Montreal events this weekend & beyond

About Montreal

Montreal is North America's most European city, a French-speaking island metropolis where 17th-century stone facades meet a buzzing arts and food scene. The heart of it is Old Montreal, where cobblestone streets lead to the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica, whose deep-blue, star-studded ceiling and AURA light show leave visitors awestruck.

Along the St Lawrence River, the Old Port has been reinvented as a riverside playground, with sightseeing cruises, a giant observation wheel and the science centre drawing families and couples alike. Just inland, the Place Jacques-Cartier square hums with terraces, buskers and horse-drawn caleches.

Rising above it all is Mount Royal, the leafy hill that gives the city its name. The Kondiaronk Belvedere offers a sweeping panorama of downtown and the river, a favourite at sunset. Add the bagel-and-smoked-meat institutions of the Plateau and a calendar packed with festivals, and Montreal makes a compelling short break in any season.

Top things to do in Montreal

• Notre-Dame Basilica and the AURA light experience
• Old Port of Montreal cruises and riverside walks
• Old Montreal cobblestone streets and Place Jacques-Cartier
• Mount Royal lookout over downtown and the river

Local tips for visiting Montreal

• Book Notre-Dame Basilica entry ahead and consider the evening AURA show for a different, immersive experience.
• Explore Old Montreal on foot; the cobblestones are uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Time a Mount Royal visit for late afternoon to catch the city skyline glowing at sunset.
• Most locals speak both French and English, but a simple bonjour goes a long way in shops and cafes.

Frequently asked questions