Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal)
Gothic Revival basilica completed in 1829 on Place d'Armes, known for its deep-blue, gold-starred vault and carved wooden interior; the AURA light show runs in the evenings.
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About Montreal
Montreal pairs French-speaking street life with North American scale: cobbled Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and its Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port on the St. Lawrence, and Mount Royal (Mont Royal) rising behind downtown. The Plateau, Mile End and Little Italy neighbourhoods hold bagel bakeries, smoked-meat delis, Jean-Talon Market and lively terraces, all linked by the Metro and BIXI bikes. Summer brings the Jazz Fest and Just for Laughs; winter is cold and snowy, softened by the underground city (RÉSO) and festivals such as Igloofest.
- Capital
- Quebec City (capital of Quebec; Ottawa is the national capital)
- Largest city
- Montreal
- Population
- About 1.76 million (city, 2021 census); about 4.3 million in the Greater Montreal metropolitan area
- Languages
- French (official language of Quebec), English (widely spoken, especially downtown and in the west of the island), Many immigrant languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin
- Currency
- Canadian dollar
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving from March to November)
Explore Montreal by topic
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Best places to visit in Montreal
The 30 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Old Montreal and Place Jacques-Cartier (Vieux-Montréal)
The historic core of the city, with 17th- to 19th-century stone buildings, cobbled Rue Saint-Paul and the sloping square of Place Jacques-Cartier leading down to the Old Port.
Old Port of Montréal (Vieux-Port de Montréal)
A 2.5 km waterfront park along the St. Lawrence River with promenades, the Clock Tower, the Montréal Science Centre, the Grande Roue and seasonal activities such as the outdoor skating rink.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Canada's tallest observation wheel, about 60 metres high, with climate-controlled gondolas looking over Old Montreal, the river and Parc Jean-Drapeau; a ride lasts about 20 minutes.
Mount Royal Park and Kondiaronk Belvedere (Parc du Mont-Royal)
A 200-hectare park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and opened in 1876 on the mountain that gives the city its name; the Kondiaronk Belvedere beside the Chalet du Mont-Royal has the classic downtown skyline view.
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal)
Canada's largest church, a domed basilica inspired by Brother André and completed in 1967, set on the northwest slope of Mount Royal with views over the city.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Montreal Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Montreal, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Montreal
- Days 1-2Montreal city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Montreal
- Days 1-3Montreal comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Montreal, departure
Where to stay in Montreal
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget CAD 110-150 (about USD 77-105)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range CAD 260-360 (about USD 182-252)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury CAD 600+ (about USD 420+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton Montréal
Golden Square Mile landmark opened in 1912, home to Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud restaurant and a garden with a duck pond.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Hotel Montréal
Opened in May 2019 with 169 rooms including 19 suites, the MARCUS restaurant and terrace, an indoor pool and a Guerlain spa.
Check rates on Booking.comLe Mount Stephen
Member of The Leading Hotels of the World built around the 19th-century mansion of George Stephen, with 90 rooms and Bar George; holds a Michelin Key.
Check rates on Booking.comHôtel Birks Montréal
132-room hotel opened in 2018 in the historic Birks building on Phillips Square, with Henri Brasserie Française and a spa; the Birks jewellery store remains on the ground floor.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Montreal
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Schwartz's Deli
Charcuterie Hébraïque de Montréal, the smoked meat deli on boulevard Saint-Laurent that has operated since 1928; listed in the Michelin Guide Québec.
St-Viateur Bagel
Original wood-fired bagel bakery in Mile End, open around the clock; bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water and baked in a wood oven in view of the counter.
Fairmount Bagel
Shlafman family bagel bakery, on avenue Fairmount since 1949 and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
La Banquise
Poutine restaurant on rue Rachel facing Parc La Fontaine, open 24 hours with dozens of poutine variations.
Wilensky's Light Lunch
Family-run lunch counter on avenue Fairmount, open since 1932, known for its pressed and grilled Wilensky Special sandwich.
Montréal Pool Room
Hot-dog counter on the Main near the Quartier des Spectacles, serving steamed and toasted Montreal-style hot dogs and fries.
