Attractions in Montreal

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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Excursion to Canada's French Metropolis: Montreal

You associate Canada with endless forests, countless lakes, and the call of freedom? You're definitely not wrong, but Canada also offers some exciting metropolises alongside its impressive nature. For example, Montreal.

On my journey along the Pan-American Highway, my path takes me across Canada from the East and through Montreal. And even though I know the city from previous stays as a flight attendant, it is particularly nice to visit some sites now with my own camper van.

Overview of Montreal

The largest city in Quebec enchants with a successful mix of metropolitan sophistication and urban charm. Here, you can indulge in a shopping marathon and dive into the nightlife, as well as enjoy long walks through parks and along the beautifully arranged riverbanks.

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada after Toronto and is largely located on Île de Montréal, a large island in the Saint Lawrence River. The border to Ontario in the west is 60 km away, and the border to the USA is just under 50 km to the south.

Facts about Montreal

If you want to explore the city, definitely have a language guide with you: Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. In this sense: Bienvenue à Montréal!

  • Population: approx. 1.7 million
  • Area: approx. 431.5 km²
  • Province: Quebec

Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

You will probably visit Montreal as a starting or ending point of your Canada trip. Make sure to plan 2 to 3 days to dedicate to the beauties of the city. Below, I will give you an overview of my personal recommendations:

  • Old Montreal: In the Old Town, you will find some of the most famous sights, such as the basilica and the old port.
  • Montreal's street art: Grab your camera and go on the hunt for some of the over 3,000 murals in the city.
  • Mount Royal: Looking for the best view of the city? You're in luck on the mountain overlooking Montreal.
  • Underground City: Explore a 33 km long network of underground paths and tunnels.
  • Lachine: Need a bit of nature? You can enjoy a lovely stroll along the Lachine Canal or rent a bike.

If you would like some recommendations for excursions outside the city, I can recommend the following places:

  • The Laurentians: The mountain region north of Montreal enchants with its lovely towns and the beautiful Mont Tremblant National Park.
  • Quebec City: The capital of the province is distinguished by its French flair and photogenic old town.
  • Ottawa: Immerse yourself in the Canadian capital and marvel at the government buildings on Parliament Hill.

Attractions in Montreal

I would like to introduce the attractions mentioned above in a little more detail:

Vieux Montréal: The Old Town

Old Montreal: The Old Town in Montreal
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Montreal's Old Town is home to most of the city's attractions. When you stroll through the streets with their numerous cafés, past the beautiful basilica to the city's old port, it is hard to believe you are in Canada. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere is beautiful, as many of the buildings are illuminated.

Basilica of Notre-Dame

Montreal Basilica
Montreal Basilica photo by viel-unterwegs.de

The city's most famous landmark is located in the Old Town at Place d'Armes. Around the square, some of the most beautiful buildings in the city gather. The basilica was built in 1829 and restored in 1978 after a fire. This has created a rather colorful mix of different elements. Inside, the wooden carvings and the huge bronze altar picture impress.

Fun fact: Céline Dion got married here in 1994. In 2000, the basilica made headlines when the funeral of Canada's former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was held here.

Visiting information:

  • The church is open year-round, generally from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, somewhat shorter on weekends.
  • Entrance is 15 CAD, which is not cheap, but definitely worth it.

Place Jacques-Cartier

Place Jacques-Cartier in Montreal
Place Jacques-Cartier in Montreal photo by viel-unterwegs.de

At this bustling square, you will often encounter street performers and musicians. Here, you can enjoy a splendid cup of coffee in one of the many cafés and restaurants while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Vieux-Port de Montreal (the old port)

Vieux-Port de Montreal (the old port)
Vieux-Port de Montreal (the old port) photo by viel-unterwegs.de
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Montreal's old port is a remarkable gathering of old docks, rusty ships, charming cafés, and artworks.

I particularly liked walking along the 2.5 km long path parallel to the Saint Lawrence River. Especially in winter, when it's snow-covered, a special atmosphere prevails here, and you can take great photos. Ice skating is also possible then.

If you'd like, you can also take a boat tour from here to experience the city's skyline from the Saint Lawrence River.

Montreal's Street Art

I know no other city that is as beautifully and colorfully decorated as Montreal. While we know street art from almost every major city, the murals found in Montreal are in a league of their own. There are over 3,500 of these paintings spread throughout the city. For me, it's the perfect opportunity to combine a city tour with a mural hunt!

Leonard Cohen

  • Montreal has paid a massive tribute to the famous singer and writer Leonard Cohen - in the literal sense. A huge image of him adorns the side of a high-rise building and is a proud 21 stories tall.
  • If you want to admire the image up close, you can find it at 1420 Crescent Street.
  • There's also a second, smaller mural of him at 3982 Saint Dominique Street. However, I personally prefer the first one.

Saint-Laurent Boulevard

  • The easiest way to discover the murals is by strolling along the busy Saint-Laurent Boulevard; you can find a new image at nearly every street corner. It's best to walk up Saint-Laurent Boulevard and down Saint-Dominique Street for a pleasant round trip.
  • Every year in June, the city invites artists to repaint and add to the murals from the past year on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. If you plan your visit to Montreal in June, make sure to check out the 'Mural Festival', it must be an impressive experience.

