City: Montreal
Top Things to do in Montreal
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do in Montreal, Canada
Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavor. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.
Restaurants in Montreal
1. La Fontaine Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
This downtown park has a mixture of French and English design as well as a lake used for ice-skating during the winter.
Reviewed By jenniferbmtl - Montreal, Canada
Designed by the same guy who did New Yorks Central Park, this park is full of well-planed zones, the perfect ratio of grass to mature trees for shade, water features and sports fields. As soon as the first bud emerges on the trees, the park begins to swell with jugglers, musicians, picnickers, joggers, cyclists, families, friends, hammock-nappers, slack-liners, circus performers, yoga groups, birthday parties, bbq's meetups and more. It's a fantastic place to pause and enjoy the day, people watch, feed the ducks, maybe smoke a joint or share a bottle of wine with friends, whatever you do to enjoy summer this is the place to do it. No matter how many people are there, there always seems to be a free place to sit and soak in some sun or rest in the shade - it's so great to see a public space taken advantage of so well. Plus there seems to be a great symbiosis of people who collect bottles and cans for the deposit $ so the park is pretty immaculate too. There is a good level of respect for the park, and everyone seems to enjoy doing activities in their appropriate zone ( theres a more athletic section for baseball, tennis, basketball etc and a more loungey / picnic/ hippie area , and lots of big open spaces for kids to run around safely, there's also a designated dog park area if you want to let your pup off the leash without getting into other peoples lunches - though plenty of people have pets at their picnics, just depends on your dog and what you are there for).
2. Old Montreal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,577 reviews
Stroll, bicycle or take a horse-drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets of Montreal's famous Parisian-style historic district, filled with cultural landmarks, museums, boutiques, sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
Reviewed By indranis2014 - Princeton, United States
Absolutely loved this part of Montréal! So well maintained and lovely to listen to proud tourist guides narrating the history of the beautiful buildings the river the port the churches the restaurants the streets- there were sculptures murals and art galleries all over Rue St Paul- a must visit for everyone!
3. Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,275 reviews
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount-Royal, founded by Saint Brother André in 1904, is a catholic sanctuary and the largest shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world. It receives over 2 million visitors yearly. We welcome everyone to partake in panoramic views, music concerts and special religious celebrations; come discover natural, cultural and spiritual treasures in the heart of the city. You will marvel at the votive chapel containing 10,000 candles, the Oratory Museum featuring nativity scenes from around the world, the Original Chapel, the spectacular Garden of the Way of Cross, the Crypt Church and the largest domed Basilica in North America.
Reviewed By SanjayB101 - Vadodara, India
A beautiful,enchanting,calm,peaceful place for prayer is Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.A must visit place of Montreal.and by seeing its beauty from outside ,u r spellbound.A well heighted green dome which gives you a feeling that its moving -when u see the Dome from down and clouds are moving-a beautiful feeling,moreover from there u can see most of the Montreal and if its evening may be a nice sunset also.Its a place of prayer but now designated as National Historic Site of Canada. so many visitors are coming every day to see its marvel inside and outside both.The Basilica is dedicated to Saint Joseph and herein Brother Andre -who had miraculous healing power which helped so many pilgrims-heart of Brother Andre is well-kept in Church museum .inside also a decorated big altar and peaceful surrounding.just like Notre Dame Basilica this Basilica has also got big harmonica which is played every time. a worth and must visit Basilica in Montreal.
4. Cathedral of Marie-Reine-du-Monde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,262 reviews
This Catholic church dedicated to Mary, Queen of the World, was modeled after Rome's St. Peter's Church.
Reviewed By thedowntowngirl2
They have services 3 times a day so check that out before you go visit. I live downtown, so I attend mass here weekly.
5. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 802 reviews
Located on Ile Notre-Dame, the 4.361 km-long Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve hosts the Grand Prix du Canada, as well as biking, in-line skating, jogging and walking enthusiasts! PARTIAL CLOSURE The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be partially closed to cyclists, pedestrians and inline skates enthusiasts from May 15 to September 4, 2017 due to the mounting, the hosting and demounting of major events, to maintenance work done on the circuit in preparation for the Grand Prix du Canada, and to the STM bus circuit to Jean-Dore beach. This partial closure means two things: • The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be accessible to cyclists, pedestrians and inline skates enthusiasts for only 43 non consecutive days this summer, from May 15 to September 4, 2017. Visite the Parc Jean-Drapeau website for the detailed schedule. • A portion of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the "Hairpin" area, will be inaccessible at all time time from May 15 to September 4, 2017.
Reviewed By 464MichaelL464 - Ottawa, Canada
Firstly, great idea by them to have a 30kph speed limit with the threat of fines, because there's no way without that in place I wasn't heading into that last chicane and seeing just how close I could get my Corolla to the Wall of Champions. Maybe I'm just that much of a nerd, but a free trip around an F1 track. Thanks!
6. Mount Royal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,495 reviews
Inaugurated in 1876, the Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the highly skilled designer behind New York's Central Park. It is an ideal site for admiring a wide variety of plants and birds or for enjoying outdoor activities. Les amis de la montagne offer a variety of services and activities that provide wonderful opportunities to discover the beauty and wealth of resources that the park has to offer, including the new permanent exhibition at the Maison Smith and interactive terminals and map.
Reviewed By M1386KBmikes - Montreal, Canada
As a Montreal Native, it is my 'Go to' place to Hike, Bike, Snowshoe and just be active and be a part of this great city Approach it my car or walk up via staircase or Bridal path to the top for great city views And if you would like a personal guide... please contact me to see if I'm available [email protected]
7. McGill University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 933 reviews
Canada's oldest university, home to nearly 30,000 students, is filled with a variety of interesting architectural styles.
Reviewed By 452cynthiam
We enjoyed exploring the campus of McGill University. We went to their museum of interesting displays and also had a delicious lunch in the school cafeteria.
8. Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,149 reviews
Called the Sailors' Church because of the wooden ship models that hang from its ceiling, this church was originally designed by Marguerite Bougeoys, one of Montreal's first teachers. Next to the Chapel, the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum ($) presents fascinating stories/accounts and significant objects to showcase the life and work of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montreal's first teacher. Visitors can explore the 18th-century stone crypt and climb the tower to admire a stunning view of the St. Lawrence, Old Montreal and downtown. The archaeological site, opened in 1998, has witnessed more than 2,400 years of history. In addition to its permanent exhibition spaces, the Museum offers a variety of temporary exhibitions and cultural activities, along with school programs. Tours of the Bonsecours neighbourhood, the oldest part of Montreal, are offered on Saturdays, from April to June, and October and November. Reservation required.
Reviewed By AlwaysForever
We stopped here at this free admission chapel twice during our visit. It is far smaller and simpler than the large Notre Dame Basilica, but peaceful and beautiful in its decorations. Do not miss the statues on the chapel on the exterior port side of the building. If you enjoy visiting religious buildings, this is definitely worth a visit.
9. St. Patrick's Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
This 19th-century church has a collection of interesting mosaics on its ceiling.
Reviewed By fallforever27 - Kawartha Lakes, Canada
Although not as famous as the Notre-Dame Basilica it is still worth a stop! Beautiful interior and for someone trying to see the beauty of Montreal’s Cathedrals in a quiet and more private manner I would defiantly recommend going here over the Notre-Dame Basilica, as it is crowded
10. Rue St-Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,854 reviews
The oldest and one of the prettiest of Montreal's streets is home to the Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame De-Bonsecours Chapel.
Reviewed By Limeyjd - Jacksonville, United States
One of the prettiest streets in Montreal. Lots of character and old world charm with plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from.