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Getting around Montreal
Montréal is an island city on the St. Lawrence River with a compact core between Mount Royal and the Old Port. The STM métro and buses plus the REM light rail reach most sights, Gare Centrale (895 rue De La Gauchetière Ouest) is the hub for VIA Rail, Amtrak and exo commuter trains, and visitors rarely need a car.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CAD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | CAD 45-100 (about USD 31.50-70) hostel dorm or budget room | CAD 170-260 (about USD 119-182) | CAD 450-900 (about USD 315-630) |
| Food (per day) | CAD 30-45 (about USD 21-31.50); bagels, poutine and market food | CAD 70-110 (about USD 49-77) | CAD 170-330 (about USD 119-231) |
| Transportation | CAD 3.75-11.25 (about USD 2.60-7.90); STM 24-hour pass CAD 11.25 | CAD 11.25-30 (about USD 7.90-21) | CAD 50-130 (about USD 35-91) taxis and ride-hailing |
| Activities | CAD 0-30 (about USD 0-21) | CAD 35-75 (about USD 24.50-52.50) | CAD 100-250 (about USD 70-175) |
| Daily total | CAD 110-150 (about USD 77-105) | CAD 260-360 (about USD 182-252) | CAD 600+ (about USD 420+) |
Best time to visit Montreal
Weather through the year in Montreal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Warm, festival-packed summers with busy terraces; crisp, colourful autumns; long, snowy winters made easier by the underground city (RÉSO) and winter festivals.
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal runs from late June into early July, Just for Laughs (Juste pour rire) is in July, Osheaga is in early August, and the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve moved to late May in 2026. Igloofest (January-February) and Montréal en Lumière (February-March) liven up winter. Hotel prices peak on Grand Prix and Jazz Fest weekends.
Essential travel tips
- Greet staff with 'Bonjour' before switching to English; most service staff downtown are bilingual and appreciate the gesture.
- Add about 15% sales tax (5% GST plus 9.975% QST) to most purchases, and tip 15-20% in restaurants and bars; menu prices exclude tax and tip.
- Buy a 24-hour (CAD 11.25, about USD 7.90) or 3-day (CAD 21.75, about USD 15.20) STM pass at a Metro vending machine for unlimited Metro, bus and REM travel in Zone A.
- Use the underground city (RÉSO), the network of tunnels linking Metro stations, malls and office towers downtown, on cold or wet days.
- The legal drinking age in Quebec is 18; wine and spirits are sold at SAQ stores, beer and wine also at depanneurs and grocery stores, and cannabis only at SQDC shops to those 21 and over.
Safety information
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance anywhere in Montreal; the call is free from any phone and operators answer in French and English.
Use 514-280-2222 to reach the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) for non-emergencies such as reporting a theft after the fact.
Call Info-Santé on 811 (option 1) for free 24-hour nurse advice in French or English before going to an emergency room for a minor problem.
Keep phones and wallets zipped away on crowded Metro trains and in busy areas such as Berri-UQAM station, Rue Sainte-Catherine and the Old Port during festivals.
In winter, dress for wind chill below -20°C, watch for black ice and ice falling from roofs, and check Environment Canada alerts at weather.gc.ca.
Never park where orange 'Remorquage' snow-removal signs with flashing lights are posted; cars are towed during snow clearing.
Right turns on red lights are banned on the island of Montreal; drivers must wait for green.
Carry travel health insurance, since Quebec's RAMQ health plan does not cover visitors and emergency care is billed in full.
Tap water is safe to drink; no vaccinations are required for entry.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montreal safe for tourists?
Yes. The US State Department rates Canada Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) and the UK FCDO gives routine advice. Pickpocketing in crowded areas and icy winter sidewalks are the main risks.
Do visitors need to speak French in Montreal?
No. French is the official language and most signs are in French, but English is widely spoken downtown and in tourist areas. Starting with 'Bonjour' is appreciated.
Do I need a visa to visit Montreal?
US citizens need only a passport. Visa-exempt air travellers from countries such as the UK, EU and Australia need an eTA (CAD 7, about USD 4.90) before flying; other nationalities may need a visitor visa.
What is the best time to visit Montreal?
June to September for warm weather and festivals such as the Jazz Fest; September and early October are less crowded with autumn colour. Winters are cold and snowy but bring festivals such as Igloofest.
How do I get from Montréal-Trudeau Airport to downtown?
The 24-hour STM 747 bus costs CAD 11.25 (about USD 7.90), which includes a 24-hour transit pass, and takes about 45-70 minutes. A taxi costs a flat CAD 49.45 (about USD 34.60) by day or CAD 56.70 (about USD 39.70) overnight to the central zone.