The Ultimate Guide to Montréal, Canada: A Hidden Gem in North America

Think stunning cathedrals, unique shops, charming neighborhoods, top notch French Canadian restaurants, and a distinct European flare. The French speaking city is set about thirty miles north of the US board, but offers a world of difference with its walkability, European-like cafes, and mixed-use neighborhoods. In this guide to Montréal we will go over all the best things to do, see, eat, where to stay, and when to go. Read on to discover Montréal, Canada.

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Map Of Montréal

Where To Stay In Montréal

Luxury Montréal Hotel

• A modern hotel set in a historic in restored 18th century buildings. The contrast is unique and entirely Montréal. When you step outside of Hotel William Grey you will be met with the beautiful cobblestone streets, cool shops, and bustling coffee shops (be sure to checkout Cafe Olympio downstairs) of Old Town. Inside is beautifully appointed rooms with thoughtful furnishings, a luxury spa, and three restaurants.

Middle Range Montréal Hotels

• Think beautiful exposed brick and stone walls, easy self check in and check out, and an apartment style stay for an affordable price. Maisons & Co. is unmatched in value for money in Old Town.
• Located in the energetic and creative Quartier Latin in central Montreal, Hotel St. Thomas is quietly luxurious and offers access to a high end gym, Nordic Thermal Spa, spacious rooms, a bar, breakfast served daily, and more.

Budget Montréal Hotels

• Le Petit Hotel is a small, intimate hotel in old town Montréal that feels more like a stylish Paris apartment then a hotel. Great value for money in Old Town.

Read Next - 6 Best Hotels In Montréal, Canada

What To Do In Montreal

Crew Collective Cafe

Crew Collective Cafe is situated in the former Royal Bank of Canada, which was constructed between 1926 and 1928. At the time, Saint-Jacques Street was known as Canada's Wall Street, lined with beautiful banks and financial intuitions that have a powerful edge to them. In 2016 Crew Collective opened and serves as a one of a kind cafe and co working space.

Crew is a perfect example of Montréals use of adaptive reuse, where a historic building is given a new purpose while preserving its architectural character.

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Rue Saint Paul

Set in Old Town, Rue Saint Paul is the oldest street in Montréal, dating back to 1642 as a dirt path along the original French settlement and paved in 1672. The 1.2 mile street is lined with cool shops selling local made goods like L'empreinte coopérative, coffee shops and cocoa booths like Cafe Olympio and Mama C., and authentic French Canadian restaurants like Barroco. While walking the street keep an eye out for landmarks like Bonsecours Market and Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.

A great way to experience Rue Saint Paul is group tours. This food tour in Old Montréal is a great way to see and experience Old Town with other travelers and a local guide.

Place d’Armes 

The cities oldest square that dates back to 1693. Standing in the center you are met with beautiful views of the dramatic and gothic Notre Dame Basilica, the Monument to Maisonneuve (a statue of Paul de Chomedey, the founder of Montréal), and the neoclassical Bank of Montréal.

Notre Dame Basilica

Built in 1829, The Notre Dame Basilica is a Gothic Roman Catholic Church with an interior full of gold details and remarkable stained glass works. Check the lasted prices here.

Bonsecours Market 

Neoclassical market built between 1844 and 47 set in Old Town. Inside the two story Bonsecours Market you will find locally owned artisan shops showcasing leather goods, handmade jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, maple syrup, and more. You will also see art galleries, restaurants, and event spaces in the National Historic Site.

Place Jacques-Cartier

Just a few steps from Bonsecours Market is a charming square built as new market in 1804. Place Jacques-Cartier is lined with cute eateries like Jacopo and souvenir shops. During the summer months you will find live bands and a smoothie booth in the center. In the center you will find Nelson's Monument which was dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson, a British naval commander, and built by Scottish architect Robert Mitchell in 1809.

Explore Old Port

Old Port, also known as, Vieux-Port de Montréal is set on the St. Lawrence River. Here you can visit the famous La Grande Roue de Montréal (the ferris wheel), the Clock Tower, Clock Tower Beach, kayak in designated areas, and watch the currents and wildlife on the river.

There are plenty of events in Old Port during the fall and summer. Checkout what's happening here.

Hike Mount Royal

This gorgeous 10 square kilometer park located just west of downtown Montreal was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same man who designed Central Park in New York City. At the top of Mount Royal you will find a viewpoint that looks out to Montréal and beyond. You can also find walking trails like the Peel Street Stairs, Olmsted Trail, and the Escarpment Trail.

Mary, Queen Of The World Cathedral

Located in Downtown Montréal, the cathedral opened in 1875 and is home to golden ceilings, stained glass windows, a small room that houses tombs of important people to the church, a small chapel, and more. Some things that you will notice right away is the Renaissance Revival façade, a huge copper dome, and statues of Montréals patron saints lining the outside.

