Things to do in Montreal

Montreal · 489m from downtown

344 reviews

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is located opposite Place d'Armes in Old Montreal. This Gothic Revival church was started in 1824 and completed in 1829, designed by Irish-American architect James O'Donnell. The exterior of the basilica is solemn and majestic, featuring three towering arches on the facade, with statues of Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist standing above the doors. Two towers, each approx. 60m high, stand on either side. The west tower houses a large bronze bell named "Jean-Baptiste," which was cast in 1848. Stepping inside the church, the first thing that catches the eye is the deep blue vaulted ceiling, inlaid with thousands of golden stars. The altar area is decorated with an intricate blend of blue, purple, red, and gold, making it magnificent and solemn. Hundreds of exquisite wood carvings and religious statues are found throughout. Uniquely, the stained glass windows here do not depict biblical stories but instead showcase the local religious history of Montreal. The church also houses a Casavant pipe organ installed in 1891, containing 7,000 pipes. The interior decoration was led by architect Victor Bourgeau and was inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. In addition, the basilica features a long-running immersive light experience called "AURA," which uses the entire interior of the church as a canvas, blending the beauty and atmosphere of the architecture through sound, light, and imagery.

No. 7 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Canada

Old Montreal

7.5

Montreal · 139m from downtown

249 reviews

Old Montreal is one of the best-preserved historic districts in North America. Founded in 1642 by French settlers along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, it was designated a historic district by Quebec Province in 1964. Cobblestone streets wind through stone buildings dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, where French colonial and Victorian-era architecture stand side by side, making you feel as if you have wandered into an old European city. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Place d'Armes, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Saint-Paul Street West form the core sightseeing axis of the old city, where churches, squares, and ancient streets appear in turn. The Old Port area along the river has been transformed into a waterfront leisure zone, where walking paths, cruise boats, and riverside views blend the historic district with modern vitality. This is also a representative district for experiencing the blend of Montreal's English and French cultures, where the architectural fabric left by the French colonial era coexists with remnants of British municipal-style architecture, creating a neighborhood with a rare combination of historical depth and vibrant local life in a North American city.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Montreal

La Grande Roue de Montréal

6.5

4.3/5

9 reviews

La Grande Roue de Montréal is Canada's tallest Ferris wheel, heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer. From this 60-meter-high slow-rotating giant wheel, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Old Town's iconic landmarks, including Place Jacques-Cartier and Bonsecours Market—an arts and crafts market housed in a domed heritage building. For a more thrilling adventure, hop on the 1,200-foot-long MTL Zipline and zip across the Old Port area at speeds up to 40 mph.

Montreal · 401m from downtown

Montréal Underground City

6.1

41 reviews

Montréal Underground City is a vast pedestrian network extending beneath and through the indoor spaces of downtown Montreal. With a total length of over 30 km, it connects more than 60 residential and commercial complexes, multiple subway stations, and thousands of shops, restaurants, and office buildings. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through it every day—it serves as both a daily route for locals to commute and shop, and a unique urban form that has grown to help the city cope with its long, harsh winters. This network was not planned and built all at once; rather, it has developed organically since 1962, starting around Victoria Square, Birmingham and expanding gradually alongside the opening of the Montreal subway and the city's continuous growth. The network integrates multiple subway lines, commuter train stations, large shopping centers, and even sports venues like Centre Bell. With its rich layers of functionality, it has truly become an "indoor city within a city." Strolling through it, the atmosphere is similar to a street-level commercial district, yet you remain in a climate-controlled indoor space the entire time—no need to bundle up in winter or carry an umbrella on rainy days.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Montreal

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Montreal · 5.4km from downtown

4.4/5

147 reviews

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is located on the western slope of Malawati Hill and is one of the largest Catholic churches in Canada, as well as an important religious pilgrimage site in North America. The oratory was founded in 1904 by Brother André Bessette of the Congregation of Holy Cross, starting as a small chapel and taking over 60 years to build, with full completion in 1967. Its iconic copper dome towers over Malawati Hill, with a design inspired by the Florence Cathedral, making it a highly recognizable landmark in the Montreal skyline. The architectural style is eclectic, featuring a Renaissance Revival facade, while the interior is in the Art Deco style, with granite, wood, and stained glass windows creating a simple yet solemn atmosphere.

