Is Montreal Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to Visit
Is Montreal worth visiting? Absolutely! Montreal is one of North America’s most unique and vibrant cities—where French and English cultures blend seamlessly, and every neighbourhood feels like its own mini world.
I’ve visited this incredible city several times over the years, and I genuinely believe it deserves a spot on any Canadian travel itinerary. So in this post, I’ll share what makes Montreal so special, along with everything you need to know to decide for yourself whether it’s worth the trip.
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Is Montreal Worth Visiting?
When planning a visit to Canada you probably imagine the beautiful mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and iconic sites like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower. But Canada also has some amazing cities which are worth exploring.
While Vancouver and Toronto usually feature on most travellers Canadian itineraries, Montreal is another city which is absolutely worth visiting.
As Canada’s second largest city, one of the country’s most happening places, and the only major French-speaking city in North America, there are plenty of reasons to visit Montreal.
Located in the province of Quebec, Montreal has everything from art, culture and history to beautiful natural attractions and amazing food, night-life and entertainment. There truly is something for everyone here.
With so much to do, you could easily spend a whole week enjoying the city. However, if you’re on a tighter schedule, then Montreal is also a fantastic place to visit for a weekend trip or as a stopover on the way to your next destination in Canada.
But why is Montreal worth visiting and what makes it so special? Read on to find out the 15 best reasons why you should visit this beautiful city!
15 Best Reasons to Visit Montreal
1. A Mix of European and North American Culture
Montreal is a unique place in that it’s a modern North American city, but with a very European feel. It has everything you would expect from a modern city with a metropolitan feel, towering sky scrapers and a bustling downtown core.
But, as a former French colony, the city also has a very strong French heritage. This is evident through its centuries old architecture, French language and European traditions. So much so that in some parts of the city you can easily forget you’re not in Europe!
To make things even more interesting, Montreal has also been heavily influenced by British, Jewish and Italian culture over the years. Plus its diversity continues to grow with a large migrant community, making up almost 35% of the city’s population.
And it’s important to remember that Montreal also has a strong indigenous history stemming from the Kanien’kéha Nation who are recognized as the original stewards of the land.
2. Try Canada’s Most Iconic Foods
One of the best reasons why Montreal is worth visiting is the amazing food!
When you think of the most iconic Canadian foods, poutine, bagels and maple syrup are probably what come to mind. And there’s no better place to try these Canadian classics than Montreal.
With more than 90% of Canada’s maple syrup coming from Quebec, Montreal is naturally one of the best places to try it. Plus you will find it everywhere here and in all forms – from maple taffy and full menus dedicated to this liquid gold, to uniquely flavoured bottles of syrup in boutique stores.
But maple syrup isn’t the only famous food to try in Montreal. Poutine, originating from Quebec, is the dish Montreal is most proud of. Poutineries and restaurants throughout the city having perfected this indulgent dish, and even created their own variations.
And no trip to Montreal is complete without tasting an iconic St-Viateur bagel or Montreal smoked meat sandwich.
3. It Has Some of Canada’s Best Restaurants
As a foodie’s paradise, it’s no surprise that Montreal also has some of the best restaurants in the country.
With several Montreal eateries consistently making the lists of best restaurants in Canada and the world, you won’t struggle to find amazing culinary experiences in the city.
Currently the top rated restaurant in Montreal is Mon Lapin, where you can indulge in a menu tailored to you. Or for the city’s best fine dining, try Île Flottante.
And no visit to Montreal is complete without an authentic French brasserie experience. The best place for this is the iconic restaurant L’Express, where you can eat delicious French food in a traditional brasserie setting.
4. Get Lost in Old Montreal
There is something special about Old Montreal. It’s the heart of the city and the historic district. With beautiful heritage buildings and cobblestone streets lined with small bakeries and boutiques, it’s the perfect place to get lost in the city’s old-world charm.
This is the best place to learn about the history of Montreal. And one of the best ways to do this is by taking a guided walking tour.
Plus, you will find some of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier and the Old Port of Montreal.
And, when you’re done exploring, this is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or drink on one of the many sidewalk patios. Here, you will be able to soak in the atmosphere, witness street performances, and pretend like you’re on vacation in Europe.
5. It’s a Really Safe City
Montreal has long been considered a very safe city to travel to and is one of the safest cities in Canada. In fact, it’s a great place for both families and solo travellers. Not only does it have a relatively low crime rate, but it is also well adapted to accommodate tourists.
The city is full of of pedestrian-friendly zones, has excellent public transit and is very walkable. And the locals are very friendly and willing to help, which makes finding your way around and getting help easy!
Fortunately, the types of crimes which tourists should always be cautious of, such as pickpocketing, scams and muggings, don’t happen very often in Montreal. However, that doesn’t mean Montreal is exempt from petty crimes. As with any city, you should always remain aware of your surroundings and be careful with your belongings.
Although the biggest safety concern you might have in Montreal is actually the weather. The city can be particularly harsh in winter, with extreme cold and snow, and the occasional risk of ice storms. This can make walking or driving dangerous, with icy roads and footpaths and visibility issues.
