions throughout the year. Homing over 10,000 plant species and 20,000 taxa, this refreshing attraction is full of the natural and rich beauty of some of nature’s outstanding and colorful inhabitants. 

The Montreal Botanical Garden is near more than a few other top Montreal attractions. Only minutes from downtown Montreal, the garden is near the Biodome and Olympic Park, other notable attractions to visit if you have time. 

Make sure to wear good walking shoes to bask in all the grandeur of the Montreal Botanical Garden, as it requires a bit of walking. 

Lunch At Poutine Centrale

A casual, industrial-style venue, Poutine Centrale is a hot spot for poutines, burgers, and desserts. Nearby to the Montreal Botanical Garden and Olympic Park, stopping by for lunch here is easy and on the way. 

The rustic, warm, and inviting atmosphere makes it a wonderfully cozy place to enjoy a comforting meal before heading to your next activity for day two in Montreal. The food is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and taste buds, with varying flavors, toppings, and options available to pick your favorite poutine combo! 

Stop By The Biodome 

Part of the largest natural science museum complex in Canada, called Montreal Space for Life, the Biodome allows visitors to walk through replicas of all five of America’s ecosystems. 

Located at Olympic Park, the Biodome is full of wonder, learning, and commitment to the environment to teach all generations the importance of our ecosystem. A must-see attraction of Montreal, the Biodome is also considered to be one of Canada’s top attractions to boot, according to Forbes . 

The top of the Biodome now has a viewing platform that allows panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Laurentian Maple Forest, and the Tropical Rainforest. When visiting the Biodome, download the high-tech app to thoroughly step into an immersive experience of this top attraction. You should not miss out on your Montreal weekend trip! 

Dinner At Bagatelle Bistro Apportez votre vin

End day two at Bagatelle Bistro Apportez votre vin for a satisfying dinner and relaxing wind-down of a full day of adventure. This serene restaurant serves local and seasonal French-Mediterranean plates with summer patio seating. 

Wrap up your day as you try your hand at curling! This private curling class with one-on-one instruction will sure to get you immersed in this favorite Canadian sport!

Breakfast At Brulerie Urbaine

Begin the morning with Arabica coffee from countries and regions worldwide at Brulerie Urbaine !

Dedicated to serving fresh and top-choice coffees, this local favorite has built a committed loyalty with locals and tourists alike. The roast house constantly offers a rotating menu of new and unique choices. The warm atmosphere makes it effortless to sit back and relax while sipping on tasty coffee and savoring fresh pastries before heading out for a day of adventure in Montreal. 

Tour Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

A Roman-Catholic minor basilica and national shrine, the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal holds more than one hundred years of history, development, culture, and architecture.

The largest shrine in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph, this landmark and jewel of Montreal offers a glimpse into Quebec and Canadian heritage. Receiving more than two million pilgrims and visitors from around the world each year, there is much to take in at this stunning Montreal attraction, like the Le Jardin du Chemin de la Croix or “the garden of the way of the cross.” This remarkable section of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal should not be glossed over or missed out on. 

The way of the cross was marked out on the mountain, allowing any to come and meditate upon the Passion of Christ. A beautiful stepping stone that leads to the Oratory, the short garden walk ends in a waterfall fountain with benches speckled about to read or bask in the beauty and atmosphere of Le Jardin du Chemin de la Croix. 

Stop by for one of the listening services, celebrations, pilgrimages, sacraments, and tours to reflect, explore, and learn more about Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal on your Montreal weekend trip.

While you’re here, walk around Mount Royal Park which has the best views of the city.

To switch up times, consider this small group night sightseeing tour ! For a memorable experience in Montreal, this tour will guide you to see Mount Royale at night with Saint Joseph’s Oratory illuminated by colorful lights and Old Port by the sun for an unrivaled experience of Montreal’s spectacular glory. 

Lunch At Sainte-Fringale

Located inside Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the Sainte-Fringale cafeteria serves a wide range of delicious dishes to Oratory visitors, along with outstanding views of the City’s Northside. 

From light pick-me-ups and desserts to paninis and daily specials, stopping by Sainte-Fringale in between or after touring Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is an efficient yet delicious lunch stop to save time for more adventure!

Visit The Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal

The Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal , or Montreal Holocaust Museum, dedicates its space to educating people of all ages on the Holocaust. 

Presenting the history of the Holocaust told by survivors through unique artifacts, the museum was founded by Holocaust survivors and members of the Montreal Jewish community. The longest-standing memorial and the only Holocaust museum in Canada, the Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal raises awareness of human rights through education on the Holocaust to prevent future genocide by helping the public reach forward to the future. 

Dinner At Duc de Lorraine

A longtime Parisian-style pastry shop and cafe, Duc de Lorraine offers ample patio seating to bask in the Montreal atmosphere. 

Using only the finest natural ingredients, one bite of Duc de Lorraine’s macarons and pastries will transport you to France. Each bite is worth savoring. Pair with espresso and snag items on the menu for savory and scrumptious items to end your last day in Montreal! 

The best way to get around on your Montreal weekend trip is by foot or public transportation. Thankfully, Montreal is a walkable city. However, if you find your feet tired, your destinations are a bit too far apart, or if you’re interested in day trips from Montreal, consider taking the Montreal Metro or the bus for cost-efficient transportation. 

Montreal offers Uber to get around too. Always choose Uber over a taxi to save more money!

Explore Montreal from above on a helicopter tour as you check out Olympic Stadium, Mount Royal, and more!

Where To Stay 

Presenting a contemporary living space exuding an air of infinite possibilities, The David Hotel combines the refined history of a legacy establishment with an interior upgrade to evoke and inspire. Step up to the on-site bar, arouse mystery at the Speakeasy, or sit back and relax in a soothing space inspired by the Japanese art of “Kanzo.”

For your Montreal weekend trip, The David Hotel is one of the top destinations for luxury and relaxation. 

Eco-certified, Boxotel is an eco-friendly boutique hotel masterfully located in the perfect location in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. This hotel is with the times, offering local and environmentally-friendly products and committing daily practices to reduce energy consumption and waste. 

The rooms at Boxotel are adapted to the traveler, not the other way around! As a guest at Boxotel, you can recreate your space to fit your desires for optimal comfort during your stay. 

On the border of the Latin Quarter and the Plateau Mont-Royal, Hôtel Château de l’Argoat is close to Montreal’s many vibrant shops and restaurants, including Saint-Denis. This hotel offers incomparable charm and a location near the stunning social features and architecture that draws in people from all over the world to stay in Montreal.

Montreal is full of invigoration attractions and vibrant restaurants waiting to be explored. This Montreal weekend trip itinerary combines the best in Montreal, from delicious food to impressive museums and colorful botanical gardens. 

Prepare yourself for a world of excitement as you make cherished memories with family and friends in Montreal, “The City of Saints”!

Most Montrealers are fluent in English and are typically very accommodating when they sense an English accent. You should have no problem traveling through the city if you don’t know any French.

As you may assume, winters are pretty rough in Montreal. If you are not from the region, you may be up for a rude awakening. Unless you are traveling for winter sports in the area, we suggest looking at June and July where day time temps are in the mid-seventies and rain chances are usually lower.

Old Montreal is historical and touristy. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is stylish and a place to test out your French. Mile End for great eats and culture. The Village for vibrant nightlife.

What you should read next

Finding The Perfect Cottage In Ontario This Summer 5 Weekend Getaways From Ottawa You Won’t Want To Miss 9 Getaway-Worthy Northern Ontario Resorts in the Summer

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Plan Your Trip to Montreal: Best of Montreal Tourism

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Solo Female Travel , North America , Travel Destinations , Travel Inspiration

Montreal solo travel: why you should go alone on your next trip.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

UPDATED: November 3rd 2022

As someone who speaks a little French, I have a particular fondness for visiting Canada, especially the province of Quebec. For me, a solo trip to Montreal was truly special in many ways, especially as a (basic) French speaker and huge hockey fan. What’s not to love?

So are you ready and excited to take a solo trip to Montreal? Do you already have a list of things to do alone in Montreal? Then, believe me, I am super stoked for you. Montreal’s a wonderful city for both a weekend getaway, as well as an extended stay, and I promise you won’t run out of great attractions to keep you busy and happy.

If I’m being 100% honest and transparent with you, in addition to Vancouver and neighboring Quebec City (seriously, solo travel in Quebec is great), Montreal is one of my favorite cities in all of Canada. I loved it to pieces.

Table of Contents

My Montreal Solo Trip Experience

This trip confirmed that Montreal is one of the best first time destinations for solo travel in Canada . No doubt.

Despite visiting in November, with colder weather, I still bravely ventured solo in Montreal and had an incredible time even though I only had three days to see the city. I explored neighborhoods, took pictures of street art, ate a lot of poutine, explored a world famous university campus, and so much more. I didn’t feel lonely at all.

Why else did I love Montreal so much do you ask? As some of you already know, I’m a huge hockey fan and had zero problems blowing my budget at a Canadiens game , on a Saturday night nonetheless! It will always be one of my favorite travel experiences. Totally worth spending $95 CAD. 

Anyway, in this post, I will break down the benefits of traveling alone to Montreal . You shouldn’t hold back, because you’re traveling by yourself.

And, if you’re a first time solo traveler, Montreal’s the perfect place to “get your feet wet.” This Canadian city will embrace you with open arms and lots of poutine.

Why You Should Travel Solo in Montreal

Alright, now let’s discuss Montreal’s complete and total awesomeness in detail. As you can already tell, I think that Montreal’s a fantastic city for solo travelers and definitely embodies most positives of traveling alone , haha. And I always tell the truth.

Perfect Solo Weekend Escape

First and foremost, Montreal’s very easy, especially for Americans on the east coast, and the city itself is relatively compact.

Coming from New Jersey, my flight was only 55 minutes long. 55 bloody minutes. Even a fearful flyer like me can do that. Just pack a small carry-on. The planes are usually small.

