Old Montreal (Including the Old Port)

A favourite of many tourists is to visit Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal in French). This is the location where the city was originally founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie. You’ll be able to escape the skyscrapers of the business district and take in some old-world charm. This area is filled with cobblestone streets and historical sites. In fact, many of the top things to do in Montreal are found in this area.

As you stroll through Old Montreal, you will notice a different vibe than elsewhere in town. You’ll notice crowds milling around local restaurants and cafes. You’ll likely also see some street performers engaging in magic, acrobatics, or other things. You can easily pass away an afternoon exploring this beautiful area.

Le Quartier des spectacles

If you are a lover of arts, the Quartier des Spectacles, or the entertainment district in English, is simply not to be missed. This area is Montreal’s downtown arts and entertainment district and has many things to see. Here, you will find many different museums, restaurants, and shops. However, the big draw is the huge Montreal arts scene.

Here you will find Quebec’s oldest operating theatre, Montreal’s Monument-National, and the most popular library in all of Canada, La Grande Bibliothèque. You can also take in a show at the Place des Arts. This is also the place to be for many of Montreal’s festivals such as the Just for Laughs Festival and International Jazz Festival. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the arts, the Quartier des Spectacles is definitely one of the must-see places.

Underground City

If the summer gets a little too hot or the winter gets far too cold, an easy escape is to head underground. In Montreal, you can do this by visiting the Underground City. This is an interesting thing to see and is comprised of nearly 20 miles of businesses. If you want to take a shopping excursion during your vacation, the Underground City is a great place to venture into.

While it may seem much like a maze, you’ll be pleased to know that it is well-marked to ensure that you don’t get lost. You can easily spend hours walking through the different shops and connecting malls. As you wander through the Underground City, you’ll also find that different areas have their own distinct vibes and culture. You’ll be happy to know that Gare Centrale (Montreal Central Station) is also connected to the Underground City.

Marché Jean-Talon (Jean-Talon Market)

Visitors simply must stop by Jean-Talon Market. This is the largest outdoor market in the city and a place where you can find virtually any type of food that you would like. If your visit to Montreal involves staying in an AirBnB, this is a great place to find locally sourced meats, veggies, and fruits to cook up.

However, even if you don’t plan on cooking, it is a great place to visit as there are many ready-to-eat delectable foods. From hot bread to cold desserts, you’ll find many things to tempt your taste buds. Of course, Marché Jean-Talon isn’t all about foods. Here you’ll also find crafts, souvenirs, artwork, and many other things being sold by vendors.

Something you may not have known, prior to its opening in 1933, the space was a lacrosse field for the “Shamrock Lacrosse Grounds” club.

Montreal Botanical Garden

This is one of the hidden gems of the city, making it a truly must-see place in Montreal. This is actually a combination of a number of different themed gardens that provide for an immersive stroll. Spanning nearly 200 acres, the Montreal Botanical Garden is a National Historic Site of Canada.

While you will certainly find many things to do here, one of our personal favourites is the Japanese Garden where you’ll find bamboo and beautiful water features. Another treat is the First Nations Garden where you can learn about the art and culture of Canada’s original inhabitants including many artifacts such as a totem pole.

Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)

Near the top of Montreal’s Mount Royal, you will find the expansive Mount Royal Park, which is one of the must-see places in Montreal for nature lovers. This is a great area to relax, take a stroll, or have a picnic. It is particularly beautiful in the autumn with the changing colours of the leaves. It also provides wonderful views of the city from the Mount Royal Chalet.

However, Mount Royal Park is not solely a place to rejoice in nature. Here, you can also find many things to do from skating rinks and toboggan hills to rowboats and playgrounds. If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon, this is a great place to get a bit of respite.

Saint Helen’s Island (Île Sainte-Hélène)

Located just a bit south of the city, you can visit Saint Helen’s Island, one of Montreal’s most unique must-see places. While there are many things to see on this island in the Saint Lawrence River, the feature is the Biosphere Environment Museum. This giant dome-like structure contains many exhibits aimed at exploring our relationships with nature.

But there is more to do on this island than just touring the Biosphere. You can also visit the La Ronde amusement park, take a walk in Parc Jean-Drapeau, or visit other museums and remnants of Expo 67. This island truly has something for every interest from thrill rides to hands-on scientific exhibits.

Something you may not have known, the Island was named in 1611 by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, in honour of his wife, Hélène de Champlain, née Boullé.

Mile End

Closing out this article of must-see places in Montreal is the neighbourhood of Mile End. A trendy neighbourhood where you can find lots of small boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants. Mile End is a fun place to explore for a few hours. One of the fun things to do in this area is to check out the local artists selling their paintings and artworks on the sidewalk.

A really fun way to experience the Mile End neighbourhood is to take a formal tour. There are a number of cycling tours available; however, our personal favourite is food tours. These carefully curated tours will take you around to taste many of the diverse culinary offerings of this popular area.

