Montreal
Canada
Backpacking Montreal
Information on Montreal, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
With its alluring fusion of cobblestone streets, flashy skyscrapers, European chic and North American swagger, Montreal is unlike any other city on the continent. Canada’s largest French-speaking city is happy to dish out a dose of old-world charm amid its grand heritage buildings and 18th and 19th-centry narrow lanes. But it’s a progressive city as well as a creative hub, where swanky boutique hostels radiate contemporary cool, and a slew of flashy new skyscrapers are competing to make their mark on the skyline. This is a sophisticated riverside metropolis, crammed with cosmopolitan eateries, cool shops and loads of festivals. When it comes to sightseeing, there’s plenty to gawp at. Enjoy a stroll along the St Laurence River in Old Montreal and amble down to the buzzing harbor front. Walk over to Plateau Mont-Royal where wrought-iron staircases. designer boutiques, a thriving arts scene and snazzy nightspots pepper its funky streets. Pop over to Mile End, home to Jewish, Greek and Italian communities, and a hipster magnet thanks to its quirky eateries, cafes shops and bars. Foodies go nuts for Montreal’s world class cuisine. The city claims to have the largest number of eateries per capita in North America, and its markets are something to truly savor. Try delicious specialties like crepes and fried squid as well as a variety of maple syrup products. If you’re coming here to party, Montreal is full of festivals in the summer and even has outdoor shows throughout the winter.
Must See
Mont-Royal - This small hill sits just to the west of Downtown Montreal between the Appalachian and the Laurentian Mountains. Mont-Royal is part of the Mount Royal Park. Hike or cycle up the winding path to the top if the hill for some breath-taking views of the city. The views span even beyond the city limits to the St Lawrence River.
Parc Jean-Drapeau - 662 acres of huge green spaces, attractions, a major festival site, a high-speed racetrack and an amusement park spread out across two islands. Commonly looked to as the launchpad for some of Montreal’s biggest festivals like Osheaga, this park’s equally occupied with annually hosting the Canadian Grand Prix on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, relics of Expo 67 like the Biosphere environmental museum, and the La Ronde amusement park.
Saint-Laurent Street -Walk along the stretch of the Main street or its accompanying alleyways to view graffiti from artists both raw and recognized. Come summer, the core stretch of Saint-Laurent Boulevard sees a wide array of artists throwing up fresh paint while spectators enjoy street fairs, food, and expanded bar terraces.
Must Do
Explore Old Montreal - The oldest area of the city, Old Montreal is an impressive neighborhood that dates back to the 17th century. It is home to Montreal’s largest concentration of historic buildings. Wander around the area and see some of the most magnificent buildings, including the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica. The old cobblestones streets in Old Montreal are lined with excellent French restaurants, boutique shops, and numerous museums. Vieux-Port in French, the Old Port is a large green space that sits along the waterfront in Old Montreal. The port dates back to 1830, but since then it has been redeveloped into a recreational area that attracts more than 6 million people each year. The Old Port is home to attractions like the Montréal Science Centre and Clock Tower. During the winter, don’t miss the chance to go ice skating at the outdoor Natrel skating rink. In the summer, jump aboard a ship and sail along the St Lawrence River.
Nightlife
Montreal has always been known as a party town, especially considering that the legal drinking age is 18. It is home to numerous bars, lounges and nightclubs, some that are dress to impress type places and others that are holes in the wall. Sainte-Catherine Street East is where some of the city’s most popular clubs can be found, which are open until the sun comes up. Crescent Street is the place to head to to mingle with the English speaking locals. If you are more of a pub type of person, be sure to spend an evening in the Plateau area. This area is filled with watering holes that are busy every night of the week, particularly along Boulevard St-Laurent.
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