2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Mount Royal Park

Montreal · 3.2km from downtown

4.5/5

166 reviews

Mount Royal Park is the origin of the name of the city of Montreal, which evolved from this hill. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park, and officially opened in 1876. Its design philosophy focuses on presenting the mountain's original natural landscape, with trails and vegetation extending along the terrain. The park consists of three peaks with distinct rolling terrain, interspersed with hiking trails and cycling paths. The Kondiaronk Lookout is an iconic attraction in the park, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the St Lawrence River; the Mount Royal Chalet next to the lookout was built in the 1930s and is a historic stone building, with walls inside painted with historical scenes by various artists, documenting the city's evolution from the 16th to the 18th century. The park also features the man-made Beaver Lake, a popular spot for walking and relaxing. The Mount Royal Cross standing at the summit lights up at night and is a prominent landmark on the skyline.

Montreal · 1.3km from downtown

Habitat 67

5.5

3.9/5

37 reviews

Habitat 67 is a housing complex standing on the banks of the St Lawrence River. Built for the 1967 World's Fair, it was designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie when he was less than 30 years old. The entire complex consists of over 300 identical prefabricated concrete modules stacked in a staggered, block-like arrangement, forming three large pyramid-shaped clusters that rise up to 12 stories high and create over 100 residences, each with a unique layout. Every unit features at least one private garden terrace built on the roof of the level below, with pedestrian streets and walkways weaving through the structure, making it look like a hillside village built from concrete blocks from a distance. It was not demolished after the World's Fair closed and remains an apartment complex where people still live today.

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Vieux-Port de Montréal

5.4

4.5/5

106 reviews

Vieux-Port de Montréal is adjacent to Old Montreal and stretches about two km along the St. Lawrence River. As early as 1611, French fur traders established a trading post here, and the port area thus became the starting point of Montreal's urban development. After port operations moved east in 1976, Vieux-Port de Montréal was redeveloped in the early 1990s and transformed into a waterfront public space integrating history, leisure, and culture. The old port features pedestrian and cycling paths along the river, with open views of the riverbank, making it ideal for walking and cycling. The area is home to facilities such as the Montreal Science Centre (which houses an IMAX theatre) and the Montreal Clock Tower, while La Grande Roue de Montréal stands amid them, adding a touch of modernity to the riverside skyline. Next to the clock tower is an urban beach where visitors can sit by the river. The old port is also the eastern starting point of the Lachine Canal, whose banks are likewise suited to cycling and water activities. Strolling here, with the open waters of the St. Lawrence River on one side and the cobblestone streets and French-style buildings of Old Montreal on the other, whether resting on a riverside restaurant terrace or cycling along the river, you can feel the city's unique sense of history and life.

Montreal · 601m from downtown

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in South Shore Montreal

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

5.4

4.3/5

71 reviews

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Canada's oldest and most influential art museums, and a cultural landmark in downtown Montreal. Originally founded as the Montreal Art Association in 1860, it has expanded over the past century from a single building into a complex comprising five pavilions. The first building at the current site opened in December 1912. The collection includes tens of thousands of works, ranging from European oil paintings to Quebec and Indigenous Canadian art, Inuit art, and decorative arts and design categories such as furniture, glass, silverware, and photography, spanning a wide range of time periods and regions.

Montreal · 2.3km from downtown

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in South Shore Montreal

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral

5.1

27 reviews

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal and one of the largest churches in Quebec Province. It was built as a scaled-down replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and its exterior is quite imposing. The layout of the verdigris dome, front pediment, and columns clearly reflects the influence of Rome. The highlights inside the church are concentrated beneath the dome: the gilded bronze baldachin above the main altar was handcrafted by Roman artisans, the inner walls of the dome are inscribed with the same Latin text as the original in Rome in gold lettering, and a series of oil paintings depicting the early history of Montreal's founding hangs along the walls of the nave.

