Posted on: June 24, 2023

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

My first Montreal Travel experience: the enchanting city that I was promised (by so many) to fall in love with after one visit. The Canadian metropole where European charm meets North American vibrancy. From strolling through historic streets to indulging in culinary delights, exploring diverse neighborhoods to immersing yourself in art and festivals, Montreal is the perfect destination for a summer adventure.

In this Montreal travel guide for the first time visitor, I want to share with you everything you need to know (and I found useful) to help you explore Montreal during the summer months! So grab your sunglasses, embrace the joie de vivre, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets, cultural treasures, and hidden gems of Montreal.

But first…

A Brief History of Montreal

Tiohtià:ke. The original name of Montreal, which comes from the Iroquian language, spoken by the original indigenous inhabitants of the city, The Haudenosaunee commonly known as Iroquois.

Circa October 2, 1535. Jacques Cartier, French explorer from Saint Malo, arrived in Tiohtià:ke on his way to Asia. He met The Haudenosaunee people who lived within a specific community in Tiohtià:ke, a fortified village called Hochelaga. 

History of Montreal recounts that after hiking the now “Mount Royal” mountain, Cartier named the said mountain, which also gave birth to the francophone name of the city, Montreal. Following episodes of war, conflicts and annexation, the city was invaded and built under French authority, and gave birth to the Montreal city that we know today.  

Therefore, understanding and appreciating Montreal as it is today comes with learning a bit more about its history and influences over the years. 

What is Montreal, Quebec, Known for?

There is a common theme with North American big cities. Just like Toronto and New York City that I have had the privilege to visit over the past few weeks, Montreal is known and loved for its cultural diversity, music and festivals, nightlife and entertainment, architecture, culinary experiences and education. 

Cultural Diversity in Montreal: Although heavily influenced by French European culture today Montreal is considered to be one of the Canadian cities with the highest level of cultural diversity (after Toronto). The city embraces a mix of French and English cultures and has a thriving multicultural community, with influences from around the world. These elements of culture are reflected through festivals and of course… culinary experiences in Montreal. 

International Cuisine: As someone who travels for community, culture and cuisine, I love to experience different cuisines wherever I go, especially in culturally diverse cities such as Montreal. Whether you are looking for typical Montreal flavors (such as the iconic smoked meat sandwiches, the Montreal Poutine or Montreal’s authentic bagels) or international flavors (Caribbean, African, Indian, Asian, French, Italian, Lebanese, Vietnamese flavors), you have ample opportunities to get a taste of Montreal during your Montreal travel experience!

Music and Cultural Festivals: just like Toronto, Montreal is famous for its numerous festivals held throughout the year. Travelers flock to the French speaking city during the summer because of the weather and large plethora of music and cultural events that enliven the Montreal streets! Among the biggest summer festivals in Montreal, take note of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, which is claimed to be the largest jazz festival in the world. Other renowned festivals include the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, the Montreal International Fireworks Competition, the Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM), and the Montreal World Film Festival. 

Nightlife and Entertainment: Who wouldn’t want to end the night on a high after an exhilarating music event in Montreal? The city has a popular district dedicated to entertainment: Le Quartier des Spectacles. There, you can attend a wide variety of live shows throughout the summer, and end your days at one of Montreal’s lively bars. 

Architecture: A Montreal travel experience would not be complete without admiring Montreal’s unique blend of architectural styles. Walking through Old Montreal felt like walking through a European City! Old Montreal (the historical district) is a tourist magnet with its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, and notable landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica. Downtown Montreal is home to more modern architectural wonders such as the Habitat 67 housing complex and the contemporary art museum, as well as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Sports: Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Montreal, and the city’s team, Montreal Canadiens, one of the most successful and storied franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL). Montreal was also the host of the 1976 Summer Olympics, and the destination for the 2023 Formula One Grand Prix du Canada.

Universities and Education: A lot of French (and English speaking) international students travel to Montreal because of the higher education opportunities that the city offers. Renowned universities in Montreal include including McGill University and the Université de Montréal. These institutions attract students from around the world, contributing to the city’s intellectual and innovative environment.

Montreal vs Toronto: Which City is Best?

Having lived in Toronto and visited Montreal, I think I can appreciate the beauty and unique offerings of each city from a different perspective. Both are huge, culturally diverse and developed cities in Canada (in fact they are the top two largest cities in Canada). The choice of which one you prefer depends solely on you, and the type of traveler you are! I loved Montreal because it is a slower paced, softer city with a French European appeal which is great for the chill, relaxed traveler. Toronto on the other hand feels busier, bubblier and with more dynamic energy, which is more suited for the traveler looking for more excitement, buzz and thrill. 

Montreal Travel: Is Montreal Expensive to Visit?

