I was surprised by the diversity of Montreal. It reminds me of a small New York. The variety of architecture, ethnic restaurants, churches, sports, museums, shopping, and fun activities is endless. The charm of the city is accentuated by listening to the diverse languages. British and French influence is noted in the fashion, street names, and architecture. Almost everyone speaks both English and French. It is only a stone’s throw away from the US. If you want a little feel of Europe, check out Montreal. The friendly people, festivals, sports, shopping, exchange rate, and beautiful buildings will satisfy your travel bug.
1. There are a number of beautiful churches including Basilica of Notre-Dame (pictured above)
The Notre-Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s most recognized religious buildings Pope John Paul II raised the church’s status to basilica during his visit to Montreal in 1982.
Visitors are awed by the church’s colorful interior. The deep blue ceiling is dotted with golden stars, while the sanctuary itself is a blaze of colors in blues, reds, silver and azure. The stained glass windows depict scenes from the city’s religious history. You can also view the pipe organ, comprised of four keyboards and 7000 individual pipes! The light show is phenomenal. You can buy tickets ahead of time and at the door if they are not sold out.
1. There are a number of beautiful churches including Basilica of Notre-Dame (pictured above)
The Notre-Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s most recognized religious buildings Pope John Paul II raised the church’s status to basilica during his visit to Montreal in 1982.
Visitors are awed by the church’s colorful interior. The deep blue ceiling is dotted with golden stars, while the sanctuary itself is a blaze of colors in blues, reds, silver and azure. The stained glass windows depict scenes from the city’s religious history. You can also view the pipe organ, comprised of four keyboards and 7000 individual pipes! The light show is phenomenal. You can buy tickets ahead of time and at the door if they are not sold out.
Saint Joseph's Oratory
Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont Royal is Canada’s largest church. The basilica, dedicated to Saint Joseph, is best known for its link to the legendary “Brother Andre”, one of the most popular Quebecois of the 20th century who reportedly performed miraculous healings on the sick or injured. Save valuable time and money by getting Saint Joseph's Oratory tickets in advance.
Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont Royal is Canada’s largest church. The basilica, dedicated to Saint Joseph, is best known for its link to the legendary “Brother Andre”, one of the most popular Quebecois of the 20th century who reportedly performed miraculous healings on the sick or injured. Save valuable time and money by getting Saint Joseph's Oratory tickets in advance.
Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
Known in English as Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, this ornate church is situated in downtown Montreal and is the seat of the city’s Roman Catholic archdiocese. It was only in 1955 that the church was rededicated as Mary, Queen of the World by Pope Pius XII.
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2000, the 333 ft long, 252 ft high minor basilica is the third largest church in Quebec and boasts a number of notable features. The inside of the cathedral is just as fascinating, with the aisles and arches containing paintings depicting early Montreal history.
Known in English as Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, this ornate church is situated in downtown Montreal and is the seat of the city’s Roman Catholic archdiocese. It was only in 1955 that the church was rededicated as Mary, Queen of the World by Pope Pius XII.
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2000, the 333 ft long, 252 ft high minor basilica is the third largest church in Quebec and boasts a number of notable features. The inside of the cathedral is just as fascinating, with the aisles and arches containing paintings depicting early Montreal history.
2. There are 66 museums and 72 galleries
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Musee d’Art Contemporain de Montreal (MACM) is Canada’s premier museum dedicated solely to contemporary art. The museum’s permanent collection comprises nearly 7,600 works by local and international artists.
One of the best ways to see Museum of Contemporary Art is on foot or bike. Take the The Belgo gallery hop in downtown Montreal, an enjoyable time is guaranteed.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Musee d’Art Contemporain de Montreal (MACM) is Canada’s premier museum dedicated solely to contemporary art. The museum’s permanent collection comprises nearly 7,600 works by local and international artists.
One of the best ways to see Museum of Contemporary Art is on foot or bike. Take the The Belgo gallery hop in downtown Montreal, an enjoyable time is guaranteed.
3. It was the site of the Olympics, leaving beautiful buildings
Montreal Tower Observatory
Visit the tallest inclined tower in the world with an admission ticket to the Montreal Tower Observatory, located at Olympic Park. From the top of the tower, which is leaning at an astonishing 45-degree angle, see the entire Montreal region and up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the St. Lawrence River valley. Ride to the Montreal Tower Observatory at Olympic Park Hop aboard a glass-encased funicular up the world’s tallest inclined tower. Capture breathtaking views of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains, and the St. Lawrence Read more about Montreal Tower Observatory Admission Ticket 2019 - https://www.viator.com/tours/Montreal/Montreal-Tower-Observatory-Admission-plus-Optional-Ticket-to-the-Biodome/d625-2936TOWER?mcid=56757River Valley.
Montreal Tower Observatory
Visit the tallest inclined tower in the world with an admission ticket to the Montreal Tower Observatory, located at Olympic Park. From the top of the tower, which is leaning at an astonishing 45-degree angle, see the entire Montreal region and up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the St. Lawrence River valley. Ride to the Montreal Tower Observatory at Olympic Park Hop aboard a glass-encased funicular up the world’s tallest inclined tower. Capture breathtaking views of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains, and the St. Lawrence Read more about Montreal Tower Observatory Admission Ticket 2019 - https://www.viator.com/tours/Montreal/Montreal-Tower-Observatory-Admission-plus-Optional-Ticket-to-the-Biodome/d625-2936TOWER?mcid=56757River Valley.
Montreal Biodome
The Montreal Biodome (Biodome de Montreal) takes you on a fascinating walk through four unique ecosystems found on the Americas.
Each of the four exhibits take up one portion of the Biodome, and visitors are able to see not just flora, but also a variety of animals which are native to the regions represented. A total of 4,500 animals from 250 species call the Montreal Biodome home. For example, you can see the lynx in the Laurentian Forest, various fish species in the Saint Lawrence River and macaws in the Tropical Forest.