6. Panoramic Views at Mount Royal
In addition to seeing Montreal’s key sites up close, you can also see them from above. There is a lookout at the top of Montreal’s Mount Royal which offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. And the best part is, it’s completely free!
There are two options to get to the lookout – driving or hiking. If you choose the latter, don’t worry, it’s not a very strenuous hike, taking around 45 minutes to reach the top. It’s actually a very pleasant walk up, with multiple trails passing through the Mount Royal Park – one of Montreal’s largest green spaces.
In addition to the spectacular views, at the top there’s also the Chalet du Mont-Royal – a beautiful French Beaux-Arts style building – which you can visit. And at the bottom there’s a picturesque lake and a café to relax at while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.
7. French Culture and Language
Given Montreal’s huge French influence, it’s the next best place in the world to immerse yourself in French culture after France. Therefore, if a European vacation isn’t on the cards for you at the moment, you can still get your French fix without leaving North America!
And Montreal is also a great place to practice your French language skills. Although the Quebec accent is quite different to a typical French accent, you’ll be pleased to know that most Quebecois are also able to speak French with a more neutral accent.
And Montreal is a bilingual city. So worst case scenario you can switch to English if you’re having difficulties understanding the local dialect.
8. Tons of Amazing Festivals and Events
In addition to taking in the sights, culture and food, you will likely also encounter some festivities during your time in Montreal.
The city is home to some of Canada’s biggest and best events each year, including some really famous international festivals. In fact, for many people, this is the main reason why Montreal is worth visiting and keeps them coming back year after year.
The annual Montreal International Jazz Festival is the largest jazz festival in the world, with both free and ticketed events. The Montreal Grand Prix is Canada’s biggest sporting event. And, if you’re into comedy, Just For Laughs Montreal is the world’s biggest comedy festival.
And there are plenty of other amazing music, art, film, food and cultural events to enjoy, with the city hosting almost 90 festivals throughout the year!
9. Canada’s Most Vibrant Nightlife
Montreal has long been considered Canada’s party capital. With endless bars, nightclubs, live music venues, shows and comedy clubs, Montreal is buzzing after dark.
The nightlife in Montreal is so exciting that it is considered amongst the best in the world, along with the likes of New York City, Berlin and Ibiza. Top DJs and artists from around the world will travel to Montreal to perform, and plenty of people visit the city each year purely to attend these events.
With late night venues, huge concert halls, intimate lounges and everything from techno and R&B to Jazz, Montreal’s party scene has something for everyone.
10. Easy Access to Outdoor Activities and Nature
Despite being a bustling metropolitan area, Montreal actually has a lot of green and natural spaces and outdoor activities. So if you’re not much of a city person, don’t worry as there will still be plenty of things up your alley in Montreal!
The city is full of quaint parkettes, tree-lined streets, sprawling green spaces, beaches and outdoor facilities such as skating rinks, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and an extensive network of bike paths.
While Mount Royal might be the most famous green space in Montreal, if you’re a nature lover then Parc Jean-Drapeau should also be on your list of places to visit.
Located just 5 minutes from downtown, Parc Jean-Drapeau is considered to be the best park in Montreal. On the banks of the St. Lawrence River, this is where many of Montreal’s biggest events happen, including the Grand Prix. Plus, it has over 25 kilometres of trails, an extensive public art collection, beautiful gardens, various water activities and even an amusement park!
11. Take a Day Trip to The Mountains
Another great thing about Montreal is its proximity to other beautiful destinations in Quebec. In fact, the city is actually really close to some of the province’s best mountains!
In particular, you can take a day trip to the beautiful Laurentian Mountains, including visiting the picturesque village of Mont-Tremblant.
And not only is the scenery stunning here, Mont-Tremblant is also Quebec’s premier ski resort. With tons of snow, terrain for all levels, a European vibe and the province’s best après-ski.
And if you’re visiting in summer, there’s still plenty of fun activities to do in the mountains, including hiking, rock climbing, rafting, via ferrata, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and water sports (to name a few)!
12. Fascinating Architecture and History
North American architecture is typically very contemporary. However, in Montreal you will find a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation.
The city showcases a rich and diverse architectural landscape. This includes historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica, which boasts intricate Gothic Revival design, and the Old Port’s charming 17th and 18th-century buildings with their iconic French influence.
But, in addition to the historic sites of Old Montreal, the city is also filled with impressive examples of modern architecture, such as the Habitat 67 housing complex, the Montreal Biosphere, and the Olympic Stadium.
And in neighbourhoods like Plateau Mont-Royal you will likely notice a very unique architectural feature in the city: the extremely tall external staircases on the houses.
➡️ Pro Tip: Learn more about Montreal’s fascinating architecture and history by taking a guided walking tour, or the hidden gems bike tour!
13. Interesting Museums and Galleries
Another great reason why Montreal is worth visiting is the amazing museums and galleries.
In particular, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the leading art museum in North America. With more than 45,000 works, you can see art spanning various disciplines and ranging from antiquity to the present day.
