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Montreal

A slice of Old Europe in a contemporary setting

Overview

Montréal is a highlight of Canada and combines both the Old and New Worlds of Québec: winding cobble streets marry perfectly with the lively culture of New Montréal, bringing forward a new generation for Québec.

If you love trying new things, the food and shopping here is incredible! Rue St. Denis has a list of great little pubs and restaurants. It was once where mainly French-speaking locals would socialize, however it is now a melting pot of culture and little architectural marvels. This is one of the longest streets in the city and starts in Old Montréal.

For the best views of Montréal during your holiday, travel up to Mont Royal and enjoy one of the city's largest green spaces. If you love to hike or enjoy walking, climb up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere where you can snap some amazing aerial shots of the hustle and bustle of this energetic city below.

If time allows, we recommend visiting both Québec City and Montréal during your holiday to make a multi-break holiday. The excellent Corridor Service by VIA Rail, Canada's national rail provider, is the perfect link between the two cities and it allows you to experience the diversity of both cities in one trip, helping you make the most of your Québec holiday.

Things to do

The colourful city of Montréal offers an incredible list of things to see and do while on holiday here. The city is a melting pot of many cultures and countries, so the choice in food, events and festivals is truly endless.

There are so many fantastic museums in the city to choose from, so if you love a holiday visiting unique and fascinating museums then you will be in your element here. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most popular attractions in Montreal, and it is the largest museum in the city, so be sure to add this onto your list. For art lovers, make sure you give yourself plenty time to stroll around as there is so much to see.

Notre-Dame Basilica is sure to be on your list of things to see during your holiday to Montreal, and the building boasts some of the most beautiful and impressive architecture you may ever see. The interior architecture is simply stunning, and the church is located in a charming neighbourhood, perfect for exploring. No matter what religion you may be, the historic Catholic Church is welcoming and anybody can appreciate just how incredible the building is.

A must is a visit to the Mosaicultures Internationales, an exhibition of refined horticultural art which involves mounting and creating living artworks made from plants and colourful foliage. It may not at first sound enticing, but the outdoor exhibit showcases some of the most wonderful garden art in the world, from intricate human faces to horses to ships, all carved from a wide variety of flora and plants. It is incredible, and definitely worth a visit during your holiday.

Popular things to do in Montreal

Old Montréal walking tour

£18pp

Discover the east or west side of Montréal. These tours include abundant information about the history, architecture and secrets of Old Montréal. During the East side tour you will visit attractions like Cours Le Royer, St-Paul Street, Place Jacques-Cartier, City Hall, Champ de mars, Bonsecours Street and its chapel and the Bonsecours Market. During the West side tour attractions such as Place D`Armes, St-Jacques Street and its bank, McGill street, Place d`Youville and Place Royale. Both tours include a visit inside the famous Notre-Dame Basilica.

Departures: May 1 - Apr 30
Duration: 1.5 hours
One Day Escapade to Québec City and Montmorency Falls

£79pp

A narrated coach tour to the historic city, discovering the historical treasures and wonderful ‘joie de vivre’ atmosphere of Quebec City during this full day excursion. Your expert guide will take you through the only walled city in North America. Embark on a short cruise to the Montmorency Falls, 30m higher than the world famous Niagara Falls, situated on the outskirts of the city and a 90 minute cruise from Quebec City.

Departures: May 1 - Apr 30
Duration: 12 hours
St Lawrence River Rafting from Montréal

£35pp

15 minutes from downtown Montréal, you can experience exciting river rafting. You will be given a choice of whether you prefer a more leisurely paced raft ride on the tranquil part of the river with some rapids or for the more adventurous a more thrilling ride.

Departures: daily May 6 - Sep 9
Duration: 2.15 hours

Holidays

Montréal is one of Canada’s most charming holiday destinations, combining the Old and New Worlds of Québec. With an impressive festival and event calendar throughout the year, there is always something to see and do in the colourful city. Take a stroll down Rue Ste. Denis and pop into one of the authentic pubs and restaurants, or visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, which is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Canada.

If you’re interested in exploring the delights of French Canada then a holiday to Montréal is just for you. And why not fit in a trip to Québec City while you’re at it which is easily accessible by car or by VIA Rail train taking in the scenery as you go.

Browse our amazing range of holidays in Montreal

Top tips

Montréal is one of Canada’s most charming holiday destinations, with so much architecture, French-Canadian culture and exquisite dining experiences to discover. No matter what your style, or what you enjoy doing on your holiday, there is so much to enjoy here. Be active in the city, dine out in charming Parisian-style restaurants or marvel at some of the city’s architectural delights.

Here are our top tips for your holiday to Montréal:

Top tips for visiting Montreal

Top Tip 1

• The most popular way to see the city, and an absolute must on your visit to Montréal, is to hire bikes and see the city on two wheels. Unveil breathtaking views of the city by cycling up Mount Royal, or even cycle around the world famous Grand Prix circuit.

Top Tip 2

• Take a stroll down Rue St. Denis, one of the longest streets in the city, which has a host of great little pubs and restaurants. This was once where the French-speaking locals would socialise, and now it’s a melting pot of culture and charming architecture.

Top Tip 3

• History buffs should squeeze in as many of the city’s fantastic museums as possible into their holiday to Montréal. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and also the largest museum, so make sure you have plenty of time to spare before getting lost in its incredible paintings.

Top Tip 4

• Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, which is one of the most beautiful buildings in Canada. The stunning interior architecture will take your breath away, and no matter your religion you can appreciate the church’s incredible structure.

Top Tip 5

• For a tasty and truly authentic culinary experience on your holiday, visit the Accords le Bistro in St Lawrence. Influenced by Quebec produce, specialities include Stanstead rabbit in ravioli with mushrooms, organic marinated salmon with vegetables and the Piglet burger with caramelised apple. Accompany this with a local wine and take a stroll onto the chic terrace.

Top Tip 6

• If you’re passionate about nature make sure to visit the Montréal Botanical Garden, particularly in the autumn, when this attraction hosts the magical Gardens of Light experience.

Top Tip 7

• For a unique evening experience visit Le Balcon Cabaret Music Hall, in the heart of Old Montréal. With the feel of an old New York cabaret, and a Parisian dinner-theatre this is an enchanting experience.

Top Tip 8

• History lovers are encouraged to visit Old Montréal, which is one of North America’s best preserved towns. French is the predominant language, horse drawn carriages are your local transport, and the charming old art galleries and museums serve to teach you about the life of Montreal in times gone by.

If you’d like more information about booking your holiday to Montréal, call one of our dedicated team of experts who will help you plan the trip of a lifetime!