Discover North America's Hidden French Gem: Montréal

Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city and the cultural capital of Quebec, offers travellers a taste of France (of course, without the long flight). Montréal will impress you with its rich French culture and vibrant festivals.

Old Montréal (Le Vieux-Montréal): A Trip to Back in Time

Start your trip in Old Montréal, where buildings from the 17th century meet cobblestone streets. This area is all about aesthetic cafés and historical buildings!

If you’re into history, you should visit Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel and the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica before grabbing a coffee in one of the charming coffee shops.

Local Tip: In the evening, visit La Grande Roue de Montréal, the tallest observation wheel in Canada, located in Old Port. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Montréal and the stunning Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Mile End: The Ultimate Bagel Stop

Montréal is known for its bagels, which are smaller and slightly sweeter than their cousins in New York. Bagels in Montréal are freshly baked every day in wood-fired ovens.

The hub for fresh and delicious Montréal-style bagels lies in the gorgeous neighbourhood of Mile End. Mile End is the home of two iconic bagel shops: St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel.

Get a classic sesame bagel with cream cheese, grab a coffee in one of the second-wave coffee shops like Café Olimpico and enjoy! Bon appétit.

Mount Royal: Experience Nature in the Heart of the City

Just a few kilometres from the city centre, Mount Royal is the perfect place to take in city views and enjoy a peaceful escape into nature. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same architect who designed NYC’s world-famous Central Park), Mount Royal has one of the city’s best panoramic views.

You can either bike or hike to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for a stunning view, or you can stop by Beaver Lake for a relaxing picnic. If you’re interested in historical buildings, consider walking to Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, which is a basilica located just a few kilometers from the mountain.

Fun Island: Parc Jean Drapeau & Habitat 67

Only 4 to 6 kilometres from downtown, Parc Jean Drapeau hosts some of the city’s most anticipated events. From Formula 1 to music festivals, Parc Jean Drapeau has much to offer every season, including an amusement park with fantastic island views.

You can hop on the metro from downtown; in less than 15 minutes, you are on the island. If you’re travelling with family, check out the Biosphere, an ecological museum inside a gigantic dome, or hit La Ronde amusement park for quality family time.

Don’t miss Habitat 67; it’s a unique architectural landmark built as a pavilion for Expo 67. Its interlocking concrete boxes are hard to miss. You can either book a guided tour or enjoy the view from the waterfront.

Le Plateau: Hippie Montreal

Named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, Le Plateau deserves the title. Murals, Montréal triplexes with spiral staircases, indie cafes, and small parks make Le Plateau a must-see area.

Walking along the streets of Saint-Laurent and Saint-Denis, you will see tons of quirky shops, vintage stores, and record shops. Whenever you need a quick stop for food, pay a visit to Schwartz’s Deli on Saint-Laurent. Schwartz’s is one of the oldest delis in Canada, and they have the best-smoked meat in town!

If you need a quick break from the busy streets, stop by Parc La Fontaine and treat yourself to Canada’s national dish, Poutine, in La Banquise.

Little Italy & Marché Jean Talon: A Local Foodie's Dream

For a real taste of Montréal, head to Little Italy and stroll through Marché Jean Talon, one of the biggest open-air markets in North America.

Grab a fresh croissant from Jean Talon and enjoy an espresso at one of the Italian cafés in the neighbourhood. For great outdoor walks, you can stop by Parc Jarry.

Bonus

Stop by Crescent Street to see the legendary Leonard Cohen’s massive mural overlooking the city skyline.

Here are more handy tips for your next holiday:

Visit in summer/early fall- Winters get pretty cold in Montréal (it can dip below -20), so aim for summer or early fall for the best experience.
Wear comfortable shoes- Montréal has grid-like streets, making it easier to walk long distances. Have a pair of comfortable sneakers to enjoy the streets.
Use Public Transportation- Grab an Opus card to easily have access to the bus and metro system.

Ready to Explore Montréal?

Montréal is packed with amazing experiences, from the colourful murals of Le Plateau to the lively streets of Old Montréal and the delicious food in Little Italy. There’s something for everyone.

And with TravelPay Later, planning your dream trip has never been easier. With flexible payment plans over 6 or 12 months, interest-free, you can spread out the cost and make your adventure more affordable. Don’t wait—start planning your trip today and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!