Excellent Public Transportation

Once you arrive in Montreal, it’s simple to reach all the sites by walking or taking the subway. I thought Montreal’s Metro was efficient, clean, and understandable.

I used the metro mostly during the day (I spoiled myself and took cabs at night), but I never felt unsafe on the platforms or trains. Montreal has great infrastructure in place for tourists.

No worries in that department.

Experience “France” in North America

Furthermore, at least for Canadians and Americans, Montreal is a great alternative if you want to travel to Europe, but don’t have the time or funds readily available.

For example, everyone spoke French in the streets and I felt as if I had been transported to a medium-sized city in France. It was super awesome that I didn’t go through jetlag hell to experience French culture.

As a side note, make sure to brush up on some French phrases before going to Montreal. 

Plenty of Opportunities to Meet New Friends

Finally you ought to go solo in Montreal, because meeting other travelers is easy in this part of Canada! For example, I talked to a lot of lovely people at my hostel, M Montreal , and met a fellow independent traveler on my food tour of Mile End. In Montreal, you don’t have to stay alone if you don’t want to.

Solo Travel Montreal: Essential Tips

Traveling to Montreal is a ton of fun and fairly easy, but it’s always better to be prepared before you travel alone.

Research is super important.

Luckily for you, I’ve written about all the best things to know about solo travel to Montreal including safety tips, solo travel friendly accommodation, essential items, and more!

What Should You Bring to Montreal?

These items are important for any time of year when you visit Montreal alone. Don’t leave them at home!

• A Compact Mirrorless Camera:  Your camera phone will work fine in a pinch, but if you want professional photos of Montreal, then you should step it up a notch. My favorite camera for travel is the Sony Alpha 6600 Mirrorless camera ! You will take gorgeous shots. 
• Lonely Planet French Phrasebook:  Practically everyone speaks English in Montreal, but it’s polite to learn a few phrases of French for your trip here. It demonstrates respect for Montreal’s culture. 
• Lonely Planet Montreal and Quebec City Guide:  Lonely Planet writes my favorite guidebooks! This city guide to Montreal and nearby Quebec will keep you up to date on the best attractions, restaurants, and hotels that the city has to offer visitors! 
• Stylish Black Walking Boot:  In Montreal, you will be walking around a lot, especially if you do the hike to Mont Royal. Bring these comfortable yet still fashionable walking boots to keep your feet happy!
• Travel Insurance:  Canada is known for its universal healthcare. However, this care is available to citizens. If you get sick in Canada, welp, you will have to pay out of pocket. Always buy travel insurance to cover illness and accidents overseas.

Purchase Travel Insurance Ahead of Time

Argh, time for my lecture about protecting yourself and your health. Here it goes. Don’t even think about exploring Montreal alone without good travel insurance. Seriously. Do. Not. Even. Think. About. It,

Sure, Canada has universal health care, but come on now, it’s for residents only and extremely expensive if you’re a traveler who falls ill. Don’t take the risk. You want travel insurance.

As for me, I always buy World Nomads for my trips and have had zero problems with them. Travelx Insurance is another wonderful platform that gives you the option for both “run of the mill” travel insurance and adventure insurance. Don’t leave home without it.

Prepare for the Cold Canadian Weather

Montreal is cold. Actually, in the dead of winter, Montreal is bloody freezing. You need to prepare ahead of time especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

I’ll give you an example of how cold Montreal is. I took my solo trip to Montreal in early November.

However, walking outside in the wild and whipping winds after the Canadiens Game was one of the coldest moments of my life. Yes, almost as cold as snorkeling Silfra in winter. Part of the problem was that I underdressed for the weather. Don’t be me.

So, if you’re visiting Montreal in winter, take the chill in the air seriously. Wear thick gloves. Pack a scarf. Utilize layers and long underwear. You don’t want to freeze.

Pace Yourself at Night

Montreal has a great nightlife and you ought to go out. I’m not staying trap yourself inside your hostel.

However, make sure to pace yourself. I think 2-3 drinks is a reasonable limit when going out for several hours. If you’re nervous about going out alone at night, join up with a local pub crawl and make lots of new friends! There’s safety in numbers.

Learn to Speak a Little Bit of French

Montreal is located in Quebec where the primary language is French. It’s polite to learn a few phrases of French – even though everyone I met in Montreal spoke English. Saying “bonjour” upon entering a cafe or a small shop goes a long way in the hearts of locals.

Also – don’t be rude and tell people that the French spoken in Quebec isn’t real or not as “correct” as the French dialect spoken in France. Yes, it’s different, but not any less “correct.” Mind your manners. No one likes a “Know-It-All.”

Arrive to the Airport Early (If Going Back to the USA)

Whew, we made it, guys. My final tip for your Montreal solo travel experience is to know ahead of time if you need clear customs or not. I had to go through USA customs in Montreal instead of Newark. Which obviously takes time. If I had waited until later to call a cab, I wouldn’t have made it home.

Guys, I’m serious, you don’t want to goof off with time on flight days. Sure, I’m late sometimes for dinner or casual meetups, but I don’t mess around when it comes to arriving at the airport on time. Neither should you.

Exploring Montreal Alone — Is It Safe?

For obvious reasons, the biggest concern when traveling to any new place alone is safety. I receive emails and DMs about crime and safety all. the. time. And I completely get it.

However, for a city its size, I thought Montreal was very safe. As a solo female traveler, I experienced no harassment as I wandered Montreal during the day and night. Montreal has a decent sized homeless population (which is sad considering how cold it gets there), but they didn’t bother me once. Simply walk around like you own the place.

Regardless of my own experience, though, I still don’t want you to fall in the complacency trap. Let friends and family know where you’re staying, and provide them with a loose itinerary of your plans in Montreal.

Finally Montreal has a big party culture – which is one of the reasons this city is so popular. Avoid going out alone to the bars and clubs. Find other travelers at your hostel to tag along with if you want to enjoy Montreal’s nightlife.

Furthermore, you should exercise caution by keeping your drinking under control. Intoxication makes it a million times easier for unsavory people to take advantage of you. I promise I’m not victim blaming. No one has the right to harm another person – drunk or not – but limiting your alcohol intake is an easy way to remain aware of your surroundings.

As I’ve said, I mostly took cabs at night, and I think this was the right decision to make. While I don’t think it’s unsafe to walk alone, you can still minimize your risk by splitting cab fare with your newfound friends.

Where to Stay for My Solo Trip to Montreal

As always, I don’t recommend staying out in the distant suburbs for your solo trip in Montreal. You have plenty of accommodation choices right in Montreal’s downtown. Read reviews carefully. Don’t sacrifice cleanliness and comfort for price.

During my trip, I chose to stay at M Montreal Hostel and had a great time. The hostel was centrally located and clean with a very friendly and helpful staff. I loved the fresh croissants for breakfast, too! 

Accommodation Suggestions

• Auberge HI Montreal Hostel: A laidback and large hostel that organizes a ton of activities. Also located in Montreal’s downtown for a great location. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com.
• BBV Bed and Breakfast: Location, location, location! This cozy B&B is located right in Montreal’s Gay Village, allowing easy access to the city’s nightlife. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .
• M Montreal Hostel:  A lively hostel in the Gay Village with one of the best breakfasts available to solo travelers. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .

The Best Things to Do Alone in Montreal

Montreal has a lot of great activities that you can do alone. Seriously, there’s an endless amount of things to do in Montreal and you won’t feel bored. I mean, I brag a lot on this blog about how Canada’s a perfect destination for new solo travelers for many reasons.

The main reason I love going to Canada? People, in general, leave you the heck alone. You’re not stared at. You’re also not subjected to some of the ridiculous scams that plague major European cities such as Paris.

At the same time, Canadians are truly lovable and friendly, and they will help you if you ask them. I’ve never had a bad encounter with the locals and Montreal was no exception! You’re free to do whatever you please.

Now let’s talk about what to do in Montreal alone.

Go to a Canadiens Game

Duh. Of course I’d mention this idea. I love hockey. Love, love, love hockey. It’s my favorite sport in the entire world.

Book tickets ahead of time. Hockey is very well loved and games sell out fast.

Although I went to the Canadiens game with another traveler, I definitely think you can go to the stadium alone and still have a great time! The fans are so passionate. Their adoration of hockey is contagious. Don’t miss out on this unique experience.

Take a Food Tour in Mile End.

Montreal’s known for its food. Seriously, you guys, you can’t visit Montreal and not eat.

I’m shy about eating alone so I took a food tour in Mile End with Local Food Tours. As you wander this gastronomic neighborhood, you’ll devour bagels, chocolate, wine, pastas, and so much more. I thought my stomach would burst (in the best possible way) at the end of our delicious adventure.

And the best part? You’ll make new friends over food! Win/win situation for solo travelers.

Hike to the Top of Mount Royal.

Do you like hiking? Then you’re in luck, because you’ll see the best views of Montreal from Mount Royal. I happened to go in the fall when all the leaves were yellow and orange. The scenery was to die for.

Use this time in nature to relax and reflect. You won’t regret it.

Go to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

I love going to art museums alone. What better time to reflect on life than to relax and stare at amazing art?

You can find Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on the historic Golden Square Mile stretch of Sherbrooke Street. This is the city’s largest museum and spans multiple buildings, so big art buffs might want to dedicate an entire afternoon to this museum.

Honestly, even if you don’t love art museums, I still think it is important to dedicate some of your time to a city’s culture. Art museums are a great avenue for doing just that.

Walk around McGill Campus 

Furthermore you want to visit McGill’s gorgeous campus when you take a solo trip in Montreal. I mean, I absolutely love visiting beautiful universities, so a splendid fall walk around McGill was an absolute treat for me! I seriously wish I would have attended college here. It is literally stunning. 

