Things to Do in Quebec

Place d’Armes, meaning parade square, is a major public venue in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). The picturesque plaza is bordered by some of Montreal’s most notable architectural landmarks, including the 17th-century Saint-Sulpice Seminary, the Gothic Revival-style Notre-Dame Basilica, and the art deco Aldred Building.

 

Many Montreal walking, biking, and sightseeing coach tours come to Place d’Armes so visitors can see the historic structures that surround the square. Most walking tours of Old Montreal follow routes that incorporate Place d’Armes and other historic attractions in the area, such as the Old Port, Place Jacques-Cartier, Ramezay Castle (Chateau Ramezay), and Bonsecours Market.

 

 

To get to Place d’Armes, take the Metro Orange Line to the Place-d’Armes station. The square is just a 5-minute walk from the waterfront Old Port.

 

Visit in summer or fall, when it’s warm enough to linger and take some time to admire the surrounding sights. The square is also appealing at night when the facade of the basilica is strategically lit, highlighting its exterior architectural features. On select nights, the basilica hosts an interior light show, which use lighting design and sound to showcase the beauty of the basilica’s artwork and interior decoration.

 

Next to the basilica is the Saint-Sulpice Seminary. Built in 1687 by Catholic Sulpicians, Saint-Sulpice Seminary is the second-oldest building in Montreal. On another side of the square sits the red sandstone 8-story New York Life Insurance Building—built in the late 1880s and considered to be Montreal’s first skyscraper—and the Aldred Building, a 23-story 1931 art deco gem that bears a strong resemblance to the Empire State Building in New York.

Often regarded as one of the fanciest and most expensive areas in Montreal, Outremont has only recently started to be on the tourist map. Understandably so – with its elegant avenues and stately manors, it’s no wonder more and more visitors are drawn to it. The name Outremont actually comes from a pun with the French wording for ‘over the mountain,’ seeing as most Montrealers resided south of the Mount Royal at the time. The three main thoroughfares are Bernard Avenue, Van Horne Avenue, and Laurier Avenue, which are filled with upscale shops, trendy cafés and chic French bistros that even locals consider a treat. The district also includes Mount-Royal cemetery (resting place of many major Canadian figures), which is popular with runners thanks to its giant leafy trees and soothing atmosphere.

While Outremont is a predominantly French-speaking neighborhood, it holds a lot more than just wine bars. Twenty percent of Outremont’s population is part of the Hasidic Jewish community; there are, therefore, several kosher bakeries and restaurants, as well as synagogues and Yiddish-run businesses in the area. It was the home of famed author Mordecai Richler.

Built in 1687, in the historic Lower Town of Quebec City, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is one of the oldest churches in North America. Lying atop the ruins of the city’s first outpost, which was built by the Father of New France, Samuel de Champlain, in 1608, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires dominates Place Royale square. Over the centuries, this Roman Catholic church has seen its fair share of battles between the French and British. And after the Battle of Quebec in 1690, the church was given its Notre Dame moniker in recognition of the Virgin Mary protecting the city from danger. However, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church was almost completely destroyed by a later British bombardment during the 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Restored in 1816, the church was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988 because of its beauty and history. A working church with regular Sunday services, a particularly special time to visit is on January 3.  On this feast day of patron St. Genevieve, who is said to protect against famine, the church hands out little buns as blessings.

At the foot of Cap Diamant in the historic Lower Town (Basse-Ville) of Quebec City, the Petit-Champlain quartier is one of the oldest spots in the city and said to be home to the oldest commercial street in North America; Rue du Petit-Champlain.

In the beginning of Quebec’s history, Petit-Champlain was little more than portside village made up of just a few homes and fur trading posts. Today, after a huge urban restoration project, the quartier is bursting with sidewalk cafes, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques hidden down narrow cobblestone streets. The area is also well-known as an artists’ enclave, and nearly fifty of its stores are run by a local artists’ co-op.

On the side of 102 Rue du Petit-Champlain, look out for a huge trompe-l'œil. Designed by Murale Création, the famous mural shows different stages of Quebec’s history, from the bombardments to the landslides to the people who set down their roots here by the shores of St Lawrence.