Want More Street Art?

photo by viel-unterwegs.de
photo by viel-unterwegs.de
photo by viel-unterwegs.de
  • Little Burgundy: on Saint-Jacques Street you'll find many images associated with the music scene.
  • Rosemont: you can discover some murals near Beaubien Metro and Plaza Saint-Hubert.
  • Another way to explore the numerous paintings in Montreal is through a guided tour. If you'd prefer to start on your own, I recommend the website www.wall2wallmtl.com/walking-tour-tour-pedestre. Here you'll find a map for an extensive walk to a large number of murals.

Mount Royal

Mont-Royal is the mountain of the city and its green lung. During my time as a flight attendant, I enjoyed taking long walks through the vast park on layovers and could always discover something new. There are several access points to hike up the 223 m high mountain from the city. You should plan about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top.

Viewpoints

Montreal Canada Attractions
photo by viel-unterwegs.de
  • Kondiaronk: The most popular viewpoint on Mount Royal. Accordingly, it is often crowded, but I have always found a spot for a good photo. Montreal truly lies at your feet here. From this vantage point, you can also see the huge mural of Leonard Cohen very clearly.
  • Near the viewpoint is the lovely Chalet du Mont Royal. Concerts are held here in the summer.
  • If you follow the path a bit further, you will reach more viewpoints. The views from all of them are quite similar. Along the way, you'll pass the Croix du Mont Royal, a 40 m high cross that is considered one of the city's landmarks.

Cimetière Mont-Royal

Leonard Cohen's grave at Cimetière Mont-Royal
Leonard Cohen's grave at Cimetière Mont-Royal photo by viel-unterwegs.de
  • To the northwest of Mount Royal, two cemeteries adjoin it. Particularly in winter, when everything is deeply covered in snow, there is a special atmosphere here due to the old trees and somewhat crooked gravestones.
  • Several famous people have been buried in the cemetery, including Leonard Cohen.

Saint Joseph's Oratory

In the southwest of Mount Royal stands this impressive basilica. The church can accommodate 10,000 people, making it not only the largest church in Canada but also one of the largest churches in the world.

My tip: Café des Amis - Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors. Need a little break from your walk on Mount Royal? You can stop by this cozy café by the Beaver Lake.

  • Address: 2000 Remembrance Road
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Underground City

Did you know that Montreal has a gigantic underground system of streets and pathways? The so-called 'Underground City' (French: "La Ville Souterrain") consists of a 33 km long network of pedestrian paths and is therefore one of the largest underground cities in the world. But how did it come to be?

Background:

  • The long winters in Montreal have gradually led to the creation of an increasingly extensive network of underground pathways. The idea was to withstand the freezing temperatures (which can be significant in Montreal, with a record low of -37.8 degrees Celsius) and arrive comfortably at work or the supermarket even in the dead of winter.
  • Construction began in the 1960s. Today, you can find everything from drugstores, clothing shops, and souvenirs to fast-food restaurants for your daily needs. Theaters, cinemas, and banks are also located here.
  • The underground city also serves a connection purpose - many significant buildings in the city, such as the central station, the cultural center, and even Christ Church Cathedral are interconnected underground. Half a million people use these pathways daily.
photo by viel-unterwegs.de
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Conclusion regarding the visit:

The Underground City is a promising way to avoid the winter temperatures or rainy miserable weather while still getting around the city.

However, it is almost impossible to navigate through the confusing system of pathways and tunnels as a tourist. Even many locals I've asked for directions couldn't explain the way. Make sure to visit one of the information booths and get an underground city map to help you orient yourself.

Personally, I wasn't particularly impressed by the Underground City. Perhaps I just took the wrong paths. I know many who rave about it, so give it a chance!

Lachine

A little outside the city center is the neighborhood of Lachine, known for its canal. This canal was built in 1825 to bypass the rapids in the Saint Lawrence River. This was a crucial step for developing the western regions as the canal allowed cargo ships to navigate from the Atlantic all the way to Lake Superior. As a result, Montreal developed into an important port.

Over time, however, the canal became too small; it was taken over by 'Parks Canada' in 1978. It was finally reopened in 2002 and is now a popular destination for walking, relaxing, or boating.

Places Worth Seeing in Lachine:

photo by viel-unterwegs.de
photo by viel-unterwegs.de
  • If you want to learn about the history of Lachine, I recommend the small museum by the canal (Lieu Historique National du Commerce-de-la-Fourrure-à-Lachine). During the fur trade, Lachine was a significant center - this aspect is highlighted here.
  • A true recommendation is to bike along the Lachine Canal. It is nearly 14 km to the old port; you can rent bikes at one of the numerous Bixi stations. You can find more information at http://montreal.bixi.com.

Excursions from Montreal

Do you want to explore the surroundings of Montreal a bit more? Here are the ultimate tips on what you shouldn't miss when you are nearby.

