Orientation

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, but is completely different than most of the major cities within Canada.  This is for the fact that it represents the heart and center of French culture in Canada and this denotes the history of Canada in that at one time when Montreal was at the capital of New France.

Things To Do In Montreal 

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. Montreal QuebecThe Notre-Dame Basilica 

The Basilica Is located in the old District of old Montreal. The interior of the Basilica is Gothic Revival motivated by the grand basilicas in Europe. The Basilica also represents the largest Catholic religious building in Montreal.  At one point, 70% of the Quebec population was Catholic.  Over 12 million people visit the Basilica each year.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

Perched on the side of Mount Royal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is one of the world’s most visited shrines. The dome of the basilica is the third-largest of its kind in the world. Pilgrims and visitors alike climb the 283 concrete steps to the Oratory’s main level, some doing so on their knees as an act of devotion. The Oratory is a place of both historical significance and spiritual importance for many, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Old Montreal 

For many first-time visitors to Montreal the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Montreal feels like you’ve been transported to Europe. Remember that Quebec was first settled by France settlers, so the architecture feels very much like Paris. The area is full of outdoor cafes, horse-drawn carriage rides and bicycling. Walking tours of the area are available.

The Montreal Holocaust Museum

Montreal Holocaust Museum Montreal Quebec

The Montreal Holocaust Museum is dedicated to educating everybody of all ages, creeds and backgrounds with the tremendous history of Holocaust. The museum chronicles not just the Holocaust against the Jews in World War II but the many other Holocausts which has happened over the last two hundred years around the world. Definitely worth a visit.

Westmont

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Montreal. Some of the buildings are over 250 years old. Located on the north side of Mount Royal is the small rich community of Westmont.

Westmount Montreal QuebecIt is considered to be the most expensive and exclusive area of Montreal to live many. Famous people like Pierrre Elliott Trudeau come from this area. Greene Avenue is the main street full the restaurants, bars, boutiques and specialized shops.

Biodome

Go back 50 years and this was the structure for the cycling activities of the 1976 Summer Olympic, also known as the velodrome. Today it features one of the largest indoor biodomes which offers vegetation as well as animals from the various climate regions in the world. Open daily.

Mount Royal

Okay it  doesn’t have some Castle on it where rich people live or where royalty live. B ut it is in the center of Montreal and at over 700 feet its a good climb for exercise as well as a good vista downtown Montreal, as well as greater Montreal and beyond. 

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts 

It is the largest art museum in Canada.  The museum is located on the historic Golden Square Mile stretch of Sherbrooke Street and has a major piece of Group of Seven. Free day tours available; as well as affordable self guided recorded tours.

Trips from Montreal

Trois-Rivières

Situated between Montreal and Quebec City along the St Lawrence River. It is where the Quebec Museum of Folk Culture explores the cultural life of the Québécois. 

Quebec City

This is the seventh largest city in Canada with almost 500,000 people and like Montreal Quebec City is unlike any other city in Canada. It looks like a piece of Europe right in the heart of Canada. It is popular year-round for its summer time festivals, street cafes and historic narrow streets; as well as for skiing as the nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne which is one of the top 10 ski resorts within North America. 

Laurentians (Les Laurentides)

Just north of Montreal, the Laurentians offer a picturesque escape with its vast forests, rolling hills, and clear lakes. It’s a year-round destination, popular for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The region is dotted with charming villages, spas, and resorts, making it a perfect getaway for relaxation and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to explore the scenic drive of the “Route des Belles-Histoires” or indulge in the tranquility of a spa, the Laurentians have something for everyone.