Petit-Champlain is also home to the famous Breakneck Stairs that connect Upper and Lower Town. The oldest stairs in the city, they were first built in 1635 and given their terrifying nickname in the mid-19th century. Don’t worry, though. More recent renovations mean they’re not as scary as they sound!

Notre-Dame Basilica is Montreal’s oldest Catholic church and the venue of Quebec hero Celine Dion’s wedding. The Gothic Revival-style church is one of Canada’s most lavish cathedrals, with stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, frescoes, sculptures, and a 7,000-pipe organ all vying for attention beneath a blue ceiling studded with gold stars.

 

Notre-Dame Basilica is a major city attraction featured on hop-on hop-off bus tours and walking tours of Montreal. French and English guided tours are offered daily and are included in the admission price. Tours last 20 or 60 minutes, with the longer guided tour granting access to otherwise out-of-bounds areas in the intricately designed interior, such as the second balcony and part of the crypt. Some tours even allow you to get close to the famous Casavant organ. 

Sightseers can also visit independently. After paying admission at the door, take one of the informational leaflets to guide you around the beautiful church.

 

 

Notre-Dame Basilica is located on Notre-Dame Street West, overlooking the Place d’Armes plaza in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). To get there, ride Montreal’s orange metro line to Place d’Armes.

 

The basilica is open year-round, but occasionally closes for special events such as weddings or funerals. Check ahead of time to make sure it’s open during your visit. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur frequently closes during midday mass and on Saturdays for weddings. For your best chance of viewing it, try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon on a weekday instead.

 

Located behind the main altar, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur is one of the most eye-catching parts of the church. Rebuilt using traditional methods after the old chapel was destroyed by fire in 1978, it is dominated by a huge 32-panel bronze altarpiece by Quebec sculptor Charles Daudelin.

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Montreal Science Centre is a museum committed to educating the public about science and technology through hands-on learning. Its IMAX theater, daily programs, and interactive exhibits help make the Science Centre a popular attraction for both visiting and local families.

Geared toward children and adolescents, the Montreal Science Centre’s permanent exhibits include Fabrik, which invites visitors to figure out how to engineer items such as derby cars and parachutes; Clic!, a space where children ages 4 to 7 can build with shapes and colors; and Human, an interactive exploration of human evolution. Special events are offered throughout the year and range from gaming nights for women to Rubik’s Cube competitions. Find a schedule for these events, as well as temporary exhibitions and IMAX movies, on the museum’s website. 

The Montreal Science Centre is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, and Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruises pass by.

Located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown in the Old Port, the Montreal Science Centre is easily accessible on foot or by public transit. Take bus 55 to Notre Dame and Saint Sulpice, bus 715 to Saint Laurent and Rue de la Commune, or the 2 metro to Place d’Armes. Hop-on hop-off bus tours offer hassle-free transportation and stop just outside the museum at Old Montreal: Pointe-à-Callière. Paid parking is available in the adjacent King Edward Quay parking lot.

The Montreal Science Centre is open from 10am to 5pm daily. It is busiest on weekend afternoons (weekdays offer a quieter visit), yet a wide range of activities and exhibits means it doesn’t often feel overly crowded.

Every June, the Montreal Science Centre partners with Eureka! to organize a science and technology festival for visitors of all ages. With over 100 free activities, lectures, and hands-on experiments, the festival is the largest of its kind in Quebec. Daily programs include talks by scientific experts, hands-on learning geared toward children, science-based theater performances, and workshops on endangered species. Check Eureka!’s website for a full calendar of events.

Once a busy shipping hub, the Old Port of Montreal is now an entertainment center stretching along the St. Lawrence River. In addition to the promenade, the port is also home to the Montreal Science Centre, La Grande Roue de Montréal, an observation wheel, a boat spa, and seasonal outdoor attractions including an urban beach and an ice rink.

Set along the St. Lawrence riverfront, the atmospheric Old Port is one of downtown Montreal’s biggest attractions. There are two main ways to explore: either on land or by water. Bike, quadricycle, and walking tours of the Old Port typically follow routes along the waterfront and through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), the historic landmark-packed heart of the city. In summer, sightseeing cruises, Jet Ski tours, and self-guided paddleboat tours depart from the Old Port. Many family-friendly attractions are located in the Old Port, including La Grande Roue de Montréal observation wheel, and aerial obstacle and zipline courses.