McGill is a top ranked university, which unsurprisingly consists of several elegant and historical buildings (the university was founded in 1821). You can easily walk to Mount Royal from McGill, too, making it a convenient place to visit after your lovely hike.

I have no doubt that a stroll around McGill is one of the best things to do in Montreal by yourself.

See Old Montreal

Although Quebec City is more well-known for its charm, you can still feel as if you’re in “old world” Europe when you visit the Old Montreal neighborhood.

This part of the city is a beacon to tourists so you won’t stand out or feel weird walking around alone.

My favorite places to visit were the famous (and luminously lit) Notre-Dame Basilica and the informative Pointe-a-Calliere Museum , which is dedicated to history and archeology.

Old Montreal is compact and easy to explore in a single day, making this neighborhood one best places to go alone in Montreal.

I hope you enjoyed my guide all about Montreal solo travel, as well as all the places to go alone in Montreal! So, have you ever been to Montreal? What suggestions do you have? Thanks for reading!

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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24 best day trips from Montreal for your next adventure

Ideas for quick escapes from Montreal, whether you're hitting the road or taking a hike.

We all agree that Montreal is home to some of the best restaurants , bars and things to do , but it's also outrageously close to day trip hot spots in Ontario, New York , Vermont, New Hampshire and (of course!) Québec—hot air balloon rides included. There's no shortage of quick getaway ideas, whether you want to camp by a lake, take in peak foliage , go hiking  or spend the day at Quebec’s secret spot to see the most most breathtaking fall colours (or this secret beach with turquoise water that's worth the trip).

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal The best Airbnb cabins near Montreal

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The best day trips from Montreal

1.  Îles de Boucherville, QC

30 minutes from Montreal

Situated in the St. Lawrence River east of Montreal, the Boucherville Islands are the closest of all our favourite day trips, plus the closest provincial park to the city centre. The archipelago park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking and canoeing, picnic facilities, cycling and cross-country ski trails, a golf course and paddle boats, all available for rental at a price. If you don’t have a car, no worries: It’s the only day trip on this list that is easily accessible by bike, provided the ferry services from Montreal and the South Shore permit. You could even plan a bicycle camping trip on the sites situated in the park; just be ready to carry your gear and pay the small entrance fee.

2.  Lanaudière, QC

45 minutes from Montreal

Lanaudière is less known than the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships tourist regions near Montreal, Lanaudière is less well-known than the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships but has many charming off-the-beaten-path attractions for city slickers craving nature or a small town fix. Located to the east of the city, the suburb of Terrebonne boasts a heritage village core that dates back to the seignorial days of the mid-17th century. Neighbouring Joliette plays host to the Festival de Lanaudière, the largest classical music festival  in Canada. Further afield, you can go fishing on a lake, stay overnight at Auberge du Lac Taureau, sample beers  at the Brasserie artisanale Albion or cheese at the Fromagerie du Champ à la Meule, or take a gastronomic tour of these and other gourmet food producers with local guides.

3.  Montérégie, QC

This Montreal-adjacent region is in the Southwest corner of Québec, incorporating the South Shore and Vaudreuil suburbs as well as the Southern Richelieu River valley. One of the richest agricultural regions in the country, Montérégie is a foodie’s delight with plenty of farmers markets, craft breweries, maple syrup producers and more. Check out one of the province’s most popular ciders at the Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, go for a cruise on Lake Champlain, have a gourmet brunch at a sugar shack or tour Saint-Hyacinth’s public market. St-Jean-sur-Richelieu also hosts the largest hot air balloon festival in Canada.

4.  Oka, QC

This village is best known to tourists for its large beach and Québec’s most famous artisanal cheese. The Oka provincial park, on the northern shore of the Lake of the Two Mountains, is by far the most popular place for Montrealers to soak up the sun on its kilometres of sandy beaches —and an infamous clothing optional section for the adventurous. The provincial park also includes seven chapels with stations of the cross built by the Sulpician order, as well as the usual camping, picnicking and boating facilities. In the wintertime, drive across the Oka-Hudson ice bridge for an interesting shortcut across the Ottawa River, or head to the Oka cheese factory to taste the famous cheese originally made by Trappist monks.

5.  Plattsburgh, NY

1.5 hours from Montreal

Most Montrealers take advantage of Plattsburgh for its comparative cheap transborder shopping centres and international airport, but the small city on the west side of Lake Champlain has much more to it than that. The downtown area has a lively selection of bars and nightclubs thanks to a large student population at the local SUNY campus, including the oldest bar in the state, the Monopole, opened in 1898. It’s also the best place to get a slice of genuine New York-style pizza without leaving Montreal’s orbit. There is also a very large beach on the lake that’s generally far less crowded than beaches closer to Montreal.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The City of Plattsburgh (@discover_plattsburgh)

6.  The Eastern Townships, QC

1-2 hours from Montreal

Along with the Laurentians, the Eastern Townships are one of the two most popular cottaging regions for Montrealers. You will notice by the names of towns like North Hatley, Sutton and Waterloo that this region was settled by the English, not the French, unlike most of Québec. The many beautiful Victorian farmhouses and villages’ churches in the area form a quaint backdrop for gourmet tourism (hello, Hovey Manor) that goes way beyond berry picking (but don’t knock berry picking if the opportunity arises). There are no less than 18 microbreweries in the area—we recommend the Dunham, Farnham and West Shefford breweries—as well as orchards, wineries, maple syrup producers, cheesemakers and local specialties like Lac-Brome duck and Stanstead rabbit. The Townships are also home to ski resorts at Mount Orford, Mount Sutton and Bromont.

7.  The Laurentians, QC

1-2.5 hours from Montreal

Encompassing a large portion of the Laurentian Mountains, this region north of Laval is one of the premier cottage and outdoors destinations of Québec. While many will head straight to the Mont-Tremblant ski resort, getting off Highway 15 and taking the scenic route can be a more rewarding approach. Heritage French Canadian villages like Saint-Agathe-des-Monts boast surprisingly beautiful churches, limestone homes and quaint main streets. Detours off the beaten path will take you to affordable cottage rentals which are often surrounded by hills and mountains and constructed on some of the best lakes for swimming in the area.

8.  Trois-Rivières, QC

This small city halfway from Montreal to Quebec City was the second settlement of the New France colony after the provincial capital. The old town here boasts remarkably intact examples of 17th and 18th century colonial French architects, including churches, convents and private homes and the Cathédrale de l'Assomption which has some of the finest stained glass in Canada. Other attractions  include the Musée Pop, dedicated to popular culture in Québec and one of the oldest prisons in Canada, which opened in 1822, closed in 1986 and can be toured today, while the Musée des Ursulines looks at the religious history of the area and is located in a two hundred year-old convent. Fans of Rallycross and NASCAR racing might want to save their visit for events hosted by the Circuit de Trois-Rivières when the smell of burnt diesel fills the city’s air.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tourisme Trois-Rivières (@tourismetr)

9.  Mont-Tremblant, QC

Situated at the foot of one of the tallest peaks of the Laurentian mountains, the village of Mont-Tremblant is most famous for its ski resort. The resort features over 100 ski and snowboarding runs, as well as dogsledding, skating, snowshoeing and other winter activities. All of this is based around a faux European pedestrian town packed with hotels, short-term condo rentals, restaurants, nightlife , bars  and spas. The summer is quieter here, but all the better—fans of stuff like golfing, off-roading and riding horses will find the resort less busy on the off season. For a more serene experience, head to the provincial park where you’ll find camping, canoeing, cycling trails, hiking trails and other wilderness activities. Racing fans should keep an eye out for events at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant, former site of the F1 Canadian Grand Prix.

10.  Long Sault Parkway, ON

Located just west of Cornwall, Ontario, the Parkway started as a side effect of flooding during the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway over 50 years ago. Today, it is a series of 11 islands connected by road, containing several campsites, fishing facilities and boat rentals. It also has two beaches  which are considerably less busy in the summer months than the more well-known ones in the Montreal area, such as Oka. Keep an eye out on the drive for chip trucks, front-yard antique sales and other roadside treasures to make your day trip memorable, all of which can sometimes yield more than Montreal’s best flea markets .

11.  Montebello, QC

This village is located on the North Shore of the Ottawa River, halfway between Montreal and the nation’s capital. Its strategic location made it the perfect site for the grand railway hotel and resort, the Château Montebello. Even if you don’t plan on staying, the hotel alone is worth the trip: it’s the largest log structure in the world and its grounds contain cross-country skiing, dogsledding, golf, boating and snowmobiling facilities. History and geopolitical buffs take note, the luxurious hotel has regularly hosted American presidents and other foreign dignitaries at major conferences, including the 1981 G7 meeting. On the flip side, the humongous music festival  Montebello Rock also takes place once a year, where the town is totally overthrown by metalheads and folks’ front yards are rented out as camping grounds. That said, if you want to rock out in Montebello, make sure to plan months and months in advance to secure yourself a place to sleep, food to eat, water to drink and so forth.

12.  Victoriaville and Drummondville, QC

These two small cities in the Centre-du-Québec region can easily be visited in the same trip. Drummondville has points of interest like the Village Québécois d'Antan, a recreated historic town with actors in full costume, the Museum of Popular Photography, and Le Roy Jucep, a restaurant which claims to have invented poutine. Victoriaville boasts the Laurier Museum, birthplace of the Canadian Prime Minister considered the father of modern Canada and Mont Arthabaska, a popular park for hiking , mountain biking and birdwatching as well as panoramic views of the region. The park also features a neon-lit cross that rivals the famous one on Mount Royal in Montreal.