Compared to other major North American cities like New York City and Toronto, Montreal is considered to be relatively affordable for the traveler. However, as for every travel experience, the financial investment depends on your choice of accommodation, food options, transportation and overall, your travel style.

Montreal Travel options: What is the best way to get there?

The best way to travel to Montreal depends on your travel preferences, budget and time availability. You can get to Montreal by car, bus, train, or plane.

Air Travel: If you are coming from a distant location or another country, fly into Montreal from one of its two main airports: Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX). 

Train Travel: For my trip from Toronto to Montreal, I traveled via train, using Via Rail. The entire trip (one way) took about 5h30 mins, which I appreciated (just an hour more compared to my usual Toronto – Ottawa route). Keep in mind that when booking your Via Rail tickets for your Montreal travel experience, you might see a train itinerary that takes 8 hours (from Toronto), and this is because that specific train passes through Ottawa prior to arriving in Montreal. 

Train travel can be a scenic and comfortable way to reach Montreal, especially if you are traveling from nearby cities like Toronto or Ottawa. Via Rail Canada operates train services connecting Montreal to various destinations in Canada and even some cities in the United States. The centrally located Gare Centrale is Montreal’s main train station, and is located downtown – which means close to a lot of popular hotels and tourist sites. 

Bus Travel: For shorter distances or budget-conscious travelers, bus travel is an option to consider. Several bus companies, such as Greyhound and Megabus, offer services connecting Montreal to major cities in Canada and the United States. The main bus terminal in Montreal is the Gare d’autocars de Montréal (Montreal Coach Terminal). However, always keep in mind that if you are saving money, you are spending time and that is an important factor to consider too.

Car Travel: If you prefer the flexibility of driving or plan to explore the surrounding areas, traveling to Montreal by car can be a good option. Major highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 20), connect Montreal to other cities in Canada and the United States. However, it’s worth considering traffic conditions, parking availability, and potential toll fees.

What is the Best Time to Visit Montreal, Quebec?

I traveled to Montreal in mid-June and I had great weather: sun during the day, and slightly chilly nights (as expected). This was the beginning of summer. Even though Montreal sees tourists year long, it felt like the tourist areas were not very populated as yet. That being said, bear in mind that Montreal is a very popular Canadian destination to visit during the summer (due to the warm temperatures), and during the winter (as it is home to several ski destinations and resorts). I definitely look forward to planning a Montreal travel experience during the winter!

Montreal Travel: Should I explore Montreal by Car or on Foot?

One of the aspects of my Montreal Travel experience that I appreciated the most was the fact that the city has a heavy focus on sustainability, encouraging visitors to travel sustainably. Just like when I spent the spring in Banff, it was beautiful to see people riding bicycles in the streets from sunrise to sunset. 

Montreal is a very walkable city, and I am happy to echo these words someone once told me before I visited. A great number of sights to see downtown Montreal are within a walking distance from each other (The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Underground City, the Old Montreal district, the Quartier des Spectacles, etc.) And by walking distance, I mean between 10-30 mins. When you are strolling through beautiful streets, you can barely see time flying!

The city also has an efficient public transportation system that includes a metro (subway) network, buses, and commuter trains. This makes it easy to navigate the city and reach various attractions and neighborhoods without a car. I took the Montreal metro to get to the Montreal Botanical Gardens from downtown Montreal, and the bus to get to the Fairmount Bagel and St Viateur Bagel bakeries (both 15 mins from Downtown via bus).

First Visit to Montreal: Where to Stay

Every time I visit a city for the first time, I always try to stay somewhere close to the public attractions and best sights to see (either within a few minutes walking or a few minutes by public transportation). The reason is, different cities have different public transportation systems, and unless I am familiar with the public transportation system, I would not take chances to try to figure it all out from the first visit. Walking and taking the public transportation are my favorite ways to travel sustainably: besides, it keeps me fit and keeps the earth alive!

Where I stayed: L’Appartement Hotel, Montreal: this was the best accommodation deal I could find for my first Montreal travel experience, especially as I booked last minute! I picked L’Appartement hotel for three key reasons: first, it was centrally located downtown and only a few minutes (5-7 minutes) walking distance from some of the key attractions. Secondly, breakfast was included in my room booking, which meant I didn’t have to worry about where to eat in the morning. Finally, for the offerings and location, I found it more affordable than a lot of other options. I recommend this if you prioritize budget, comfort and accessibility. 

Montreal Travel: what are the best places to visit in Montreal?

Most big cities are always divided into neighborhoods/boroughs/districts, and sometimes the key tourist attractions are spread across different neighborhoods. But if it’s your first time in Montreal and you only have a few days, I recommend focusing on a maximum of 2 neighborhoods, to get the best out of your Montreal travel experience. For a first time visitor to Montreal, exploring Downtown Montreal (Ville-Marie) and Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal) are a must. 

