What to see and do in Montreal

What to visit in Montreal · Notre-Dame, archeology and Mont Royal

• Notre-Dame Basilica · daytime visit
• Pointe-à-Callière · archeology and history
• Parc du Mont-Royal

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Montreal · Notre-Dame, archeology and Mont Royal

heritage

Notre-Dame Basilica · daytime visit

The blue vault, stained glass windows and ornamentation of the nave make this basilica a notable stop in Old Montreal. The daytime tour presents its architecture and the history of the building at your own pace.

Activities for your visit

• Observe the nave, the stained glass windows and the decoration of the daytime visit.
• Read the panels about the basilica and the history of Montreal.

Tips for this place

• Respect the celebrations and instructions within the religious space.
• AURA is a different show, with its own admission.

Book tickets ↗

Entry for the daytime sightseeing tour through Fever, the ticket office linked by the basilica. Does not include the AURA night show.

Reference sources and location

• Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal · daytime visit

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, a meeting point, or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 45.50444444, -73.55611111.

Wikidata · Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

museum

Pointe-à-Callière · archeology and history

The Museum of Archeology and History of Old Montreal preserves vestiges linked to the development of the city. Its spaces connect archaeological remains and exhibitions to interpret different stages of its urban life.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the archaeological remains included in the circuit.
• Choose the historical and temporary exhibitions for the visit.

Tips for this place

• Confirm the exhibitions included for your date.
• Some parts of the route run through underground spaces.

Book tickets ↗

Buy your ticket at the official Pointe-à-Callière billetterie and check the conditions of the chosen date.

Reference sources and location

• Pointe-à-Callière · prepare your visit

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, a meeting point, or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 45.5026, -73.5542.

Wikidata · Pointe-à-Callière Museum

nature

Parc du Mont-Royal

Trails, viewpoints and the surroundings of Lac aux Castors form the great mountain park of Montreal. It is an option to alternate the historic center with a walk among trees and urban views.

Activities for your visit

• Choose a walk along authorized trails according to your physical condition.
• Look for the enabled viewpoints and the surroundings of Lac aux Castors.

Tips for this place

• Check the seasonal map and warnings about construction or ice.
• Stay on trails to protect park habitats.

Check access ↗

The public park is visited without purchasing a tour. Equipment rental, courses, organized activities and parking are managed separately.

Reference sources and location

• Ville de Montréal · Parc du Mont-Royal

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, a meeting point, or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 45.50638889, -73.58888889.

Wikidata · Mont Royal

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Montreal · Notre-Dame, archeology and Mont Royal

1. Day 1

   Notre-Dame and Pointe-à-Callière

   Coordinate the two admissions and leave time to walk around Old Montreal.

2. Day 2

   Parc du Mont-Royal

   Choose a trail and a viewpoint enabled according to your preparation, the weather and the park's warnings.

Tips for visiting Montreal · Notre-Dame, archeology and Mont Royal

• Choose the daytime entrance to Notre-Dame if you want to see its architecture; AURA is another experience.
• Use the seasonal map of Mont Royal and respect its trails.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Montreal · Notre-Dame, archeology and Mont Royal

A selection of regional classics: poutine and bagels from Quebec, butter tarts from Ontario and Nanaimo bars from the Pacific Coast. Photos show actual reference preparations; Each region preserves its own recipes and traditions.

Quebec · Fries, cheese and sauce

Poutine

French fries covered with fresh grain cheese and hot sauce. This Quebec classic is prepared with numerous variations; The photograph shows the traditional combination of these three ingredients.

Reference: Québec cité · Traditional specialties

Montréal · Heritage of Jewish bakeries

Montréal bagel

Ring-shaped bread that is boiled in water sweetened with honey and then baked with wood. Sesame and poppy seeds are two common toppings for this Montréal specialty.

Reference: Tourisme Montréal · The Montréal bagel

Montréal · Deli tradition

Smoked meat sandwich

Cured, seasoned and smoked beef, sliced and served on rye bread with mustard. The specialty is linked to the Jewish tradition of Montréal; The photo documents a version served in Calgary.

Reference: Tourisme Montréal · Guide to smoked meat

Quebec · Savory meat pie

Tourtière

Meatloaf covered in dough, associated with traditional Quebec cuisine and celebratory meals. The name and padding change between regions; There are versions with meat and potatoes. The photo shows the cake open.

Reference: Québec cité · Quebec comfort cuisine

Ontario Butter Tartlets

Butter tarts

Small dough tartlets with a sweet filling of butter, sugar, syrup and egg. In Ontario they are prepared with a firmer or more fluid filling and variants with raisins or dried fruits.

Reference: Destination Ontario · Canadian food to try

Nanaimo Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Nanaimo bars

Layered dessert with a base of crumbs, cocoa and coconut, a sweet cream in the center and a chocolate coating. It is named after Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island; the city publishes its own reference recipe.

Reference: City of Nanaimo · Nanaimo bars