13.  Val-David, QC

A popular part of Laurentian cottage country, Val-David makes for a beautiful day trip thanks to its quaint shops, cultural attraction, cute cafés (not to mention a yummy traditional Quebec style casse-croûte) and nice waterfront views of the Rivière du Nord. Encircled by mountains and forest, the village is a picturesque destination for outdoorsy types looking for a break from nearby rock climbing, hiking, cycling along the P’tit Train du Nord trail or, in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is also the bastion of famous artists and craftsmen, brought together annually for 1,000 pots, among other events—an annual outdoor pottery sale by local artisans.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Municipalité de Val-David (@village_valdavid)

14.  Stanstead, QC and Derby Line, VT

2 hours from Montreal

You may not have noticed these curious little border towns on the road to Boston: The towns of Stanstead and Derby Line were bisected by the border between Canada and the USA by wonky 18th century surveying. To highlight this, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House was purposely built half in each country in 1904 (a black line across the library floor marks the exact border). The 20,000-book library and 400-seat opera house serve both communities and can be visited from either country without reporting to a customs station.

15.  Burlington, VT

Burlington is the most populous city of Vermont, built on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Most famous as the birthplace of international ice cream chain Ben & Jerry’s, the small city is also known for its elegant heritage architecture, easy living and lively arts scene. The Church Street Marketplace pedestrian mall and historic district, located in the heart of the city, has a wide range of boutique shopping , art galleries, restaurant terrasses   (read: patios), bars with live music and an upscale indoor mall.

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16.  Adirondack Park, NY

2.5 hours from Montreal

New York State’s Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the continental USA, and much of it is within a stone’s throw of Montreal. The vast nature preserve contains the Adirondack Mountains, dozens of lakes and a handful of picturesque small cities. If you’re into camping, check out one of the many State campgrounds, generally within range of lake swimming or hiking , or rough it pioneer-style in designated backwoods camping areas. If you’re looking for a more sedentary experience, the towns of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid (site of the 1980 Winter Olympics) have a unique log-cabin-meets-Main-Street feel that combines rustic appeal with boutique shopping  and lakeside resorts and lodges.

17.  Ottawa, ON and Gatineau, QC

The national capital region has the unique feature of sitting on the border of Québec and Ontario. The Parliament buildings and many national museums including the National Gallery, War Museum, Nature Museum and Science and Technology Museum make it an obvious choice for any Canadian or foreign tourist. There’s also Ottawa’s scenic centrally located Byward Market with a farmer’s market and adjacent bars and restaurants, and for those looking to get out of the immediate downtown core, look to its Chinatown and Little Italy neighbourhoods. In the winter, don’t miss skating across town on Rideau Canal, the world’s largest rink. Gatineau houses the National History Museum, as well as the immense Gatineau Park. For those looking for nightlife  hubs between these two cities, the general rule of thumb is to go to Elgin Street in Ottawa and Rue Laval in Gatineau for areas densely packed with bars.

18.  Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, NY

3 hours from Montreal

Once upon a time, George Boldt, eccentric millionaire general manager of New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, decided to build himself a summer home castle in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River’s Thousand Islands region. The project, undertaken in 1900, was abruptly abandoned in 1904 after the death of Boldt’s wife and was left to the whims of the winter and occasional squatters and vandals until the late 70s when it became a public tourist attraction. The somewhat surreal result is the semi-restored ruins of a six-storey, faux French Renaissance chateau with adjoining power house and yacht house. Situated on Heart Island, the Castle is accessible via ferry from Ontario or New York. Though it’s in the middle of the river, it has its own border crossing station, so bring your passport.

19.  Québec City, QC

The provincial capital is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country. The founding place of New France, the walled city is built on a breathtaking escarpment overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. Its architecture is a combination of early French colonial buildings interspersed with British colonial and Victorian styles, creating a cobblestone streetscape that recalls Europe more than anywhere north of Mexico. Attractions include the provincial Fine Arts and Civilization museums , a considerable selection of good French restaurants  and tours done by horse-drawn calèches . If you want to get out of the Old Québec tourist district, make sure to check out the working-class-chic streets of Lower Town neighbourhood Saint-Roch.

20.  Kingston, Ontario

3.5 hours from Montreal

From its spot on the eastern end of Lake Ontario near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, Kingston has had a special place in Canadian history—even serving as capital briefly in the 1840s before the title passed to Ottawa. It’s a great place for history buffs, full of building tours and historical reenactments, but this student town is also nice for its pubs, market square and waterfront strolls. Start at the waterside Confederation Park, across from the impressively domed Kingston City Hall, and walk westward on the 8 km waterfront trail past the Kingston Penitentiary into Portsmouth Village (actually a neighbourhood of Kingston now). Have a pint of stout at Portsmouth Tavern, which dates back to 1893, before retracing your steps. Other spots worth checking out are the wonderfully curated Agnes Etherington Art Centre (always something great on view there) and The Isabel, a beautiful performance space for classical music (among other things).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Kingston (@visitkingstonca)

21.  Saratoga Spring, New York

Famous as the home to the Saratoga Race Course, the fancy-hat, pinkies-up place to be since 1863, this lovely town at the foothills of the Adirondacks is dripping with charm. It’s on the site of a bona fide mineral spring, where the naturally sparkling water is not only drunk liberally, but also used in spa services for its purported health benefits. Stay at the grandiose Gideon Putnam hotel (named for one of the city founders) and you’ll be mere steps away from America’s first ever (and still going strong) spa retreat, Roosevelt Baths. They’re located right in the Saratoga State Park, a great place to hike pre- or post-treatment. For some city slicking, stroll along Broadway to check out unique boutiques and taste a piece of history at Sperry’s (opened in 1932) or Hattie’s, maker of next-level, Bobby Flay-approved fried chicken and mac’n’cheese.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saratoga Springs (@saratoga_ny)

22.  White Mountains, NH

4 hours from Montreal

New Hampshire's White Mountains have the highest peaks in the northeast, including the famous presidential range with household names like Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson. While at the very limit of what could be considered a day trip, the area is easily accessible for an overnight or weekend trip from Montreal and makes a great stop on a road trip to Boston, so that means it gets honorary mention here. Camping, mountain climbing and hiking are what this area's known for, but you can also grab a malted Frappe (a traditional New England milkshake) on the road or head to Weir's Beach, a vintage 1950s-style lake resort town surrounded by mountains with a beach, boardwalk penny arcade and drive-in cinema.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by White Mountains New Hampshire (@whitemountains)

23.  Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec

This ski resort just outside Quebec City is worth the long drive from Montreal for its impressive vertical drop of 625 metre (2,000 feet). In winter it’s obviously a ski haven, for both experts and newbies (you can rent equipment and sign up for ski school), but it’s also great for fat-biking and snowshoeing. Its outdoor sports status also stands in summer for mountain biking, canyoning, hangliding, golfing at Le Grand Vallon course or hiking. With a total length of 22.8 km, the Mestachibo Trail is a stunning hike filled with viewpoints on the Jean-Larose Waterfalls. Time your visit for fall to take in the leafy sea of brilliant reds and golden yellows—and if you’re feeling lazy, do it from aboard a cable car. Go the extra mile with a spa day at either Nordique Spa or Spa des Neiges.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mont-Sainte-Anne (@montsainteanne)

24.  North Adams and Williamstown, Massachusetts

4.5 hours from Montreal

These twin towns have been a cultural weekend destination for New Yorkers since the opening of The Clark in 1955, but Montrealers have caught the bug too more recently. The Williamstown art institution started as a place to house the private collection of the well heeled Robert and Francine Clark, but has evolved into a cutting-edge research centre and exhibition space packed with Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Old Master works. Stop there first, then head to the MASS MoCA in nearby North Adams, where the giant industrial wasteland left over from the defunct steel industry was repurposed into a stellar contemporary art complex. With the third in this trifecta of Berkshires museums, the Williams College Museum of Art, expect a weekend packed with edification, good eats and unique small boutiques.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BTW Berkshires (@btw_berkshires)

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Among some of the things to do in Quebec City, check out massive outdoor festivals and a hotel made of ice.

The 26 best things to do in Toronto

Spooky walks, festivals galore, brewery tours and Niagara Falls dominate our list of best things to do in Toronto.

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Day Trips From Montreal

The 12 Best Day Trips from Montreal

Find places to visit just outside of Montreal, Quebec

It’s no secret that Montreal is a dynamic destination, offering everything from world-renowned restaurants and exciting nightlife to a hefty dose of history and amazing architecture. But it’s also well worth exploring beyond the city, and in the case of Montreal, there are a whole host of worthwhile options perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re interested in spending time in the great outdoors or simply exploring small towns packed with charm, there’s plenty to discovery. Read on for some of the best day trips from Montreal.

Quebec City: Charm and History

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

With a picturesque Old Town that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site and charming surprises down every winding cobblestone street, Quebec City is always a good idea for a day trip from Montreal. Myriad museums, incredible architecture, a scenic locale on the St. Lawrence River and a calendar full of festivals and fun events year-round ensure any day trippers will have plenty to keep them busy. Not only that, Quebec City is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist.

Getting there : The easiest option for getting from Montreal to Quebec City is by taking the train. VIA Rail provides daily service between the two cities with a travel time of around three hours. If you prefer to drive, you can do so along Highway 20 with a travel time of three hours, depending on traffic.

Travel tip: Take a stroll along the charming pedestrian street of Petit‑Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. Local shops, quaint cafes and great restaurants abound. In the winter, the street is illuminated with twinkle lights, further adding to its charm.

Ottawa: The Nation’s Capital

Getty Images/Mark Hogan Photography Ottawa, Canada

Canada’s capital city is worth a visit any time of year and offers something for every age and interest level. Home to seven of nine national museums, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up some culture here. Visitors will also want to spend some time along the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk or cycle along the banks in the warmer months and in the winter, the canal transforms into the longest skating rink in the world. In addition, the city is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, great restaurants and numerous water-based activities on the Ottawa River.

Getting there : Your best option is to utilize VIA Rail’s frequent train service between Montreal and Ottawa, with a travel time of around two hours.

