• Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal) – Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and charming boutiques make this area feel like Europe.

• Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) – Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this urban park offers panoramic city views, hiking, ice skating, and seasonal picnics.

• Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM) – One of Canada’s top museums featuring classical and modern art across four pavilions.

• Jean-Talon Market – One of North America’s largest open-air markets, showcasing local produce, cheeses, maple products, and global cuisine.

• Saint Joseph’s Oratory – A magnificent basilica perched on Mount Royal, attracting pilgrims and architecture lovers alike.

• Biodome and Space for Life – A converted Olympic stadium featuring ecosystems from the rainforest to the Arctic, plus an insectarium and planetarium.

• Plateau Mont-Royal – A trendy, artsy neighborhood filled with murals, cafés, vintage shops, and colorful row houses.

• Lachine Canal – Great for biking, kayaking, or walking, this historic waterway connects the old port to western parts of the island.

• Montréal Botanical Garden – Home to over 20 themed gardens, including Chinese and Japanese pavilions. A must-see in spring and fall.

• Atwater Market – Known for gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, and its iconic Art Deco tower.

• Use the metro and BIXI bikes to get around—it's efficient and fun.

• Learn a few French phrases; while most locals speak English, it’s polite to begin with “Bonjour.”

• Visit in early fall for warm days and low hotel rates.

• Try poutine at La Banquise for a true Montréal food experience.

• Dress in layers, as weather can change quickly in all seasons.

• Tipping is expected, so add 15-20% at restaurants and cafés.

• Explore the underground city (RESO) in winter to stay warm and access shopping and transit.

• Don't miss bagels from St-Viateur or Fairmount, both open 24/7.

• Use apps like Transit or Chrono for navigating public transport in real-time.

• Stay in Le Plateau or Mile End for cool vibes, good food, and local culture.

• Montréal International Jazz Festival – The largest jazz fest in the world, drawing thousands every July.

• Just for Laughs (Juste pour Rire) – World-famous comedy festival featuring local and international acts.

• Osheaga Music Festival – A massive indie/alt rock and EDM fest held at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

• Montréal en Lumière – A winter celebration of lights, food, and performing arts during the cold months.

• Nuit Blanche – An all-night arts and culture event where galleries, venues, and streets light up until dawn.

• It’s actually an island!
  Most people forget Montréal is entirely surrounded by water, nestled at the confluence of two major rivers.
• More restaurants per capita than NYC
  Montréal has one of the highest numbers of eateries per resident in North America—great news for foodies.
• Mount Royal is a hill, not a mountain
  Despite its name, it’s just 233 meters tall but provides sweeping views of the city.
• Bixi was born here
  Montréal was one of the first cities in North America to introduce a large-scale bike-sharing system.
• There’s an entire city underground
  RESO, the Underground City, has over 33 km of shops, tunnels, and metro access—especially useful in winter.
• It hosted the 1976 Olympics
  You can still visit the Olympic Park and stadium, now housing museums and family attractions.
• The legal drinking age is 18
  It’s the lowest in Canada, making it a magnet for university students.
• The St. Lawrence freezes
  In winter, you can sometimes walk or skate beside massive frozen slabs of river ice near the Old Port.
• It’s bilingual—but French first
  While many locals are fluent in English, French is the official language. All signs and menus reflect that.
• Home of Cirque du Soleil
  The world-famous circus arts company was founded in Québec and still hosts shows and training centers in Montréal.

Do you need a visa to visit the island?
If you're from the U.S., UK, EU, Australia, or many other countries, you may enter Canada visa-free for up to 6 months but will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if flying in. Others will need a visa. Always check the current Canadian visa requirements before travel.

What is the best way to get to the island?
Fly into Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). From there, taxis, buses, Ubers, and a 747 express shuttle can bring you downtown in about 30 minutes. Trains and buses from Ottawa, Toronto, and Quebec City are also great options.

Should I rent a car on the island?
Not necessary if you're staying in the city. Public transportation is excellent, and walking or biking is popular. If you plan to explore the countryside or take day trips to places like Mont-Tremblant, a car rental is a good option.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Montréal is quite accessible. Many public buildings, metro stations, and attractions offer wheelchair access, although some historic buildings in Old Montréal have limitations. STM (public transit) offers adapted transportation services.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?
Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and the Old Port are all iconic. Montréal’s murals and modern structures like Habitat 67 also stand out.

What are the best beaches on the island?
While not a traditional beach destination, Montréal has summer spots like Jean-Doré Beach and Plage de l’Horloge, perfect for sunbathing and swimming during the warmer months.

