Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Montreal

"Driving around Montreal, you might notice a big, rounded, green roof standing tall on the horizon. That roof belongs to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the largest church in Canada and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. At 97 metres, that huge roof — the dome of the Oratory basilica — is the second highest in the world, behind only Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome."

"Saint Joseph’s Oratory or commonly known as L’Oratoire in Montreal is a national shrine and is the largest church in Canada. At the top of L’Oratoire, indulge in amazing views of Montreal that is great for skyline pictures. Make your way up the stairs to the top of L’Oratoire for your fix of epic pictures."

"St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is Canada’s largest church. An imposing example of religious architecture, it’s said to have one of the largest domes in the world. Although I didn’t get a chance to visit at this hour, I understand that the best time for photos here is sunset."

"The rundown: It’s so wonderfully strange to think that the world’s largest permanent exhibit of Barbie dolls lives in the Cours Mont-Royal shopping centre. Half childhood fantasy, half current daydream, this is literally a collection of 1,000+ Barbies—but they’ve had a massive transformation from the dolls you collected as a kid. Some are dressed in tiny, perfect designer creations, everything from a replica of Dior’s Tailleur Bar to a Hervé Léger bandage dress; others are styled like beloved celebs and movie characters, or sport uniforms inspired by brands (Harley Davidson, Hard Rock Cafe) and works of art (Van Gogh’s Starry Night, a Fabergé egg)."

"Montreal is home to the Barbie Expo, the largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls in the world. Guests have the chance to see and snap pics of over 1,000 one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, all dressed by the city’s leading fashion designers. When: Daily Time: Friday, 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pmWhere: 1455 Rue PeelPrice: Free admission"

"Many historical buildings in Vieux-Montreal are still standing in their original form, even if they're now being used as something other than what they were built for — or turned into a museum. Consider this little tour if you're looking to feel as if you've stepped back in time... or, Europe, at least."

"This historic home commemorates the accomplishments of Cartier, an important Father of Confederation. It is the only Victorian-style interior open to the public in Montréal."

"The aim of the SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art is to educate the public about the current issues and discourses in contemporary art and culture. With its diverse programme in visual and media arts, the gallery presents a wide range of exhibitions and projects. SBC offers unique opportunities of exchanges and interactions between various artistic organizations, cultural producers, artists and the public, and places specific emphasis on research, exhibition curator-ship, and printed and electronic publications."

"A boozy pop-up mini-golf course has landed in Montreal, so get ready to double-fist clubs and cocktails. Sponsored by the good folks at Grey Goose, this mini-golf experience will offer ticketholders nine holes of golf and a personalized 1oz vodka soda cocktail. When: From now until August 4Time: 4 pm – 7 pmWhere: Grand Quai, Old MontrealPrice: $21 per, available online"

"This post was written by Canadian freelance writer, editor, journalist, blogger and columnist Richard “Bugs” Burnett , a contributor for Tourisme Montreal. For more exclusive Montreal content, visit their website."

"A trip to this Brazilian steakhouse’s all-you-can-eat is made all the better when considering it’s one of the best steakhouses in Montreal. The charrascos here—a Brazilian classic—are a culinary classic, where meats like filet mignon, lamb, chicken and homemade sausages are grilled to perfection and served directly to you table on the spit. All you need to do is ask for more as you watch live samba performances."

"A post shared by Milsa Grillades Brésiliennes (@lemilsachurrasco). Food just tastes better when it’s served to you on a spit. Le Milsa serves arguably the best churrasco in the city and they serve a lot of it."

"The Stewart Museum is housed in Montreal’s biggest military history site: the arsenal of the British military depot located in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène. Built in the 19th century, the fort is now home to a comprehensive collection of some 27,000 artifacts, archival documents and rare books related to the European history of North America, from the establishment of New France to the present day. The museum also offers a superb view of the city, from the top of its glass tower and from the fort’s inner courtyard."

"Here you can find the La Ronde amusement park, Stewart museum and the Biosphere as well as more great views of the city. As you head back to Montreal over the Jacques Cartier bridge, take some pictures of the city and the St. Lawrence from this great vantage point."

"An institution on Sherbrooke and set just opposite the leafy Notre Dame de Grâce Park, Café Shaika is well known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty food and alcohol choices. The terrace also offers nice views of the café’s storied neighborhood. With a reputation for evening musical and spoken-word performances, it also makes for a fine study spot during the day, with well-priced meal deals, extensive seating and rapid access to downtown universities via the major arteries of Rue Sherbrooke’s bus lanes and nearby Vendôme metro station."

"Located in a heritage building around the corner from the McGill Ghetto, this piccolo-sized café is packed to its rafters with interior charm and wafts of Canadian roasts from Phil & Sebastian and Microtorrefacteur Saint-Henri. Tall windows, low-hanging industrial lamps, and intricate woodwork are found everywhere; even the espresso machine has timber panels, creating a cozy milieu for bookworms and coffee buffs. Order the signature Pikolo, a demitasse-sized cross between aristrettoshot and a silky latte, and enjoy pastries supplied by Hof Kelsten and Godley Gourmandises."

"Having interviewed a number of restaurant enthusiasts, the answer is often the same; Pikolo Espresso bar is the best coffee shop in montreal."