The Old Port of Montreal is situated between Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. The nearest Metro stations are Champ-de-Mars, Place-d’Armes, and Square-Victoria, all about a 10-minute walk away. 

Visit in summer for the widest range of activities. The area is busiest on weekend afternoons and evenings; arrive early to beat the crowds. Although it’s quieter in winter, there is still lots to do, including ice skating, riding the observatory wheel, and soaking in the outdoor hot tub at a floating boat spa. 

Among the most notable buildings situated along the waterfront is the 148-foot (45-meter) high Montreal Clock Tower, which was built between 1919 and 1922 to mark the entrance to the port and to serve as a memorial to sailors lost at sea. In spring and summer, climb to the top of the tower for spectacular city and river views. 

Home to just a half-dozen heritage villages, Orleans Island measures 22 miles (35 kilometers) long and six miles (nine kilometers) wide. Located in the St. Lawrence River just downstream of Quebec City, this finger-like sliver of an island charms visitors with its expansive fertile farmland filled with vineyards, apple orchards, and sugar bush.

A bus tour from Quebec City is a great way to reach the island, which is connected to the mainland by the Orleans Island Bridge (Pont de l’Île d'Orléans). These tours usually take passengers around the island’s circular Route 368 road, making frequent stops at chocolate factories, wineries, sugar shacks, and ice cider producers so participants can sample local products. Active travelers can embark on a kayaking tour.

Orleans Island is located about 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Old Quebec. PLUMobile buses run between Quebec City and Orleans Island, Monday through Friday, though there are only a few departures every day. Because of the limited public transport options, it’s often easier to visit by car or organized tour.

Summer and early autumn are the best times to go kayaking or cycling around the island. During winter, the island is blissfully quiet, and there are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, but some attractions are closed. Sugar shack season usually takes place in March and April with maple syrup producers serving maple-themed meals and hosting live folk music and dances in their cabins. 

When French explorer Jacques Cartier stumbled across the island in 1535, he named it Island of Bacchus because of the vines that grew here. More than four centuries later, Orleans Island is well-established as one of Quebec’s leading wine regions, and is particularly well-known for its production of ice wine, a sweet wine made by pressing frozen grapes. 

Old Montreal charms visitors with its picturesque squares, grand old-world architecture, and winding cobblestone streets. Whether in the Old Port or walking down the main street Rue Saint-Paul, it’s easy to feel transported back in time—in fact, some architectural remains date back to New France. The historic site is considered to be the best preserved Old Town in North America.

Exploring Old Montreal is the best way to experience the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Myriad group and private tours are designed to introduce visitors to a combination of all three on foot, by bike, by scooter, or even from the air. Most city tours include time in Old Montreal, with tour guides providing context for and explanation of all the Canadian history within its walls. Choose a night tour if you prefer to explore after dark or a food tour to dive into the local food truck and craft beer scenes. 

Old Montreal is bound by Rue Bern to the west, Rue Saint-Antoine to the north, Rue McGill in the east, and Old Port and the St. Lawrence River to the south. The area is easily accessible from downtown via the Underground City, and is also served by several bus routes and Metro stations.

Montreal draws many visitors year-round. Summer typically brings the best weather, the biggest festivals, and the most tourists. But the city is charming in winter as well, and Old Montreal becomes even more scenic and romantic after fresh snowfall.

The historic area’s pulsating center is Place Jacques-Cartier. From here, its center promenade slopes down from Rue Notre-Dame to the Old Port, lined with 18th-century stone buildings. At the base of the plaza are horse-drawn carriages, outdoor cafés, art galleries, and street performers. Nearby, you’ll find the Bonsecours Market, the oldest and largest public market in the city, and the stone Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. West of Place Jacques-Cartier is the beautiful Place d’Armes, dominated by the Notre-Dame Basilica. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Archaeology and History are also worth visiting.

Originally intended for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the Montreal Tower Observatory is world’s tallest inclined tower, standing at an unprecedented 45-degree angle. A funicular cable ride to the observatory offers panoramic views of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers), from beyond the St. Lawrence River to Mount Royal.

