Top 10 Best things to see in Montreal during Summer

Summer has arrived, which means it’s time to wake up from your winter hibernation. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of great weather than a short weekend getaway nearby? Montreal is essentially Canada’s version of Europe, and is extremely accessible. This French speaking city will keep you on your toes when it comes to sights to see and events to partake in.

#10 Fontaine Park / Parc La Fontaine

La Fontaine Park is an urban park in Montreal, Quebec, located in the district of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. The park has two linked ponds with a fountain and waterfalls, the Théâtre de Verdure open-air venue, monuments, playing fields, and tennis courts, and is named after Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine.

Address: 3819 Avenue Calixa-Lavallée, Montreal, Quebec

 

#9 Bank of Montréal Museum / Musée de la Banque de Montréal

It is the country’s oldest banking institution, having been established in 1817. The head office’s majestic exterior, which dates from 1847, reflects the power of ancient Rome. The magnificent decor, which was redesigned in 1905, reflects the institution’s success. J. Wells; McKim, Mead, and White were the architects. The Bank of Montréal Museum also welcomes visitors.

Address: 129 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal, Quebec

 

#8 Victoria Square / Place Victoria

Montreal not only has cobblestone streets in the old town, but it also has a Metropolitain sign at Square-Victoria Station, just like Paris, France. This Art Nouveau-style architectural piece was built in Square Victoria in 1967 and dates back to the opening of the Paris métro in 1900. When the square was renovated and merged into the Quartier international de Montréal in 2003, it was totally repaired.

Address: Square-Victoria Station, Montreal, Quebec

 

#7 Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal / Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

The Notre-Dame cathedral in Montreal is a good illustration of Quebec’s French Canadian catholic tradition, as well as their ability to build old country style structures and cathedrals in New France. The spire and the facade are both breathtaking. Take a good look at it from afar to appreciate the superb craftsmanship. Both the pulpit and the interior views are amazing.

This treasure of Quebec’s religious heritage is one of the oldest examples of gothic revival architecture in Canada. At the time it was built in 1829, it was a striking and innovative building that was unparalleled anywhere else in North America.

Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec

 

#6 Olympic Park / Le Parc Olympique

The Olympic Stadium shows Montreal’s ability to constantly alter and better itself. At the end of the year 1969, Jean Drapeau, the mayor of Montreal at the time, announced that the city would be hosting the Olympic Games of 1976. After that, the creation of the Olympic Stadium was put in motion.

Address: 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal

 

#5 Old Montreal / Vieux-Montréal

Vieux-Montréal offers beautiful architecture and living history as one of the oldest areas in North America. Its cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, cafes, and the famous old port. The vibe is always dynamic, and there’s so much to discover beyond iconic sites. Founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie, Old Montreal is home to many structures dating back to the era of New France.

Montreal was the largest city in Canada until it was overtaken by Toronto in the 1970s. French Canadians are the majority population in Montreal, which is often said to be the second largest French-speaking city in the world.

Montreal was also named a UNESCO City of Design. Archaeological evidence demonstrates that First Nations native people occupied the island of Montreal as early as 4,000 years ago.

Montreal was the capital of the Province of Canada from 1844 to 1849, but lost its status when a Tory mob burnt down the Parliament building to protest the passage of the Rebellion Losses Bill. For strategic reasons, Queen Victoria herself declared Ottawa as the capital.

 

#4 Old Port at Jacques Cartier pier / Vieux-Port à Jacques Cartier

If you’re in Montreal during the summer you definitely don’t want to miss this. Start your day with show-stopping views from the Montreal Observation Wheel—the largest of its kind in Canada. Take a walk by the water and enjoy the fresh air. The Old port is over 2 km long, which is quite the walk. In fact, It was used as early as 1611, when French traders used it as a trading post.

In the present day, visitors can now follow the traces of Montreal’s history back to pre-colonial times, and the changes that the city has undergone since the first European settlers arrived in 1642.

 

#3  St. Joseph’s Oratory / Oratoire Saint-Joseph

One of the best things about living in Montreal is the fact that there is always something new to discover. The Saint-Joseph’s Oratory situated on Queen Mary Road, gives the illusion that you have entered Europe — it is simply spectacular. The Religious Oratory is named after a man named “Joseph” who is believed to have been Jesus Christ’s physical father and who was named a saint for this reason. The construction of this building’s first rendition began in 1904, with funding that was given to Saint André, who continues to be looked at as a major religious figure in Quebec.

Address: 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal

 

#2 Mount Royal / Le Mont Royal

The famous Mont-Royal was created by the same architect that worked on New York Central Park, Frederick Law Omstead. Mount Royal is the Montreal backyard, an urban mountain and sprawling park with fantastic views of the city. This area offers a relaxing escape for nature lovers.

Go all the way to the top lookout, on a 30 min hike, for stunning views of the city landscape and countryside beyond the belvedere point.

Address: Parking – 1576 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC

Hike Length: 2-km Out & Back

Amount of Time to do: 1h

#1 Montreal Botanical Garden / Jardin botanique de Montréal   

The Montreal Botanical Garden is a massive botanical garden with exhibits from all over the world. It is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful botanical gardens. Over 22,000 plant species, ten exhibition greenhouses, thirty thematic gardens, and a dedicated team of researchers and activities workers make up of the Botanical Garden.

The Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Montréal) was designed by Henry Teuscher and opened in 1931 by Brother Marie-Victorin. The Garden is referred to as a “northern wonder” on occasion. The internationally famous facility, as its founder planned, combines natural beauty with an educational mission. It is also a popular tourist destination in Montreal.

The Chinese, Japanese, and First Nations Gardens are among its beauties, providing visitors with a variety of cultural and scenic experiences.

Address: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec

. . .

To find out what Montreal has to offer during the winter, click here.