staffWriterAesthetic adventures: What are the top beautiful places to visit in Montreal?
They say Montreal has a European soul with a North American heartbeat. But what does that really mean? Join us as we peel back the layers of this city – from its charming old quarters to those spots only the locals know.
This isn’t a city you just see, it’s a city you feel. So, buckle up, buttercup, we’re here to find out why Montreal is more than just poutine and hockey!
Old Montreal
Media from levieuxmontreal
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada
Old Montreal is like a time capsule that somehow decided to upgrade to offering gourmet lattes and swanky art galleries. You’ll find cobblestone streets so charming they should come with a warning (risk of falling in love with the city).
Plus, a bustling energy that proves this historic heart still beats to a thoroughly modern rhythm. You can think of it as Europe with a dash of Canadian warmth.
The Notre Dame Basilica casts a dramatic silhouette, the Old Port bustles with river cruises and zip-liners, and you’ll spend half your time just deciding which impossibly chic café to stop at for a croissant.
Mount Royal Park
Media credit to lamiel.photo
Location: 1260 Chem. Remembrance, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
This hill (okay, technically a small mountain) is where locals recharge after a bustling week. Frederick Law Olmsted, the same genius behind Central Park designed it, so you know the landscaping is top-notch.
Picture winding paths perfect for long walks, Beaver Lake for a touch of serene nature, and panoramic lookouts offering postcard-perfect views of the Montreal skyline. Summer means picnics and outdoor concerts, while winter brings ice skating and snowshoeing fun.
It’s the ideal place to get a slice of nature, a dose of history (there’s a gorgeous chalet at the top), and the best views in the city.
Montreal Botanical Garden
Media credit to who.spit.in.your.bean.curd
Location: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-868-3000
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
As one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, Montreal Botanical Garden is a sprawling kingdom of flora where you can lose yourself amidst vibrant blooms and exotic wonders.
Imagine strolling through a Chinese Garden with moon gates and serene ponds, or a Japanese Garden with whispering bamboo and the delicate scent of cherry blossoms.
There are themed gardens galore, from an alpine escape to a buzzing First Nations Garden. Plus, with festivals like the mesmerizing Gardens of Light and the fluttering Butterflies Go Free, there’s always something magical happening here.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory
Media from osjmr
Location: 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3V 1H6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-733-8211
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a place where grandeur and humility go hand in hand. It’s Canada’s largest church, with a massive dome that dominates the Montreal skyline, beckoning visitors with its sheer scale.
Yet, its story begins with a humble monk named Brother André, known for his healing touch. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of religious art, thousands of flickering votive candles, and even Brother André’s preserved heart.
But here’s the twist: for the most awe-inspiring views, you’ll need some leg power! Climb the steps to the basilica’s peak for jaw-dropping panoramas of the city. Think stunning architecture, a testament to faith, and a workout with heavenly rewards.
Jean-Talon Market
Media from marchejeantalon
Location: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-937-7754
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Since its inauguration in 1933 as Marché du Nord, Jean-Talon Market has blossomed into one of North America’s largest open-air public markets, beloved for its authentic character and lively atmosphere.
It’s a feast for the senses, bursting with the colours of the freshest produce, the heady aromas of spices from around the world, and the lively chatter of passionate locals and curious visitors alike.
From the warm aromas of maple in the spring to the rich harvest in the fall, Jean-Talon Market dances to the rhythm of the seasons. Its beauty lies in the ever-changing abundance, the joyful chaos, and the sense of tradition that permeates the air.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Media from co_raliefaw
Location: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1J5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-285-2000
Opening hours:
- Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Established in 1847 as the Montreal Society of Artists, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) wears its rich history proudly. It’s Canada’s oldest art institution, and its evolution into a premier destination for art lovers is evident in its ever-expanding collection.
With over 47,000 works encompassing everything from antiquity to contemporary creations, you can marvel at the treasures of Quebec and Canadian heritage and maybe immerse yourself in Indigenous art.
But MMFA exceeds its impressive collection. The building itself is a stunner, a blend of classic architecture and modern elegance. Inside, curated exhibits showcase artistic mastery from ancient Egyptian relics to cutting-edge installations.
Jacques-Cartier Bridge
Media from jf.a.velo
Location: 134 Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Montréal, QC H2K 4M2, Canada
Contact: +1 450-651-8771
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Built in 1930 and originally named the Harbour Bridge (a name hinting at its practical purpose), it was later christened after the French explorer Jacques Cartier. But the bridge’s true transformation happened in 2017 when it became the world’s first “connected” bridge.
