Fun Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montreal is one of Canada's most vibrant and exciting cities. With its rich history, bilingual culture, amazing food scene, and lively nightlife, there are endless opportunities for fun and entertainment in this diverse metropolitan hub.


From museums and historic sites to festivals, parks, shopping, and nightlife, Montreal offers visitors a wide array of activities catering to all interests. You can explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, sample poutine and bagels, stroll through Mount Royal Park, catch a show at Place des Arts, bar-hop in the Latin Quarter, and so much more.
This guide covers 50+ of the top things to do in Montreal to help you make the most of your visit to this world-class city. Let's explore the very best attractions and activities you can experience in Montreal!

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

Steeped in centuries of history, Old Montreal is one of the city's most atmospheric areas. Wander the historic streets and soak up the European charm in North America's largest surviving Old Town.

• Place d'Armes - This lively square is lined with cafes and surrounded by historic buildings like the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Notre-Dame Basilica - Marvel at intricate carved details and stunning stained glass windows inside this grand neo-Gothic church completed in 1829.
• Old Port of Montreal - Stroll along the waterfront promenade and watch boats along the marina at the city's birthplace.
• Old Montreal Food Tour - Sample signature dishes like poutine, bagels, and smoked meats while exploring various landmarks on a 3-hour walking tour.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides - View the cobblestone streets and architecture from a unique perspective aboard an old-fashioned carriage.
• Underground City - This 20-mile underground network of shops, hotels, offices, metro stations and more offers an extensive pedestrian walkway.

Mount Royal Park

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Mount Royal Park covers over 700 acres and is a beloved green oasis with excellent city views.

• Hike or bike up the mountain to admire panoramas from the Kondiaronk Belvedere and Beaver Lake lookouts.
• Have a picnic on the grassy slopes or enjoy paddle boating and kayaking on Lac aux Castors.
• See the ornate crypt and bronze monument at Sir George-Étienne Cartier's tomb.
• Stop at the Chalet lookout terrace and restaurant near the summit for refreshments with a view.
• Tour the architecturally impressive Beaver Lake Pavilion with its massive copper roof.
• Rent rollerblades, bikes or cross country skis and hit the miles of scenic trails through the park.

Jean-Talon Market

One of the largest public markets in North America spanning over 120,000 square feet.

• Shop colorful stalls heaped with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local delicacies.
• Try specialty items like maple syrup, foie gras, or preserved meats and snag Quebec-made gifts.
• Sample ready-to-eat crepes, sandwiches, calamari, cheese, and ethnic bites from food vendors.
• Look for seasonal items like fresh berries, maple treats, and pumpkin pies.
• Marvel at the huge international cheese selection.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

This park situated across the Saint Lawrence River on two reclaimed islands offers recreation, attractions, and lovely river views.

• See the striking geodesic Biosphere Environmental Museum, site of the 1967 World Expo.
• Scream your way through thrilling rides and entertaining shows at La Ronde amusement park.
• Relax at Parc de la Plage, an artificial sandy urban beach with volleyball.
• Pedal along Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the Formula 1 racetrack.
• Attend summer festivals like Osheaga and L'International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks.

Montreal Botanical Garden

Spanning 75 hectares, these gorgeous botanical gardens contain over 22,000 plant species and cultivars.

• Stroll through 10 exhibition greenhouses showcasing global flora from different climates.
• View traditional Chinese and Japanese gardens reflecting Eastern horticulture and design.
• See more than 150 sculptures throughout the gardens.
• Smell thousands of roses in the Rose Garden from June through September.
• Relax surrounded by flowers and fountains in the First Nations Garden.

Montreal Insectarium

Part of the Botanical Garden, this one-of-a-kind museum houses the largest insect collection in North America with over 200,000 specimens from nearly 100 countries.

• Get up close to live tropical butterflies and hummingbirds in the multimedia exhibit.
• Brave the crawl-through dome filled with free-flying butterflies.
• See giant animatronic insects that simulate anatomically correct movement.
• Learn about insect life cycles, ecosystems, and more through interactive educational displays.
• Watch beekeepers at work in the glass-enclosed apiary.

Montreal Biodome

The Biodome immerses you into four ecosystems with flora and fauna from the Americas.

• Experience a tropical rainforest with over 300 plant and animal species including flamingos, two-toed sloths, golden lion tamarins.
• Explore a Laurentian forest and see river otters, raccoons, foxes and deer.
• View a Gulf of St. Lawrence seabird colony with puffins, murres, cormorants and petrels.
• Observe the depths of a sub-polar region with rock hopper penguins.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

With over 1,800 international works, this museum houses a significant collection of visual art.

• See works by renowned European artists like Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Matisse.
• View the expansive Inuit art collection with 14,000+ works of sculpture, prints, drawings and textiles.
• Take an architecture tour showcasing the museum's integration of different eras and styles.
• Download the museum app for audio guides on highlighted works.

Place des Arts

This major performing arts center located downtown hosts musicals, operas, classical music performances, and touring acts.

