Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Montreal

"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."

"Plan to spend multiple days at Parc Jean-Drapeau, an enormous public park that spans across two manmade islands. With more than 25 kilometers (over 15 miles) of trails and roads, it offers the perfect path for an afternoon stroll or morning jog. One of the park’s outstanding features is the Montreal Biosphere, a museum built for the Expo 67 World’s Fair."

"Built over the St-Lawrence River, the bridge has spectacular panoramic views of the city, and it’s a unique way to get to Parc Jean-Drapeau. Once on the island, you can drop your bike off and head off for a day of rides at La Ronde or just ogle the awe-inspiring wonder that is Buckminster Fuller’s Biosphère."

"Montreal's largest park comprises two islands (Ile Ste-Hélène and Ile Notre-Dame) and was the site of the city's monumental Expo 67 World Fair. Today, the islands are a great spot for exploring on foot, bicycle or rollerblades. Half of Ile Ste-Hélène is taken up by La Ronde amusement park."

"Dieppe Park in Montreal is one of the best in Montreal for just how magical it is. This park is set on a peninsula and is also located next to the admirable residential building built for Expo 67, Habitat 67. Dieppe gives visitors a sense of escape from the city as well as providing an excellent backdrop of Old Port and downtown Montreal."

"Residents of the city of Westmount are extremely proud of this large greenspace, and are quick to credit it as the most beautiful park in Montreal thanks to gorgeous landscaping and planning. The park is home to the Westmount Public Library, a soccer field and tennis courts available for the sportive public to take advantage of during pleasant weather. It also features public ping pong tables, as well as built-in chess tables to enjoy a quiet game (pieces not included)."

"That’s saying a lot because the park is competing with mansions, the oratory, and Eugenie Bouchard. Westmount Park’s 26 acres is home to the newly renovated pool, a massive playground, a football/soccer field, tennis courts, gorgeous gardens, a charming dog park, climbable trees and a pond with a mini waterfall. It may be Montreal’s second biggest park, but it’s arguably number one in popularity."

"Westmont Park is one of the nicest and well-kept parks in Montreal. This green space has some outdoor gym equipment, a rec center, an outdoor pool, fountain and so much more. It is a great place for jogging, dog walking, or just sitting under a tree and comtemplating life’s biggest questions."

"Christ Church Cathedral is a diverse and accepting community that values the rich spiritual talents that individuals of different ethnic origins, ages, life experiences, and sexual orientations contribute. They are grateful for the equal ministry of men and women. At the Cathedral, you will find a group of individuals who strive to love God with an open heart, an inquiring mind, a growing soul, and fervent strength in daily prayer, worship, silence, study, and music, as well as to love their neighbors as themselves, transforming lives as followers of Christ and seeking social justice, in fellowship, pastoral care, and stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"Why: This historic building was erected by two French Canadian brothers whose corporate empire throughout the war helped build the economy of the area and allowed them to create this tandem mansion, with each brother owning and designing his half of the residence."

"Cachitos are horn-shaped Venezuelan pastries traditionally filled with ham and white cheese. Aside from the original, the spinach–ricotta, chorizo, and guayaba–cheese cachitos are common favourites. They make the perfect snack with an espresso."

"Open since 1971, Afroditi is a Parc-Extension institution that specializes in South European pastries. Known for its classic Greek desserts such as baklava, melomakarona, kourambie and tsoureki, the place offers a wide variety of delicious sweet and savoury confections. Everything here is authentic and of high quality; the original recipes are altered only to incorporate local ingredients."

"A Montreal staple since 1971, Afroditi is a Greek bakery specializing in elaborately decorated cakes for all occasions while staying true to their heritage with a variety of different baklava options. Whether you prefer your baklava filled with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios, this bakery has you covered with the best in town, bar none."