MUSEUMS

Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum

The Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum focuses on Montreal’s French colonial roots, collecting artifacts showcasing the heritage of the settlers of what was then called New France. Now a designated historic site of Canada, the Maison Saint-Gabriel is set in a small farmhouse and grounds overseen by the sisters of Congregation of Notre Dame, a religious community founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys in Montreal in 1658. The farmhouse and barn, restored in the 1960s, now showcase over 15,000 artifacts and offer a glimpse into daily domestic life in 17th- and 18th-century New France.

Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History

Pointe-à-Callière Museum was established in 1992 to honor Montreal’s 350th anniversary, but its historical foundations are much deeper than that. The museum was built on important archaeological sites, adding another dimension to the centuries of history on display, from the settlements of the region’s indigenous people to the present day. This is the most-visited museum in the city, and in addition to its permanent exhibitions, Pointe-à-Callière holds a multimedia show and three annual national and international exhibitions.

Château Ramezay

The oldest museum in Quebec is the Château Ramezay, established a former New France governor’s residence in 1705. Exhibits are arranged throughout the grand mansion, allowing visitors to explore five centuries of history surrounding the city of Montreal, and the grounds also include a French-colonial-style garden.

Montreal Holocaust Museum

The Montreal Holocaust Museum, dedicated to Holocaust education and awareness, holds over 418 original artifacts, 372 photographs, and 20 films. Established in 1979 and inaugurated in 2003, the museum also hosts programs such as the annual Holocaust Education Series, the Holocaust Survivor’s Speakers Committee, and the Witness to History Program. It is home to a number of permanent exhibits as well as traveling and virtual exhibits.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) has the reputation of being the city’s most prestigious museum. It was originally by a group of local art collectors and patrons founded in 1860, and today the museum holds over 41,000 works dating from antiquity to the present day—from paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs, and decorative art.

Contemporary Art Museum of Montreal

Situated in the Quartier des Spectacles, the Musée d’art contemporain (MAC) has been exhibiting some of the best contemporary art from around the globe since 1964. Here, visitors can explore an array of digital and sound pieces, installations, paintings, ephemeral works, sculptures, and more. MAC also organizes art performances and other festive events.

McCord Museum

Dedicated to studying and preserving Canadian history with particular emphasis on celebrating the history, people, and communities of Montreal, the McCord Museum was founded in 1921. With more than more than 150,000 visitors, its collections include ethological and archaeological objects, costume and textile pieces, photographs, paintings, prints, decorative artworks, and textual archives.

Ecomusée du fier monde

The Ecomusée du fier monde, a history and community museum, emphasizes Montreal’s “grassroots and working-class” culture. Its goal is “reinforcing the connection between the museum and its social surroundings and environment.” Interestingly, the Écomusée is housed in what used to be the Généreux public bathhouse, and as such, it is a notable example of 1920s architecture.

PARKS

Parc du Mont-Royal

Deservedly top of the list, Parc du Mont-Royal is Montreal’s version of Central Park – it even shares the same designer. There are two belvederes to take advantage of the incredible views, and an artificial lake. In winter, many locals go tobogganing down the ski trails. Watch out for the Tam Tam Jam in summer, where hand drummers gather on Sundays to play music on the East side of the park. It’s easily accessible from the Mont-Royal Metro station.

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

Cap-Sant-Jacques Nature Park is the perfect place for water lovers. This three square kilometer park is not only the largest in Montreal, but is also three quarters surrounded by water. Open during the summer, it features a sandy beach, a wide variety of wildlife and even an organic farm. There are more than 40km of trails for hiking through the woods for those feeling more active. Beware though, it does get very busy on the weekends.

Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park

Located nearby, Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park has a similar feel. It too has a beach and miles of trails. However, its bog land, lush vegetation and amount of wildlife make this a place perhaps more suited to someone in the mood for exploring than simply enjoying a summer’s day. As well as providing tranquil walks in the summer, it’s open in winter as well – something that Montreal’s many cross-country skiers are quick to take advantage of.

Parc Outremont

Parc Outremont is a slice of the real Montreal. Surrounded by quiet, leafy streets, expect to find a mixture of students and the local Hassidic Jews frequenting this relaxed space. There’s a small fountain and plenty of benches, but don’t expect much in the way of features – this simply a lovely neighbourhood park.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

Parc Jean-Drapeau is the most action-packed park on this list and in Montreal. The park is made up of two islands to the East of the city. At Jean-Drapeau, you can find La Ronde – an amusement park owned by Six Flags. The city’s largest outdoor concert venue is here, as is the Casino de Montréal, and even the F1 racetrack. There are a variety of hiking trails on offer here too and it’s worth visiting in winter as well, with skiing routes and a snowboarding park.

MARKETS

Atwater

Atwater features Art Deco style architecture. Indoors is a wide range of produce, but what makes this particular market stand out above the rest is its specialized butchers and delicatessens, who have passed their expertise down from generation to generation.

Jean-Talon

Located in Montreal’s Little Italy, this particular market is known for being highly culturally diverse, offering products and produce from many different places. When visiting this market, keep an eye out for their local fruit and vegetable stands.

Marche Maisonneuve

This stone building houses a market that has a little bit of everything, but is particularly known for their flowers stalls and fishmongers, where the fish are fresh everyday.

De Lachine

The oldest public market in Montreal, having opened in 1845, De Lachine is also the smallest. When visiting, look out for its specialties, cheese and pastries.

Metro Mont-Royal

A small local market that opened in 1983 as a small shack for maple syrup and flowers, this market has grown and its personality changes with each season. It offers fresh produce, snacks and Christmas trees during the holiday season.