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Experiences you can't miss in Montreal

Featured Day tours in Montreal

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Montreal: The Original Locally Owned Street Art Walking Tour

5.0/5

· 8 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromSEK 315.00

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From Montreal: Quebec City One Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

4.4/5

· 114 reviews· 63 booked

Duration: 13 hrs

Free cancellation

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FromSEK 1,036.00

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Montreal: Mile-End Foodie Walking Tour with 7 Tastings

5.0/5

· 3 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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FromSEK 954.00

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Montreal Vieux-Port de Montréal - Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal - Mount Royal - Underground City day tour

Duration: 12.5 hrs

English

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FromSEK 6,262.00

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Montreal with a Local - Private Half-Day Tour

Duration: 24 hrs

English

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FromSEK 1,664.00

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Discover The History of Medicine as well as The History of Montreal

Duration: 24 hrs

English

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FromSEK 98.00

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Scenic Night Tour + La Grande Roue de Montreal Entry Ticket

Duration: 24 hrs

English

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FromSEK 1,039.00

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Montreal Museum of Fine Arts + Jean Talon Market + Vieux-Port de Montréal + Mount Royal Park

Duration: 12.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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FromSEK 6,233.00

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Featured Culture & history in Montreal

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Montreal Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Landmarks and Cultural Icons

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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20% off

Limited-time sale

FromSEK 70.00SEK 88

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1-day tour to Montreal Museum of Fine Arts + Chinatown + Botanical Garden + Old Port Clock Tower

Duration: 10 hrs

English

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FromSEK 6,292.00

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Westmount Audio Tour: Echoes of Heritage, Halls, and Hidden Stories

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

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20% off

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FromSEK 44.00SEK 55

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Montreal Underground City Walking Tour: 20 Miles of Hidden Architecture

Duration: 2.1 hrs

English

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FromSEK 782.00

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Secret Food Tour Montreal: Mile End Flavors and Hidden Gems

Duration: 24 hrs

English

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FromSEK 623.00

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More things to do

Montreal Cruises

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16 days · Arctic · Reykjavik - Greenland - Canada - Saint Pierre and Miquelon - Toronto

Ponant ·

LE BELLOT4

Depart from Reykjavik

From SEK 155,210

Private Tours in Montreal

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15D14N • One Trip Across Eastern and Western Canada · Toronto + Kingston + Montreal + Quebec City + Ottawa + Calgary + Banff + Vancouver

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Embark on an epic cross-Canada journey, blending eastern historic culture, alpine wilderness and Pacific coastal scenery for a complete Canadian travel experience. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. Optimized itinerary avoids long hauls, giving you more relaxed enjoyment. · Over 8 yrs of experience to ensure smooth and reliable journey. All vehicles are regularly maintained and fully insured for your complete safety. No hidden fees, so you can simply focus on the views.

From SEK 62,895

11D10N • Toronto + Ottawa + Montreal + Quebec City + Kingston + Niagara Falls Optional Fallsview Hotel, Canada

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Visit three top fall spots in Eastern Canada: Mont-Tremblant, Canyon Sainte-Anne, and Algonquin Park. See over 1,000 colorful lakes in Algonquin - a stunning autumn view. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. Optimized itinerary avoids long hauls, giving you more relaxed enjoyment. · Over 8 yrs of experience to ensure smooth and reliable journey. All vehicles are regularly maintained and fully insured for your complete safety. No hidden fees, so you can simply focus on the views.

From SEK 43,579

9D8N • Toronto + Ottawa + Montreal + Quebec City + Kingston + Niagara Falls, Canada · One Vehicle Throughout

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Classic Eastern Canada: Five Cities & Niagara Falls - Discover the Heritage of Maple Country · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip.An optimized itinerary avoids long travel times, so you can enjoy a more relaxed trip. · Over 8 yrs of experience to ensure smooth and reliable journey. All vehicles are regularly maintained and fully insured for your complete safety. No hidden fees, so you can simply focus on the views.

