Montreal

Best time to visit Montreal

• Summer (June to September): Summer is perhaps the best time to visit Montreal. The city is warm, green and inviting. Enjoy outdoor dining, long sunsets and festivals almost every weekend.
• Fall (October to November): Quebec’s gorgeous fiery foliage draws visitors throughout fall. The weather can be changeable, with snow as early as October some years.
• Winter (December to February): Montreal gets quieter in the cold and snowy winter, but between holiday markets, ice festivals and winter sports, there’s still plenty to do.
• Spring (March to May): Another season with variable weather, with snow through April some years. Visiting a sugar shack, where maple syrup is made, is a much-loved spring tradition.

How many days to spend in Montreal

Allow around two to three days in Montreal to soak up its charm and culture. Add a day for less central destinations such as the picturesque West Island or to visit a farm on the North Shore. To visit Montreal as well as nearby Mont-Tremblant, Ottawa or Quebec City, five to seven days is recommended.

The vibe of Montreal

Montreal takes the best of the Old and New worlds and adds a creative spirit all its own. Traces of the city’s history as a center of shipping and industry linger in Old Montreal and along the Lachine Canal, where warehouses sport elaborate murals while bike paths and green spaces draw summer crowds. The city’s Catholic heritage is evident from the hundreds of elegant churches. Meanwhile, strong Jewish, immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities have made their mark in neighborhoods like Mile End, Little Italy and the Village, as well as in the city’s diverse dining and art scenes in the Plateau-Mont-Royal and Quartier Latin.

What is Montreal famous for?

Montreal is fiercely proud of its French heritage, and the history of trade and industry that allowed the city to thrive from the earliest days of French settlement in Canada. Its reputation as an arts and culture hub is well-earned, being the birthplace of famous musicians such as Leonard Cohen. A lower cost of living has continued to make the city welcoming for artists and creatives of all stripes, from writers to circus acrobats. Montreal is famous for its snowy winters; ice skating and other winter sports like cross-country skiing are popular pastimes at the city’s many parks. Locals cheer on the “Habs” (Montreal’s NHL team, the Canadiens) at lively sports bars or in person at Centre Bell arena.

Events in Montreal

Exciting events in Montreal, from music showcases and international sporting events to avant-garde street festivals, fill the calendar year-round. Summer is swinging with long-running favorites like the International Jazz Festival (June to July) and Osheaga (August). June draws crowds of racing fans for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, while August’s Montreal Pride turns the Village into a week-long party. Mutek (August), Fantasia International Film Festival (July to August) and the St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival (May to June) showcase the city’s cutting-edge arts scene. The fun doesn’t stop in winter, with Igloofest (January to February) and Montreal en Lumiere (February to March) proving that Montrealers know how to have a good time, no matter the weather.

Food in Montreal

Montreal’s dining scene has something to tempt everyone, whether you’re craving a late-night snack or a multicourse tasting menu at one of Canada’s best restaurants. Mouthwatering French pastries are everywhere, while smoked meat sandwiches are a legacy of the city’s thriving Jewish community. Sample local delicacies at Atwater Market or Jean-Talon Market, or enjoy a few small plates at one of the many natural wine bars. No Montreal trip is complete without trying poutine. This combination of fries, gravy and cheese curds is quintessentially French Canadian, but you’ll find it everywhere, from Portuguese peri-peri joints to Indian buffets.

Nightlife in Montreal

Montreal’s thriving music and arts scene is reflected in its nightlife. From massive outdoor festivals—a huge draw for Montreal tourism—to intimate dive bars and speakeasies, the city is always buzzing with live music, comedy and performance. Downtown, the Quartier des Spectacles and Quartier Latin welcome visitors to outdoor performances and larger venues, while Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Plateau-Mont-Royal are known for smaller clubs and wine bars. The Village is the center of Montreal’s LGBTQ+ scene, where mainstays like Club Unity keep the party going year-round. The longtime influence of Cirque du Soleil’s groundbreaking acts has led to a flourishing scene of smaller cabarets and circus companies.

Shopping in Montreal

From on-trend to one-of-a-kind, Montreal has shopping for every style and budget. The downtown area between Sherbrooke Street and Sainte-Catherine Street has well-known Canadian department stores like the Bay and multilevel malls like Centre Eaton and Complexe Desjardins. For a taste of luxury, head southwest on Sherbrooke Street to Westmount, where you can browse an eclectic mix of boutiques featuring designer fashion, antiques and fine jewelry. If the hunt for a new outfit or handmade treasure is what you’re after, you’ll love the perfectly curated vintage and craft boutiques in Mile End.