- Most of these places are free or cost little, and almost all are reachable by metro.
- Our Montréal school is in Old Montréal, so the first stops are a short walk away.
- Summer brings festivals and fireworks; winter brings skating and snow activities.
Old Montréal and Notre-Dame Basilica
Old Montréal is the city's historic heart: cobblestone streets, stone buildings and small restaurants, all easy to explore on foot. Our Montréal school is right here, on Notre-Dame Street West.
A few steps away, Notre-Dame Basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, with a deep blue interior that surprises every first-time visitor.
The Old Port
The Old Port runs along the St. Lawrence River. In summer it is the place for a walk, a bike ride or a coffee by the water. In winter, the outdoor skating rink is one of the city's favourite spots.
Mount Royal
The mountain that gives the city its name is a large park in the middle of Montréal. Walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout for the classic view of downtown, or relax by Beaver Lake. In winter, it is the place for sledding and snowshoeing.
Saint Joseph's Oratory
On the north side of Mount Royal, Saint Joseph's Oratory is one of the largest churches in Canada, with a huge copper dome you can see from far away. The long staircase up to the entrance is a small pilgrimage of its own, so wear comfortable shoes.
Quartier des spectacles
Get off at Place des Arts metro station and you are in the city's cultural district: theatres, concert halls and the Museum of Contemporary Art. In summer, its squares fill with free festivals and outdoor shows.
Jean-Talon Market and the Plateau
Jean-Talon Market is one of the largest open-air markets in North America, with fruit, cheese and local products from Québec farms. Nearby, the Plateau and Mile End are known for their colourful outdoor staircases, cafés and street art.
Olympic Park and the Space for Life
The 1976 Olympic Stadium is impossible to miss. Next to it, the Space for Life brings together the Biodôme, the Botanical Garden, the Insectarium and the Planetarium. The Biodôme recreates ecosystems of the Americas, from a tropical rainforest to the sub-Antarctic islands, all under one roof.
Good to know: the Montréal Tower observatory is closed for renovation, with reopening planned for spring 2027.
Parc Jean-Drapeau and the summer fireworks
Parc Jean-Drapeau, on the islands in the St. Lawrence, has trails, a beach and the La Ronde amusement park. Every summer, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec lights up the sky with fireworks teams from around the world. In 2026 it ran from July 2 to August 6, and you can watch from many spots along the river.
The Lachine Canal
The Lachine Canal is a long green path along the water, perfect for walking or cycling, with Atwater Market on the way. It is one of the best places to see Montréal's autumn colours.
The underground city
Montréal's metro connects to a large network of indoor passages, shops and food courts downtown. It is the easiest way to get around in winter without stepping outside.
The bottom line
Montréal is a city you learn by walking. Start in Old Montréal, climb Mount Royal, eat at Jean-Talon and catch the fireworks in summer, and you will practise your English and French everywhere you go.
