11 Great Things to Do in Montreal (From a Local!)

Looking for the best things to do in Montreal? Whether you’re visiting in summer, winter, or somewhere in between, this city is packed with culture, history, food, and art — and we’ve got the inside scoop straight from a local.

Meet Liam. Born and raised in Montreal, he knows the city beyond the guidebooks. From secret spots to local favorites, Liam shared his personal list of what to see, eat, and explore — and we’re excited to bring it to you here on Northwanderer.

Big thanks to Liam for opening up his Montreal to us — now let’s get into it.

Top Things to Do in Montreal, QC

This list is a mix of the classic highlights and the lesser-known gems that only locals talk about. Whether you’re after culture, food, views, or vibes, Liam’s recommendations give you a full picture of what makes Montreal so unforgettable.

Expect iconic neighborhoods, incredible eats, and a few surprises — all with an insider twist.

1.Take in the City from Mont Royal Park & Lookout

If there’s one place Liam insists you visit, it’s Mont Royal. Known locally as “The Mountain,” this is where Montreal gets its name — and it’s where you’ll find the most iconic view of the city.

What to Expect

Mont Royal is a huge green space in the middle of Montreal. You can hike, walk, bike, or snowshoe depending on the season. The Chalet Lookout offers panoramic views of downtown Montreal with the St. Lawrence River in the distance.

📍 Local Tip from Liam:

“Climb the Peel Street staircase for a proper local experience. Go at golden hour for photos — trust me.”

🌲 Don’t Miss:

• Beaver Lake – great for summer picnics or winter skating

• The Mont Royal Cross – lit up every night, a quiet symbol over the city

• Mont Royal Chalet – perfect to warm up in the winter or grab a snack in summer

Mont Royal is beautiful year-round, but in autumn, it’s next level with the fall colours.

2.Explore Old Montreal & the Old Port

Cobblestone streets, 17th-century buildings, and that unmistakable European charm — Old Montreal is a must. Liam says this is one of the few spots in the city where you can feel both like a tourist and a local, depending on where you wander.

🏛️ What to See

Start at Place Jacques-Cartier and stroll along Rue Saint-Paul, the oldest street in the city. It’s packed with art galleries, cafés, local boutiques, and some truly beautiful old architecture.

Nearby, the Old Port (Vieux-Port) gives you river views, food trucks, performers, and festivals in warmer months. In the winter? It turns into a snowy wonderland with ice skating, Igloofest (a neon-filled outdoor rave), and cozy views of the frozen St. Lawrence.

🎡 Local Tip from Liam:

“Grab a coffee and ride La Grande Roue (the Ferris wheel). You’ll get some of the best views of the city, especially at night when everything’s lit up.”

🧭 Don’t Miss:

• Bonsecours Market – beautiful old domed market full of local goods

• Zipline over the Old Port – only in summer, but unforgettable

• Habitat 67 – iconic architecture just across the water

Whether you go for history, views, or just a peaceful riverside walk, Old Montreal is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to — and Liam still does, even after all these years.

3.Visit the Stunning Notre-Dame Basilica

Right in the heart of Old Montreal sits one of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks: the Notre-Dame Basilica. Liam calls this a non-negotiable stop, even if you’re not into churches or religious sites.

🕍 Why It’s Worth It

The exterior is grand, but the inside? Absolutely jaw-dropping. The deep blue vaulted ceiling, the golden stars, the intricate wood carvings — it feels more like a royal theatre than a church. The stained-glass windows are especially unique because instead of biblical scenes, they depict key moments in Montreal’s history.

It’s one of the most visited sites in North America, but it still feels peaceful inside.

🙏 Local Tip from Liam:

“Try to catch the Aura light show at night inside the basilica. It’s next-level stunning — a full-on immersive art and sound experience.”

📍 Details:

• Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC

• Admission: There’s a small entrance fee, and it goes toward maintaining the basilica

• Time Needed: 30–45 minutes, or more if you stay for a show

Notre-Dame isn’t just a photo op — it’s a chance to see how art, architecture, and the city’s history all come together in one space.

4.Experience the Biodome + Montreal’s Olympic Legacy

One of Montreal’s most unique attractions is the Biodome, a place where you can explore five completely different ecosystems under one roof — from a tropical rainforest to the icy shores of Antarctica.

It’s housed in what used to be the 1976 Olympic velodrome, which makes the whole experience even cooler. Liam says this spot is always a hit, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want to feel like you’re walking through different parts of the world in one afternoon.