Make Your Montreal Trip Memorable

These must-see places in Montreal are a great way to ensure that you have a memorable trip. Montreal is the most populous metropolitan area in Quebec and the second most populous in Canada with a diverse array of things to see. It is really easy to customize the perfect trip. And of course, we are always happy to welcome you to Comedyville Comedy Club for our hilarious English comedy shows.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.

The post Must See Places in Montreal appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

1. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

If you are visiting Montreal, you may be wondering why the first entry on our list is a church. Notre-Dame Basilica is something everyone has to see. Even if you aren’t religious, you will find yourself blown away by the architecture and art. The stained glass of this cathedral is among the most beautiful in North America and the world.

The Gothic Revival church also has an extensive history, and your admission includes a guided tour in either English or French. Extended tours are available for those who want to learn more about the church and visit areas like its galleries. As a functioning church, you can also attend mass if you wish. The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is located in the historic district of Old Montreal.

2. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

If you were excited at the prospect of seeing the beauty of Notre-Dame, you will love the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Here you will find one of Canada’s most extensive collections of art including paintings, pottery, and other artifacts. In fact, this museum has over 40,000 permanent pieces on exhibit plus constantly rotating travelling exhibitions.

It isn’t uncommon for guests to spend hours wandering through the various pavilions and galleries. While there is truly something for everyone’s artistic taste, make sure you don’t miss the sculpture garden including many stunning pieces such as blown glass work by Dale Chihuly.

3. Redpath Museum

For the museum lovers out there, the Redpath Museum is another exciting and informative attraction. Are you interested in ancient Egyptian mummies? How about towering dinosaurs? You’ll find them both here along with many other exhibits exploring geology, biology, and paleontology.

The Redpath Museum, located on McGill University campus, is a museum of natural history that strives to draw guests in with impressive displays and interesting facts. You can purchase a guided tour; however, many visitors prefer exploring the museum on their own, allowing them to spend as much time at each exhibit as desired.

4. Attend a Hockey Game

Montreal is a hockey city. In fact, our famed Montreal Canadiens have won more Stanley Cups than any other team in history, hoisting the iconic trophy a total of 24 times. There is truly nothing quite like the environment of watching hockey here. Join the Canadiens, the oldest professional hockey franchise in the world, for one of their home games at the Bell Centre.

Watching hockey live can be entertaining even if you have limited knowledge of the sport. It is a fast-paced game with big hits and impressive saves. Watching the Canadiens take on their NHL rivals will give you an opportunity to take part in one of the city’s oldest traditions as the team played its first games way back in 1910.

5. Have Some Poutine

Montreal is famous for its culinary scene and has many iconic foods such as smoked meat and crepes; however, perhaps the most famous throughout Canada is poutine. And Montreal is by far the best place for poutine in the nation. This delicious food consists of French fries covered with cheese curds and gravy.

Poutine is perfect for a snack, or you can make an entire meal out of it. You won’t have to travel far to get great poutine in Montreal either as it can be found in many restaurants. Consider trying it at Chez Ma Tante, Casserole Kreole, La Banquise, or any of the delightful purveyors of this delicious treat.

6. Take in the Tam-Tams

If you are visiting Montreal during the summer, you simply must visit the Les Tam-Tams du mont Royal. This is the name of our weekly festival that occurs every Sunday near Mount Royal on Park Avenue (Avenue du Parc in French). This festival actually has its origins all the way back in 1974 and tends to have more of a bohemian style, making it a very fun experience and a great way to see more of Montreal.

When attending the Tam-Tams, you never know exactly what you’ll get. There are often drum circles, various games, and opportunities to shop. It is a very laid-back and leisurely festival, making it the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning all the way to sunset.

7. Cruise the St. Lawrence River

If you haven’t visited us before, you may be surprised to learn that the city is an island located in the Saint Lawrence River. Thus, one of the best ways to learn about the city is by taking a boat tour. There are many different companies that offer cruises leaving from the Old Port area.

These cruises are typically an hour to 90 minutes long and provide stories about the founding and history of Montreal. You will also be able to see many of Montreal’s famous architectural sites such as the Olympic Stadium and Habitat 67. This is a fun way to see the city in an unconventional manner.

8. Relax at Bota Bota

Speaking of boats, a relaxing way to spend some time in Montreal is on a boat that has been transformed into a floating spa. Called Bota Bota, this is a place where you can enjoy a massage, get a facial treatment, or enjoy healthy, delicious food at their restaurant.

Of course, many people prefer to book the Water Circuit. This is a series that begins with 15 minutes in the sauna followed by a short dip in a cold bath, and relaxation in a hammock. Customers are able to repeat the steps as often as desired until they are fully relaxed and ready to take on the rest of their day.

Have a True Montreal Experience!

While our eight best things to do in Montreal can certainly keep you entertained, there are many things to do as you spend time exploring. As the premier comedy club here, we are certainly happy to welcome you to take in a show at Comedyville as well, right after relaxing at a Spa. Regardless of what you decide to do, we know you’ll love visiting our city and may your visit be a memorable one.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.

The post 8 Best Things to Do in Montreal appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.