things to do in Montréal

Yesterday, sweet friends of mine that I met at Bible school in Germany came to visit from Ontario. Though our time in Germany was almost two years ago (crazy!) and we rarely get to see each other, we always pick up right where we left off.

It is always so exciting for me to show people around my city. I love Montréal. I love its history, its European flair, its nightlife and culture, its food, its people.

 I love that Montreal combines architecture from as early as the 1600s with modern styles. 

I love that Montreal is a metropolis that takes pride in its Québécois identity while celebrating the mosaic of cultures within its population. 

I love that Montreal has something to offer just about anyone: whether you're outdoorsy, an artist, a foodie or a night owl, you will find something to do here. 

So here are some ideas of things to do in Montréal, the beautiful place I call home. 

1. Le Plateau  

Walk around Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal (referred to as "Le Plateau"), a borough east of Mount Royal filled with colourful houses, wall art, cafés, bistros, book stores... all the quintessential Montréal vibes. It is known to be a very hip area, with a large population of artists. Grab some famous Montreal smoked meat at Schwartz's or the best poutine in town at La Banquise.   

2. Trou de Beigne

While you're on the Plateau, take time to stop by the best Montreal donut experience (my personal opinion)! Trou de beigne is such a fun spot. Make sure to try the Earl Grey, the Blizzard and Blueberry donuts... 

3. Mount Royal 

Montrealers take pride in the natural beauty of their city, notably "Mont Royal", a small mountain just west of downtown Montreal. Enjoy hikes up to the lookout, where you can get the best view of the city. Have a picnic or rent a paddle boat at Beaver Lake! In the winter months, Mount Royal offers great cross country skiing and skating. 

This view though!

4. The Biodôme 

In the heart of the Olympic Park (right by our Olympic Stadium!), the Biodôme of Montreal was designed to replicate four ecosystems of the Americas. It is so fun walking through the rooms and feeling the changes in temperature, fauna and flora. I remember loving it as a child, and still get excited as soon as I walk into the rainforest climate! Fun for all ages!

5. Atwater Market
A great thing to do in Montréal is to walk through its markets to enjoy local products and friendly merchants. My personal favorite is Atwater market, near the boroughs of Griffintown and St-Henri, by the Lachine Canal. It is open year-round and is filled with wonderful butcher shops, gardeners, cheesemongers, pastries... Merchandise is high-quality and the atmosphere is simply charming. 

6. La Diperie ice cream 
I feel like a city isn't complete without good ice cream. I absolutely love La Diperie, where customers not only choose their ice cream but also the fondue in which it is dipped and the topping. So, so, so good. 

7. Crew Collective & Café
Montreal is filled with amazing, charming, fun coffee shops. This one is easily one of my favorites. It is just so cool! Right in the Old Port, this café is in a building that was once a large bank. Such a creative use of space. Love their ice lattes! 

Credit: Crew Collective & Café

8. Rue St-Denis
Especially during the Summer, St-Denis Street is simply bustling with energy. It is at the very heart of the city, and offers many fun restaurants and bars to choose from, live music to enjoy and fantastic plays in some of Montreal's famous theatres. 

9. St Joseph’s Oratory

In 1888, American writer Mark Twain stated when talking about Montréal, "This is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn't throw a brick without breaking a church window." This led to the city being referred to as la ville aux cent clochers (the city of a hundred bell towers). There are indeed many beautiful church buildings to visit while in the city. One you will not want to miss it St-Joseph's Oratory, the largest church in Canada and twenty-seventh largest church building in the world. 

10. Le Musée des Beaux Arts
Montreal's Museum of Fine Arts is an absolutely beautiful art museum. It has works from the antiquity to modern day, and hosts a panoply of interesting temporary exhibitions for all ages. The museum comprises oeuvres of all kinds... fine art, music, film, fashion and design.

11. Terrasse Sur L'Auberge 
Enjoy terrace nightlife over a good meal and drink at Auberge du Vieux-Port, a beautiful and historic hotel situated in the Old Port of Montreal. Enjoy beautiful views of the Old Port, the St-Lawrence River and Rue St Paul Street and its cobblestone streets. During the Summer, you can enjoy fireworks from this rooftop restaurant for Montreal's International Firework Competition. Great ambiance, great food. 

I hope you love Montréal as much as I do. Enjoy!