1. The Laurentians and Mont Tremblant National Park

One hour north of Montreal are the Laurentian Mountains, home to a perfect area for recreation. In summer, the mountains and lakes invite you to hike and relax, while in winter, you can ski here excellently. Charming towns like St-Saveur-des-Monts or Val-David attract artists and vacationers alike and offer a good base for exploring the area. However, the absolute highlight of the Laurentians is the Mont Tremblant National Park.

Visitor Information for Mont Tremblant National Park

photo by viel-unterwegs.de

The park is divided into three sections, with the 'Diable' section being the most accessible and having the most hiking trails. I highly recommend the 'La Coulée' hike - on this 8 km circular route, you will pass waterfalls and have a phenomenal panorama of Lac Monroe.

2. Quebec City

About 250 km northeast of Montreal is Quebec City, the capital of the province of the same name. The city enchanted me with its French charm and beautiful old town streets and is definitely worth a visit.

Attractions:

  • Quartier Latin: the most touristy but at the same time the prettiest neighborhood of Quebec is characterized by narrow streets and the dominating Château Frontenac - the most photographed hotel in the world.
  • Montmorency Falls: the impressive waterfall is located 13 km northeast of Quebec City and plunges 83 m down. This makes it about 30 m higher than Niagara Falls.
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

For a trip to Quebec City, I would recommend two days. This way, you can arrive and enjoy the city in the beautiful evening light before you head back to Montreal the next day.

  • You can find more tips about attractions in the province of Quebec here.
  • Are you in the mood for a road trip to northern Quebec (check out the travel report with the route here)?

3. Ottawa - Canada's Capital

About two hours west of Montreal in the province of Ontario is Ottawa. It is considered one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, yet it is not nearly as overcrowded with tourists as the nearby major cities of Montreal or Toronto. However, it's definitely worth exploring, as the city's location by the Rideau Canal is remarkable.

Highlights in Ottawa:

  • Parliament Hill: on the hill stands the parliamentary building and the Peace Tower. The architectural style resembles a bit of London and Hogwarts. Make sure to catch the changing of the guard by the National Guard, it's a highlight of your visit to Ottawa.
  • Rideau Canal: the canal features eight locks right in the city center. In summer, it's a lovely sight to watch the boats; in winter, you can skate here.
Ottawa Canada Attractions
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

I would also recommend an overnight stay in the city for a trip to Ottawa so you can take your time to explore everything. Check out Katrin's article for attractions and tips for Ottawa.

Useful Travel Tips

Montreal is located on Canada's east coast in the southwest of the largest province, Quebec. With approximately 4.3 million inhabitants, Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada (after Toronto and before Vancouver).

Quebec is the largest province by area in Canada and, after Ontario, the second-most populous. The vast majority of the population speaks French - and surprisingly, many locals actually do not speak English. Only about 40% report being raised bilingually.

Getting to Montreal

I visited Montreal as part of my Pan-American trip and passed through the city on my way from Quebec to Ontario. Previously, my job as a flight attendant had brought me to the metropolis several times.

By Air

Montreal is very easy to reach from Germany. There are direct flights from Munich and Frankfurt. The airport (Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, short YUL) is located 21 km west of the city; the easiest (and cheapest) way to get there is by taking bus 747. Tickets can be purchased at machines at the airport or directly on the bus; a one-way trip costs 11 CAD.

In the city itself, you can easily get around on foot or rely on public transport. The metro system, in particular, is very well developed. You can also take a taxi, but expect a higher price range.

Biking in the city is also very popular. Thanks to a fantastic network of bike paths, it is really enjoyable! You can rent bikes best through 'Bixi', which can be found at stations all over the city.

Entry and eTA Visa for Canada

For Canada, you must apply for an eTA (electronic travel authorization). Read everything about applying for a Canadian visa (duration and costs) in this article.

In summary:

  • For Canada, you need an eTA - an electronic travel authorization. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 3 months.
  • The visa costs 7 CAD, and the application process is quick and easy online. You usually receive your visa within hours in your email inbox.
  • You can apply for your visa directly online here.

Travel Guides for Montreal - My Recommendations

Unfortunately, there isn't a travel guide in German specifically for Montreal. If you are planning a road trip in Eastern Canada, I recommend the Dumont Travel Guide Canada - The East. I find this series from Dumont to be excellently structured and comprehensive!

I also like to get the visual atlas from Dumont before my travels. Many images and special topics with maps are covered here. I also bought the visual atlas of Canada for the East, which was written by a journalist friend of Katrin.

Money and Currency

Almost everywhere, credit cards are accepted, and ATMs are plentiful for withdrawing Canadian dollars. In restaurants and bars, prices are displayed without sales tax - which is then added, possibly with a service fee determined by the restaurant, to the bill.

More articles for travel to Canada at a glance.

Currently, the best free credit cards for travel are the DKB Bank Debit Card, GenialCard (Hanseatic Bank), and the TF Bank Gold Mastercard. With a setup of at least 2 of these cards, you can usually withdraw cash from ATMs abroad without costs and pay on-site without incurring foreign fees on foreign currencies!-> Here you can find all tips based on my experience for the best travel credit cards in comparison.

If you have any questions or further tips for Montreal, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article!

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