Montreal is the largest city in the Québec province of Canada and has previously been described as half-Paris, half-Brooklyn. There is no denying this metropolis’s beauty and character. While most people do speak English, don’t be surprised to encounter some francophones. If you are planning on a holiday in Montreal, then it is best to visit during springtime and autumn when the weather is mild, and the streets aren’t populated by tourists. Most people stay in the Canadian city for 2-3 days, enjoying the atmospheric experience and visiting all the local attractions. In our article today, we thought we would share all our favourite locations in Montreal. Next time you visit, make sure to check these places out! Here they are:
Casino de Montréal
For those that would prefer to explore the city and experience its nightlife, why not go to Casino de Montréal? This casino is on Notre Dame Island in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal. The building has impressive architecture, with its contemporary aesthetic and undeniable glamour. Inside Casino de Montréal, there are three interconnected sections, featuring everything from banquet halls and established restaurants to bars and cabaret rooms. Tourists can enjoy their nights playing speed lottery, keno, slot machines, or virtual games. There are also 115 gaming tables that host rounds of live roulette, poker, blackjack, and more. Casino de Montréal might be worth visiting simply for its unusual interior, with hundreds of windows and low ceilings.
Mount Royal
Montreal is theorized to have driven its name from Mount Royal. This small mountain is situated to the immediate west of downtown Montreal and has three peaks; Colline de la Croix, Colline d’Outremont, and Westmount Summit. Mount Royal is an extension of an ancient volcano complex. A mineral called montroyalite was discovered in Mount Royal, thereby deriving its name from the mountain. If you are searching for a spot of nature, then why not climb up Mount Royal next time you are in the city? This area is home to an ecosystem of marmots, raccoons, skunks, and beautiful flora.
Vieux-Montreal
Vieux-Montreal, also known as Old Montreal, is a neighbourhood that features all the architecture from the 17th century when French settlers first arrived in the area. Its streets are made from cobblestone, leading to quaint cafes, charming shops, and bustling plazas. Venturing through Vieux-Montreal feels like you have travelled back in time, allowing you to envisage the lives that the original settlers lead. Dine at the finest restaurants, climb the old port clock tower, or discover the visual arts scene. Also, there are some fantastic B&Bs and hotels in Old Montreal. If you are looking for anywhere to stay, we highly recommend going there.
Montreal Botanical Garden
Let’s shift our focus back onto natural locations in Montreal. The Botanical Gardens are comprised of 75 hectares with stunning greenhouses and thematic gardens. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada and is deemed one of the most important botanical gardens in the entire world. Within the Jardin Botanique, you can find the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, First Nations Garden, and Alpine Garden. Each of these areas is inspired by a different theme, with artwork that has been crafted from nature itself. Most impressive are the living sculptures – human faces that have been skillfully shaped using shrubbery. Walking through the Botanical Gardens is like exploring fantastical worlds filled with sprawling nature and unusual creatures. Tourists should definitely not miss out on this attraction.
These are some of the best places to visit in Montreal. This city is teeming with character, culture, and wonder. Don’t miss out!
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