Montréal Classics

As a graduate student in a large tourist city, away from home for the first time, and in a long-distance relationship, my travel is often limited to going home and having people up visiting me. I wouldn’t have it any other way! To explore the depths of Montréal, one of Canada’s oldest and most cultural cities, then come back to the nature and homeliness that is Northern Ontario is a wonderful spot to be in! In this series I hope to introduce you to some of the prime spots in Montréal to visit through the lens of a student. No matter the season, the weather, or the day of the week – Montréal is always the place to be.

To properly start this series off, let’s begin with the classics. These are locations you will likely see up on Trip Advisor, or common travel sites. This is just an opinion from a student whether it’s worth the money, time, or effort, plus I can give you a few tips or tricks on how to best enjoy these activities! With that, let’s begin.

Mont-Royal

Literally what the city is named after, Mont-Royal is completely free, and the scenic lookout you’ve been searching for! Head up to the Chateau or La Croix for the best view of the city. Along the way, be sure to stop and see the various sculptures lining the path, go skating on the pond, and have a nice picnic in the park. The main path is paved or plowed year-round – with fun summer and winter activities throughout the hike. Plus, you get all the social media points with some of the best pics of Montréal.

Vieux Port

Also known as ‘Old Montréal’, this is where the history of Montréal comes alive. With many low price walking and bike tours – get to know the city a little better while exploring boardwalks, alleyways, and cathedrals. Some must-sees in Vieux Port include the Notre-Dame Basilica, the recent Grande Roue, the Montreal Science Centre, Pointe-à-Callière, and Château Ramezay. If you are here during the summer come to the Big Top for a Cirque du Soleil show (a bit expensive!), or sit on the many terraces with a drink. You should also take this opportunity to head to Rue St. Paul for all your cheesy tourist souvenir needs! 

McGill Campus & the Golden Square Mile

Maybe I’m biased (Class of 2018!) but there’s no doubt that McGill and the ‘Golden Square Mile’ is a Montréal must!  Come to the completely free Redpath Museum, or on Wednesday evenings (for students) head over to fashion-forward McCord Museum for free. After exploring the historical, shop to your heart’s desire in the Underground City. Fun fact: Les Cours Mont-Royal has a completely free Barbie Exhibit – the only museum where everyone is smiling!

Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

Just a tiny ways outside the Golden Square Mile lies Montréal’s largest and most popular museum. Permanent exhibits are free to persons younger than 30, and as a person who has been there over five times, I highly recommend a full day there. From contemporary art, to historical outfits, to furniture design, to civilization defining pieces, to just good ole’ paintings, there is something to please everyone. Don’t forget to also check out the many sculptures outside the museum!

Quartier-des-Spectacles & Rue Ste-Catherine

If you are a shopaholic Rue Ste-Catherine cannot be missed. With department stores galore, and alongside the many malls connecting the Underground City, you’ll never be void of options. However, even if shopping isn’t your cup of tea Rue Ste-Catherine should still be on your list. With the Museum of Contemporary Art, Place-des-Arts, constant entertainment and summer festivals at Quartier-des-Spectacles, street art, and the delicious food at the Gay Village, there is something for everyone! Plus for almost all festivals, entry is completely free!

Rue St. Denis

If you’re too cool for department store shopping (or want to be more environmentally friendly) head over to Rue St. Denis for Montréal’s best boutique shopping. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a person aged 1 to 101, your item is somewhere here along the way. Once you’re all shopped out, stop by one of the many restaurants or cafés to refresh yourself.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory

For only $5 see a cathedral full of history and nature. The architecture, art, and gardens are truly fantastic. It’s a little bit out of your way from most tourist attractions, so be sure to book an afternoon off to have the full experience. This attraction is also most enjoyable in sunny weather during the summer!

Markets!

I am going to speak to this more in a future blog post, but going to markets is a Montréal staple. Enjoy delicious meals (and free samples!) while you’re there, and bring back fresh local food to wherever you’re staying. Plus there are often local artists to also collect from. Pro tip: While Jean-Talon Market is most closely located to the Jean-Talon metro, the Atwater Market is actually most closely linked to the Lionel-Groulx station!

Lachine Canal

After finishing up your visit to the Atwater Market, head over to the Lachine Canal! With reasonably priced boat tours, and paddleboat, kayak, and canoe rentals, it’s definitely worth the afternoon to get away from the urban centre.

Botanical Gardens & Insectarium

If you loved the Biosphere, or are a nature nut, then be sure to check out the Botanical Gardens & Insectarium. Even if your visit happens to land in winter, do not fret! The Botanical Gardens hosts a Chinese and Japanese lantern festival within their gardens – lighting up some of the most beautiful displays. Bonus: admission to the Insectarium comes free with the Botanical Gardens entry fee, and is all indoors and open year-round!

Stade Olympique & Biodome

If you want to see all things fuzzy, furry, flying and cute then the Biodome was created for you! Learn more about Canada and the world’s ecosystems and the small animals that exist within them. Afterwards, head over to the Olympic Stadium to learn more about when Montréal hosted the 1976 Olympic Games. This can include a guided tour, or a trip up the Montréal Tower for awesome view of the city number two!

Parc Jean-Drapeau

This is the last one our list but certainly not the least! Start off at the Biosphere – an intriguing environmental museum with reduced student rates. Afterwards, head over to La Ronde – Canada’s only Six Flags Park for some roller coaster action! Once you’ve tuckered yourself out, discover the Steward Museum (again with reduced student rates) to learn more about the history of politics, science and culture. End the night with a nice walk around the park and beach, after all, the park is beautiful enough as is! Be sure to plan your visit in advance though, this park is notorious for hosting festivals on the island (such as Canada’s largest music festival Osheaga), which may impede on the attractions you want to see!  

I’m probably not even beginning to touch all that Montréal has to offer, but I can honestly say you’ll be off to a great start with this list! Stay tuned for more on this series including my favourite subject: Food!

Holly

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Hi, I’m Holly! A graduate of Nursing, and now a second year Master’s student in Experimental Medicine and Bioethics, one of the key choices for my education was the portability of the careers it led to. I’ve never wanted to be chained to one location, and can get a little agitated when my life is down to only one possible pathway. I really enjoy food, cinema, and doing things I have not done before (like going to a 90’s themed outdoor hip-hop club on a Tuesday night). My (mom’s/Nana’s) travel advice to all is: no adventure is too small, and accept all invitations! 

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