Travel tip : Don’t miss a stroll around ByWard Market, packed with independent shops, a local farmers’ market in the summertime, specialty food shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants.

The Laurentians: Outdoor Adventure

Getty Images/Onfokus

The Laurentians are located just north of Montreal and offer some of the best options for day trippers looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. During the summer months, you have your pick of watersports (with over 9000 lakes and rivers to choose from this is no surprise). There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter.

Getting there : Getting from Montreal to the Laurentians is easily done via a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.

Travel tip : Take advantage of the many Nordic spas in the area, which provide the perfect place to unwind in nature. These havens of relaxation offer some combination of saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools and areas for simply soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

Mont Treblant: Four-Season Ski Resort

Getty Images/Pgiam

Well-known as a popular four-season ski resort and national park, Mont Tremblant makes for an easy day trip from Montreal. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snow tubing and much more. Once the weather warms up there are a wide range of summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing and stand up paddling. There’s also a casino here as well as a wide selection of cozy restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Getting there : L’Express du Nord offers transportation from Montreal to Tremblant in the morning with return in the evening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (around two hours). If you prefer to drive, the trip should take around 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Keep your eyes peeled for public art. The Public Art Circuit features a dozen works of art in Mont-Tremblant’s parks and municipal buildings in the downtown area as well as in Le Village and the resort area.

Long Sault Parkway, Ontario: Summer Fun

Located just west of Cornwall, Ontario, the Long Sault Parkway is a series of 11 islands connected by road. There are two beaches here making it a great option for a summer day trip. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can canoe and kayak as well as head underwater for some fresh-water shipwreck diving. There are also many opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing in the area.

Getting there : You can drive from Montreal to Long Sault Parkway in about 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Keep an eye out on the drive for authentic chip trucks, antique sales and other surprises along the way.

Eastern Townships: Local Food Galore

Getty Images/Danita Delimont

Quebec’s Eastern Townships offer everything from orchards and wineries to maple syrup producers, cheesemakers and  microbreweries. So if you’re a foodie, this might be a day trip from Montreal you’ll want to think about. If you’re not hopping from winery to winery or picking your own berries at an orchard, there are museums to visit, great shopping, excellent dining options and an array of outdoor activities to try (from hiking to cross-country skiing). The Eastern Townships are also a popular destination for cyclists.

Getting there : Getting from Montreal to the Eastern Townships is best done by car, with a driving time of one to two hours.

Travel tip : You can download a map for self-guided tours along the area’s cheesemaker’s circuit as well as the microbrewery circuit.

Le P'tit Train du Nord: Scenic Cycling

Getty Images/Jana Kriz

Cyclers of all stripes (from casual riders to more hardcore bikers) will want to put Le P'tit Train du Nord on their day tripping list. This scenic route through the Laurentian Mountains was once an old railway line that has now been converted into a popular bike path and cross-country ski trail. The 232-kilometere path is the longest park of its kind in Canada and is also used by walkers and runners (just remember to stay on the left side of the trail). Picnic areas can be found at numerous points along the trail making it ideal for a day trip with a DIY lunch al fresco.

Getting there : There is regular train service linking Montréal’s Gare Lucien L’Allier with the P’tit Train du Nord terminus in St-Jérôme. From there, a shuttle service drops cyclists at various trailheads along the route.

Travel tip : Make time to stop off at various small towns and villages along the route to grab a meal at a cozy pub or restaurant (many with outdoor terraces).

Îles-de-Boucherville National Park: Nature at its Best

You don’t have to stray far from Montreal for a day spend in nature. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park consists of a chain of scenic islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence. Active travellers have the option for everything from hiking and biking (there are over 30 kilometres of trails) to canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddling and more. Winter activities include snowshoeing, winter hiking and cross-country skiing.

Getting there : Driving to the park takes around 35 minutes from Montreal making it an easy and time-efficient day trip.

Travel tip : If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent canoes, kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, kayaks and more to use during your visit.

Granby Zoo: Fun with Furry Friends

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The largest zoo and conservation area in Quebec, Granby Zoo is an ideal day trip from Montreal for families (or anyone interested in wildlife). The sprawling zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing 230 species from around the world. Animals are divided into four “loops” (the Africa, South America, Asia and Oceania loops) to make it easier to navigate what you want to focus your time on. There is also an animatronic dinosaur “zoo” featuring 21 full-scale animatronic dinosaurs.

Getting there : Granby Zoo is 50 miles (80 km) east of Montréal and is best reached by car via Highway 10.

Travel tip : In the summer months, visitors can cool off at the zoo’s water park filled with slides, water features, a heated wave pool and an adventure river.

Montebello: A Little Bit of Everything

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Located around the midpoint between Montreal and Ottawa on the north shore of the Ottawa River, Montebello offers a little bit of everything. Stop by a cozy pub for a local meal or take the kids to Park Omega where they can see a variety of Canadian animals in their natural habitat. The park is also home to walking trails, picnic areas and a restaurant. Visitors to Montebello can also enjoy golfing, water sports, boating, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Getting there : Driving is your best bet for travel between Montreal and Montebello, which should take around 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Day trippers with a sweet tooth will want to stop in ChocoMotive to pick up some artisanal chocolates and see chocolate being made.

Oka: Small Town Charm

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The small town of Oka is a great jumping off point for a day spent exploring Oka National Park where there are many activities to choose from no matter when you visit. In the winter, choose from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking. While during the summer, there’s a large beach for swimming (lifeguards are on-site), picnic areas, pedal boats, and kayak and canoe rentals. In town, check out the many artist workshops and if you like cheese, head to the Oka cheese factory to taste some of their wares.

Getting there : Driving distance between Montreal and Oka is around 40 minutes and your best option for getting between the two destinations.

Travel tip : During the summer season on Sundays, make sure to stop by the Oka public market for an abundance of local, seasonal produce.

Sucrerie de la Montagne: Authentic Sugar Shack

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A Quebec Heritage site, the Sucrerie de la Montagne is an authentic sugar shack that (unlike most) is open year-round. Located in the midst of a 120-acre forest of century-old maple trees, a visit here feels a bit like stepping back in time thanks to the traditional buildings and the fact maple syrup here is produced the old fashioned way. If you’re visiting during February, March and April you can enjoy some maple taffy on snow, while year-round visitors can visit the sugar shack and bakery and enjoy rides in a horse-drawn carriage.

Getting there : Driving from Montreal to Sucrerie de la Montagne takes around 40 minutes and parking is free.

Travel tip : Stop by the general store on the way out to stock up on maple products from syrup to taffy to butter. The also sell some local handicrafts.

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6 best day trips from Montréal

Sep 19, 2023 • 5 min read

From the Laurentian mountains to the spires of Québec City, here are the best day trips from Montréal © Maridav / Shutterstock

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Montréal’s picturesque city parks and “the mountain” Mont-Royal are stunning natural idylls within a bustling city but you can’t beat a day trip to really appreciate the great outdoors.

A rental car is the best way to see the countryside where lush forested hills sliced with waterways and spoonfuls of Québec culture await. And remember, no Québec road trip is complete without poutine (French fries, squeaky cheese curds and flavorful gravy) from a casse-croûte (fry shack).

Here are six of our favorite day trips from Montréal to get you started.

1. Go hiking at a provincial park

Travel time: 30 minutes

Just 30km (18.6 miles) from Montréal near the suburb of Longueuil, lies the opportunity to go hiking amidst 27km (16.7 miles) of trails at Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno . The lovely park has five lakes and plenty of wildlife including 200 species of birds and endangered Western chorus frogs who sing a mating song. The park also has canoes and stand-up paddleboards for rent, and cross-country skiing trails in winter.

How to get to Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno from Montréal:  Drive over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and take Ave de l’Acier. Alternatively, take a bus from Terminus Radisson Sud and change at Terminus Sainte-Julie.

2. Road trip to the Eastern Townships

Travel time: 1 hour

Québec might not be known for its wine (yet), but Les Cantons de l’Est (Eastern Townships) region is doing its best to change that. The fertile landscape, dotted with cute cottages similar to what you’ll find in New England, is home to a number of wineries pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from Canadian wine. One particularly notable spot is Clos Saragnat , whose owner invented ice cider – similar to ice wine – and offers tastings. Other great wineries to do tastings at include Vignoble du Ruisseau and Vignoble de l’Orpailleur .

The Eastern Townships is also home to great microbreweries like Brasserie Dunham and gourmet food producers such as Le Musée du Chocolat in Bromont. Further east, meet monks at the Trappist monastery Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac and taste their delicious cheeses, chocolates and sparkling ciders.

How to get to the Eastern Townships from Montréal: Drive southeast over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and on Hwy 10 to the Townships. Some villages worth visiting include Sutton, Dunham, Bromont, Granby and Frelighsburg.

3. Taste maple syrup at a sugar shack

In springtime as the snow begins to thaw, so does the sap in maple trees. The sap is collected and cooked down into Québec’s liquid gold – maple syrup. Québécois celebrate syrup season (late February through April) by feasting on traditional food bathed in the sweet stuff at a cabane à sucre (sugar shack). Classic feasts include fluffy crepes, glazed ham, tourtière (meat pie) with homemade ketchup, oreilles de crisse (literally meaning Christ’s ears but referring to fried pork rinds), country loaves, all with plenty of maple syrup to drizzle on top of everything.

It’s also fun to roll the syrup in snow and lick it like a popsicle. You can find sugar shacks on the outskirts of Montréal and across southern Québec, but a dependable option close to the city is Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud, and it’s open year-round.

How to get to Sucrerie de la Montagne from Montréal: Drive west on Hwy 40 and turn off the exit to Riguad. The sugar shack is on Ch St-George.

4. Go kayaking, cycling and rock climbing in Val-David

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Surrounded by lush Laurentian hills, Val-David is an artsy, shop-filled town that’s also a gateway for adventure sports.