What is unique about the island’s wildlife?
You’ll see raccoons, foxes, squirrels, and a surprising number of urban birds like hawks and herons. Biodome and Ecomuseum Zoo are great places to observe native species up close.

What traditional foods should you try on the island?
Poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy), Montréal bagels, smoked meat sandwiches from Schwartz’s, maple syrup treats, and tourtière (a Québécois meat pie). Don’t forget Montréal-style hot dogs and craft beer.

Can you drink tap water on the island?
Yes, tap water is clean, safe, and drinkable everywhere in Montréal.

What is the nightlife like on the island?
Montréal’s nightlife is legendary — from Latin dance bars and electronic clubs to jazz lounges and LGBTQ+ venues. Saint-Laurent and Sainte-Catherine streets are nightlife hubs.

How can I stay connected to the internet on the island?
Most cafés, hotels, and public libraries offer free Wi-Fi. SIM cards from providers like Bell, Telus, or Fido can be purchased easily for longer stays.

What are some local souvenirs to bring home from the island?
Maple syrup, Montréal bagels (vacuum-packed), artisan soaps, local wines and beers, smoked meats, and handcrafted Québécois art.

• Dépanneur – Convenience store
• Poutine – Fries with cheese curds and gravy
• Casse-croûte – Snack bar or roadside diner
• Metro – Subway system
• Terrasse – Outdoor patio at a café or restaurant
• Tabarnak! – Québécois swear word (use carefully!)
• Bon matin – Common local greeting (not standard French)
• Char – Slang for “car” in Québec French
• Tu veux-tu...? – Common way to say “Do you want...?”
• Bonjour-Hi – Standard bilingual greeting
• Bleuets – Blueberries (and nickname for northern Quebecers)
• Mets chinois – “Chinese dish” that’s actually shepherd’s pie
• Saucisse – Sausage
• Smoked meat – Cured beef sandwich like pastrami
• Ruelle – Alleyway
• Magasiner – To shop
• Patinoire – Skating rink
• Sirop d’érable – Maple syrup
• Crisse – Another strong swear (be cautious!)
• J’suis tanné – “I’m fed up / tired of it”

• Leonard Cohen – Legendary poet and singer-songwriter born and raised in Montréal. His murals and memory live on in the Plateau.
• Céline Dion – International pop icon hailing from nearby Charlemagne but launched her career in Montréal’s French-speaking music scene.
• William Shatner – Best known as Captain Kirk from Star Trek, he was born in Montréal in 1931.
• Arcade Fire – This Grammy-winning indie rock band is based in Montréal and often credits the city for inspiring their sound.
• Denis Villeneuve – Acclaimed director of Dune, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049—he studied and started his career in Montréal.
• Rufus Wainwright – American-Canadian singer-songwriter who spent formative years in Montréal's arts community.
• Norman McLaren – National Film Board animator who revolutionized animation from his Montréal studio.
• Jean Drapeau – Iconic mayor who brought Expo 67 and the Olympics to the island, reshaping the city forever.
• Xavier Dolan – Award-winning young director of Mommy and I Killed My Mother, a proud Montréal native.
• Guy Laliberté – Co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, born in Québec and launched the world-famous circus brand from Montréal.

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
  Though set in New Orleans and Paris, parts were filmed in Old Montréal to replicate historic European streets.
• The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
  Scenes of the frozen New York Public Library were actually shot in downtown Montréal studios and on-location.
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
  Montréal stood in for Washington, D.C. and other global cities, with filming across Old Montréal and McGill University.
• The Aviator (2004)
  Montréal’s architecture was used to double for 1920s-30s New York, with several scenes filmed in heritage buildings.
• John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
  Though most was shot in NYC, select scenes were filmed in Montréal, including fight choreography rehearsals.
• Arrival (2016)
  Denis Villeneuve's Oscar-winning sci-fi film was shot largely in rural Québec, but Montréal served as a key production hub.
• Orphan Black (2013–2017)
  Though set in Toronto, many scenes were shot in Montréal for its diverse cityscapes and studio capacity.
• The Bone Collector (1999)
  Urban chase scenes were filmed across Montréal streets, especially downtown and industrial zones.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002)
  Filmed partially at Montréal Airport and Old Port to stand in for different international locations.
• Jack Ryan (Amazon series)
  Action scenes in later seasons were filmed in Montréal's downtown and port areas, thanks to generous tax credits and film infrastructure.