Despite being the second-most populous city in Canada (right behind Toronto), Montreal is sometimes overlooked in favor of its western siblings. Located in the province of Quebec, Montreal offers a truly unique blend of European style and North American sensibilities.

Each neighborhood has something different to offer, whether it be the diversity and joy of the Village or the cool refinement of Rue St. Denis. Whether you’re visiting to shop, to eat, or to behold, Montreal will offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else in North America.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Montreal for you. Stick to these fun and unique Montreal bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this beautiful and historic Canadian city!

The Top 15 Things to Do in Montreal

1. Take a Walk Through the Space for Life Complex

One of the coolest Montreal attractions, the Space for Life complex encompasses five different institutions: the Insectarium, Biodôme, Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan, Botanical Garden, and the Biosphere. Altogether, they make up the largest natural science museum complex in Canada, showcasing the many different facets of nature in dedicated, beautiful spaces.

Whether you’re interested in astronomy, entomology, ecology, or botany, the complex has a tailor-made exhibit to offer. The jaw-dropping architecture of each building was designed to bring people closer to nature, with smooth curves and futuristic glass domes.

The iconic Biosphere houses innovative installations that bridge the divide between art and science while also offering panoramic views of the surrounding city and a delightful indoor garden.

You definitely can’t miss the botanical garden, known as Jardin Botanique. This sprawling greenspace is home to over 30 gardens and greenhouses, including beautiful tree pavilions, a Japanese garden, a First Nations garden, and seasonal exhibitions.

The other institutions might take you on a walk between Canada’s many ecosystems or showcase plant and insect life. It’s hands-down one of the most beautiful things to see in Montreal and a must on your trip.

2. Explore Montreal with Cité Mémoire

Cité Mémoire is the world’s largest video projection installation. Located in the heart of Montreal, you’ll be able to experience the city’s history through 25 larger-than-life tableaux that touch on landmark moments since the city’s founding. This walking tour will also take you through iconic downtown streets, making it an ideal way to explore the city.

Some of the tableaux render slice-of-life scenes from the past. Others feature well-known icons of the city or snippets from a historical event. The tones range from playful to grand, matching the spirit of the city they honor.

There are a few different paths you might go on, depending on which tableaux you’re most interested in seeing and which parts of the city you might want to check out. You’ll be treated to astounding historical architecture no matter which route you choose.

Go now because in a few years, the installation might be over. It will surely be replaced by a different kind of experience, but the ephemerality of these particular tableaux makes them a unique part of experiencing Montreal!

3. Relax with a Spa Treatment at Bota Bota

A must on your Montreal bucket list, Bota Bota is a luxury spa situated on what was once a river ferry right on the Saint Lawrence River in Old Port. This is pure relaxation and offers an amazing view of the historic parts of Montreal. On deck, you’ll also find a sauna, gardens, and a restaurant.

Once you embark, you’ll find yourself whisked through a thoughtfully planned water circuit. Beginning in the sauna, you’ll be able to relax your mind and body. Once your worries have been swept away, you’ll dive into a cold bath, Nordic style.

Sunbathe in the hammocks for a while before making your way to a massage or treatment. Lounging on a floating spa is one of the most unique Montreal activities. You could easily devote an entire afternoon to exploring the ferry and all the spa amenities, or, for the night owls, you can climb aboard the ferry after 7 pm and get lovely views of the city lights.

4. Experience a Light Show at the Notre-Dame Basilica

One of the most iconic Montreal attractions, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a beautiful model of Gothic Revival architecture, the first church of this style in Canada, and a National Historic Site.

Words and photos don’t do the Notre-Dame Basilica justice. Even from the outside, this 19th-century basilica is a grand presence on Montreal’s riverfront. Walking in, you’ll be treated to a grand arcade with brilliant blue vaulted ceilings.

Stained glass surrounds the gilded altar, while a carved spiral staircase leads up to the elegant pulpit and statuettes line the guardrail. Look, too, for the towering Casavant organs, which reach toward the roof.

The AURA light show transforms the beauty of the basilica into an immersive 1-hour long experience. During the pre-show exhibition, illuminated stations throughout the basilica highlight its gorgeous architectural details. Then, you’ll settle into the pews to watch as choreographed lights illuminate the basilica’s grand vaulted ceilings, walls, and altar, all to a specially curated orchestral score.

