Montréal is a popular vacation destination in Canada’s Quebec province that is well-known for being a dynamic city full to the brim with cultural experience and French-Canadian history. It is the second largest city in Canada and has the highest number of restaurants per capita throughout Canada, so finding a place to eat won’t be an issue.

You will find many things to do during your stay in Montréal, but the city is widely known as being the sports capital of Canada and even held the Summer Olympics back in 1976.

This ultimate guide to Montréal will provide you with all the information you need to know to have an amazing trip in this incredible city.

Where to Stay

Montréal is divided into 19 different boroughs, and the west side is generally considered to be home to a more Anglo-American culture while the eastern boroughs (such as Old Montréal) are where you will find the French heritage in the city. Montréal is one of the top five French speaking cities in the world so it is full of European as well as Canadian culture.

There are different accommodation options available depending on your budget, varying from Boutique hotels in Downtown Montréal to more budget options in the Chinatown area. However, if luxury is what you are looking for, then be sure to check out the hotels in the Golden Square Mile area that offer stylish rooms that you can relax in during your stay.

For example, the Loews Hotel Vogue is well situated, as it is close to the metro lines with many restaurants to choose from. But don’t worry, we will talk about where to eat and how to get around the city later!

For a cheaper option, be sure to check out the M Montréal hostel in the Village area in the center of town. This is a great place to stay as it is near some of the best bars in the city. Here you have the option to make new friends in the cozy dorms or pay a bit extra for your own private room.

Travel Options

The main airport in Montréal is the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL) which is regularly used by Canadians as well as foreign tourists. It is the biggest airport in the region and there are flights arriving and departing on a regular basis.

There are international and local flights to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, but some domestic flights also fly to Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU). You will find flights to Montreal using Porter Airlines, who offer regular flights in and out of the popular city. Porter’s check-in desk is located at the A Terminal in Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport and they offer hundreds of flights every day. For more information, click here – https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/book-flights/where-we-fly/canada/montreal.

Things to Do

There are so many things to do in Montréal that it will be impossible for you to do and see everything during your stay. The city is full of unique and varied experiences and is brimming with different cultures. However, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Downtown Montréal is home to the hustle and bustle of the city with its spectacular Skyscrapers and interesting museums. However, if you are more interested in the French-Canadian culture that Montréal is famous for, then you should head down to Le Plateau Mont Royal region where you will find quaint coffee shops and impressive street art. This very Francophone area is very popular among tourists, but watch out for the many bicycles that fill the streets!

The Village

If you want to experience some of the nightlife that Montréal has to offer, then be sure to check out their colorful Gay Village that has become one of the largest LGBT communities in North America. Here you will find over 80 restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the open-minded atmosphere that is very affordable but will offer you a night to remember!

Mount Royal

You cannot visit Montréal without visiting the Mount Royal mountain that the city is named after. You will find it in the heart of downtown Montréal where many people use the outside space to meet friends and play sports. If you visit Montréal during the summer months, then you are likely to find many locals and tourists in the Mount Royal park enjoying the outdoors.

Also, be sure to pop down on a Sunday where you will find the equivalent of a big outdoor party of dancers, vendors, and the Tam Tam Drummers. This weekly event (if the weather allows!) is a unique experience that you should be sure to attend if possible. The views overlooking the city are truly amazing from the Mount Royal mountain.

Take a Walk Down Sainte Catherine Street

Sainte Catherine Street is the shopping central of Montréal and is a great place to pick up some souvenirs for your family or a few treats for yourself. You will find both local and unique stores as well as chain stores on this popular street. You can spend a few hours wandering around these streets and there are also plenty of cafés and restaurants to stop at along the way. This is a particularly nice place to visit during the summer season.

How to Get Around

There are many ways to get around Montréal, but driving can be difficult, and parking can be expensive. However, there are many public transport options available to help you get around. The metro is one of the most common forms of transport in Montréal as it is quick and cheap to get to anywhere you want to go. Buses are also a good transportation option that are used by locals and tourists as they are available every 10 minutes.

Taxis are readily available in the city and are easy to flag down, but they are a more expensive option than public transport. Though if you are an Uber fan, then you can be sure to book one on the app as they are up and running in Montréal.

Where to Eat

There are so many food options in Montréal that you will be spoilt for choice. The restaurants found across the city offer cuisines from all over the world and the various food markets offer fresh produce in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The public markets sell everything from fresh fruit to unique cheeses to go with your favourite wines.

The Climate

The weather in Montréal follows clear seasons. The winters are cold, and the summers are warm. If you visit during the winter months, then you should expect freezing temperatures and some snow. Summers in Montréal can get very humid and the average temperature can go as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although a visit in the spring will likely require a jacket.

A trip to Montréal can be the experience of a lifetime as there is so much that the city has to offer. Whether you prefer a relaxing time strolling through the cities of the old town or are a fan of outdoor sports, Montréal really has something for the whole family to enjoy.