This isn’t your average steel giant – the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is draped in a cutting-edge lighting system called “Living Connections”. This LED network pulsates with the city’s energy, its colours morphing with the seasons and reacting in real time to traffic, weather, and even social media trends.
The result is a bridge that’s never the same twice, a dynamic light show that dances across the Montreal skyline, and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique perspective on the city.
Atwater Market
Media from marcheatwater
Location: 138 Atwater Ave, Montreal, Quebec H4C 2H6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-937-7754
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Since its opening in 1933, the market has stood as a landmark, its distinctive Art Deco architecture a testament to the city’s heritage. It’s a looker, making it a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Step foot inside and a symphony of aromas greets you – the tang of fresh-baked bread, the heady scent of spices, and the sweet perfume of ripe fruit. The stalls here overflow with an array of local goodies: colourful produce, artisanal cheeses, and tempting treats!
You can even take a stroll outdoors and admire the bustling flower market or find a perfect waterfront spot for a picnic with your market finds.
Habitat 67
Media from habitat67montreal
Location: 2600 Av Pierre-Dupuy, Montréal, QC H3C 3R6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-866-5971
Habitat 67 is a glorious rebellion against the ordinary. It’s like a giant stack of Lego-like concrete blocks where each one is a private haven with its own terrace and a splash of green. Conceived by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67, this is a master’s thesis project brought boldly to life!
Expo 67’s theme was “Man and His World”, and Habitat 67 embodied that vision with its revolutionary design. Safdie aimed to combine the best of both worlds: the privacy, spaciousness, and connection to nature of suburban homes, with the practicality and density of urban living.
The result? A structure so delightfully unexpected, it inspires a childlike sense of wonder. With its 354 prefabricated concrete forms jumbled together with a playful disregard for gravity, each unit boasts its own garden space, fresh air, and a sense of seclusion unheard of in apartment living at the time.
Montreal Biodome
Media from espacepourlavie
Location: 4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1B3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-866-5971
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Housed within the former Olympic velodrome (with a shape that hints at ancient fossils), Montreal Biodome is a place where the wonders of the natural world come alive.
This dome doesn’t just recreate the look of nature – it captures its feel, its smells, and its sounds. Feel the warmth of the rainforest, smell the salty spray of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and witness the changing colours of the Laurentian Maple Forest as the seasons flow by.
This immersive experience also houses a jaw-dropping 2,500 animals and over 800 plant species, reminding us of the incredible biodiversity of our planet. It’s a place to learn, be amazed, and feel a renewed connection to the breathtaking beauty of the natural world.
Chinatown
Media from flavioharuoendo
Location: De la Gauchetière Street, Montreal
Born in the bustling aftermath of the 19th century, this neighbourhood, nestled within the Ville-Marie borough, unfolds like a vibrant scroll of multicultural narratives, culinary adventures, and architectural wonders.
Although smaller than some of its North American counterparts, this place offers a unique cultural experience. Its iconic “Paifang” gate, adorned with colourful dragons, marks the entrance to this lively neighbourhood.
Here, you’ll find bustling shops overflowing with traditional teas, exotic ingredients, and unique souvenirs. The air is filled with enticing aromas from dim sum restaurants and noodle shops, offering a tempting culinary adventure.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Media from lagranderouedemontreal
Location: 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-325-7888
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Craving a bird’s-eye view of Montreal? La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada’s tallest Ferris wheel, promises an unforgettable perspective of this vibrant city. This Old Port icon soars 60 meters above the charming cobblestone streets and the mighty St. Lawrence River.
On a clear day, prepare to be dazzled by panoramic views stretching 28 kilometres – spot landmarks like the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the Olympic Stadium, trace the historic streets of Old Montreal, and admire Mount Royal, the city’s majestic green heart.
Step aboard one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas, each featuring anti-UV tempered glass for crystal-clear vistas in any weather. Feeling fancy? Splurge on the VIP gondola, complete with a glass floor and plush Italian leather seats, for the ultimate sky-high experience.
Montréal Underground City
Media from audi_yu
Location: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria #247, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 3Y9, Canada
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Forget dreary basements or dark passageways, Montreal’s Underground City (RÉSO) redefines subterranean spaces! This 33-kilometer labyrinth pulsates with life and energy, a bustling metropolis hidden beneath the city streets.
Imagine a sprawling network where 500,000 people shop, dine, and even attend university classes daily – all without facing the elements!
The RÉSO is an ecosystem in its own right: 2,000 shops, 265 restaurants, museums, a hockey arena, and even a 10,000-square-foot indoor skating rink at Atrium Le 1000.
