Top 15 Tourist Attractions In Montreal, Canada
Montreal City in Canada is a cosmopolitan hub of international trade and various cultures. The city has got its name from Mount Royal, which is a triple-peaked hill in the town itself. Earlier, the place was named Ville Marie, which meant the City of Mary. Interestingly, Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city around the globe. The city is as beautiful as the rich history of the place.
Situated in the Quebec province of Canada, Montreal is a perfect travel destination for all. Get ready to discover all in Montreal, right from pilgrim site and excavations to underground shopping experience. Here is the list of the 15 most fantastic places to visit in Montreal.
1. Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal)
On the top of the list of the must-see places in Montreal is the Vieux-Montreal, old city of Montreal. As you set foot in Old Montreal, you will feel transported to Paris. The place is full of Parisian style buildings dated 17th, 18th and 19 centuries. Take a walk down the old lanes to explore the Museum of Archaeology, Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques Carter, Old Port, etc.
2. Parc du Mont-Royal
Parc du Mont-Royall is the largest park in Montreal. Mont-Royal, the hills that gave the town its name, with a height of 761 feet, is situated right in the city center. The hills offer breathtaking views of the place, which even stretches to the Adirondack Mountains in the USA on bright days. Don’t miss the cemeteries on the western slope of the hills.
3. Notre-Dame Basilica
Your visit to Montreal, Canada, is incomplete without a visit to the world-famous Notre-Dame Basilica. Montreal’s oldest church is constructed in Gothic revival style, has beautiful statues, intricate details carved on the interiors, 7000 pipe organ, and various other unusual aspects of the impressive structure. You could also enjoy the light and sound show here, highly recommended by travelers.
4. Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden)
One of the best places to visit for families in Montreal, Jardin Botanique, or the Botanical Garden boasts of 10 large greenhouses with different themes. The garden spread over 190 acres houses 22,000 species of flora. The Botanical garden has a lot to offer, including the Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Alpine Garden, and kids’ favorite Toxic Plant Garden. You will also find North America’s largest insect museum here with 250,000 varieties of insects.
5. Oratoire Saint Joseph
The highest point in Montreal, Oratoire Saint Joseph, is an essential place for pilgrims dedicated to Canada’s patron saint St. Joseph. The 318 feet Italian renaissance styled oratory has a copper dome and 99 steps. You can avoid climbing the 99 steps leading to the basilica by taking a free shuttle from the entrance to the top.
6. Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium built in 1976, is a must-visit place in Montreal, especially for sports lovers. It is the old address of Expo’s, Montreal’s former baseball team, who is now known as Washington Nationals. The beautiful structure is now a venue for hosting concerts, conventions, and trade shows.
7. Musee des Beaux-Arts
The 150-year-old Montreal Museum of fine arts is a feast to art lovers. The Museum possesses works of renowned Canadian and international artists with the likes of Picasso, El Greco, and Rembrandt, World War I artifacts, and so on. The building houses a bookstore and a restaurant too.
8. Underground City
Undoubtedly Underground City is the shopper’s favorite hangout in Montreal. You will be spoilt with too many choices with the network of interconnected hotels, shopping malls, metro stations, and museums. The whole system of places is linked by a tunnel network totaling 20 miles. The site is a must for your winter travel plans to Montreal.
9. Pointe-à-Callière
Many enthusiasts begin their Montreal trip from the Museum of Archeology and History. The Museum has a unique underground exhibit of the excavation remnants of the old Montreal. The history and archaeology museum contains maps, exhibits, artifacts, and also an individual pirates segment.
10. Place des Arts
Place des Arts, the largest complex in Canada dedicated to visual and performing arts, is one of the must-visit places in Montreal. The complex is well decorated with fountains, water cascades, and great works of art. The location is known as the abode of the three cultural organizations- Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Opera de Montreal.
11. La Ronde Amusement Park
La Ronde amusement parks is one of the favorite places for kids to visit in Montreal. It is the second-largest amusement park in the whole of Canada and the largest in Eastern Canada. The park remains open from mid-May to late October. The park is situated on the artificial island of Notre-dame and Ile Santie-Helene, along with many other attractions like Bassin Olympique, Stewart Museum, etc. Add some fun family moments to your Montreal trip with the amusement park set up in 1967.
12. Atwater and Jean-Talon Markets
One of the largest local markets in North America, the place is a must-visit place for food lovers in Montreal. The open-air market is full of fresh local produces and handmade products. Atwater Market is a similar market place where local style shops greet buyers. Locals flock the area, so the markets are an excellent way to observe local life even if you don’t want to buy the local food specialties and products.
13. Lachine Canal National Historic Site
The waterside of Montreal has a canal built on the southeast bank of St. Lawrence Island. The 14.4 km long Lachine canal, dug in 1825, got its name from the word la chine in French. The channel was earlier used for shipping but now forms part of a picturesque park.
14. St. Mary Queen of the World
The St. Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, constructed in 1894, is a smaller version of St. Peters in Rome. The building has impressive artwork, including the Crucifix by Philippe Hebert, nine paintings, and massive statues of the 13 parishes of the 19th century in Montreal. The church is a must-see place in Montreal due to its fantastic architecture and artwork.
15. Square Saint Louis and Rue Denis
Square Saint Louis and Rue Denis are one of the most attractive old squares in the city. Witness the blend of French-Canadian culture with Victorian houses and tree-shaded square. Many buildings have been converted into restaurants, boutiques, shops, cafes, adding to the beauty of the place.
Montreal is one of the leading travel destinations in North America and has fantastic travel experiences hidden to be unveiled. Apart from the above places, other major attractions in Montreal, Canada include Barbie Expo, McCord Museum & Chinatown.