For a family-friendly experience, À l’Abordage rents out kayaks to meander down the river before setting you up with a cruiser bike to tackle the rails-to-trails Le P’tit Train du Nord bike path back to Val-David. There are other places to rent kayaks and bikes as well if you plan to stay out longer or do something more adventurous.

On the edge of town, Parc Régional de Val-David - Val-Morin is a go-to for rock climbers, with hundreds of traditional and bouldering routes.

How to get to Val-David from Montréal: Take Hwy 15 north or make it an adventure and cycle Le P’tit Train du Nord.

5. Ski the slopes at Mont-Tremblant

Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Since 1939, Mont-Tremblant has been Québec’s premier ski resort, with gorgeous runs starting from above the clouds down past evergreen trees weighed down with snow. The town below is made to look like a little European village (though it’s kitschy), with plenty of shops, restaurants and resorts. Warm up after a day on the slopes at Spa Scandinave .

In summer, Mont-Tremblant transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and golfing. Visit nearby Parc National du Mont-Tremblant for an escape to the wilderness – it’s a lot of fun to explore by canoe.

How to get to Mont-Tremblant from Montréal: Drive north on Hwy 15 until you get to the resort town. There are a few buses from the town of Saint-Jérôme, as well as shuttles around town.

6. Feed majestic mammals and Parc Oméga

Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Canada’s vast wilderness is graced with the presence of caribou, moose, elk, bears and many more majestic species, but the chances of running into them in the wild are slim. That’s where Parc Oméga comes in. The reserve protects hundreds of species of Canadian mammals while holding a careful equilibrium that protects the animals, the natural habitat and the humans who visit.

Drive your car slowly through the entrance and you’ll soon be greeted by dozens of gigantic elk. Buy a big bag of carrots to bring with you and stick one out the window – don’t worry, the beautiful beats are gentle. The tour continues past caribou, ibex, wolves, cinnamon bears and more, and there’s a farm where you can get out and walk around with deer.

How to get to Parc Oméga from Montréal: It’s located north of Montebello roughly halfway between Montréal and Ottawa on the Québec side. You’ll need your own vehicle to do the tour.

Editor's note: This article was sponsored by Québec after Montréal was selected for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024. Sponsors do not influence a destination's inclusion in Best In Travel, which is determined solely by Lonely Planet's editorial team.

This article was first published Jul 9, 2019 and updated Sep 19, 2023.

Supported by Québec

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Funding for this story is provided by Québec. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

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Here are some of the best places to party in Montreal during Grand Prix weekend

Yes, of course there is a car race, but Grand Prix weekend in Montreal — June 6 to 9 — is also about all kinds of live entertainment in the city core.

The weekend is basically the unofficial start of the summer entertainment scene in the city.

The Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival draws around 600,000 people each year. The downtown strip will be featuring loads of free music from Thursday through Sunday again this year.

“It’s huge, it’s fun, it’s festive,” said Jean-Paul Mouradian, co-promoter of the Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival and the Maxim Grand Prix Party at Windsor Station on Saturday. “It helps the economy of Montreal, the hotels, the restaurants.”

The Crescent St. bash features a slew of DJs and bands, including the Freddie James Project (Saturday at 9 p.m.) and Jordyn Sugar (Sunday at 5 p.m.). The Maxim party’s lineup includes Moroccan-American rapper French Montana and Australian DJ duo Nervo (twin sisters Olivia and Miriam Nervo).

That area is also the site of a major street party, Formula Peel , organized by the Peel Street Merchants Association. There’s another street bash in Little Italy, with the first edition of the Grand Prix des Saveurs .

St-Laurent Blvd. will be closed to cars from Friday to Sunday between Beaubien and Jean-Talon Sts. and there will be a bunch of free shows on two stages, one at the corner of St-Zotique St., the other at Jean-Talon. Artists performing include Zoo Baby, the solo project of Gazoline singer Xavier Dufour-Thériault, singer-songwriter Hanorah and blues/folk/country band Mon Doux Saigneur.

The event will feature sports cars parked on the street, salsa dancing and shows for young kids Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. at Place Delacroix.

Plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs are joining in the Grand Prix action. One of the hotter spots will be L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel in Old Montreal. For the weekend, it rebrands itself as ABGE and more or less becomes one huge nightclub for the duration. There are star DJs every night from Thursday through Sunday, including many Montreal tune-spinners, notably Del Arte on Thursday.

Anne-Marie Hinse, director of operations at L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel, said it’s their biggest weekend of the year.

“It’s a very important weekend for us,” Hinse said. “We really need it. It makes a big difference for our entire year. We really know how to do this. L’Auberge is really a festive restaurant. And there’s no denying the Grand Prix brings lots of people and lots of money to Montreal. And we’re happy to entertain them. We put lots of energy into creating a real show. We’re very creative in the way we throw a party. We see it like a huge play about the F1. Everyone is in a good mood from Thursday to Sunday.”

There’s also a full weekend of DJ bashes at New City Gas , including sets headlined by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté Thursday and star Dutch DJ Don Diablo Sunday night.

As usual, one of the go-to parties will be the Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix Party Friday. This year, the Ritz shindig will have a ’50s theme as the hotel will be transformed into one big homage to the era of Elvis, Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Artists performing include DJ YO-C, Fafa Khan, Shaharah and Replay The Beatles Tribute.

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10 Montréal “musts” for first-time visitors

Daniel Baylis

Daniel Baylis is a writer and adventurer. Born in British Columbia, Daniel came to Montréal with the kooky bohemian notion that he would write poetry, learn to speak French and fall in love. Having achieved various levels of success in said domains, he now focuses his energy on a new hobby: artisanal pickling.

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This article was updated on January 26, 2024.

To simplify your initial Montréal visit, we’ve compiled a simple list of crowd-pleasin’ attractions. Think of it as a “ greatest hits ” list of what to see and do in a diverse and exciting city.

In no particular order, here are 10 activities and attractions that first-time Montréal visitors might want to put on their “must see” list.

Climb Mount Royal (the lookout)

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect who crafted New York’s Central Park), the “mountain” park at the heart of the city is the city’s most iconic landmark — and the most popular place to snap a Montréal selfie. Reach the viewpoint at the top of  Mount Royal Park  by walking up the stairs or with a guided tour. In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find washrooms and a small canteen for refreshments. Give yourself at least two hours.

Spree on Sainte-Catherine Street

As one of the longest commercial strips in Canada, Sainte-Catherine Street is the perfect place for retail rehabilitation. You’ll find international fashion mainstays such as Zara, Victoria’s Secret and H&M. But don’t miss the regional retailers, such as Montréal-made leather goods at  M0851 , the coolest kicks at  Little Burgundy  and a plethora of options at beloved department store  Simons . Plus, don’t miss the shops in Centre Eaton de Montréal , Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .

Eat emblematic Montréal cuisine

Part of the  joie de vivre  culture of Montréal includes chowing down on great grub. Sink your teeth into a juicy smoked-meat sandwich at world-famous  Schwartz’s  deli. Discover why Montréal locals fervently adore their bagels at the wood-fire bakeries of  Fairmount Bagel Bakery   or  St-Viateur Bagel . (Clue: the bagels are dipped in honey water before baking). Sample our notorious poutine at  La Banquise . Finally, quench your thirst with a locally produced beverage, such as  Rise kombucha  or  1642 Cola .

Head back in time (in Old Montréal)

A first-timer’s visit to Montréal is not complete without meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of the  city’s old district . With juxtaposed architecture dating back as far as 1685, visitors have the opportunity to see — quite literally — how the city first began developing. Stop at  Notre-Dame Basilica   for a glimpse at the incredible stained glass art (and for a moment of stillness). Then head to historic  Place Jacques-Cartier  and install yourself on a terrace, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to watch street performers and portrait artists — and where the sangria floweth freely.

Ascend To Saint Joseph’s Oratory

Saint Joseph is often viewed as the saint of everyday life. It’s not everyday, however, that you can visit one of the most popular catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.  Saint Joseph’s Oratory  is a Montréal masterpiece — the  pièce de résistance  among a city of one thousand stunning churches. The oratory is home to a magnificent Rudolf von Beckerath organ, which is ranked among the ten most prestigious in the world. Also, the basilica’s huge dome reaches 97 meters making it second only in height to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Temporary exhibitions are available throughout the year. Ride the metro to Côte-des-Neiges station and then walk the divine staircase to the oratory.

Go “underground”

Montréal contains  a vast network of pedestrian walkways  — 32 kilometres (20 miles) of connecting passageways, to be exact — beneath street level. During the winter months, approximately 500,000 people circulate on this network daily, using the passages to connect with offices, trains, shops, and restaurants. Referred to as RÉSO (“network”  en français ), the system connects the city’s convention centre, 10 major hotels and a handful of shopping malls, such as the Centre Eaton de Montréal, Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .  Grab a PDF map  and get started on a truly “sub” urban adventure.

Market yourself

Montréalers love to eat. Sure we’ve got our characteristic local food (see above), but one of the best ways to savour the city is to visit one of the   local public markets . With a wide range of regional products from across Québec,  Marché Jean-Talon  — located in the heart of Little Italy — is the largest and most culturally diverse market in Montréal. For a smaller yet equally delicious option, the art deco-style  Marché Atwater  offers an array of specialty products and delicatessen treats. (Plus, it’s located beside the picturesque Lachine Canal.) Wherever you go, be sure to sample seasonal treats such as maple syrup in the spring, strawberries in the summer, and Macintosh apples in the autumn.

Hit a new plateau

The spiral staircases of the colourful  Plateau  neighbourhood present an iconic image of Montréal. In this  quartier  you’ll find a predominantly French-speaking community featuring an eclectic mix of artists, international students, and young professionals, spiced with a healthy dose of other cultures and languages to raise the diversity quotient that much higher. For a glimpse of the Plateau, walk along Avenue Mont-Royal, stopping for a recharge at Kouign Amann Bakery , or eat a meal at stylish bistro  Chez Victoire . If it’s a sunny day, we recommend doing as the locals do: grab a picnic and lounge beneath the leafy trees in peaceful  Parc La Fontaine .