🐧 What You’ll See Inside the Biodome

• Tropical Rainforest – with parrots, monkeys, and a warm jungle vibe

• Laurentian Maple Forest – home to lynx and beavers

• St. Lawrence Marine Ecosystem – featuring local fish and sea life

• Labrador Coast – puffins, seabirds, and cooler air

• Sub-Antarctic Islands – and yes, penguins! 🐧

🏟️ Olympic Park Highlights

Just outside the Biodome, you’ll find Olympic Stadium, Montreal Tower, and the Botanical Garden. While the tower’s observatory is currently closed, it still makes for a great photo backdrop. The area is also home to Parc Maisonneuve, where you can walk, bike, or ski depending on the season.

🧠 Local Tip from Liam:

“Come in the morning when it’s quiet, especially on weekdays. Then walk over to the Botanical Garden or catch a temporary exhibit at the Olympic Park.”

📍 Details:

• Address: 4777 Pierre de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, QC

• Metro Stop: Viau or Pie-IX

• Best For: All ages, rainy days, or escaping the winter cold

This area of the city blends nature, science, history, and architecture all in one – Liam says it’s underrated but one of the most rewarding places to explore.

5.Eat Like a Local: Poutine, Smoked Meat & Bagels

Montreal’s food scene is legendary, and according to Liam, these three are non-negotiables for any first-time visitor: poutine, Montreal-style bagels, and smoked meat sandwiches. They’re simple, iconic, and deeply tied to the city’s identity.

🍟 Poutine at La Banquise

Forget the fancy versions — real poutine is fries, squeaky cheese curds, and hot gravy. La Banquise is the late-night poutine spot in the Plateau with over 30 creative variations (plus vegetarian and vegan options).

Liam’s Tip: “Go for the classic first, then try something wild like ‘T-Rex’ if you’re still hungry.”

Address: 994 Rue Rachel E, Montreal, QC
Open: 24/7 most days — expect a line at night!

🥯 Montreal-Style Bagels at St-Viateur

Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, slightly sweet, and always baked in a wood-fired oven. Head to St-Viateur Bagel for the original, operating since 1957.

You’ll smell the place before you see it — and yes, they’re open late.

Liam’s Tip: “Sesame or poppy seed fresh out of the oven. No toaster, no toppings. Just pure perfection.”

Address: 263 St-Viateur Ouest, Montreal, QC

🥪 Smoked Meat at Schwartz’s Deli

No food list is complete without a Montreal smoked meat sandwich — and Schwartz’s is the most famous. Since 1928, they’ve been piling tender, peppery brisket onto rye bread, served with a pickle and coleslaw.

Liam’s Tip: “Skip the sit-down line and order from the takeaway side next door. It’s the same food, way faster.”

Address: 3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC

These spots are all local legends — and yes, Liam still eats at them. Consider this the ultimate DIY Montreal food tour, all within a few blocks of each other.

6.Wander Through Jean Talon Market

If you want to eat, shop, and people-watch like a Montrealer, head to Jean Talon Market. Tucked away in the heart of Little Italy, this open-air market has been a local staple since 1933 and remains one of the largest public markets in North America.

🍅 What to Expect

Think fresh produce, local cheeses, maple syrup, fresh-cut flowers, pastries, spices, and more — all from Quebec producers. You’ll see chefs buying ingredients, families doing their weekly shopping, and visitors sampling everything in sight.

Liam’s Tip: “Go hungry and do a lap before buying anything. You’ll want to try the maple butter, fresh berries in summer, and grab a coffee at Café Saint-Henri.”

🛍️ Market Highlights:

• Local cheese stands with Quebec specialties

• Artisan bakeries selling fresh croissants and sourdough

• Butchers and fishmongers offering regional cuts

• Seasonal produce stalls that change with the time of year

• Street food vendors with tacos, crêpes, sausages, and more

📍 Details:

• Address: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, QC

• Metro Stop: Jean-Talon or De Castelnau

• When to Go: Mornings are quieter; weekends get lively

Jean Talon Market is the kind of place you wander slowly. Stop to talk to vendors, ask for samples, and get a real taste of daily life in Montreal.

7.Find Art Everywhere – MuralFest & the Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal isn’t just a city with great food and history — it’s a city that lives and breathes art. From massive street murals to world-class galleries, Liam says there’s always something cool to discover if you just look up.

🎨 MuralFest on Saint-Laurent Boulevard

Every June, Montreal hosts MuralFest, an international street art festival that turns the city into an open-air gallery. Artists from around the world transform building walls, alleyways, and storefronts into vibrant masterpieces — most of which stay up year-round.

Liam’s Tip: “Start at Saint-Laurent Metro and just wander. The murals change every year, but the vibe is always the same — electric.”

There are food trucks, music, pop-up shops, and local vendors. Even if you’re visiting outside of the festival, the murals along The Main (Saint-Laurent Boulevard) are worth checking out.