5. Enjoy a Québécois Culinary Invention: Poutine

Montreal is a graceful city, filled with elegant architecture and fine dining. It is also the home of the famous national Canadian comfort food: poutine. A simple dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds, it is usually served in a take-out container and is best enjoyed on a bench in the park.

This unassuming dish emerged in the Québécois culinary scene in the late 1950s and has since spread across Canada and across the border to the United States. You can find high-end poutine served with roasted pork belly. You’ll also find poutine at the corner diner, late at night in a nightlife district, or at a food truck near a gallery.

Oftentimes, the best poutine is the one closest to you. But here are some of our specific recommendations! For a classic poutine served by a famous poutinerie, check out La Banquise. For gourmet poutine, you might try Au Pied de Cochon, which serves an amazing foie gras on top. Or, if you want the authentic greasy spoon experience, go on over to Montreal Pool Room on Main.

6. Catch the Sunset at Parc Jean-Drapeau

The beautiful Parc Jean-Drapeau is five short minutes from downtown Montreal and boasts amazing views of downtown, the Saint Lawrence riverfront, and the islands by Old Montreal.

This historic park and its islands were the site of the Expo 67 World’s Fair. You find some of the best things to do in Montreal here in every season, with over 25 kilometers of hiking trails that are beautiful during the fall, a magical skating path that opens in the winter, and an outdoor aquatic complex to enjoy in the summer.

You’ll spot plenty of public art on your walk through the park, and you can settle in to enjoy the gardens – an ideal spot to picnic or read. If watersports are more your thing, check out Jean-Doré Beach or rent a paddleboard to explore the riverway.

You might easily spend a quiet afternoon in this park, but make sure to stick around to watch the sunset over the river and disappear behind Montreal’s skyscrapers.

7. Attend the Montreal International Jazz Festival

Did you know that Montreal is home to the world’s largest jazz festival? Every year, from late June to early July, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts featuring jazz legends and upcoming talent alike.

Founded in 1979, this long-running jazz festival brings thousands of music fans and musicians from all over the world to Montreal each summer. Taking place over 10 days, you’ll have plenty of options at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, depending on how you’d like to experience the music, what acts you’re interested in, and where you want to go.

Outdoor concerts are free of charge and take place on one of the festival’s many stages. Indoor concerts are sometimes ticketed and take place in well-regarded downtown music venues. Previous acts have included Christina Beaudry-Cárdena, Colin James, Robert Glasper, and Ranee Lee. Make sure to check out the program ahead of time to plan out your trip!

8. Wander Historic Rue St. Denis

A visit to the historic Rue St. Denis is easily one of the coolest things to do in Montreal. This is Montreal’s de facto creative district, where the city’s artists, fashion designers, and poets take up residence. 

The district’s Victorian homes, eclectic collection of shops and cafes, and funky public art installations make it an ultra-cool and distinct part of the city. This street was made for pedestrians, so grab your camera and go for a stroll. There’s way more to see and do than we can list here, but we’ve got some suggestions.

If you’re shopping for gifts, you have to stop by Renaud-Bray, a bookstore that carries plenty of unique souvenirs, including classic board games, tasteful stationery, and home goods.

If you’re looking for well-designed pieces for your home, look no further than Zone Maison, where everything, big or small, reads like a statement piece. And you can’t miss the district’s iconic vintage market, Marche Floh, which hosts over a dozen local vendors and tastemakers.

9. View Masterpieces at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

If we had to pick just one museum from Montreal’s many storied institutions, it would be the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. In fact, this is Canada’s oldest art museum, boasting a 160-year history of bringing art to the public, and it’s one of the must-do things in Montreal for art lovers.

The museum actually extends over five pavilions, comprising a district in and of itself. The total collection consists of over 45,000 pieces, ranging from Old Masters to contemporary Canadian, Quebecois, and international artworks. Take a look around, and you’ll find the couture collection of designer Thierry Mugler, plus works from Basquiat and the Group of Seven, among many others.

In case you’re sated on the visual arts, you might also take a look at what’s showing at the museum’s Cinéma du Musée, a small theater dedicated to independent films. Or attend an orchestra concert at Bourgie Hall. It would be easy to spend an entire day exploring, and we’d recommend scheduling up to four hours if you can.

10. Party in the Village, Montreal’s Most Diverse Neighborhood

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Montreal, this one’s for you. The Village is one of North America’s landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, a historic monument to diversity, and a safe meeting place for people of all identities.

The Village’s history dates back to Saint Antoine Street in the 1870s and was a place where gay communities were able to come together. The district expanded to neighboring streets through the 1970s and ‘80s, leading to the diverse, thriving community we see today.

