After just a week in Montréal, you’ll have a good idea of the feel of the city and its main attractions.
To really know a city you need to spend all four seasons there. Let’s begin with summer; it’s a lot easier for those not accustomed to snow. It’s also a great season to start with because Montréal in the summertime is warm, adventurous, gastronomic, illuminated. And always active, day and night.
48 km
This route is best done on foot and by public transit. The subway (métro) is ideal, whatever the weather. You can also rent a Bixi, which is a self-serve public bike.
6
Days
1
Destination
13
Activities
DAY 1
Downtown
Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
We are very lucky to have such a prestigious and engaged museum of fine arts. In addition to art exhibitions, the museum offers a cinema and concert hall. Here’s a small secret: one of the windows provides a perfect view of the Leonard Cohen mural.
Grande Roue de Montréal
An evening ride on this Ferris wheel offers a view of the light show on Jacques-Cartier bridge. This attraction is a marvellous legacy of Montréal’s 375th anniversary, in 2017. It is Canada’s largest observation wheel, standing at 60 m high.
DAY 2
From underground to the light of Space for Life
Montréal along the métro’s green line
Discover Montréal’s underground city (RÉSO) on the green line. You may end up spending more time at Place-des-Arts métro station, visiting the Quartier des spectacles. It’s the city’s cultural centre and site of the jazz festival and many others.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Going east on the métro’s green line takes you to the Olympic Park, where you can visit the Stadium tower and the Space for Life, home to the Botanical Garden, Biodôme, Insectarium and Planetarium. A day will not be enough; you’ll need to go back.
DAY 3
Stroll in Old Montréal and the Old Port
Summer resort atmosphere
Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean you can’t relax! Montréal has a number of beaches, especially at Parc Jean-Drapeau and in the Old Port. The peak experience in relaxation is found at Bota Bota, a floating spa that is unique in the world.
Look up and then down
You like thrills? If not, take pictures instead of your friends jumping into the void from a tower or ziplining (at the same site) in Old Montréal. On fireworks nights, the experience is even more exhilarating!
DAY 4
Little Italy and its many flavours
Jean-Talon Market
A public market as a tourist attraction? Yes, because this market is worth the trip. It’s located in the Little Italy neighbourhood, which says everything. For large quantities of products specific to Québec, head to the market’s Marché des Saveurs.
Cooking classes
While visiting Little Italy, why not take the opportunity to participate in a cooking class. For example, learn how to make pizza and pasta at Mezza-Luna, a cooking school run by Elena Faita and her son Stefano.
DAY 5
The Village’s diversity and Old Port’s locks
A kilometre of street art
Let’s stroll in the Village, on Rue Sainte-Catherine, closed to vehicles in the summer between Berri-UQÀM and Papineau métro stations. A lively, colourful area.
Le Marché des Éclusiers
We return to Old Montréal for a walk and to eat on the patio of Marché des Éclusiers in the Old Port, which serves up local products. You can also shop at its farmers market or leisurely enjoy a beverage at the bar.
DAY 6
Montréal, city of light: performance and pathway
AURA show at the Notre-Dame Basilica
Stroll through Old Montréal’s historical streets until you reach Notre-Dame Basilica. This is one the city’s top architectural attractions, particularly because of its blue and gold nave. Lighting is at its best during the AURA multimedia show.
Cité Mémoire and Luminous Pathway
At night, many buildings—and trees!—come alive in Old Montréal with images projected by Cité Mémoire. This circuit of 25 historical scenes is the largest in the world. The Quartier des spectacles also has a Luminous Pathway.