Mile End

The Mile End Neighborhood is the smallest neighborhood in Montreal best known for its artistic atmosphere and independent businesses. This funky neighborhood is packed with Italian and Greek eateries, plenty of hipster cafes, cool shopping, and street art. While in Mile End check out St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel, two of Montréals most iconic bagel spots.

St. Louis Square

Located in the Plateau Mont Royal Neighborhood, St. Louis Square dates back to 1876 and is home to a cute cafe in the center, benches, and plenty of green spaces. Surrounding the square you will find historic side streets that showcase Montréals signature Victorian architecture.

Espace Thermal Spa

Espace is a luxury thermal spa located in the Plateau Neighborhood. At Espace you will have access to a salt water hot tub with a waterfall, a cold plunge pool, a sauna, a steam room, and relaxation spaces. Espace is in affiliation with Hotel St. Thomas, so if you stay there you will get a discount!

🛎️Checkout the latest prices at Hotel St. Thomas & Espace

Where To Dine In Montréal

Best Cafes In Montréal

• Crew Collective Cafe - I mentioned Crew Collective Cafe a bit earlier, but it is definitely a must visit breakfast/lunch joint in Montréal.
• Cafe Olimpico - Cafe Olimpico has multiple locations throughout Montréal. I particularly loved the location in Old Town because I felt like I was in a different time. The stone walls and cozy seating at Cafe Olimpico makes for a lovely cafe. I loved both the hot cocoa and coffee at Cafe Olimpico!
• Nous Sommes Cafe - Nous Sommes Cafe is a cozy coffee shop on Rue Prince Arthur in the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal Neighborhood. This is a small cafe, perfect for a grab and go coffee and pastry.

☕Read Next - 10 Of The Best Coffee Shops In Montreal, Canada

Best Restaurants In Montréal

• Jacopo - Jacopo is a lovely little Italian restaurant in Old Town. Serving both lunch and dinner Jacopo, is a great place for a fairly priced dinner in Montréal.
• Restaurant Moccione - Located in Little Italy, it is one of the best restaurants in Montréal serving Italian food. Be sure to make a reservation because they book out!
• Joe Beef - Joe Beef is one of the most iconic eateries in Montréal with there famous steaks and seafood. You must make a reservation at Joe Beef.
• Sumac - Located in the Saint-Henri neighborhood, Sumac is an amazing Middle Eastern restaurant. Sumac is a great option if you are looking for something a bit more casual in Montréal.

Best Bars In Montréal

• The Coldroom - The Coldroom is a small and secluded cocktail bar hidden in the heart of Old Montreal. Ranked as one of the best bars in the city, Coldroom is a must visit!
• Pub Wolf & Workman - Also in Old Town, The Pub Wolf and Workman is a cool and trendy pub that is perfect for a night out.

Best Tours To Take In Montréal

• Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours - Montréal is one of the best cities in Canada for all things food! On this tour with a local guide you will have the opportunity to explore and try the very best food in the Mile End Neighborhood.
• Full-Day Quebec City and Cruise Tour - Quebec City is definitely worth a visit (especially of you have an extra day in Montreal). It is a three hour drive north of Montréal, but it is totally worth it.
• The Bagel Class presents : Montreal Bagel Making Workshop - Montreal is known for their bagels. In this bagle class you will have the opportunity to make and eat authentic Montreal bagels!
• Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours - Similar to the Montréal walking food tour above, this food tour takes place in Old Montréal rather then the Mile End Neighborhood. You will stop by some tourist spots, alongside some of Montréals hidden gems on this tour.
• Laurentian Mountains Day Trip - If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet mountain village to escape to for the day - this tour to the stunning Laurentian Mountains is for you!

How To Get To Montréal

By Train - You can take a train to Montréal from Toronto, NYC, Quebéc City, Albany, and Philadelphia on Amtrak.

By Plane - There are plenty of flights that go directly to YUL airport in Montreal. I flew on Air Canada from Orlando, but you can also get direct flights from Europe, Central America, South America, The Middle East, and even Asia. From the airport you can take Bus 747 into the city.

By Car - Driving into Canada from the USA is easy. The border crossing is very quick. So if you are traveling from New England, driving is a great option!

Getting Around Montréal - If you are visiting Montréal in the summer or fall then you should have no problem walking or biking in the city. If you are going in the winter, consider renting a car.

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When To Visit Montréal

The summer and fall are the best times to visit Montréal. Canadian winters are freezing so unless you like the cold avoid winters. I went in the beginning of November and had great weather. It was chilly, but not unbearable. The summer is the most popular time to be in Montréal. There are many outdoor events and festivals in the summer months.

The Ultimate Guide to Montréal, Canada: A Hidden Gem in North America Wrap Up

The European flare, gorgeous architecture, lovely cafes, amazing restaurants, and natural beauty make Montréal a must visit city. We hope that this Ultimate Guide to Montréal, Canada helps you plan the perfect Canadian getaway. If you liked this post checkout our Locals Guide To Boston, 10 Of The Best Coffee Shops In Montréal, Best Hotels In Montréal, and our Complete Guide To Brooklyn, New York.