The beautiful city of Montreal is situated in the province of Quebec. This captivating city has a history that begins in 1535. This city has something for everyone. With its museums, galleries, zoos, observatories, churches, markets, and much more, Montreal has become a recognised historical landmark. Take a look at the list of attractions to visit in Montreal if you are planning to travel in that country.
1. Old Montreal
One of the best free things to do in Montreal at night is a stroll through Old Montreal or Vieux Montreal. You can enjoy beautifully illuminated historic buildings and vibrant street performances. Old Port and Rue Saint Paul, the main street, are great places to wander and feel like you have travelled back in time. Some architectural remnants even date back to the late 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – 10 am to 6 pm
2. Mont Royal Park
One of the best places to visit in Montreal for free is the 470 acre Mont Royal Park. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind New York Central Park. There are meadows with grass, wooded trails, and monuments. You can see the monuments of George IV and Jacques Cartier. Views of the Adirondack Mountains in the United States are breathtaking on a clear day.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – 6 am to 12 am
3. Montreal Chinatown
Tourists and residents alike enjoy lively evenings in Montreal Chinatown. Chinatown boasts several Cantonese restaurants including seafood, barbecue, and dim sum, as well as Vietnamese establishments. Since the stores in the region sell goods that are directly imported from Vietnam or Mainland China, a large number of Asian Canadians live nearby. Restaurants get so busy during lobster season that it can be hard to secure a table if you do not have a reservation.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – Open throughout the day, shops are open from 10 am to 11 pm
4. Saint Laurent Boulevard
Montreal nightlife is renowned, particularly around Saint Laurent Boulevard. Vibrant bars and posh nightclubs are among the options available. This street is considered the centre of entertainment. Visitors can enjoy live music at local bars, watch street performers, or walk along Saint Laurent Boulevard exploring the murals during the annual Mural Festival in Montreal. Many places have free admission or affordable happy hours. So you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a good time.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – Open throughout the day
5. St Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal
The Westmount district of Montreal is home to the St Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal. Italian Renaissance architecture is the style that is being applied. It is recognised as a National Historic Site and is the largest church in Canada. From its humble beginnings as a little chapel in 1904, the Roman Catholic Basilica features a museum, gardens, a 56-bell carillon, and one of the largest church domes in the world.
Entry Fee – CDN $ 4
Timings – 6.30 am to 9 pm
6. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Art enthusiasts will love the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most prestigious art institutions in Canada. The museum houses an extensive collection of classical and contemporary art, sculptures, and decorative arts. Admission to the museum’s permanent collection is free, making it a perfect option for those looking for places to visit in Montreal for free. It is an excellent cultural stop, ideal for families or solo travellers.
Entry Fee – CDN $ 30 for adults 26 to 64 years.
Entry is free for children below 25 and adults above 65.
Timings – 10 am to 5 pm
7. Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal
Notre Dame Basilica is the oldest Catholic church in Montreal. It was here that Canadian celebrity Celine Dion got married. Nestled beneath a blue roof decorated with gold stars, the Gothic Revival-style church is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Canada. It features intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, murals, sculptures, and a 7000-pipe organ.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – 8 am to 4.30 pm
8. Montreal Olympic Park
Constructed during the 1976 Olympic Games, Montreal Olympic Park now houses several attractions. Situated in the vicinity of Maisonneuve Park is the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, the 56,000-seat Olympic Stadium. There is the Biodome, an indoor zoo housing over 4500 species, the Botanical Gardens and Insectarium.
Entry Fee – CDN $ per 20 minutes, and CDN $ 25 for 24 hours
Timings – 9 am to 6 pm
9. Biosphere
The Biosphere is a unique museum in Montreal dedicated to the environment. It is located on Saint Helen Island in the picturesque Parc Jean-Drapeau. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in Montreal. Buckminster Fuller created the geodesic dome of the museum, which is a masterpiece of architectural design. The Biosphere building is noted for its distinctive design and amazing features. A 37-meter-long escalator was part of it.
Entry Fee – Adults CDN $ 22.75, 5 to 17 year CDN $ 11.50
Timings – 9 am to 4.30 pm
10. Jardin Botanique
Jardin Botanique is a breathtaking botanical garden that will make you fall in love with Montreal. It features 30 themed gardens and more than 10 display greenhouses. Jardin Botanique outdoor gardens feature stunning Japanese and Chinese gardens. One can even observe uncommon hazardous plants and their native habitats. This location also features a stunning collection of various rose species. Another surprise in this garden is the greenhouses, which house a tropical rainforest, bonsai, ferns, and orchids.
Entry Fee – Adults CDN $ 20.50 CDN, Children ages 5 to 17 CDN $ 10.25
Timings – Tuesday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm, Monday – Closed
11. La Ronde
La Ronde is one of the best family vacation destinations in Canada. It is an exciting amusement park. With over forty rides for individuals of all ages, everyone can have a great time. Indulge in the greatest dining experience while riding to charge yourself up. End your day at the park by browsing a variety of stores selling both local and foreign items. Do not neglect La Ronde, one of Montreal finest points of interest, to add an extra layer of pleasure to your stay.
Entry Fee – Starting CDN $ 41.99
Timings – 11 am to 11 pm
12. The Underground City
One of the unique things to do in Montreal is a visit to the Underground City. Montreal is home to what is often regarded as an underground metropolis. The RESO, as it is formally known, is a network of roughly 20 miles of underground walkways and tunnels connecting retail malls, metro stations and buildings. The network may be accessed from the street, nine large hotels or eight separate tube stations, providing access to 2000 retailers, 17 museums, a hockey arena, a movie theatre, nightclubs and numerous more restaurants and enterprises. Whether you are looking to escape a cold day outdoors, like shopping, or simply enjoy exploring, join the 500,000 people who visit the Underground City every day.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – 5.30 am to 11 pm
13. Jean-Talon Market
Jean-Talon Market is a great place to check out the food scene in Montreal if you are curious about Canadian foods. One of the biggest outdoor markets in North America, it features baked products, cheeses, meats, and fresh fruit from the area. Scoop up a complimentary taste, or enjoy the eye-catching colours and lively vibe. It is also a great place for foodies to indulge in local specialities like poutine and maple syrup desserts.
Entry Fee – No Fee
Timings – 8 am to 6 pm
Conclusion
With direct flights to numerous locations across North America and globally, the Montreal Trudeau International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada. Consider seeing the Columbia Icefield, taking in the sights of the Calgary Stampede, and touring the National Parks of Banff and Jasper if you wish to extend your journey across Canada. These are among the best things to do in Alberta.