Montreal

The first visit I (Shadra) made to Montreal was with my French class from Alfred University. They were all young 20-somethings and I was the non-traditional, off-campus living mother of five going along for the ride. Not only did I realize that the age gap wasn’t that bad (I matched them shot for shot with yaeger before the discotheque and tequila shot for shot at the discotheque and stayed on the dance floor all night with them) but I fell in love with Montreal – so in love with it that I immediately came home and planned a trip for that summer to take the family back. We have since been with and without our kids and granddaughter 15 or so times. Our last trip was cancelled due to the pandemic, and since then we’ve spent most of our time across the Atlantic, but we are eager to return.

The problem with loving a place so very much is that we could write endlessly about it. When we go now, we aren’t eager to see anything in particulr. We visit with friends, spend time at Place d’Armes watching people, and eat our fill of delicious food. But we will try (try) to suggest the don’t miss things.

History of Montreal

Beginning as a French colony in the 17th century, the city of Montreal has since become a hub for Francophone culture in North America. Despite a cultural tug of war during its development, the city of Montreal has kept much of its Francophone roots intact. Even now, after it’s become a popular tourist destination and many of its residents are capable of speaking English, Quebec’s influence on the city is felt throughout, from the food and the markets to the architecture and ambiance.

Even under British control, a certain amount of leeway was given to the province of Quebec, then known as Lower Canada, to keep its culture intact and thriving. It wasn’t until the 19th century when tensions truly started to come to a head. On top of that, much of the 20th and 21st centuries have been spent restoring Quebec to its former self since the British left. There are, of course, remnants of English presence in Quebec. McGill University, one of the first universities in Canada, was established in Montreal by English Canadians and is to this day one of the better known English-language universities in the province.

Perhaps the best example of Quebecois presence in Montreal is the neighborhood of Old Montreal. One of the oldest urban areas in North America, it’s a historic segment of Montreal that has maintained much of the architecture and planning that existed in the 18th century. The center of this is Place Jacques-Cartier, a square that serves as the entrance to the historic port of the city. The square was named after Jacques Cartier, the first explorer from France to reach Canadian shores. During the summer, it’s a pedestrian zone full of restaurants and shops, not to mention being a gathering place for artists and performers. Tourists can also see the Notre-Dame Basilica, a cathedral noted for its gorgeous interior and Gothic Revival architecture.

Visiting Montreal

Montreal is a city we could – and have often considered – live in forever. Choosing sightseeing options is difficult, but here are our favorites.

Vieux Port

Vieux port de Montreal (the old port) has changed so much since we first started visiting. The entire area is built up now with a Ferris wheel, a zip line, vendors selling everything from jewelry to food, and so much more. The first time we went in 2005, none of that was there.

Whether or not you try ziplining, walking along the quais, seeing the boats, walking out to the clock tower…it’s a lovely way to spend a day. There are paddle boats you can rent. In the summer, there is a beach and in the winter, an ice skating rink.

Centre de Science de Montreal

Located in the old port, the Montreal Science Center offers hands-on education to children of all ages. With permanent and rotating exhibits, there is always something to see. In addition, there is an IMAX that has shows in French and in English. We’ve gone several times, as the shows and the exhibits change frequently and it’s an incredible experience every time.

MAC

Le musée d’art contemporain de Montréal is a phenomenal art museum for all ages. With both permanent installations and rotating expositions, there is something different to see every time you go. Until 2028, the museum has been temporarily relocated to Ville St. Marie while their permanent location at Place des Arts undergoes a billion dollar transformation to expand and restructure. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Notre Dame de Montreal

No visit to Montreal would be complete without seeing Notre Dame de Montreal. A crown jewel of Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica is a breathtaking display of Gothic Revival architecture and spiritual grandeur. Completed in 1829, the basilica stuns visitors with its richly decorated interior—think deep blue ceilings studded with golden stars, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant stained-glass windows that depict scenes from Montreal’s religious history. Don’t miss the dramatic light and sound show, “AURA,” which brings the space to life in a mesmerizing blend of music and projection. Whether you’re drawn to its beauty, history, or peaceful atmosphere, the basilica is a must-see Montreal landmark.

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and Marché Bonsecours

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Known as the “Sailors’ Church,” this 18th-century chapel is one of Montreal’s oldest and stands on the site of an earlier chapel founded by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys. Its rooftop statues of angels facing the river are a distinctive sight from the Old Port, while inside, visitors can admire ship-shaped votive offerings and centuries-old religious art. The on-site Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum adds depth to your visit, offering insight into Montreal’s early colonial life.

Barely Scratching the Surface of What Montreal Offers

Montreal has much to offer, though, even outside its historic neighborhood. Place des Arts is a performing arts center, and perhaps the most significant center of the arts in Montreal. Between many different fine arts – music, theater, and dance, just to list a few – several different performance organizations are based out of this venue and it’s a great place to see where the arts make their home in this city. All of this, of course, is connected by Montreal’s underground city, a completely subterranean area where residents and tourists alike not only can access Montreal’s comprehensive metro system, but can also find Montreal’s main business district. Offices, venues, and malls throughout the city are interconnected by Montreal’s multisegmented underground network and it’s bound to be a fascinating sight for anyone who’s new to the city.

Montreal is an incredibly diverse city, rich with art and culture, that has something to offer for anyone who visits. Whether it’s food, art, or history, there’s never a dull moment when walking the city’s historic streets. Tourists are bound to be enamored by the vibrant atmosphere and carefree environment that Montreal offers, and there’s so much to do or see in the city, they’ll almost be guaranteed to want to come back.

Update. When Dave and I went to Montreal in June 2009 to celebrate our 10th anniversary, we were wandering through the old port looking for a place to eat and discovered La Marche de la Villette. It was a quaint french bistro, crowded, sometimes loud, but with the best food. And the best people. We met Michael there – he was our waiter the two or three times we went to eat there that June. He sang and flirted and charmed and was so memorable. And then we went home and didn’t go back to Montreal for another 14 months.

When we did return, we went back to La Marche for lunch. When we stepped through the door, Michael saw us and said “Mes amis de New York!” 14 months and who knows how many tables of people later, and he remembered us. And from that point forward, we really were friends. We kept in touch through social media, and of course we went to see him every time we returned to Montreal. 

On May 13, 2025 Michael succumbed to liver cancer and left all who knew him a little emptier. He was more than a friend; he was a presence and a joy in the lives of everyone who knew him. Through our regular visits to Montreal, he watched our kids grow from toddlers to teenagers, from teens to adults, and met our grandaughter once as a baby and once when she was two years old. He was part of our family and will be forever missed.