Montreal🇨🇦 is the largest city of the Québec province and the most French region of North America. Modern in every regard, Montréal has a beautifully preserved historic district dating back to its founding in 1642, skyscrapers in unexpected shapes and colors, and sprawling neighborhoods of artists’ lofts, boutiques, and cafes.This French-speaking city is a cultural hub and the fashion capital of Canada-drawing tons of style-inclined creatives from all over.
Montreal is a city with considerable French colonial history dating back to the 16th century. It remains a city of great charm, vivacity, and gaiety, as well as one of unquestioned modernity.
Just walking the streets of Montreal is an experience, especially the historic centre known as Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), which provides a window into the city’s rich history with its cobblestone streets and architectural styles ranging from the 16th century to the present.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal⛪️
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is Montréal’s mother church and was the first Gothic Revival style church in Canada. Its history has been marked by the Sulpicians since its foundation and is inseparable from that of Montréal. Notre Dame Roman Catholic Basilica National Historic Site of Canada is a large Gothic Revival cathedral, built of ashlar limestone, whose twin towers mark the entrance to Lowertown, one of Ottawa’s earliest neighbourhoods.
Montreal's oldest Catholic church, built in 1656, is known for its intricately designed interior, which includes stained glass chronicling the history of the city. Notre-Dame Roman Catholic Basilica was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1990.
The AURA Experience, created by Moment Factory, offers a unique opportunity to explore the architectural jewel of Quebec's heritage that is the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. With state-of-the-art projectors and lasers, the interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica is illuminated from floor to ceiling. The AURA Experience achieves the unimaginable, breathing new life and movement into a timeless landmark.
Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Morning Ticket: $16 per person
Aura Experience: $ 45 per person
Old Montreal🌆
Old Montreal is a historic neighborhood in Canada with a charming Parisian flair. Be transported back in time as you wander down the cobblestone streets and admire the stunning architecture. Check out the Bonsecours Market for some unique shopping, stroll along St. Paul Street, and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal to admire the incredible stained glass windows. You can also head to the old port for a Ferris wheel ride, zipline, or cruise. Take a walking tour to learn more about its history or a ghost tour to explore the neighborhood after dark.
Old Montréal, home to the city's most historic and newest attractions, provides an unbeatable glimpse into the city's many lives throughout its extensive history.
Mount Royal🌇
Known to locals simply as “the mountain,” Mount Royal is more than a sprawling natural enclave at the centre of the city - it’s a beloved landmark that’s so emblematic of Montréal that it gave it its nameIts importance at the heart of the city’s identity may explain why locals see Mount Royal as a bona fide mighty mountain, but factually, with its altitude of 764 feet above sea level, it’s more of a large hill.
People use the mountain every day as the perfect escape from the city bustle. It’s a place to jog, walk, hike, bike, skate, cross-country ski, snowshoe and toboggan. There is a large lodge (the Chalet du Mont Royal) with a café, restrooms, and indoor seating where you can escape the elements.
Time: 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Old Port🛥️
The riverside pathways that teem with joggers and cyclists throughout the day swell with romantic strolling couples after the sun goes down. The area’s beautiful buildings transform nightly into glowing beacons with innovative lighting effects and the modern Grande Roue de Montréal ferris wheel offers new vistas over a grand quartier nearly 400 years in the making. A host of activities awaiting you: cruises, rides on the observation wheel, the zipline, the spa, pedal boating,
La Grande Roue de Montréal🎡
The tallest observation wheel in Canada - allows you to see the city and its surroundings from 60 meters in the air. 42 gondolas are equipped with ultra-clear tempered glass panes. These allow you to observe the landscape in detail, while protecting you from UV rays.
42 gondolas are equipped with ultra-clear tempered glass panes. These allow you to observe the landscape in detail, while protecting you from UV rays.This attraction, which was inaugurated in 2017, is part of the latest generation White Series made in the Netherlands by Dutch Wheels, a renowned Ferris wheel manufacturer. 42 gondolas specially designed to give you an exceptional view four seasons a year.
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Ticket: $ 32 per person
Note: You can park your car in Public Parking next to the Old Port.