As one of the city’s top landmarks, the Montreal Tower Observatory is included on Tourisme Montreal’s attractions pass, which grants access to a bundle of attractions at a discounted rate. This pass includes a range of city highlights, from the Montreal Biodôme to Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

Guided tours of Montreal’s Olympic Park are offered daily at various departure times, and typically include the Botanic Garden, Olympic Stadium, Planetarium, and Musée Dufresne-Nincheri. An option to upgrade includes an admission ticket to the Montreal Tower Observatory.

Located 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) from Downtown in Montreal’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, the Montreal Tower Observatory is easily accessible using public transit. The nearest stops are Pie-IX and Viau metro stations on the green 2 line, located directly in front of Olympic Park. If traveling by car, Montreal Tower is accessible via Sherbrooke Street East. Olympic Park has eight parking lots available at a per diem rate.

Each season offers a different view from the observatory, which operates year-round. Winter provides panoramic views of the city under a blanket of snow; autumn rings in a fiery display of Mount Royal’s foliage. Every first Friday of the month from May to October, the Olympic Park hosts Québec’s biggest food truck festival. For a birds’-eye view of the gastronomic delights below, tack on a trip to the observatory.

The Montreal Tower and Observatory were supposed to be finished before the opening ceremony of the 1976 Summer Olympics. Due to a long list of unforeseen issues—including brutal winter weather, an unusual architectural design, strikes, and escalating costs—the tower's construction was abandoned. After another series of setbacks, including a fire that set the tower ablaze, it officially opened in 1987—11 years after its intended completion.

Higher than Niagara Falls, the impressive Montmorency Falls stand 272 feet (83 meters) tall and serve as the centerpiece of Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency). The site is a year-round destination for visitors to Quebec City and Montreal, offering an array of outdoor activities and the stunning sight of the falls, which form at the mouth of the Montmorency River and drop over a cliff into the St. Lawrence River.

One of Quebec City’s highlights, Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency) is often visited on city sightseeing tours and dedicated bike tours. For a close-up view of the waterfall, you can climb the 487-step mountainside staircase or take the fee-based cable car to the top, where you can cross a suspended bridge over the crest of the falls to access both sides of the park. In summer, adventurous travelers can go ziplining over Montmorency Falls or try out the park's via ferrata circuits in summer, while winter travelers can take part in snowshoeing and ice climbing here.

The falls are located on the boundary between Beauport and Boischatel, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the heart of Old Quebec. The site offers two paid parking lots, one below the falls and another above the falls. To reach Montmorency Falls by car, take Autoroute 20 northeast from Montreal to Quebec City. Then take Autoroute 440 east out of Quebec City.

One might think think Montmorency Falls is only nice to visit in the summer, but the park is actually suitable as a year-round attraction. Ziplining is offered from May to October, and if you’re visiting in July or August, you can try out the via ferrata circuits or catch the international fireworks competition that takes place at the park. In winter, the cable car still runs and the falls gain the famous "Sugarloaf," an impressive mound of ice that forms at the foot of the falls and sometimes reaches up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall.

Among Canada’s largest inland ports, Montreal cruise port sits on the St. Lawrence River, which flows between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic. It’s the gateway to Montreal, the country’s second largest city, located in the francophone Quebec province, offering easy access to Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and wider downtown area.

 

Known as the Iberville Cruise Terminal, the Montreal cruise port sits on the edge of Old Montreal, the historic core of the city that is known for its European-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and sidewalk cafés. Passengers disembarking here can join guided walking tours of the historic old town, which cover top sights such as Place d’Armes, Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Rue Saint-Paul.

 

Sightseeing tours by hop-on hop-off bus or car allow visitors to explore beyond the old town area, stopping at destinations including Chinatown, Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal), and St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.

 

The Iberville Cruise Terminal is situated on Alexandra Quay in the Old Port (Vieux-Port) area of the city. The port is centrally situated, leaving passengers within easy strolling distance of Old Montreal and all its historical attractions. Taxis are also available for those traveling farther afield.

 

The cruise port is well-equipped with visitor-friendly facilities, including public restrooms, left luggage, and tourist information desks. Wi-Fi is also available at the cruise terminal. Though French is the official language of Montreal and the province of Quebec, English is widely spoken.

Situated at the northernmost point of Montreal’s Plateau, Mile End is known for its array of independent shops, cafés, and underground music venues. The vibrant neighborhood, a cultural hub since the 1980s, is teeming with highly-rated restaurants and historical landmarks, from classic bagelries to scenes from the novels of Mordecai Richler.

