Must See Sights and Landmarks in Montreal Area

"The powerful effects of merely stepping inside the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, can be traced back to 1830. Construction had ended the year before, and the architect, James O’Donnell, was so transformed by his experience in building the basilica that he converted from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism upon his deathbed. He remains the only person buried in the crypt."

"Founded in 1656, Montréal's oldest church, Notre-Dame Basilica, stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes. The intricate and resplendent interior was designed by Victor Bourgeau."

"A grand Gothic Revival basilica with stained glass depictions of Montreal's religious history has only one soul resting in its crypt."

"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."

"Montréal has many beautiful churches and this is one of those that you should see when visiting downtown. Despite being nestled among many high-rise structures, its dome is unmistakable, modeled on St. Peter's in Rome. Though somewhat “scaled-down”, the church is a perfect replica of the same, right down to the red copper baldachin over the altar that was fully hand-carved in Rome."

"Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is a Baroque Revival structure befitting of its royal-sounding name. It is a highlight of Montreal’s best architecture thanks to its replication of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Its style represented a major break from the Gothic Revival style of architecture that was popular in Montreal at the time."

"While walking down St. Paul Street, you won’t be able to miss the stunning Bonsecours Market, which has been around since 1847 and looks straight out of Vienna or Paris. While the market is a beautiful building, there isn’t too much going on inside — just a few overpriced boutiques aimed at fat-walleted tourists, namely: probably not us, if you’re reading this budget Montreal guide. Don’t fret, though — Montreal is home to plenty of other markets with far more energy and life (and better on the wallet) that I’ll show you later on in this Montreal itinerary."

"For over a century this elongated two-story building, inaugurated in 1847, housed the main agricultural market for the Montreal area. With its tin-plated dome and neoclassical style, it's considered one of the ten major achievements in the history of Canadian architecture. After standing idle for a few years there was some talk of tearing it down, but that changed in 1963 when it was re-purposed as a place for exclusive boutiques selling everything from authentic Canadian crafts to jewelry, leather, and hand-blown glass, all designed and made in Québec."

"Built in 1847, during the Famine Migration from Ireland, St. Patrick's is to Montréal's Anglophone Catholics what the Notre-Dame Basilica is to their French-speaking brethren. Among the country's purest examples of the Gothic Revival style, it was declared a historic monument and a National Historic site of Canada in 1996. A true feast for the eyes, you will gorge on its magnificent beauty and revel in the intricate ornate details imbued within."

"This stately church, located downtown, was built in the mid-19th century to accommodate the arrival of Irish immigrants seeking a place of worship. The ornate interior – specifically the fleur-de-lys and shamrocks – blends French-Canadian culture with Irish traits. It’s also where Québécois poet Émile Nelligan was baptized on Christmas Day back in 1879."

"Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul is a multicultural Presbyterian congregation. On Notre Dame Street, near the current location of city hall, was founded. In 1843, St. Paul’s Church was built nearby."

"You’ll also want to walk down the charming street of St. Paul Street, with its cobblestoned streets and charming façades. While walking down St. Paul Street, you won’t be able to miss the stunning Bonsecours Market, which has been around since 1847 and looks straight out of Vienna or Paris. While the market is a beautiful building, there isn’t too much going on inside — just a few overpriced boutiques aimed at fat-walleted tourists, namely: probably not us, if you’re reading this budget Montreal guide. Don’t fret, though — Montreal is home to plenty of other markets with far more energy and life (and better on the wallet) that I’ll show you later on in this Montreal itinerary."

"Leaving the Notre Dame, follow Rue Saint-Sulpice south to Rue Saint-Paul, one of Quebec’s oldest streets. Situated in the heart of the city’s Old Town district, the street was named after the city’s first governor, Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve. The cobblestone-paved street is lined with historic buildings and serves as a spot where you can immerse yourself in the lively old city vibe. Check out the multitude of restaurants, bars, and cafes; admire the old Chapel; or visit the public market."

"Montreal's prestigious McGill University lies on the eastern foot-slopes of Mount Royal, on land donated by Scottish-born fur trader James McGill. The campus was built in grand Victorian style in the early 19th-century and is worth walking through along Rue Peel, which leads Downtown."

"2380 Notre-Dame St. EastMontreal, Quebec H2K 4K3(514) 872-0311. Village au Pied-du-Courant is a public community area that features a beer garden, numerous food trucks, an artisanal market on Sundays, an onsite bar, and many enjoyable activities for the whole family."

"Next to the Biodome and standing 165 metres is the Montreal Tower, the highest inclined structure in the world. With a 45-degree angle, it knocks the socks off the Leaning Tower of Pisa, that’s tilted a piddly five degrees. It’s worth the ride up the glass enclosed funicular, because elevators are for old folks and the panoramic views of the city and the St. Lawrence Valley can’t be missed."

"After enjoying the gardens, you can enjoy an incredible view of Montreal from the top of the Montreal Tower Observatory. At 165 meters high with a 45-degree angle, this is the tallest inclined tower in the world. At the top of the tower, you can experience 360º panorama views. You can also enjoy a FREE tour of the Olympic Stadium with the Montreal Passport."

"The Montreal Tower Observatory (view ticket prices) can be accessed separately, and it’s a pretty quick ride to the top. Once you’re up there, the views and photo opportunities are amazing, and there’s a nice gift shop to pick up souvenirs."

"Ryú Westmount opened its doors in August 2018, and offers excellent Japanese cuisine served in a bright setting that compliments the freshness of their food. Designed by Ménard Dworkind Architecture & Design (also responsible for Le Blossom, Red Tiger, and Kamehameha Snack-Bar), the space can be summed up with ‘elegance and modernity’. During the day, the Ryú Westmount dining room is very bright thanks to large windows, while in the evening, it gives way to a more chic atmosphere."

"Ryú Westmount opened its doors in August of 2018 and offers excellent Japanese cuisine served in a splendid setting. Japanese dishes are served here with great finesse and expertise. The products are also of very high quality, with 100% of the fish sourced from sustainable and certified fishing sources, explaining why seafood is constantly the star of the menu."

"The work of chef John Winter Russell in this seminary-turned-restaurant is a masterclass in seasonal menus. Inspired by Voltaire’s last lines of the novel of the same name, their dish compositions from farms and gardens are anything but garden variety. Even the wine list from Emily Campeau, numbering in around 100 bottles, is exploratory and refined."

"It’s easy to focus on the person sitting across the table when the service is as finessed as it is at Candide. After all, nothing sets the mood quite like some pretty plates, made up of ultra-local, ultra-seasonal Quebec produce, along with sexy wines to match. The charming terrasse dishes up an excellent atmosphere in summer, too."

"We applauded the opening of this restaurant which is located inside a converted presbytery. Chef John Winter Russell welcomes you to a somewhat secluded location, but the reward is getting to dine in this restaurant!. This is extravagant cuisine, just enough to intrigue, and just enough to make you want to taste even more …."

"At a classic izakaya, atmosphere is just as important as the food and drink, and Imadake is no exception. One of Montreal’s original Japanese pubs serves up a vast and varied menu, along with sake bombs and spontaneous karaoke to make up all the fun. You may leave without a voice and smelling like fried chicken skin, but you’ll be full, tipsy, and very happy."