Guide to Discovering Montreal, Canada

Explore Mont Royal Park, Montreal’s Mountain playground designed by Frederik Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park. Enjoy fantastic views of the city and find activities for all four seasons. Hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, ice skating, cycling, skiing, tobogganing and boating around Beaver Lake are just a few ideas. You’ll also find two universities, two cemeteries, the Mont Royal Cross, Mont Royal Chalet and St. Joseph’s Oratory here.

The charming old-world Jean-Talon Market is open almost year-round and offers local culinary delights from bakers, butchers, farmers and restaurateurs. This beloved public market in Little Italy is a great place to walk around and grab some goodies to take back to your hotel.

Check out Ateliers & Saveurs for cooking classes, cocktail classes and wine tastings and the Chocolate Academy or Etat de Choc to learn chocolate making.

Check out the cultural center of Montreal, Quartier des Spectacles, for festivals, movies, plays, art exhibitions, concerts and all kinds of shows. The Museum Quarter around the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts where you will find high end and boutique shopping, great dining and art galleries.

You won’t want to miss the cobblestone streets and charming renovated 19th Century buildings of Old Montreal. Here you’ll see smaller boutique hotels, historic churches, unique dining and quaint shops.

From Old Town, walk to the Old Port where you’ll find La Grande Roue de Montreal. This is the tallest Observation Wheel in Canada with panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and city. There are a ton of activities here, including the SOS Labyrinthe, Jet Boating, Ziplining, Violes en Voiles (an adventure theme park), jet ski tours and a science center.

The Space for Life - dedicated to natural sciences, is definitely worth a visit to enjoy a botanical garden, planetarium, insectarium. Check the schedule for festivals and special events.

Discover an extensive underground network of walkways which connect trains, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and the convention center, known as the “Underground City” or “Reso”.

Catch some comedy, performances or cabaret shows at Casino de Montreal or one of Montreal’s pop up villages, which feature performances, activities and food.

Relax after a day of activities and sightseeing at a spa in Montreal. Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau is a special Scandinavian spa experience at the Old Port in a repurposed old ferry boat. Scandinave Spa and Spa William Gray (at the hotel William Gray) also offer spa experiences, as well as Strom Nordic Spa for a nature spa thermal experience.

St. Viateur Bagel is probably the best bagel I’ve ever had, slightly sweet with a touch of honey, boiled in water and wood-fired. The original with smoked salmon with sesame bagel is my favorite and all the sandwiches come with cantaloupe slices. Head to the one on Mont-Royal Avenue, which is great for walking around with lots of quaint shops and cafes and close to La Fontaine Park.

Fast food restaurant La Banquise is the place for poutine, with a ton of varieties offered, including vegan.

Schwart’s Deli is a mainstay for succulent smoked brisket sandwiches, partly owned by Celine Dion.

Loam Restaurant & Bar is a gorgeous little restaurant and wine bar with a seasonal, sophisticated menu, private dining room and great cocktails. Open for dinners and brunch on weekends.

Lucca serving up their signature seafood pastas and other seasonal Italian deliciousness.

Auberge Saint Gabriel Restaurant is located in a charming historic inn. Built in 1688 by a French soldier in Old Montreal, serving fine regional French cuisine.

Sushi Hidden Fish is a stylish and cozy Japanese restaurant serving sushi, sashimi and other Japanese specialties.

Yokato Yokabai Ramen has various traditional and customized Ramen made with organic ingredients, Karaage and other side dishes, along with vegetarian and vegan options.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill is great for local and international jazz and blues downtown.