From SEK 32,899

14D13N • One Trip Across Eastern and Western Canada · Toronto + Kingston + Montreal + Quebec City + Ottawa + Calgary + Banff + Vancouver

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From SEK 66,338

10D9N • Toronto + Ottawa + Montreal + Quebec City + Kingston + Niagara Falls, Canada

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From SEK 40,771

13D12N • Canada East-West Tour: Quebec + Ottawa + Montreal + Vancouver + Niagara Falls + Banff + Jasper + Yoho + Glacier · 4 National Parks · + Vancouver & Victoria

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Explore four signature cities in Eastern Canada and visit Saint Anne Canyon, with great opportunities to enjoy prime maple leaf viewing along the way. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. An optimized itinerary avoids long hauls, so that you can enjoy a more relaxed trip. · Drivers with over 8 years of experience ensure a smooth and reliable journey. All vehicles are regularly maintained and fully insured for your complete safety.

From SEK 57,079

9D8N • Toronto + Ottawa + Montreal + Kingston + Niagara Falls

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Explore the highlights of 4 Eastern Canadian cities and encounter the majestic Niagara Falls. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. The optimized itinerary avoids long travel times, so you can enjoy a more relaxed experience. · With over 8 years of experience, we ensure a smooth and reliable journey. All vehicles are regularly maintained and fully insured for your complete safety.

From SEK 34,758

6D5N • Toronto + Ottawa + Montreal + Quebec City + Kingston + Niagara Falls, Canada

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelPrivate Tours

Explore Eastern Canada, experience the distinct character & vibe of each city. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. Optimized itinerary avoids long hauls, giving you more relaxed enjoyment. · Over 8 yrs of experience to ensure smooth and reliable journey. All vehicles are regularly maintained and fully insured for your complete safety. No hidden fees, so you can simply focus on the views.

From SEK 28,437

Group Tours in Montreal

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5D4N • Boston + Toronto

5/5

3 reviews

Max. 55 peopleMandarin and EnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedGroup Tours

Professional tour guides ensure seamless connections for your cross-border itinerary, allowing you to efficiently visit essential attractions and enjoy your US and Canada trip with complete peace of mind. · Panoramic views, exploring major tourist cities in the US and Canada: Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Niagara Falls · In the shortest time, gain comprehensive knowledge of the politics, economy, culture, and education of both the US and Canada, plus an immersive experience and panoramic sightseeing.

From SEK 7,944

8D7N • New York + Washington D.C. + Toronto

4.9/5

4 reviews

Max. 55 peopleMandarin and EnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationGroup Tours

Professional tour guides ensure seamless connections for your cross-border itinerary, allowing you to efficiently visit essential attractions and enjoy your US and Canada trip with complete peace of mind. · Panoramic sightseeing, explore major tourist cities in both the US and Canada: New York, Toronto, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, and Quebec. · In the shortest time, gain comprehensive knowledge of the politics, economy, culture, and education of both the US and Canada, plus an immersive experience and panoramic sightseeing.

From SEK 12,340

3D2N • 3 Day and 2 Night Tour: Toronto, 1000 Islands, and Niagara Falls

4.9/5

71 reviews

EnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From SEK 2,943

8D7N • Canadian Capitals

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From SEK 18,009

4D3N • Montreal and Quebec

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From SEK 7,592

5D4N • Ontario and Quebec 5-Day Small-Group Highlights Tour from Toronto

5/5

1 review

EnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From SEK 12,428

9D8N • New York + Washington D.C. + Toronto

Max. 55 peopleMandarin and EnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationDeposit acceptedGroup Tours

Professional tour guides ensure seamless connections for your cross-border itinerary, allowing you to efficiently visit essential attractions and enjoy your US and Canada trip with complete peace of mind. · Panoramic sightseeing, explore major tourist cities in both the US and Canada: New York, Toronto, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, and Quebec. · In the shortest time, gain comprehensive knowledge of the politics, economy, culture, and education of both the US and Canada, plus an immersive experience and panoramic sightseeing.

From SEK 13,867

14D13N • Essential East Coast, Niagara and Chicago

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From SEK 35,714

Montreal Today's weatherShowers 12-19℃

Montreal weather for the next 2 days11/6: 7-16℃, 11/7: 4-10℃

Free things to do in Montreal

Old Montreal

7.5

Montreal · 139m from downtown

249 reviews

Montréal Underground City

6.1

41 reviews

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Montreal · 5.4km from downtown

4.4/5

147 reviews

Mount Royal Park

Montreal · 3.2km from downtown

4.5/5

166 reviews

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral

5.1

27 reviews