• See top international concerts by popular musicians at the 2,900 seat Wilfrid-Pelletier Hall.
• Watch theater, dance, and other performances at the more intimate, Art Deco Théâtre Maisonneuve.
• View free outdoor shows and events in the esplanade during the summer months.

Underground City (RÉSO)

Montreal's famous underground pedestrian network of over 20 miles of shops connecting metro stations, offices, hotels, banks, and more.

• Walk through downtown Montreal protected from the cold and snow during the winter.
• Shop flagship department stores like The Bay, Eaton Centre, Les Cours Mont-Royal.
• Grab a quick bite for all price ranges at food courts and restaurants.
• Utilize underground access directly to venues like the Bell Centre hockey arena.

Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History

Uncover centuries of Montreal history at this museum located inside a historical mansion.

• See an extensive collection of First Nations artifacts.
• Learn about life in early New France settlements of Montreal.
• View relics, multimedia exhibits, dioramas, maps, and artifacts conveying Montreal's development through the centuries.

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

Nicknamed the Sailors' Church, this small 18th century chapel in Old Montreal holds great religious significance.

• See the Virgin statue thought to have miraculous powers for mariners.
• Climb the tower for panoramic harbor views.
• Explore the maritime museum section with model ships, paintings, and artifacts.
• Shop handcrafted souvenirs at the gift boutique.

Habitat 67

This unique architectural complex created for Expo 67 consists of interlocking concrete cubes forming 146 residences.

• Admire the innovative experimental design up close on guided tours through a model apartment.
• Snap Instagram-worthy photos of the futuristic Lego-like structure.

Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

Get immersed in astronomy and space science through multimedia shows at this cutting edge planetarium.

• Experience immersive productions projected on a massive screen with 10,000 stars in the Star Theatre.
• See regularly changing exhibitions like Earth, Life, Meteorites, Space Mission.
• Take a virtual reality spaceflight though the solar system.

Quartier des Spectacles

Home to nearly 80 cultural venues, this downtown entertainment district hosts numerous festivals and events.

• See free outdoor shows at the Agora des Corps Sonores interactive sound installation.
• Take in the animated Urban Sketch exhibit projecting giant interactive animations onto buildings.
• Enjoy street performers, public piano singalongs, and pop-up concerts.

Montreal Bike Tours

Pedal through Montreal's neighborhoods and parks on the extensive bike path network.

• Bike up Mont Royal for panoramic city views on the park perimeter path.
• Ride along the Lachine Canal with stops at the Marché Atwater market and locks.
• Take guided tours covering attractions like Olympic Park, the Biodome, and Old Montreal historic sites.
• Cruise down the Maisonneuve Bike Path network on the island.

Shopping on Saint Catherine Street

Montreal's busiest shopping district stretches over 10 miles on Rue Sainte Catherine with hundreds of stores and malls.

• Shop massive flagships like Hudson's Bay, Holt Renfrew, and Simons department store for clothing and accessories.
• Find souvenirs and kitschy Canadiana at shops like Tourisme Montreal gift store.
• Grab Quebec-made jewelry, fashions, crafts and art in boutiques.
• Satisfy cravings at Trends Food Court with poutine, Montreal bagels, and smoked meats.

Montreal Festivals

The city hosts several massive seasonal festivals, drawing performers and spectators from around the globe.

• Montreal Jazz Festival - Huge open-air jazz fest every summer with hundreds of free outdoor shows.
• Just For Laughs Festival - Comedy festival featuring stand up, improv, television tapings in July.
• Osheaga Festival - Popular outdoor indie, rock, and EDM festival in Parc Jean-Drapeau.
• Francos de Montréal - Celebration of French music for 10 days in June.
• Montréal en Lumière - Winter festival with fine dining events, concerts, outdoor light displays.

Montreal Canadiens Hockey

Catch the beloved Montreal Canadiens NHL hockey team play a home game at the Bell Centre downtown.

• Feel the energy of the crowd cheering "Go Habs Go"!
• Arrive early to wander interactive hockey exhibits at the on-site Hall of Fame.
• Enjoy French-Canadian specialties like tourtiere meat pie, poutine, and LaBatt beer.

Notre-Dame Basilica Sound and Light Show

This multimedia experience brings the historic Notre Dame Basilica to life through projections, lighting effects, and orchestral music.

• Marvel as visuals illuminate architectural details in the superbly renovated interior.
• Learn the church's history through vignettes of key events and figures.
• Feel the emotion of the music perfectly synchronized with colorful lighting and imagery.

McCord Museum

With over 1.5 million artifacts, this museum captures defining moments and people in Canadian history.

• View 19th-century photography from Montreal's early days.
• See an extensive First Nations collection - clothes, tools, artworks.
• Learn about the Franklin Arctic Expedition in immersive exhibits.

Pointe-à-Callière Archaeological Museum

Built atop the birthplace of Montreal, this museum uncovers layers of history through excavated artifacts.

• Descend into original foundation ruins to see artifacts in situ.
• Explore multimedia exhibits on the first settlements and Native peoples.
• Experience Pirates or Privateers showcasing life in the colony under British rule.