Go East (for a feast of attractions)

Montréal’s eastside neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to a handful of awesome attractions — all within walking distance to each other. Firstly, the  Olympic Stadium  is a grandiose remnant from the history-making 1976 summer games, and arguably the most recognizable architectural structure in the entire city. At the soaring inclined tower of the stadium (even taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa), visitors can ride an elevator for a bird’s eye view of the cityscape. Also in the neighbourhood are the internationally-lauded  Montréal Botanical Garden , which feature seasonal installations such as the much-loved Chinese lantern festival in the autumn months. Last but not least, the kids will go wild for the critters at the  Biodôme , where five ecosystems are home to over 250 different species of animals.

Find your art beat

Montréal is a creative city. Artistic-inclined visitors will relish the multiple museums and galleries, home to both historic and modern works. As one of the most important institutions in North America, the  Montréal Museum of Fine Arts  is the premier stop for any art aficionado. The multiple rooms contain painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography, and decorative art objects, and the gallery prides itself on world-class temporary exhibits. For a more modern approach, visit Canada’s leading museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. The  Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal  (MAC) features a permanent collection, however the curators truly flex their “modern” muscles with the numerous multimedia events. Finally, the  Phi Centre  showcases art in all its glorious forms — check out the event schedule for a listing of live performances.

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Canada Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Canada is often skipped over on many round-the-world trips owing to its proximity to the US, poor flight connections, and few budget cross-country travel options.

But those people miss out on so much! Canada is one of the best countries in the world for RVing and road trips and it’s brimming with outdoor activities for all levels. Backpacking Canada is an amazing experience.

I love my friendly neighbor to the north and believe Canada is a really underrated destination. There’s a reason everyone around the world loves Canadians after all.

To top it all off, it’s also easy to get a working holiday visa here so you can stay longer and make money while you explore (there are huge seasonal industries across the country).

This travel guide to Canada can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this friendly natural wonderland!

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Top 5 things to see and do in canada.

1. Tour Toronto

Toronto is often considered the most multicultural city in the world, as over half of the city’s population is foreign-born. It’s an awesome, hip, artsy city. Don’t miss Kensington Market for good eats and cool shops, and there are plenty of tasty eats to be found in the city’s massive Chinatown as well. If you want to play tourist, head up the CN Tower for the best views of the city. For a bit of swimming in the summer, check out some of Canada’s easily accessible beaches on Lake Ontario where you can go kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the nearby amusement park Wonderland.

2. Explore Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper in Western Canada and is one of the most scenic drives in the country (if not the world). Stop along the way at the Columbia Icefield, an enormous icefield that feeds into eight glaciers. You can travel onto the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier where you can hike around and even drink from the crystal-clear icy glacial water. If you’re not squeamish about heights, walk out to the cliff-top glass-floored Skywalk to get a spectacular panorama of the entire area. It’s easy to reach via an enormous bus or opt for a hiking tour where you can walk the glacier. There’s even a restaurant at the top that’s a bit expensive but worth at least a coffee for the view.

3. Road trip the Maritimes

Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick make up Canada’s east coast. If you want to spend your days hiking, relaxing by the ocean, and whale watching, this is the place to do it. Nova Scotia is sometimes considered the most beautiful province with rolling hills leading to lush green coastal cliffs over frothy shores. There are colorful little fishing villages like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the “Prettiest Painted Places in Canada.” It boasts delicious fresh seafood and friendly locals to chat with. Be sure to set aside a few days for an incredible road trip on the 298-kilometer (185-mile) Cabot Trail around Cape Breton and spend in the Highlands National Park where you can hike, camp, or fish. The east coast is stunning and sees very few tourists compared to other areas of the country.

4. Hang out in Montreal

Montreal offers a look at the French side of the country. Old Montreal is thriving with culture and a mix of old and new architecture within its European-style cobblestone streets, the Notre Dame Cathedral, museums, and river cruises. The other side of Montreal is extremely modern with an underground city and mall, funky jazz clubs, and amazing cuisine, which make this the hippest and most romantic city in the country. It’s also cheaper than most of the other large cities in Canada. Don’t forget to try the poutine and bagels when you visit!

5. Have fun in Vancouver

Other things to see and do in canada, 1. celebrate the calgary stampede.

During July, over 1 million people descend on Calgary for this multi-day rodeo, drinking festival, and carnival where everyone gets to be a cowboy. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll meet tons of people from around the world. It’s one of Canada’s premier events so book early — prices rise and accommodation disappears fast! Also, wear cowboy boots and a hat if you want to fit in.

2. Hit the slopes

The mountains in Canada offer great skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Banff is a popular mountain town known for its excellent trails. It’s quite busy during the winter as locals and visitors alike hit the slopes, but it’s popular for a reason. While Banff is the most popular place to go, there are tons of other great skiing destinations in the country. Sunshine Village, Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, and Mont Tremblant are just a few to check out (they stretch from British Columbia to Quebec so you’ve got lots of choices).

3. Discover Vancouver Island

Take a few days off from Vancouver to explore nearby Vancouver Island . Eat delicious seafood, hike, spot some whales (lots of orcas live near here), shop, and lounge on the beach. This is a place to just sit and relax. Since it is so close to Vancouver, it’s a popular getaway with the locals during the summer. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the island. It’s a quiet but gorgeous little city worth a couple days of exploring. From here you can also visit places like Tofino, where the bustling surf community has evolved into a fun hippie town. If you’d rather hike an incredible yet challenging trail, the West Coast Trail is famous for its rugged beach and rainforest trails, man-made ladders through the trees, and rare wildlife.

4. Hike the rainforest

Hike the Pacific Rim National Park for a wonderful look at some temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most popular parks in Canada, home to Western Red Cedars, Pacific Silver Firs, and tons of wildlife including deer, wolves, bears, and cougars. The Long Beach area is one of the most accessible places for hiking, but the sand dunes behind Wickaninnish Beach on the South Beach Trail are also worth the trek.

5. Explore Calgary

Often skipped over by travelers since it’s not on the coast, Calgary actually has a lot to offer when it comes to free and low-cost activities. Have a picnic in one of its many parks, go rollerblading, watch a hockey game, or head up to the top of the surrounding peaks. There’s great hiking, kayaking, skiing, water rafting, and camping here and you can easily rent a bike and explore the city via its many bike paths. Although it’s been long dismissed as an oil town, it’s one of the liveliest cities in Canada.

6. Visit the galleries of Toronto

Toronto has some of the best museums and galleries in the country, so take a day or two to admire the art of the city. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are the two most famous art museums, but there are a plethora of smaller, specialty galleries too, like the Textiles Museum of Canada and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Galleries often offer discounts on certain days of the week, so check before you go to save some cash.

7. Take a road trip

This huge country is best explored by car or RV. It’s the ideal way to find yourself in tiny little towns, majestic mountains, amazing countryside, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track places. If you have a lot of time, this is your best and cheapest option to see the country. The Trans-Canada Highway stretches from coast to coast, making a road trip relatively easy to plan. Just keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable (especially in the winter). Of course, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and you’ll want to be prepared for long stretches of driving without any rest stops or gas stations. However, it’s worth it — the changing landscapes and scenic vistas are out of this world! you could easily spend weeks or months touring the country and still barely scratch the surface. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

8. Stroll the nation’s capital

Ottawa is a very easy city to explore on foot. Home to museums, art galleries, and plenty of shops, it’s a charming city worth visiting for a couple days. You can take a tour of Parliament Hill (the historic buildings where the Canadian government operates) or cross the Ottawa River and visit Quebec (the great Museum of Civilization is just across the bridge). The Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada are two must-visit museums in Ottawa. Also, don’t miss the busy Byward Market, and be sure to check out the craft breweries in Westboro. Try a beavertail (a sweet pastry with sugary toppings) when you’re here!

9. Get off the beaten path in Nova Scotia

The locals boast that Nova Scotia is home to the friendliest people in Canada. They might be right. That, combined with over 100 beaches, picturesque lighthouses, great sailing, mouth-watering seafood (this area of Canada is the main fishing region), and a marvelous coastline, makes Nova Scotia an amazing place to visit in Canada. Plus, the province doesn’t see lots of tourists so it’s far less crowded and unspoiled compared to other regions. It’s perfect for road trips and camping.

10. Admire Quebec City

Quebec City’s Old Town offers cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th-century architecture, and the only North American fortress, the Citadel. The historical Quartier Petit Champlain is stunning and gives you an authentic French feeling with little cheese shops, bistros, creperies, and boutiques. It’s especially magical in December as it’s fully decorated with twinkling lights, snow-covered canopies, and lined with beautiful Christmas trees. In the warm weather, you can easily lose track of time wandering the streets admiring the flowers everywhere and colorful window shutters and storefronts. Don’t forget to sample the local ice ciders, head out for drinks on Grande Allée, and explore the streets below the stunning Château Frontenac.

11. Visit Kelowna

Warm in the summer and mild in the winter, this glacial valley has some of the best weather in the entire country. It’s no wonder that this is where many Canadians spend their vacations. There’s a marina and a few golf courses, not to mention that the Okanagan Valley is home to Canada’s best vineyards and wineries (a four-hour wine tour costs around 125 CAD). In the summer, Canadians rent fancy houseboats complete with waterslides to vacation on nearby Okanagan Lake. Overall, this is just a gorgeous slice of the country that shouldn’t be missed.

12. Head north to Churchill, Manitoba

This might be a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it also happens to be the Polar Bear Capital of the World, the Beluga Whale Capital of the World, and one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis. You can ride in a tundra buggy (a special bus raised on giant wheels to keep you out of reach from polar bears) and head out on the open plains to see polar bears in their natural habitats. Mother nature is alive and thriving here. Day tours in a tundra buggy during the summer start at around 250 CAD, including lunch.