🖼️ Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)

If you prefer your art indoors, head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the largest art museum in the city. It spans five pavilions and features everything from classic European works to cutting-edge contemporary installations.

Liam’s Tip: “You don’t need to love museums to enjoy this one. Even the sidewalk outside is full of art.”

Look for the colorful blown-glass sculptures, giant red heart installation, and rotating exhibits from around the world.

📍 Details:

• Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC

• Admission: Free for 20 and under; adults pay for major exhibits

• Best Time: Weekdays are quieter, but Sunday afternoons have a nice buzz

Whether you’re taking selfies with murals or standing in awe of a Monet, Montreal’s art scene is a huge part of its identity — and Liam says it’s one of the best ways to get to know the city.

8.Chill Along the Lachine Canal or at La Fontaine Park

Montreal isn’t all hustle and street art — it’s also full of peaceful green pockets where locals go to relax, bike, picnic, and just breathe a little. Liam shared two of his favorite outdoor escapes: the Lachine Canal and La Fontaine Park.

🚴‍♂️ Lachine Canal

Stretching over 13 km from Old Montreal to the borough of Lachine, the Lachine Canal is lined with bike paths, benches, and grassy areas. It’s a favorite among cyclists and joggers — and a perfect spot to slow down and watch boats drift through the locks.

Liam’s Tip: “Rent a BIXI bike and cruise from Old Port westward. Stop for a picnic near Atwater Market — grab snacks and a cold drink on the way.”

You can even kayak or paddleboard on the canal in warmer months, or just enjoy a sunset walk along the path.

🌳 La Fontaine Park

On the other side of the city in the Plateau, Parc La Fontaine offers a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. There are 34 hectares of green space, ponds with ducks, winding walking paths, and even an outdoor theatre.

Liam’s Tip: “Get poutine from nearby La Banquise, then walk it off in the park. In summer, grab a drink at the little café inside.”

It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly, and an easy place to blend in with locals doing their everyday thing.

📍 Good to Know:

• Lachine Canal: Start at the Old Port and follow the path west

• La Fontaine Park: Located at 3819 Calixa-Lavallée Ave, near Rachel Street

• Best Time: Spring through fall, but La Fontaine is also peaceful in winter

These two green spaces are ideal for slowing down your trip and seeing a softer, quieter side of the city.

9.Discover The Village – Culture, Colour & Nightlife

If you’re looking for energy, creativity, and one of the most inclusive spaces in Montreal, head to The Village — the heart of Montreal’s LGBTQ+ community and home to some of the city’s most vibrant nightlife and public art.

Located along Sainte-Catherine Street East, The Village transforms in the warmer months into a pedestrian-only zone lined with cafés, patios, and public installations. It’s a colorful, joyful stretch of the city that Liam says is “pure freedom in street form.”

🌈 What Makes The Village Special

During the summer, thousands of rainbow balls are strung above the streets, creating a sky of color that stretches for blocks. There’s a new rooftop walkway where you can view the installation from above — a unique Montreal experience.

Liam’s Tip: “Come during Pride in August if you can. It’s wild, it’s moving, it’s Montreal at its most alive.”

The area is full of bars, nightclubs, drag shows, and late-night food — but it’s also home to cultural venues, art pop-ups, and events year-round.

🌃 Best Spots to Check Out:

• Cabaret Mado – legendary drag shows

• Le Saloon – classic Village bar with a great patio

• Sky Complex – rooftop bar and dance club with 3 floors

• Public Art – murals, sculptures, and installations that rotate seasonally

📍 Getting There:

• Metro Stop: Beaudry (the station even has rainbow pillars)

• Best Time: Evenings and weekends, especially in summer

The Village is bold, unapologetic, and full of life. Whether you’re there to party or just soak in the scene, Liam says it’s one of the most authentic slices of Montreal you can experience.

10.Visit Pointe-à-Callière Museum – Where Montreal Began

If you want to stand on the exact spot where Montreal was founded, Pointe-à-Callière Museum is where you go. It’s not your average museum — it’s a mix of interactive exhibits, underground archaeological ruins, and historic storytelling, all built right into the city’s original foundations.

Liam’s Tip: “Go underground — literally. You’ll walk through the remains of the old city, including parts of Montreal’s original sewer system. Sounds weird, but it’s seriously cool.”

🏛️ Why It’s Unique

The museum was built on the very site where Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve founded Montreal in 1642. You’ll explore ruins of early buildings, see original stone roads, and learn how the city evolved — from Indigenous roots to a fur trading hub to the bustling metropolis it is today.

It’s a perfect stop in Old Montreal, especially on a rainy day or if you want to escape the summer heat or winter cold for a couple of hours.