Downtown (Ville-Marie): As you probably know by now, I always say this: exploring Downtown is the best way to get situated in a new city and feel its vibe, if you are traveling there for the first time. Downtown Montreal is a bustling area with numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Stay in the heart of the city, walk around to attractions like Underground City (Montreal’s version to the Path in Toronto), the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the vibrant Quartier des Spectacles.

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal): This is the part of Montreal that gives you the “old charming European city vibes”. And the cobblestone streets, historic buildings, French-named alleys are all a part of it! No first time visitor to Montreal should leave the city without going to Old Montreal, The streets are also paved with trendy restaurants where you can lunch or dine based on what you are feeling for. Popular tourist attractions at Old Montreal are the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port of Montreal. At the Old Port of Montreal, you can take part in activities such as a city cruise on board of the Bateau Mouche, a ride on “La Grande Roue de Montréal”, Ziplining over the River (my first ziplining experience – I did this and cried!), and an Indoor Labyrinthe experience with SOS Labyrinthe.

Mile End: Very close to the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End is a trendy and multicultural neighborhood known for its artistic community, indie music scene, and diverse culinary options. It’s a great neighborhood for foodies, with numerous cafes, bagel shops, international eateries, and trendy bars. This is where I went to taste the best Bagels in Montreal, according to locals!

Plateau-Mont-Royal: This trendy and vibrant neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, colorful Victorian houses, and lively streets filled with cafes, bars, and boutiques. It’s a great choice for those seeking a more local experience and a taste of Montreal’s artistic and hipster scene. The iconic Mount Royal Park is also nearby.

Griffintown: Located just southwest of downtown, Griffintown is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a mix of modern residential buildings, trendy restaurants, and hip bars. It offers a more contemporary and industrial vibe, and it’s within walking distance of downtown attractions.

Montreal Travel Experience: Where to Eat (my recommendations)

The choice of where to eat in Montreal depends on your budget and what you fancy. During my first Montreal travel experience, I was specifically craving international cuisine and crepes. So, I went to:

The Time Out Market: located in the underground City, The Time Out Market in Montreal is the equivalent of the Food Market at the Eaton Center in Toronto. They offer a variety of cuisine from different restaurants, ranging from Haitian, Indian, American, Italian, Mexican, etc. I also liked the cocktail and mocktail stations, where I could get a fancy drink for my meal. I tried authentic Haitian food for the first time, and I can tell you this for sure: the flavors were top quality! The Time Out Market is definitely a great option if you are on a budget, unsure of what you want to eat, and want to taste quality, fine cuisine.

Le Jardin Nelson: I went to Le Jardin Nelson in Old Montreal because I was specifically craving French crepes, and wanted to sit and eat somewhere scenic on my last night in Montreal. This is ranked as one of the best terrace restaurants in Old Montreal, and I definitely recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed the live jazz music experience in the evening: it felt like such a beautiful touch to conclude my first Montreal travel experience. 

What to pack for a Montreal Travel Getaway (Summer):

Summer is warm, but some nights can be chilly too. here is what to pack for your Montreal travel experience during the summer:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing: Include items such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, and lightweight pants. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool. For layering options, pack a light sweater or jacket for cooler nights or air-conditioned indoor spaces. I shop at The Ngaska Store for a wide majority of my travel looks because we offer sustainable and stylish clothing (for men, women and kids). 

• Comfortable walking shoes: I love walking when I travel, especially to walkable cities. Montreal is a city best explored on foot. Ensure you pack comfortable shoes for walking, such as sneakers (including hiking shoes), sandals, or flats. 

• Rain gear: I no longer travel without a portable umbrella. You can get one at any pharmacy such as Shoppers Drugs Mart. 

• Swimwear: Who says “summer” also says “swimwear”! If you plan to visit outdoor pools, water parks, or nearby beaches, pack swimwear. If your hotel has a pool like L’Appartement Hotel where I stayed, pack swimwear. If you think you might want to relax at a jacuzzi, hot tub or Nordic Spa, also pack swimwear. Bottom line? Just pack swimwear. 

• Travel essentials: Essential items such as medications/vitamins, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a daypack or tote bag for carrying belongings, a travel guidebook or map, electrical adapter and portable charger always make it to my suitcase and carry-on when I travel. 

Additional resources for your Montreal Travel Experience

If you are looking for additional resources to make your first Montreal travel experience even more memorable, I’ve got you covered!

• Check out this list Free things to do in Montreal, Quebec: Bucket List Experiences
• Want a simple, ready and done-for-you itinerary? Here is How I spent 48 Hours in Montreal during the Summer

Hope you enjoyed this Montreal travel guide! If you need help planning your Montreal trip or any other travel adventures you want to have, book a travel consultation today and let’s get started on planning your dream trip! I am looking forward to helping you travel more this year and showing you how to have unique and memorable experiences everywhere you go!