Montréal is The Best Kept Secret in North America: An Insider’s Guide

I feel like family in Québec and Montréal, and by the way, Montréal is my favourite city in the world! It’s the only place that combines all the good things about Europe and America, with none of the bad! 

Holly Cole

Montréal is a city that often gets overshadowed by its more prominent and well-known counterparts in North America.  However, the old saying “quality over quantity” applies here, as Montréal has much to offer for those willing to take the time to explore.

There are so many great things to do in Montréal that it can be hard to decide where you want to start. Still, although the city may not have as much going on as some of its more famous brethren, such as New York City or Las Vegas, what it lacks in quantity is made up for by quality. Spend a day exploring the old town and getting lost among cobblestone streets before heading over to La Ronde—Montréal’s amusement park with roller coasters galore! Once you've had your fill of rides and adrenaline rushes, take a break from all that excitement with a stroll around Mount Royal Park.

A bit of Montréal History 

Montréal is a bilingual city. Montréal has the second-highest population density in North America, after New York City. The city of Montreal was founded on May 17th, 1642, by Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. Montreal has many beautiful parks and green spaces to explore. 

In 1832, 58 cotton mills were operating in Canada, with 34 located in Montreal, making it the most industrialized city. The average annual temperature is 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit), but with four distinct seasons every year, you'll never get bored! Please take this from a California girl, don’t think a thin pair of leggings or joggers will get you through even in the fall.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Montreal is an eclectic melting pot of cultures and languages. An international destination for tourists, Montreal's 19 boroughs (arrondissements) each have their mayor and council to represent the needs of their people.

The city, with its unique French-speaking culture, packs plenty into its dense urban sprawl. From world-class festivals like Jazz Fest in July, folkloric Old World architecture on rue Saint-Denis street near Mont-Royal Park, or historic buildings along with Rue Notre Dame downtown that date back to 1695!

The Montréal region is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. There are 80 different languages spoken in the area, including French, English, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Greek, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Creole, and Vietnamese, with more than 50% of residents speaking at least two languages.

Before you ask, yes, you should learn French before you go to Montréal. The only people who spoke English to me were my Airbnb host and a young lady at the local Pharmaprix. She was interested in why I would leave sunny SoCal to visit chilly Montréal.

Greetings in Montréal are sure to confuse visitors. Locals greet their friends with a kiss on both cheeks, starting from the right side of the face and gradually moving towards the left side until they meet at chin level. This custom is unlike other Canadian customs, where people shake hands instead of giving kisses to greet one another.

How to get to the city from YUL Airport

When I was there in 2017, Uber was not allowed to operate in Montréal.  I had to take the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) 747 shuttle from YUL to Montréal.

At the YUL Montréal-Trudeau airport, there are four fare vending machines in the international arrivals area. You can make payments with cash or by debit card. The bus stop outside customs offers STM representatives who can answer any questions you have about this transportation option and assist you in purchasing a ticket on your way out.

Before you leave for the airport, it is essential to buy your fare. You can purchase it at any of the following locations: metro stations, the Tourist Welcome Office in Old Montréal, Centre Infotouriste, Stationnement de Montréal (pay parking stations), and the 747 bus. The fare is $10, and most importantly, it must be paid in cash with exact change only, as no bank bills are accepted. 

Montreal-Trudeau airport offers a 24-hour shuttle service to and from downtown, with two different route options. The first option is the YUL Montréal-Trudeau Airport – Lionel Groulx Bus Station (Destination Terminus), which will take you on a one-stop trip directly into central Montreal. This first option trip would typically take around 25 minutes in light traffic or 35 minutes during heavy congestion. Alternatively, if you want more stops along your way, such as at hotels located on Boul. René Lévesque, choose the bus that goes down Berri Street to UQAM Centre Ville Métro Station.

Buses will often refuse passengers with bikes or luggage on board to avoid impeding other riders. The driver can always request that you get off the bus if space becomes limited aboard. Don’t try to be slick, either. The drivers will not hesitate to kick you off the bus. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Montréal? 

The best time to visit Montréal is during the summer when the city comes alive with outdoor concerts and festivals. It also makes sense for visitors who want a more active experience, as they can explore all of Montreal’s different neighborhoods, which are not accessible in other seasons. My friend Matthew went in the Spring and loved it! They could also experience the city more since they were not stuck indoors, unlike when I visited in the Fall/Autumn. I would stay clear of visiting any place in Canada during winter, though, because it gets frigid!

What To Do When You're in Montréal

Montreal is a city that has something for everyone. From Mount Royal Park to Old Montreal, there are endless points of interest and attractions in the French-Canadian metropolis. A few must-see sites include Notre-Dame Basilica and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, which offer the opportunity to take in this beautiful historic site while enjoying the fresh air at one of its many outdoor areas.

Those who enjoy exploring nature over history or architecture should head to the Montréal Botanical Garden.

My Home in Montréal: Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie

Have you ever visited a place that feels like home? Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie is one of Canada's largest Italian communities, and the Little Italy community in this area thrives with authentic cuisine and great places to enjoy a drink. One popular destination for locals and tourists alike is the Jean-Talon Market, which offers a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses (among other items) year-round, both outside on sunny days and inside during colder months. This market also offers a variety of options, from regional delicacies like rare Charlevoix lamb to tempt your taste buds in every corner.

I set up camp here, and I loved every minute of it. I wouldn't hesitate to come back to stay in this neighborhood. It's a perfect place to jump-start your trip with transit lines and metro stations within walking distance. It had everything I needed, including peace during the night hours.