Mile End walking tours are often centered around food, as the neighborhood boasts a diverse range of cuisines and specialties. As a longtime hub for Montreal’s Jewish population, walking tours that highlight Jewish history, culture, and heritage are also popular, and often include stops at decades-old restaurants and Mordecai Richler’s old haunts. Bike tours offer a more active experience and enable you to see more than might be possible on foot.

Mile End is situated northeast of Mont Royal Park and is easily accessible via Montreal’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest stops are Saint Laurent and Saint Viateur on bus 55, Avenue du Parc and Fairmount on bus 80, and Laurier metro station on the orange 2 line. Alternatively, a BIXI bike-share dock is located on the southeast corner of Avenue du Parc and Avenue du Mont-Royal Ouest. Metered street parking is available, but often limited.

Mile End is busiest on weekends—especially during brunch. Beat the crowds by heading to restaurants and cafés before 11am. For a quieter experience, stroll through the neighborhood on a weekday morning. In addition to POP Montreal’s International Film Festival each September, Mile End also hosts the annual summer Marché des Possibles, a public market that features live music, art, films, and pop-up restaurants.

Mile End is home to Montreal’s two legendary bagel shops: St. Viateur and Fairmount, located only a few blocks apart. Montrealers are born and bred to have an unwavering loyalty to one or the other, creating a city-wide bagel debate that has been written about and reported on for decades. Try a fresh bagel at each shop and decide for yourself—both are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mount Royal (Mont Royal), a 764-foot (233-meter) “mountain” in the midst of urban Montreal, is much-loved by locals and visitors alike, with Montrealers frequenting the leafy slopes as if the area were their own backyard. Cyclists, joggers, sunbathers, picnickers, and strollers abound in summer, while snowshoers, tobogganers, ice skaters, and cross-country skiers dominate in winter. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted—the creative force behind New York City’s Central Park—the 470-acre (190-hectare) Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) encompasses forest trails, manmade monuments, and grassy meadows for picnicking. On a clear day, the views from the Mount Royal summit lookout can’t be beaten.

 

A stop at Mount Royal Park is commonly included on Montreal sightseeing tours and on hop-on hop-off bus tours, but the site can also be explored thoroughly on a midday stroll, picnic lunch, or as part of guided nighttime tours. E-bike (electric bike) and walking tours are popular options no matter the season, and in winter, travelers can traverse the snowy terrain and try ice skating, snowshoeing, or tubing.

 

Mont Royal is located in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal. Ride the 80, 435, or 129 bus to the Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument and make the 30-minute uphill walk to the top. To avoid the trek, take the 11 bus from Mont-Royal metro station to Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake) and walk from there.

Mont Royal is a four-season attraction, providing you are properly prepared; be sure to wrap up warmly during winter. On summer Sundays, the park hosts what are known as Tam Tams, informal festival-like gatherings with a drum circle and dancing. Fall is perhaps the most scenic time to visit, as the park’s maple and oak trees turn lovely shades of red, orange, and gold.

Mont Royal has several must-see spots, most notably the 1932 stone Chalet du Mont-Royal and the adjacent Kondiaronk Lookout. Not far from here are the landmark Mount Royal Cross, which is illuminated at night, and Beaver Lake (Lac des Castors), which serves as an ice-skating rink in winter. If you want more information about the park, the mid-19th-century Smith House (Maison Smith) has displays on the park’s habitats and wildlife. The eastern lookout, Observatoire de l’Est, affords another perspective across the city.

With more than 20,000 species growing across 185 acres (75 hectares), Montreal’s expansive botanical gardens are often ranked among the world’s finest. Explore themed gardens—among them, Japanese, Chinese, First Nations, alpine, and medicinal—as well as hot and humid greenhouses dotted with orchids and tropical flowers. 

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are situated on the same site as the Montreal Insectarium, a family-friendly bug-themed attraction. A single ticket provides access to both. Visitors can also book package tickets, which grant entry to the botanical gardens and the Space for Life museum (either the Biodome or the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium). Alternatively, choose a combined ticket to the gardens and the Montreal Tower Observatory, which offers spectacular views over the city and the St. Lawrence River. Select sightseeing passes also include access to the gardens. 