13. See the iconic Niagara Falls

This is one of the most visited attractions on the entire continent. You can never imagine how big it is until you see it up close (you never envision so much mist either). To see it up close, on a boat tour and head out into the waterfalls (be prepared to get soaked). Walks runs a daily boat tour that has exclusive access to the best spots and includes access to behind the falls (tours are 107 CAD). The town itself is touristy and cheesy so don’t spend more than a day or two (it’s fun for kids though).

14. Get lost in the Yukon

The Yukon is the perfect place to get your nature fix. The chances of seeing a bear, elk, or deer are incredibly high (or you can tour the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’re guaranteed to see them). Go hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park, soak in a mineral hot pool at the Takhini Hot Springs, or swing by the Sign Post Forest with its unique collection of over 77,000 signposts. Hardly anyone ever visits the Yukon as visitors tend to stick to the major cities in the south of the country. Because of that, you’ll find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature.

  For more information on specific cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Canada Travel Costs

Accommodation – Rates vary a lot depending on what city you’re staying in. On average, you’ll end up paying 35-45 CAD per night for a dorm room at a hostel. Expect to pay at least 90-120 CAD for a budget hotel room. Prices rise drastically in larger cities (notably Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa).

Airbnb is available across the country, rivaling budget hotels for price and convenience. Expect to pay an average of 60-90 CAD per night for a private room, while entire homes/apartments start around 100 CAD. Keep in mind that many smaller towns won’t have many options. However, there are usually locally owned hotels or motels that are generally quite cheap. Also, Airbnb prices can double (or triple) when not booked in advance so book early.

If camping is your thing, you’ll have plenty of options across the country. Prices vary depending on the grounds but expect to pay between 25-35 CAD per night for a basic pitch for two people. Many of the major national and provincial campgrounds sell out early in the summer, so be sure to book in advance during the peak season (June-August).

Food – Overall, the food here is a collage of dishes from other cultures, owing to the country’s diverse history of immigration. On the coasts, seafood is king while the prairies have more of a meat and potatoes diet. Be sure to sample some of Canada’s famous staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

Overall, food can be inexpensive if you stick to cooking for yourself, eating street food, and dining at cheap fast-food places. Cheap sandwich shops and fast food are your best bet, usually costing less than 13 CAD per meal.

Pizzas cost 15-20 CAD while Asian food is usually 10-15 CAD for a main dish.

A meal out at a casual restaurant costs 20-35 CAD for a main dish and a drink. Casual fine dining costs double that.

Beer is around 7 CAD while a latte/cappuccino is around 4.60 CAD. Bottled water costs 2 CAD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50-75 CAD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Canada Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit Canada? Well, it’s complicated. How much you spend largely depends on where in Canada you’re going to visit. For example, Canada’s biggest cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver are considerably more expensive than the smaller ones (like Halifax, St. John’s, and Quebec City). The rural areas are even cheaper but getting around costs more as you may need to rent a car or take expensive buses.

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend around 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and sticking to free activities like hiking and enjoying nature.

On a mid-range budget of 185 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a food or wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 310 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though, the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Canada Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of Canada, there are plenty of ways to save money when you travel, but it varies by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help but for specific tips visit our city guides!

• Stay with a local – As Canada is not the most budget-friendly destination owing to its inconvenient size, you’ll be able to cut down on your costs by using Couchsurfing . While not huge in smaller towns, you won’t have a hard time finding a host in the major cities. Just be sure to plan ahead during the summer as that is prime tourist season and it’s much harder to find a host then.
• Enjoy outdoor summer festivals – Since Canadians are stuck indoors all winter, they love to make the most of hot days by packing in lots of festivals into the short summer. Many of these, like Heritage Days (Edmonton), Kits Days (Vancouver), and Caribana (Toronto), are free. Check out upcoming events online by visiting the local tourism board’s website.
• Embrace the outdoors – A vast country with a relatively minuscule population leaves lots of potential for outdoor activities. Rent a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter and enjoy the free use of many trails (versus expensive downhill lift passes). In the summer, you can bike, hike, kayak, or canoe. The cost of most equipment rentals is around 25-100 CAD for a day, and you can explore many areas at no further cost.
• Take the bus – Megabus runs in Ontario and Quebec (with connections into the U.S., including NYC). You can find tickets for as little as 1 CAD if booked in advance. This is the most affordable way to get between Toronto and Montreal (or into the U.S.).
• Use ride-sharing services – If you are going to be traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicles. Craigslist, Couchsurfing, Kangaride, and Facebook all have ride-share pages for most major cities. If you can find someone traveling in your direction you can tag along and share the cost of gas.
• Eat street food – Every major Canadian city has plenty of street vendors selling hot dogs, sausages, and veggie dogs for as little as 3 CAD. You won’t find a cheaper lunch!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in Canada offer free walking tours. They are a great way to explore and get a feel for each location and its history. Most last a couple of hours and don’t need to be booked in advance. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Buy gas on native reserves – If you are driving around the country, keep your eyes peeled for native reserves — they are the cheapest places to buy gas in Canada. With lower taxes, you’ll find gas prices significantly cheaper than anywhere else. They are also great places to stop and experience the vibrant cultures of Canada’s First People.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Canada

Hostels are not that plentiful across Canada, but generally, they’re high quality and clean. Here are my suggested places to stay in Canada:

• The Only Backpacker’s Inn (Toronto)
• The Parkdale Hostellerie (Toronto)
• Cambie Hostel Gastown (Vancouver)
• Samesun Vancouver (Vancouver)
• HI Calgary City Centre (Calgary)
• HI Lake Louise (Banff)
• HI Montreal Hostel (Montreal)
• Alexandrie-Montréal (Montreal)

How to Get Around Canada

Public transportation – Within city limits you’ll find great public transportation networks. Toronto and Montreal are the only two cities in Canada with subway systems (although Vancouver has SkyTrain), but even the smallest Canadian cities have extensive bus routes. It usually costs about 3.25 CAD for a one-way ticket.

Larger cities have passes designed for tourists to make the most of the metro system. For example, Toronto has a daily pass for unlimited travel for 13.50 CAD.

Bus – There’s no singular country-wide bus system here. Instead, regional operators vary per location. Megabus is the cheapest option when it comes to traveling between cities in Ontario and Quebec. Fares can be as low as 1 CAD if booked in advance. Red Arrow is primarily an Alberta coach line. On the east coast, Maritime Bus is the main coach company (except in Newfoundland where it’s DRL Group).

Toronto to Ottawa costs about 30-50 CAD with Flixbus, while Ottawa to Montreal is around 35-50 CAD. A longer ride — like the 13-hour drive from Calgary to Vancouver — costs around 125-165 CAD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There is a train service (VIA Rail) that runs from coast to coast and is very scenic, albeit not cheap. Many train routes are currently suspended or running with limited space due to COVID-19, meaning that journeys take even longer. It takes over 24 hours to get from Halifax to Ottawa, costing about 150-170 CAD. On the other hand, shorter routes like between Montreal and Quebec City (a 3.5-hour journey) are more affordable and start at 36 CAD.

Flying – As your last alternative, you can fly, but since the country has only two major airlines (WestJet and Air Canada) prices are often high. Round-trip flights from Toronto to Vancouver usually start at around 200 CAD when booked early but they can easily cost triple that price. Round-trip from Ottawa to Calgary is around 270 CAD, but again, this is when booked in advance. Expect to pay at least double that price if you don’t book early.

Overall, flying is worthwhile only if you want to see specific cities and have limited time. For shorter routes (like Montreal to Ottawa) you’ll save a lot of money if you just take the bus or train.

Car Rental – If you’re going between provinces or staying a while in the country, consider renting a car for 35-50 CAD per day. This is one of the best, most convenient ways to get around the country — especially if you’re interested in getting out of the cities and into Canada’s wilderness (ideally if you have someone to share the cost with too).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Ridesharing – If you are traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicle. Check these websites for rides:

• Couchsurfing

When to Go to Canada

Since Canada is such a large country, climate and temperature vary drastically from coast to coast. Canada has very defined seasons, and winter can be harsh and long in some places. For example, winters in the Northern Territories begin early and end late, and places like Newfoundland and Labrador can experience snow until late May.

On the other hand, winter in the Canadian Rockies is epic and people from all over the world flock to British Columbia and Alberta to hit the slopes around Whistler, Banff, and Revelstoke. Prepare for cold temperatures, though. In some places, like on the prairies, it can get as cold as -40°C (-40°F). In short, only visit in the winter if you’re planning to do winter sports.

Summer in Canada is beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time of year. June to the end of September is the main tourist season, with inflated prices and large crowds. On the other hand, the temperatures are lovely during this time, often in the high 20s°C (70s°F). There are music festivals galore and it’s a great time to hike, bike, and explore the Great Lakes.

Shoulder season is also a fantastic time to visit Canada, although spring (March-June) can be quite wet. Fall (September-October) is highly recommended, as temperatures are still warm enough and the autumn foliage is really something special. Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces are well worth an autumn trek.

How to Stay Safe in Canada

Canada is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas (generally where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks, though that isn’t super common. Nevertheless, always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking public transportation, just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If visiting in the winter, dress warmly. It gets so cold here that people literally freeze to death so take precautions and always keep an eye on the forecast.

If you’re going out hiking, always check the weather beforehand and ensure you have enough water. Bring sunscreen and a hat too. It can get humid here!

Canada’s cannabis legalization has a whole lot of rules and restrictions. The CBC has a great outline on everything you need to know if you’re thinking of consuming cannabis while in Canada.

Scams here are rare, but it never hurts to be prepared. Read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Canada Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Canada Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Canada travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Toronto

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

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