What to do and see in Montreal, Canada: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Pointe-a-Calliere, the birthplace of Montreal and a National Historic Site, offers visitors the opportunity to explore history through an original underground circuit leading through archaeological excavations. At the start of their visit, an immersive multimedia show presents a high-speed view of the city's history, the remains come to life and the count down begins! The museum also offers year-round temporary local and international exhibitions. For Montreal's 375th anniversary in May 2017, Pointe-a-Calliere inaugurated a new pavilion highlighting Fort Ville-Marie.

The MMFA is one of Canada’s most visited museums and the eighth-most visited museum in North America, boasting more than 1.3 million visitors. The MMFA's original temporary exhibitions combine various artistic disciplines – fine arts, music, film, fashion and design – and are exported around the world. Its rich encyclopedic collection, distributed among five pavilions, includes international art, world cultures, decorative arts and design, and Quebec and Canadian art. The Museum has seen exceptional growth in recent years with the addition of two new pavilions: the Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion, in 2011, and the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace, in 2016. The MMFA complex includes Bourgie Hall, a 460-seat concert hall. The Museum also houses the Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy, the largest educational complex in a North American art museum, enabling the MMFA to offer innovative educational, wellness and art therapy programmes

This Catholic church dedicated to Mary, Queen of the World, was modeled after Rome's St. Peter's Church.

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.

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.

This 19th-century church has a collection of interesting mosaics on its ceiling.

In season, take in a Montreal Canadiens hockey game at this arena.

Located in a former fire station, this museum explores Montreal's history from the 1600s to the present.

Montreal's oldest Catholic church, built in 1656, is known for its intricately designed interior, which includes stained glass chronicling the history of the city.