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are situated in the Olympic Park, right next to the Biodome, Insectarium, and Montreal Tower. The nearest metro stop is Pie-IX (Green Line), about 10 or 15 minutes away on foot.  

One of the best times of the year to visit the gardens is during the annual Gardens of Light event, which takes place in fall and sees the grounds lit up spectacularly. In winter, many of the outdoor gardens are covered by snow, though plants grow in the greenhouses year-round.   

The Montreal Botanical Gardens is one of several attractions within Montreal’s Space for Life museum district, and you can combine a visit with a trip to one of the other nearby attractions. Find out more about the wonders of the universe at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, watch an ant colony at work at the Montreal Insectarium, and wander through different ecosystems at the Biodome. Though not officially part of the Space for Life site, the Olympic Stadium complex, which contains the Montreal Tower, is also right beside the gardens. Ride the funicular up to the observation deck of the 541-foot (165-meter) tower for bird’s-eye views of Montreal.

Montreal has one of the largest Italian communities in Canada, and nowhere is the community’s huge influence on the city more obvious than in leafy, park-filled Little Italy. As in Italy itself, food is an integral part of Little Italy’s appeal, and foodies flock to crowded pizzerias, old-school delis, and the vast Jean-Talon Market.

Little Italy, one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, is heaven for anyone with a soft spot for Italian food, or just good food in general. Montreal’s biggest and best food market, Jean-Talon Market, is a common stop on Montreal food tours, which often include interactions with market vendors and tastings of farm-fresh produce, as well as visits to nearby brewpubs and independent coffee shops. During summer and fall, bike tours are a great way to explore Little Italy as well as surrounding neighborhoods such as the Plateau, Mile-Ex, and Mile End. 

Little Italy is delineated by Rue Jean-Talon, Rue St-Denis, Rue de Bellechasse, and Boulevard St-Laurent. To get there, take the metro (orange line) to Jean-Talon, Rosemont, or Beaubien. The 55 bus, which travels north up Boulevard St-Laurent from downtown Montreal, also passes through Little Italy. 

Little Italy shines during summer, when cafés and restaurants set up temporary outdoor terraces, neighborhood parks are packed with picnickers, and the streets around Jean Talon Market fill with stalls and buskers. Come during the week or early on weekend mornings and listen for locals chatting in Italian over their morning espresso.

Though Italians have been in Quebec since as far back as the 17th century, Montreal’s Little Italy really came into its own with two later waves of Italian migrants: the first at the turn of the 20th century, and the second during the aftermath of World War II. Though many people of Italian descent have since moved to the suburbs, Little Italy remains at the center of Italian life in the city. The district is home to the most important Italian Catholic church in the city, the Church of the Madonna della Difesa, and hosts the annual Italian Week festival in August.

Built in the 1870s and rebuilt after a 1922 fire, Montreal City Hall has long found itself at the center of Quebec history. In 1967, the building hosted one of the most significant political moments in the province’s recent past, when then–French President Charles de Gaulle gave a rousing speech from the balcony—one that spurred Quebec’s separatist movement.

Montreal City Hall is one of many landmark historic buildings in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). Walking tours of this part of the city often take participants to Montreal City Hall, as well as to Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market, Place d’Armes, and Place Jacques-Cartier. Guided tours of Montreal City Hall are available on a walk-in basis at select times throughout the year, and include access to the council chamber, the terrace, and the mayor’s gallery. Visitors can also explore parts of the building, including the Hall of Honor, independently.

Montreal City Hall is in Old Montreal, near the north end of Place Jacques-Cartier. The closest Metro station is Champ-de-Mars, which is served by the Orange Line.

If you want to do a tour, come on a weekday in summer, when tours run most frequently. In winter, tours take place only once a week. If you’re in the area at night, consider passing by the building just to see it from the outside—it’s beautifully illuminated after dark.

Built in French Second Empire style, Montreal City Hall is rich with ornate architectural and decorative details, from turrets and mansard roofs to chandeliers and stained-glass windows. City Hall also holds a collection of about 150 artworks, including portraits of former Montreal mayors, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and photographs by contemporary Quebec artists.

Running almost the length of the island, Notre-Dame Street (Rue Notre-Dame) is one of Montreal’s most prominent thoroughfares. The most interesting stretches are in Old Montreal (Vieux Montréal), where it’s lined by historic buildings, and in Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and St. Henri, where antique stores, cafés, and restaurants abound. 

