Best History Museum in Montreal

"Located in historic Old Town, the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum is an epicenter of historical and cultural significance for the city of Montreal. The museum itself is centered on the life and accomplishments of Marguerite Bourgeoys herself, the founder of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the city’s first teacher. One of the original pioneers of the 17th century, Bourgeoys is credited for having contributed to the birth of Montreal."

"The rundown: Marguerite Bourgeoys was Montreal’s first teacher. She opened a school in 1658 for the few young children living in Ville-Marie (now Montreal), returned to France to recruit teachers, then expanded the school to accommodate more students. While her story is interesting, it’s admittedly not the primary reason to stop by."

"If you want to check out the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum co-located with the chapel, however, you will have to pay an entry fee. Image credit: Jeangagnon (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 license)"

"The space that houses The Museum of Jewish Montreal has both a museum and a lunch counter. The museum part looks at the impact that Jewish communities had on Montreal, especially in the Plateau area where it’s located. Fletcher’s invites visitors to try traditional Jewish food and learn about its history while you savour the flavours of the community."

"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."

"It’s difficult to grasp just how grand steam engines are until you’re standing in front one. The Exporail train museum in Saint Constant—an hour away by public transportation—offers exhibits that get you up close and personal with locomotive artifacts. Exhibits include a miniature train ride, antique steam engines and a model train room which captures the attention of more dads than anyone would like to admit."

"Located about a 30 minute drive outside of Montreal, the Canada Railway Museum is one of the best things to do near Montreal. This is where you’ll get a full overview of Canadian railroad history and how important it has been to Canada’s growth as a nation. The museum features over 150 locomotives, cars, and railway vehicles and it’s good for both kids and adults."

"Which of us has not been, at leatbriefly, captivated by trains. Large, thunderous and mysterious, these machnes have ever brought the promise of wealth, success and development wherever they’ve gone. At this museum, also known as the Exporail, take a trip through Canadian railway history, told through a hundred and fify exhibits."

"The Ecomusée du fier monde, a history and community museum, emphasizes Montreal’s “grassroots and working-class” culture. Its goal is “reinforcing the connection between the museum and its social surroundings and environment.” Interestingly, the Écomusée is housed in what used to be the Généreux public bathhouse, and as such, it is a notable example of 1920s architecture. These recommendations were updated on June 2, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh."

"Housed inside a former public bath built in the 1920s, this history and community museum focuses on the Industrial Revolution and working-class citizens who once populated the neighbourhood."

"Why: Previously the Bain Généreux, this building shares features from the Art Deco and Beaux-Arts eras and is now the Écomusée du fier monde, a cultural hub in the south end of the Plateau."

"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."

"Best reached by car or by bicycle, Bois de l'Île Bizard is about as far removed from the city center as you can get while still remaining within city limits. It's on the northwestern island and Montreal borough, Île Bizard. Driving is the easiest way to reach the island since it's about 40 minutes away from downtown by car and public transit is limited."

"Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard is a haven, and a local favorite place to be in all of Montreal. But getting to this idyllic beach without a car of your own requires a trek and then some. Factor in two hours of public transit followed by a 40-minute hike—or bike—just to get to the park."

"If you want to experience nature, then this is the park for you. Families can cool off with a swim at a sandy beach and then explore the park’s marshes, trails and boardwalks, either by foot or bike. There are also spots for canoeing, kayaking and fishing."

"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."

"Jack Rouge resto-club, on Saint-Laurent boulevard and formerly known as La Porte Rouge/Jack Rose, partnered up with chef Jean-Philippe Saint-Denis (formerly at Kitchen Galerie Poisson) to jazz up the food offer at the revamped version of this Montreal nightlight institution. Offering a renewed classic bistro menu, inspired by chef’s classics and inspirations, it is now possible to enjoy a great dinner followed by a night of drinks, dance and fun at the exact same spot. Who said the “supperclub” was dead?"

"Jack Rouge offers a warm and friendly atmosphere in a new design with tropical inspirations. Trendy place for professionals, where you can choose from a wide range of daring house cocktails and a range of privately imported wines. An ideal destination for your happy hour, cocktail parties, dinners with colleagues, or weekend brunches."

"A post shared by La Porte Rouge (@barlaporterouge) on Dec 31, 2018 at 12:34pm PST. Enjoy dancing the night away in this red-lit night club featuring a full bar, DJ’s, and a stage for live performances by local musicians. Enjoy drinks inside or outdoors on their streetside patio during the warmer summer months."

"A wine bar with an old-time feel, guests can enjoy live jazz music seven days a week, top-notch Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list completes a meal at Modavie. For pasta dishes, try the lamb cavatelli with tomatoes, fennel and Parmesan, or the mushroom risotto with porcini and Parisian mushrooms. For meats, the salmon steak with mint sauce and sour cream, the duck confit with caramelized onions, or the rack of lamb in a fine herb sauce with goat cheese, potatoes and vegetables are all winners."

"This is our go to restaurant in the old port in Montreal and it never disappoints. Rachel the hostess accomodated us and put us in front of the blues band."