📍 Details:

• Address: 350 Place Royale, Montreal, QC

• Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours

• Best For: History buffs, families, architecture lovers

• Bonus: There’s often a rotating temporary exhibit on the top floor, usually tied to global cultures or archeological finds.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Pointe-à-Callière offers a deeper connection to the city. It’s one of those spots that really makes you feel the layers of history beneath your feet.

11.Explore Mile End – Coffee, Creatives & Chill Vibes

If you want to experience the real day-to-day rhythm of Montreal, Mile End is where you go. This neighborhood is laid-back, effortlessly cool, and packed with character — from vintage shops and indie bookstores to street art and some of the city’s best cafés.

Liam’s Tip: “This is where locals live, work, and hang out. You’ll find artists sketching on stoops, musicians busking, and bagels being made at 3 a.m. It’s very Montreal, very chill.”

☕ What to Do in Mile End

Start your visit with a St-Viateur or Fairmount bagel (yes, they’re rivals — both are legendary). Then grab a coffee at Café Olimpico, a local institution known for strong espresso and solid people-watching.

After that, just wander. Seriously.

🎨 Don’t Miss:

• Drawn & Quarterly – one of the best indie bookstores in Canada

• Monastiraki – quirky art shop and gallery

• Dépanneurs (corner stores) – many double as music venues or coffee spots

• Bernard and Saint-Viateur Streets – packed with food, fashion, and murals

• Microbreweries – like Dieu du Ciel! for excellent craft beer

It’s one of those neighborhoods where time slows down. You’ll likely stumble onto something unplanned — a sidewalk art sale, a random jam session, or a mural going up in real-time.

📍 Good to Know:

• Closest Metro: Laurier or Outremont, then walk

• Best Time: Afternoons or early evenings, especially on weekends

• Vibe: Creative, community-driven, and effortlessly cool

Mile End doesn’t try to impress — it just is. And that’s exactly why Liam says it’s one of his top spots in the city.

Helpful Tips: When to Visit, Getting Around & Where to Stay

Before you pack your bags, here’s what Liam says you should know to make the most of your time in Montreal — whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a whole week.

📅 When to Visit Montreal

Montreal has four distinct seasons, and each one brings a different vibe.

• Summer (June–August): Festival season, patios, and long warm days. It’s the most popular time to visit, so book early.

• Fall (September–October): Beautiful foliage, fewer crowds, and cozy café season.

• Winter (December–February): Cold, yes — but magical. Think skating, snow-covered streets, and winter festivals like Igloofest.

• Spring (April–May): A bit unpredictable weather-wise, but the city starts to wake up with blooms and outdoor life.

Liam’s Tip: “If you want to experience the city without tourist crowds but still have great weather, early fall is perfect.”

🚇 Getting Around

Montreal is very walkable, especially neighborhoods like Le Plateau, Mile End, Old Montreal, and Downtown.

• Metro & Bus: The STM (Société de transport de Montréal) system is fast, cheap, and reliable.

• BIXI Bikes: A public bike-sharing system available spring to fall — perfect for cruising the Lachine Canal or getting around the Plateau.

• Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and local taxi apps like Eva are widely available.

• Driving: If you’re staying in the city, skip renting a car. Parking can be a pain and traffic gets hectic.

Liam’s Tip: “Grab a 3-day unlimited STM pass if you’re staying a while. It covers buses and metros — and it’s super budget-friendly.”

🛏️ Where to Stay

Here are a few of Liam’s favorite areas (and specific spots) to stay, depending on your vibe:

Old Montreal

• Best for: First-timers, romance, history lovers

• Stay at: Hotel Nelligan (boutique), Auberge du Vieux-Port

Downtown / Golden Square Mile

• Best for: Access to museums, shopping, metro stations

• Stay at: Hotel Bonaventure, Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites

Le Plateau / Mile End

• Best for: Trendy neighborhoods, walkable streets, cafes

• Stay at: Manoir Sherbrooke, Auberge du Plateau

Budget Tip

• Check out Le Gîte du Plateau (hostel vibes but clean and well-located — Liam swears by it)

Montreal isn’t just a place to check off a list — it’s a city that gets under your skin (in the best way). From quiet green corners to buzzing art-filled streets, it’s full of energy, history, and unbeatable food. And now, thanks to Liam’s local picks, you’ve got a guide that goes way beyond the basics.

Whether you’re here for the poutine, the parks, or the culture, Montreal has something for every kind of traveler — especially the curious ones.

Got questions, suggestions, or your own favorite Montreal spots? Send us an email at hello@northwanderer.com with “Montreal Query to Liam” in the subject line — we’d love to hear from you!

Safe travels and happy exploring. See you in Montreal, QC 🇨🇦