I was was lucky enough to be able to visit Montreal with my family when I was 16 years old (2018). I had just gone on my first international trip to Europe the year before and had caught the travel bug. I was so antsy to leave the country again that the trip to Quebec became so much more that just a family vacation to Canada. I completely immersed myself in the French part of Canada’s identity. I pretended like I was in Europe the whole time. And it wasn’t that difficult. In many ways Montreal felt like a modern eastern coast city, but it also had so much history. Many of the buildings were much older than any we had in Minnesota. I also relished the modern European feel like the markets and the public transportation. I just remember walking around and looking at the university and thinking, “I am meant to live abroad. This is the kind of place I would live in.”
We had rented out an Airbnb for the week and made a list of all the things we wanted to see or do. We also when to Quebec City, but that is for another post. These are the things we saw and did that’d I recommend to anyone visiting the city. This is how to experience Europe in America!
Visit Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
I have been all over Europe and to some pretty amazing cathedrals and basilicas, but this is by far one of the most beautiful when it comes to the interior. There is nothing like the glowing blue and gold altar. This was my first experience attending mass in another country and in another language. If you are Catholic, I highly recommend attending the French mass here. There is something beautiful about attending mass in another language. If you aren’t Catholic, you still need to check out this 17th century basilica. We don’t have many old and beautiful churches quite like this in America. While the original was built in the 1600s, in the 1800s the parish wanted to rebuild a church that could be the most beautiful in the Americas, which is how we got this gothic style building that sparked a revival in Canada. It has much significance for this role which is why it is also a Canadian National Historic Site today. If you want to experience Montreal’s history, then you absolutely can not skip the basilica.
Walk Around Old Montreal
Surrounding the Basilica lies Montreal’s old city. This was the part of the city that was first founded in 1642 by the French settlers. Some may say it feels like a mini Paris. While I have not been to Paris, I will say it is exactly what I would imagine a small city in France would look like. From the cobblestone streets and old architecture, it feels like strolling down a European city street and you can even stop for drink to sit on the patios like a European cafe. There are many ways to explore the old city. For a more historical perspective you can book a walking tour with a local expert. If you want to explore on your own walk down St. Paul Street and see where your feet take you. You will see the Montreal City Hall, Bonsecour Market, and more old churches as well as old mansions that have been preserved for visitors. You can then make your was down to the old port where you can enjoy the pier’s attractions like the ferris wheel or hop on a boat to cruise along the river.
Take a Boat Cruise on the St. Lawrence River
At the Old Port you have many options for seeing the city by water. You can book a nice evening dinner cruise or a daytime tour. Either way it is a great way to experience the city. You can see the old port and the surrounding old city by water, which is as close as it will get to experiencing the city like the settlers. You will also see just how vast Canada is. Montreal feels like a European city, but once you get on the water you see what makes this place uniquely Canadian. There is a lot of green surrounding the city. I think that is what makes Montreal so unique and interesting.
Spend Some Time at the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History
There are many museums in the city you can spend your time in from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to the Montreal Science Centre. It all depends on your interest, as there is something for everyone. I am a history person, so we ended up at the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. While the exhibits are always changing, it is a great place to learn about the history of Quebec and Canada. What’s interesting about this museum is that it isn’t just a history museum. It is an archeological museum meaning you get to see not only artifacts but the sites too. The temporary and rotating exhibitions may be related to Montreal, but can also span across the globe. When we visited there was an ancient Egyptian exhibit. If history is your niche, then visiting the museum is a must. An adult ticket is $29, but there are different fares for all ages from seniors, young adults, teenagers, and kids, as well as family tickets, so don’t let the price stop you!
Climb up Mount Royal for a View of the City
On the other side of the city you will find the more modern part of the city as well as the city’s green space and central park, Mount Royal. Don’t be intimidated by all the stairs! While it looks daunting and feels like a lot on a hot summer day, it is worth it. The view of the city is unmatched. You can see straight into the streets of downtown Montreal with the old city and river in the distance. It is a great place to enjoy nature and on the nice days you may even catch some music. It can be enjoyed during all times of the year and has just as much to see and do in the winter with its skating rink and historical sites. On Mount Royal you will also find St. Joseph Oratory, the largest shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph.
Check out the Montreal Botanical Gardens
This is my favorite spot in all of Montreal. I am a lover of history and old architecture, but I am also a love of nature and foreign places. The botanical gardens or Jardin botanique de Montréal is world renown for it gardens featuring plants from across the globe. My favorite are the Japanese and Chinese gardens with their east asian building and plants. They are not only so beautiful and peaceful, but they transport you across the pacific, so you feel like you are walking through Asia. While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I think it is a great spot for anyone who loves travel and finds peace in gardens. It may sound a bit pricy for some as it is about $23 for an adult, but remember that the Canadian dollar is worth less than the American dollar, so that is about $16 to spend the day in the outdoors, enjoying the beauty of nature and the world.
Experience the City of Lights at Night
Before leaving Montreal, make sure you experience the city at night. At dark, the major landmarks and sites of the city light up in different colors. Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up the St. Lawrence river with its bright lights and sometimes you can catch a special light show. The basilica lights up blue and features a special Aura experience inside with lights and sounds. Much of the old city lights up in different colors, so walk around to see what different colors and lights the buildings have!. You may also catch projections and animations downtown in the newer part of the city. And where is the best place to see the city light up? The ferris wheel in the old port! La Grande Roue de Montréal gives you a 360 view of the city, river, and the surroundings. You could very well go during the day for a great view of it all, but I think it is something really special at night when it and everything else is lit up. An adult ticket is $28, but I promise it is worth every dollar to see the Canadian City of Lights!
Eat some French Food
Quebec is a really interesting region when it comes to food. You have all the Canadian staples available to you including poutine and maple syrup, but also French inspired foods. The region has a lot of hearty dense foods like meat and Shepards pies and dishes featuring baked beans like Fèves au Lard. You can also find a wide array of French foods like crêpes, ratatouille, and pain au chocolat. If you’d rather not explore the Canadian and French food of Montreal, there are still plenty of restaurants catering to the American taste, but this is a great opportunity to try something you may not otherwise be able to at home. There are a lot of unique foods to try here!
Montreal has so much charm, and it would be one of my top suggestions when looking at places to visit in North America. It is full of history, nature, and good food. It is like visiting Europe, but paying the price of visiting somewhere in America. If you have never been out of the country before and are feeling a bit nervous about going straight to Europe, this is a great stepping stone. There is so much French influence, but don’t worry. Everyone still speaks English. This is French Canada!
This is Montreal! Stay tuned for the second part of French Canada, Quebec City!
The Journal of Wanderlust 