Travelers exploring Old Montreal as part of walking tours will most likely find themselves strolling down Notre-Dame Street at some point. As you amble along, look for well-known historic landmarks, including Notre-Dame Basilica and Montreal City Hall. 

Follow Notre-Dame Street into Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and St. Henri. Here, the atmosphere is more neighborhoodlike, and lots of excellent restaurants, cafés, vintage stores, and antique shops can be found. 

If you want to explore Notre-Dame Street in Old Montreal, ride the metro (Orange Line) to Place-d’Armes. Notre-Dame is less than five minutes from the station on foot. For Little Burgundy, ride the metro (Green or Orange line) to Lionel-Groulx and walk down Atwater Avenue until you reach Notre-Dame. Turning left will take you through Little Burgundy and Griffintown, while a right turn will take you to St. Henri. 

The street is best explored in summer when you can wander comfortably and stop for snacks and refreshments at outdoor terraces. If you do visit in winter, you’ll find plenty of heated stores, cafés, restaurants, and bars to duck into for warmth. 

Dating to 1672, Notre-Dame is one of Montreal’s oldest streets, and in the city’s historic core it is bordered by notable centuries-old structures. The Château Ramezay, an early 18th-century residence built for the French governors and now a museum, is situated on Notre-Dame, as is the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, which—having been completed in 1687—is Montreal’s oldest building.

With its narrow, cobbled streets and historic 17th- and 18th-century homes and monuments, there’s no place else in Canada that feels quite like Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec). As the only existing fortified city north of Mexico, it’s full of living history, rich Quebecois culture, and European-style charm. The historic district of Old Quebec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a must-see when in Quebec City.

Walking tours are a great way to experience Old Quebec, as its many sights, including the Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, are best explored on foot. The area can also be seen by bike and even from the air. Those interested in experiencing the old city through its food can take a food tour and sample the best of many French-Canadian eats. Most Quebec City tours include a stop at the area’s Place Royale, which is considered the cradle of French civilization in North America. 

The historic Old Quebec district is located inside Quebec City, which has its own airport but is also easily accessible as a day trip or overnight from Montreal. The nearest train and bus station is Gare du Palais. Walking tours tend to begin within the old city walls, while bus tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Quebec City, and while the warm weather draws larger crowds, it also allows for al fresco dining and charming sidewalk cafés. The winter months are also full of activity and are quite beautiful if you don’t mind the cold—average winter temperatures are often below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 Celsius).

The winding streets of Vieux Quebec are charming in their own right, but the old city’s many monuments and museums are not to be overlooked. Particularly picturesque are the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec, La Citadelle, and the Place Royale. Also worth a visit are the nearby Plains of Abraham, a historic park and former battlefield, and the beautiful Montmorency Falls, on the Beaupré shore. These can all be visited easily in one day and are included in most Quebec City sightseeing tours.

Montreal Chinatown was established in the late 19th century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants from western Canada who came to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Though just a couple of blocks long, the district offers a wide selection of Asian eateries and shops selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Chinatown is situated in downtown Montreal, its boundaries marked by four traditional Chinese gateways. Explore the neighborhood on foot, either independently or as part of a guided walking tour of Ville-Marie (the wider downtown area). Chinatown is also seen on some bike tours of Montreal and on food tours of the city. Hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at the neighborhood as part of their city route. 

Situated in downtown Montreal, Chinatown is located on and around Rue De La Gauchetière, Rue Saint-Urbain, and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, between René Lévesque Boulevard and Viger Avenue. The nearest metro stations are Place-d’Armes (Orange Line) and Saint-Laurent (Green Line). 

Montreal Chinatown buzzes with people year-round. It’s best explored during summer, when the streets are warm enough for wandering, vendors set up on the sidewalks, and Place Falun Gong members demonstrate at Sun-Yat-Sen. 

Despite the movement of many Chinese residents to suburbs such as Brossard, Chinatown remains a hub for Chinese celebrations. The biggest celebration staged here is Chinese New Year, held in January or February. During the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown bakeries sell traditional mooncakes, while in summer, Montreal’s Chinatown hosts a series of sidewalk sales.