And to learn more about Montreal’s past and present, the McCord Stewart Museum is a must visit. This is Montreal’s social history museum, showcasing the city’s various communities, history, creativity, diversity and vitality.
Overall, with around 50 museums in the city, and countless independent galleries, you’ll be able to find an exhibition on almost every subject in Montreal!
14. It’s a Very Artistic City
With so many festivals, galleries, and a bustling music and comedy scene, it’s no surprise that Montreal is one of North America’s most artistic cities.
Montreal is known for having a creative community and is even designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.
And you don’t even have to visit one of the city’s many galleries or festivals to experience its creativity. Just by walking through various neighbourhoods you will encounter public art installations, street performers and a colourful and vibrant street art scene!
15. Excellent Fashion and Shopping
Finally, Montreal is also worth visiting for the fashion and shopping! Montreal is a fashion-forward city. It has a wonderful mix of trendy vintage shops, independent boutiques and high-end designer stores to explore.
You can even take a designer or vintage fashion shopping tour with a style coach in Montreal!
Some of the best places to go for shopping in the city are Boulevard Saint-Laurent for designer boutiques and thrift stores, and Marché Bonsecours for local designers.
Or, to experience one of North America’s busiest shopping streets, make sure to visit the city’s main shopping district – Rue Sainte-Catherine.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Montreal is a big city so it can be difficult figuring out where is best to stay. But, luckily there are various options to suit different types of travellers.
If it’s your first time in Montreal, my recommendations for where to stay are:
- Old Montreal & Old Port – For the historical heart of the city and a very European feel. This is also the most touristy area, but you will be close to key landmarks and surrounded by picturesque cobblestone streets, galleries, patios and restaurants.
- Plateau Mont-Royal & Mile End – For Montreal’s hippest neighbourhoods. This is a bustling area full of art, interesting vintage shops, trendy cafés and some of Montreal’s most famous eateries.
- The Gay Village – For the best party in the city (whether you’re gay or not). This area is full of life, with plenty of entertainment including after-hours clubs, dancing venues, cabaret shows, and outdoor art installations.
My Top Hotel Picks
✅ Le Petit Hotel St Paul – For a charming boutique hotel experience in the old town
✅ Hotel Gault – For a luxury and contemporary stay in downtown Montreal
✅ Auberge du Plateau – For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay in Plateau Mont-Royal
Montreal FAQs
Three days is ideal to see the highlights and experience the city’s culture. If you’re flying in from abroad or want to explore nearby areas, you could easily spend up to a week. For those nearby, it’s also perfect for a weekend getaway thanks to its walkable downtown.
Yes—while French is the official language of Quebec, Montreal is very bilingual. Most locals speak both French and English, and in tourist areas, you’ll find that English is widely spoken and understood.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Montreal offers more history, charm, and European-style culture, while Toronto is a larger, more modern and diverse city. Both are walkable, safe, and packed with great food, nightlife, and attractions.
Montreal is fun year-round, but summer is the best time to visit. The city comes alive with festivals, patios, and outdoor events—perfect for sightseeing and exploring on foot. Winters are cold but still offer plenty to do indoors and out.
Montreal is often considered one of Canada’s more affordable cities—but that mostly applies to living there, not necessarily visiting. In reality, travel costs like hotels, dining, and event tickets are similar to other major Canadian cities. On my last trip (and I live in Toronto), I actually found it fairly expensive.
That said, it’s definitely possible to enjoy Montreal on a budget. Accommodation is cheaper if you stay outside the main tourist areas, and many of the best things to do—like exploring neighbourhoods, attending festivals, or sampling iconic foods like poutine, bagels, and smoked meat—don’t cost much at all.
Quebec City is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with old-world charm and postcard-worthy views. But Montreal, while also beautiful, is a much larger and livelier city with more to see and do.
Luckily, Quebec City and Montreal are less than a 3-hour drive apart—so if you’re spending a few days in Montreal, a day trip to Quebec City is well worth it, to get to experience both!
Yes—Montreal is very walkable, with plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets, green spaces, and car-free zones. And for anything too far to walk, the affordable and easy-to-use Metro makes it simple to get around without a car.
Montreal is about 541 km (336 miles) from Toronto—a 5 to 6-hour drive. Flying is much faster, with multiple daily flights that take less than 1.5 hours.
Not really—Niagara Falls is about a 7-hour drive from Montreal and much closer to Toronto (just 130 km away). If you’d like to visit, consider flying to Toronto and making Niagara a day trip from there. Or, spend a night or two and explore the Niagara wine region!
Montreal feels European thanks to its French-speaking culture and historic architecture. The old town dates back to the 1600s and features cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches (including around 650 in total!), and landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica—all of which give the city a distinctly European charm.
Final Thoughts: Is Montreal Worth Visiting?
So, is Montreal worth visiting? Absolutely! Montreal is a city which has something for everyone. From fascinating history, architecture and art, to excellent food, entertainment and outdoor activities, the city is diverse and interesting.
It’s also a great place to base yourself to explore more of Quebec, or as the start or end of your Canadian vacation. So, in my opinion, Montreal is definitely a city worth visiting!