The best time to visit is during the summer when the street decorations come up, and key roads are made pedestrian-only. Walking around, you’ll be surrounded by playful public art that celebrates this history, including canopies of rainbow-colored balls, pride flags, and brightly striped road crossings.

Spend a night here soaking up the nightlife you can’t get anywhere else. Grab an artful dinner made of fresh, locally sourced ingredients at O’Thym, then hop over to one of the district’s many bars, and if the mood strikes you, dance the night away at a nightclub or cabaret!

11. Shop at Montreal’s Famous Public Markets

Montreal has many public markets, but the most famous are probably the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy and Atwater Market just south of downtown. These markets date back to the late 1920s, marking them as indelible parts of the city’s history.

If you’re looking for foodie-centric Montreal activities, both are worth definitely checking out. Jean-Talon Market is a huge open-air market with a close-knit community feel and a reliable purveyor of staple produce, groceries, and local specialties. Plus, its prime location in Little Italy makes it easy to turn the corner and grab an old-school Italian meal or an artisanal coffee from Mile-Ex.

Meanwhile, Atwater Market is located near the Lachine Canal, giving it a waterfront vibe that complements the market’s unique Art Deco-style architecture. Even if you’re not interested in the market’s famed butcheries or cheesemongers, you might want to visit for the atmosphere alone.

12. Tour the Underground at Pointe-à-Callière Museum

Also known as the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, Pointe-à-Callière houses a very unique exhibition: a tour of the city’s underground tunnels once used to collect and direct rainwater, and now home to a beautiful light exhibition.

Stepping into the depths, you’ll get a sense of Montreal’s true age. The tunnels date back to 1832 and are still considered a marvel of civic engineering.

Exploring history is the museum’s goal, and it does so using a variety of special exhibitions that each focus on an aspect of the city’s formation. From ancient times to the seafaring days of French colonial ambition, you’ll be able to get an in-depth view of how the area has changed over thousands of years.

Pointe-à-Callière is Canada’s largest archeological museum, and is a mainstay for the city’s visitors. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Montreal, don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind attraction.

13. Kayak the Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal is a National Historic Site, and paddling the waterway will treat you to a unique angle of Montreal. This peaceful waterway is the ideal spot to kayak, paddleboard, or launch your pedal boat during a balmy summer afternoon.

You can easily rent watercraft from Adventures H2O, which also offers guided tours of the canal and lessons for new or returning kayakers. Special watercraft range from roomy electric boats to 12-person canoes, in case you’ve arrived with lots of company.

Because motorized boats are not allowed on the water in the Lachine Canal, you’ll be able to float around at ease. You can even bring your pets!

The Lachine Canal is conveniently located near prime attractions, like Old Port and the Atwater Market, so once you’re finished with your waterway exploits, you’re a short walk away from dining and shopping.

14. Enjoy the Exhibitions at Place des Arts

Place des Arts is the home of the performing arts in Montreal. You’ll find dance shows, classical symphonies, opera, theatrical productions, jazz concerts, and live comedy all under one roof.

A staple in Montreal’s art community since the 1960s, Place des Arts has been growing and changing to meet the needs of the city’s dynamic performers, as well as international touring talent. Whether you want to see the heights of the city’s established talent or emerging artists, you’ll be able to find a show that suits just about any day of the week.

Before (or after) your show, you might want to check out Quartier des Spectacles. It’s just a short walk away and home to local microbreweries, wine bars, bistros, and a gourmet food hall. Meanwhile, Archambault Place des Arts is the perfect place to find a gift for the art lovers in your life.

15. Get the Best of French Fine Dining at Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer Europea

There are plenty of amazing restaurants serving French and Quebecois cuisine in Montreal, but none offer quite the same experience as Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer Europea.

This venue offers classic fine dining service with a fresh and contemporary culinary philosophy. Dishes are executed using the exacting standards of French cuisine but incorporate distinctly Canadian ingredients.

Consider oysters from New Brunswick or filet mignon from Alberta. You might be served cheese made fresh in Quebec or a garnish of crystallized Ontario maple syrup.

You can luxuriate with an 8-course or 10-course tasting menu for dinner or just drop in for an amazing 3-course gourmet lunch. Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer Europea even serves take-out sandwiches and burgers with signature sides, in case you find yourself caught up with all that Montreal sightseeing!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Montreal. What’s your favorite thing to do in Montreal?

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