Mont-Royal

Mount Royal Park is a beautiful destination for nature lovers to explore. Along its lush green paths, one can find an impressive variety of plants and animals in their natural habitats, or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking the pathways through this large park. Les Amis de la Montagne offers a range of services that help visitors better appreciate the area, including educational programs on ecology with interactive terminals and map kiosks scattered throughout the grounds, as well as guided hikes and bike tours.

Mont-Royal has gorgeous views from up high overlooking downtown Montréal, and you're also just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the best bagels you've ever tasted at St-Viateur and the world-famous smoked meat sandwiches from Schwartz.

Vieux-Port (Old Port)

Vieux-Port Montréal has a distinctly different vibe, both during the day and at night. Why not try it both ways to see what you think? Vieux-Port Montréal is a fascinating place to visit at any time of day. The city lights are beautiful, and the docks have great restaurants you can enjoy while sitting by the water, listening to waves lapping against boats.

Vieux-Port Montréal is the oldest neighborhood in Montreal, offering a unique perspective. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy taking pictures of all the old buildings – some dating back to 1760! The nightlife here suits both crowds, with numerous bars catering to those who want to party into the early hours while enjoying live jazz music or watching local artists perform on stage.

There’s something so calming about Vieux-Port Montréal that will make anyone feel relaxed, no matter what hour it may be, whether during daylight or evening hours, when the skyline appears more magnificent than ever before, with its neon signs shining brightly.

You can buy this attraction "passeport" for Vieux-Port

I met an older woman who was also traveling solo. She sat next to me, and we talked for about an hour. Those stories are mine to keep. It was lovely. A couple of days later, I returned to Vieux-Port and met a Peruvian man playing his pan flute. I finally had to buy one of his CDs.

Why You Should Visit Montréal

Well, why not? For me, it was the poutine, architecture, and the chance to get a piece of Europe in North America. I hadn't experienced autumn weather in a while, given that I live in Southern California. I had always wondered what it was like to climb up those spiral staircases. I know, weird.

One of my professors at the Alliance Française was a Montréalaise named Anne who was never short on stories about her hometown. The differences in Québécois French and Parisian French sold me. I just HAD to visit. You often find yourself forgetting that you are still in North America. It felt familiar and distant all at the same time. The people were friendly, and the food was spectacular.

My Montréal Trip Itinerary

Sainte-Catherine Street

Sainte-Catherine Street is a bustling street that houses notable skyscrapers of Montréal. It also features shops and venues where you can enjoy music, with many historic attractions nearby.

Griffintown

Griffintown is a historic district in Montréal. The Griffintown District was originally an Irish village and was also once the poorest, most neglected area of Montreal. It's now revitalized with trendy cafes and craft breweries on formerly abandoned streets, yet still retains its humble roots beneath it all.

BTW, take a peek at the Farine Five Roses sign. It does look better at night.

Jean-Talon Market

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It’s where I had poutine with shredded duck and foie gras sauce. It was so damn decadent. I had a delicious smoothie, too. To even things out. 

Marché Bonsecours

A historic marketplace in Vieux-Montréal. I had to stop myself from buying everything in there.

Schwartz Deli

Everyone kept telling me about this place, and it lives up to the hype. Located in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, they are short with pleasantries, so don't spend too much time reading the menu. It's the size of a thimble and cash only. If you can grab a seat, consider yourself lucky. Otherwise, it's grab-and-go.

I'm sorry to inform you that I will not be able to taste the Portuguese-style chicken goodness of Romados. Ugh. My stomach is crying, too.

St. Viateur Bagel Shop

I haven't had authentic New York bagels, but so far, these are the best.

Vieux-Port

I kept going back to snag pictures of the city. From Vieux-Port, you can see Habitat 67, Le Pont Jacques-Cartier (Jacques Cartier Bridge), and the Biosphere.

Day Trip to Québec City

Buy your ticket a least a day in advance. I suggest leaving Montréal as early as possible so you can enjoy a full day in Québec City. You'll board your train at Gare centrale de Montréal, located at 895, rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Montréal.

On My Next Trip to Montréal

Musee d'art contemporain de Montréal

I was in the area, and I didn't bother getting a ticket.

Jardin botanique de Montréal

I hadn't realized I was just a short bus ride away, and I never found the time. The day I was supposed to go, it started to rain hard.  Being from NorCal, I'm not a stranger to downpours, but this one was on another level. I went downstairs to Restaurant La Bonne Humeur (permanently closed) and grabbed some soup instead.

Another great place that closed was Restaurant La Bonne Humeur on Rue de Bellechasse. Homestyle Québécois cooking. I got so fucking lucky. 

La Biosphère de Montréal (Parc Jean-Drapeau)

I want to see the remnants of Expo 67. 

Habitat 67

If you haven't noticed by now, I am passionate about architecture and all things Expo 67. There is a 90-minute tour that allows you to visit Moshe Safdie's apartment. Safdie is the architect who designed Habitat 67 for Expo 67.

Mont Royal

I technically made it here, but it was already past the park curfew. I didn't get to enjoy it fully. I took a shitty picture because I didn't have my tripod, and in my frustration (and hunger), that's how I ended up at Schwartz and Romados. Food cures all, right?

Book Your Trip to Montréal!

Travelers who are too eager to pass the border into the United States or Canada often overlook Montréal. However, one of my favorite things about this city is how it encourages you to slow down and take a look around, exploring all that is in your current location before moving on. What I've found most surprising about traveling through Montréal is its cultural diversity. It's no wonder so many people call this “the Paris of North America” because walking down any street here will feel like being transported back in time as far as style goes! 

If you're looking for an experience unlike anything else, then book a trip to Montréal soon. 

And take me with you!

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