La Ronde Amusement Park

Located on Parc Jean-Drapeau, this expansive park offers 40+ rides and attractions for all ages.

• Brave mega rollercoasters like Le Monstre standing 150 feet with speeds over 60 mph.
• Enjoy rides for younger kids like carousels, bumper cars, and tea cups.
• See lively circus performances under the Big Top tent.
• Experience haunted houses and other thrills at Fright Fest during the Halloween season.

Saint Joseph's Oratory

This immense basilica crowning Mount Royal stands as Canada's largest church and an iconic landmark.

• See relics of Saint Frère André, responsible for the oratory's construction.
• Climb nearly 300 steps to the main dome for panoramic outlooks.
• Attend an organ concert on the grand instrument with over 7000 pipes.

Parc Lafontaine

This lovely urban park provides a recreational oasis with green space, ponds, walking trails and art.

• Pedal a four-person quadracycle around the bike paths circling the park.
• Paddle a swan boat across Lac aux Castors, fed by a waterfall.
• Stretch out on the grass or attend free yoga classes in summer.
• Find over 25 sculptures throughout the park like the Thésée sculpture.

Christ Church Cathedral

Completed in 1859, this neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral impresses with magnificent stained glass windows.

• Hear the magnificent bell choir formed by the twelve bells in the west tower.
• See the Great Organ built in 1892 with four manuals controlling over 90 stops and 67 ranks.
• Catch an organ concert showcasing the historic instrument.

Montreal Observation Wheel

Ride this 60-meter high Ferris wheel at the Old Port for spectacular views across Montreal.

• Take an entire 15-minute revolution or shorter 3-minute ride.
• Snap stunning photos of the river, cityscape, St. Lawrence Bridge from enclosed glass cabins.
• Enjoy sunset or evening rides for romantic views.

Montreal Improv

Catch live improvised comedy at Montreal's popular improv theaters and comedy clubs.

• Watch resident troupes perform at theaters like Theatre Ste Catherine and Theatre Sainte Catherine.
• See free drop-in improv on Sundays at Café Cleopatra.
• Catch stand up and sketch comedy shows at Comedy Nest and Comedyworks clubs.

Saint Helen's Island (Île Sainte-Hélène)

This island in the Saint Lawrence River is home to attractions like La Ronde amusement park.

• Wander floral landscapes like the Floralies Gardens that burst with color in warmer months.
• See the massive Biosphere Environment museum housing an IMAX theatre.
• Walk across the scenic footbridge over the river channel between Saint Helen's and Notre Dame Island.

Jean-Drapeau Park

Encompassing Parc Jean-Drapeau across the Saint Lawrence, this park offers recreation, events and landmarks like Habitat 67.

• Pedal through on bike paths with beautiful river views.
• Cool off at Jean-Doré Beach, an artificial sandy beach.
• See architecture from Expo 67 like the American and French pavilions.

Gay Village (Le Village Gai)

Montreal's LGBTQ neighborhood features colorful street art, shops, bars and summer street festivals.

• Hit up popular bars and clubs like Le Stud, Sky Pub and Dance, and Unity II.
• Grab a rainbow bagel at Le Cagibi bakery and cafe.
• Shop local fashion and gifts at area boutiques.
• Snap selfies with the vibrant murals that decorate the streets.

Saint Louis Square (Carré Saint-Louis)

Surrounded by well-preserved 17th and 18th buildings, this historic square captures old world Europe.

• Dine al fresco while people watching at one of the square's bistros.
• Admire the elegant Victorian and Second Empire homes and businesses framing the square.

Montreal Pool Room

This old school diner founded in 1912 serves up Montreal-style steamies - steam-cooked hot dogs piled high with toppings.

• Try the famous all-dressed steamed dog with onions, mustard, coleslaw and more.
• Order poutine, Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, burgers and fries.
• Wash it all down with a classic egg cream soda.

Saint Joseph's Oratory Museum

Located below the Basilica, this museum explores the life of Brother André and artifacts related to the Oratory.

• See Brother André's original chapel and hear about his miraculous healing powers.
• View artifacts and symbols of devotion left by pilgrims seeking cures.
• Learn about the history and ongoing functions of the Oratory.

Mount Royal Park Activities

All seasons offer an array of outdoor recreation atop Mount Royal spanning hundreds of acres.

• Go sledding and snow tubing down gentle slopes in winter.
• Hike scenic wooded trails and staircases to scenic lookouts.
• Enjoy swimming, boating and volleyball at Beaver Lake.
• Go horseback riding along miles of bridle paths.
• Skate on Beaver Lake rink in winter.
• Zip line from the top of the mountain for an adrenaline rush!

In addition to its unique cultural attractions, Montreal offers all the perks of a modern major city. Find renowned culinary excellence in both French and ethnic restaurants from poutine diners to upscale bistros. Enjoy world-class hotel accommodations ranging from historic boutique inns to stylish towers with superb city views.