Biosphere Museum
The museum has dedicated months on end each time to different aspects of the environment, including the climate, H20 variations, and responsible consumption.
The Montreal Biodome (Biodome de Montreal) takes you on a fascinating walk through four unique ecosystems found on the Americas.
Each of the four exhibits take up one portion of the Biodome, and visitors are able to see not just flora, but also a variety of animals which are native to the regions represented. A total of 4,500 animals from 250 species call the Montreal Biodome home. For example, you can see the lynx in the Laurentian Forest, various fish species in the Saint Lawrence River and macaws in the Tropical Forest.
Biosphere Museum
The museum has dedicated months on end each time to different aspects of the environment, including the climate, H20 variations, and responsible consumption.
4.It has a world renowned Botanical Garden
Montreal’s Jardin de Montreal, or Botanical Garden, is a 75 hectares (about 200 acreas) oasis in the middle of the bustling city and has a reputation as one of the most important and established gardens in the world. They are one of four nature attractions under the city of Montreal’s Space for Life (Espace Pour la Vie) umbrella, the others being the Biodome, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium and the Insectarium.
The Botanical Gardens comprise outdoor gardens (covered with snow for four months of the year), and a multi-complex of greenhouses which feature plants from all over the world. Take your time to meander through the many themed gardens which make up the Montreal Botanical Gardens, including the Japanese Garden.
Impressive totem poles display native artwork. The Chinese Garden offers winding paths, an artificial mountain and houses a unique collection of penjing and bonsai. The Alpine Garden, poisonous plants garden and the flowery brook are all popular among visitors.
The huge 1.4 meter (1.6 yards) lion statue (Lion de la Feuillee) located at the entrance to the rose garden, makes a great photo-op for visitors.
Montreal’s Jardin de Montreal, or Botanical Garden, is a 75 hectares (about 200 acreas) oasis in the middle of the bustling city and has a reputation as one of the most important and established gardens in the world. They are one of four nature attractions under the city of Montreal’s Space for Life (Espace Pour la Vie) umbrella, the others being the Biodome, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium and the Insectarium.
The Botanical Gardens comprise outdoor gardens (covered with snow for four months of the year), and a multi-complex of greenhouses which feature plants from all over the world. Take your time to meander through the many themed gardens which make up the Montreal Botanical Gardens, including the Japanese Garden.
Impressive totem poles display native artwork. The Chinese Garden offers winding paths, an artificial mountain and houses a unique collection of penjing and bonsai. The Alpine Garden, poisonous plants garden and the flowery brook are all popular among visitors.
The huge 1.4 meter (1.6 yards) lion statue (Lion de la Feuillee) located at the entrance to the rose garden, makes a great photo-op for visitors.
5. Their bus, train, and subway system can get you most anywhere
There are a lot of neighborhoods including:
There are a lot of neighborhoods including:
- Downtown
- Chinatown
- Quartier des Spectacles- Cultural Headquarters
- Grand Prix
- Old Montreal:
The oldest area of Montreal was once walled and still boasts delightful cobbled stones from the 17th – 19th centuries and the Old Montreal Port on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. The area is considered a major tourist attraction and includes many of Montreal’s most visited institutions, including the Bonsecours Market, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal City Hall, the Chateau Ramezay, the Notre-Dame Basilica. The Old Port provides recreational space where visitors walk along the shore of the river, as well as a number of museums and attractions. - Little Italy
- Plateau Mount Royal
- St. Laurent Blvd
- Mile End
- Homa Area
- Parc Jean Drapeau- 2 Islands off Montreal with La Ronde Amusement Park
- The Village- Very LGBT Friendly
6. Lots of Festivals and Entertainment
- Over 40 Micro Breweries
- Public Markets
- Known for Maple Products
- Restaurants with outdoor seating and rooftop terraces
- Lots of Music
- Many cultural activities including 86 theaters, 72 art galleries, 58 libraries, and 66 museums
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7. Shopping Galore
- 48% of jobs in the garment industry are in Montreal
- Antiques
- Designer Boutiques
- Eaton Center- Off Saint Catherine St. - very large mall
- Underground shopping- right off Eaton Center
8. Sports
- National Hockey League
- Major League Baseball
- Montreal Canadians have won the most Stanley cups in the National Hockey League (24)
- Major League Canadian Soccer
- Major League Sporting Events including Canadian Grand Prix, Rogers Cup, Go Bike Festival, Marathon Oasis, and Grand Prix Cyclists
- Golf
- Biking- 296 kilometers of bike lanes.
- 19 Parks
- The British rule Canada and their influence can be seen all over
- French influence in dressing, speaking, and food
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police C Squad Band and Drum Corp performs for public during festivals, parades, and ceremonial functions
10. Fun For the Kids
- LaRonde Six Flags Park
- Science Center with an IMAX
- Zip Lining
- Indoor Skating Rink at Atrium 1000 as well as outdoor rinks
- Eating poutine: French fries and cheese curds covered with gravy
- Parachute Montreal
- Fly-board Extreme- hybrid between a wake board and a kite surf.
- Jet Boating
- Bungee Jumping
- Trapezium
- Clip and Climb: An indoor obstacle course
- The Riverfront: Cycle, walk or roller-blade, with Segway rentals also available.
- Beaches: Sandy shores along the riverfront
- River Surfing
Pack your bags and join your friends for a wonderful trip to Montreal. You won't be disappointed. It is very close to Quebec City, which is another scenic spot. Learn more about Eastern Canada by watching my video about Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal.
Contact us at PetersonTravelPros for help planning your next trip.
Contact us at PetersonTravelPros for help planning your next trip.