Best History Museum in Quebec

"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."

"Why: Synonymous with the Old Port skyline, this museum and chapel work together to share a piece of Montreal history with all who visit. Apparently, when Leonard Cohen sings, "And the sun pours down like honey of our Lady of the Harbour," in his song Suzanne, he's singing about the female statue overlooking the chapel."

"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)"

"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 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 Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum focuses on Montreal’s French colonial roots, collecting artefacts showcasing the heritage of the settlers of what was then called New France. Now a designated historic site of Canada, the Maison Saint-Gabriel is set in a small farmhouse and grounds overseen by the sisters of Congregation of Notre Dame, a religious community founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys in Montreal in 1658. The farmhouse and barn, restored in the 1960s, now showcase over 15,000 artefacts and offer a glimpse into daily domestic life in 17th- and 18th-century New France."

"Dedicated to illustrating the story of the first settlers of New France in the 17th century, the Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum aims to preserve the heritage, history, and artifacts of the original pioneers. The museum itself is housed in a 300-year-old farmhouse that, once an original building of the settlers, is now a National Historic Site. Exhibits within the museum include interpretive information and artifact exhibits describing the life and habits of these first settlers, showcasing their personal stories, farming techniques, the old school house, and a church."

"Located in lesser-known Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood, Maison Saint-Gabriel is one of the finest remaining examples of New France architecture; it is dedicated to preserving the history and artefacts of the settlers who put down roots there in the mid-1600s."

"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."

"With lush, colorful landscapes and activity rosters for every season of the year, Mount Royal Park is one of the best places to visit in Montreal. The first thing to know about the park is that it’s gigantic. It’s perched atop the volcanic rock cluster that is Mount Royal, and it unfolds across all kinds of playgrounds, picnic sites, skating rinks, ski slopes, tennis courts, hiking trails, tobogganing hills and rowboating lakes."

"Parc Mont-Royal was inaugurated in 1976 in an effort to preserve a natural space in the city’s core, but the park has been an important social meeting ground for generations before it was made official. Today, it’s the site of the weekly Tam Tam drum circle, vast picnic grounds, an excellent toboggan hill where equipment can be rented for a nominal fee, a lookout at the summit and multiple hiking trails."

"You can’t mention parks in Montreal without highlighting Mont Royal Park. Sure, it hosts two hockey rinks in the winter but nothing tops Mont Royal Park’s weekly Tam-Tams parties every Sunday which is currently on hiatus. The park’s main attraction is the George-Etienne Cartier monument and the park’s liveliness stems from the sound of the drums from which Tam-Tams gets its name."

"Plus, after eating at La Banquise you’re basically already in one of Montreal’s lovely green spaces, Parc la Fontaine, where you can rent boats on a small lake or just sit and people watch. I also really loved cycling around the neighborhood here, with its cute alleyways and houses. I used the network of Bixi bikes during my stay in Montreal, which is extremely convenient and affordable, and definitely my favorite way of getting around the city (weather permitting)"

"Follow this pretty street lined with trees and Victorian homes to Parc Lafontaine. This is one of Montreal’s nicest parks with lots of trees, a man-made lake (skating in the winter), ducks and many spots to sit and people watch."

"Build-your-own-burger spots have never been so delicious or cheap, and that’s just the cost of a double burger. What makes these burgers a step up—hell, two or three steps up—from your average fast food joint is because of the patties. Made from an exceptional marinated beef recipe, they get sandwiched between buns that are glazed on the outside and crisp on the inside (they won't tell us where they get them from) and it makes for a irreplicable package."

"This landmark of downtown Montreal is an excellent example of Gothic Revival style in Canada. The detailed exterior of pointed arches, buttresses, and crenellated turrets conceals a sober but elegant wood/marble interior. Built between 1857-60 to a design by the distinguished architect Frank Wills, the structure reflects an Anglican ideal of its time: namely, a return to the English medieval church in both liturgy and architecture."

"Built in 1859 on St. Catherine’s Street (now a commercial hub), this Neo-Gothic structure still stands today as anAnglicanGothic Revivalcathedral, with religious services led by the Anglican Diocese of Montreal. The choir is nothing short of angelic, with performances taking place every Sunday. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault"

"Place Émilie-Gamelin is a park that exploded in to an outdoor theatre and events venue a few years ago. Come summer, pretty much every afternoon and evening is accounted for with some kind of awesome show. And, a lot of the events are free. Check out the events schedule to find out what’s on while you’re there."

"Jardins GamelinMontréal, CanadaThis “garden” in Place Émilie-Gamlin, is not really a garden. It’s a square that turns into a cool hang out place in summer. It hosts a different free cultural activity or event everyday- music, dance nights, yoga, markets, festivals and more."