Top 5 Things to Do in Montreal
Montreal is renowned worldwide for its diverse offerings, attracting visitors with its iconic attractions and some hidden treasures that are sure to delight those on holiday.
With so many exciting places to visit, it can be difficult to decide which destinations to add to your itinerary. To help you narrow down your options, we have compiled a list of Montreal's top five must-see attractions.
Whether interested in history and culture or simply soaking up the city's vibrant atmosphere, these destinations offer something for everyone.
Montreal is a name known across the globe, and it has all the major attractions a visitor might hope for (and some perhaps unexpected gems that are must-sees for holidaymakers).
So without further ado, here are the top five things to do in Montreal.
1. Montreal Casino
Located on Notre Dame Island, Montreal Casino is a major draw for live entertainment lovers, games of chance, and fine dining.
Le Montréal serves delicious seafood and grilled fare, while a gourmet buffet awaits at Pavillon 67. But if burgers tantalize your taste buds, then be sure to check out L'Instant.
Old-school gamblers can indulge in classic table games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Those who prefer newer games can also find the latest in cutting-edge slots, including the progressive jackpot slot Powerbuck$ that offers rewards up to seven figures.
You can try some of the best Canadian casinos that offer an online version for those who wish to play remotely.
In addition to playing at Montreal Casino, there are plenty of other choices for players looking to enjoy casino experiences. The advantage of playing online is that such establishments can be accessed at any time, meaning they can be visited at one's convenience rather than worked into a vacation itinerary.
Of course, the ultimate casino experience lies in immersing oneself in the buzz and excitement of a live casino, such as Montreal Casino. Furthermore, a trip to Montreal Casino presents a wealth of opportunities for experiences and plenty of alternative leisure options.
Aside from the monumental casino venue, Montreal is known for its rich French-Canadian culture, stunning architecture, diverse tourist attractions, world-renowned ski resorts, and lively atmosphere.
2. Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
Montreal captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of historic elegance and dynamic modern culture.
Lovers of ancient history and the treasures of the past will surely enjoy a visit to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. Pointe-à-Callière offers an interactive seafaring adventure, reliving life and telling the tale of famous Canadian privateer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville.
In addition, the stories of infamous pirates, including Blackbeard and Bartholomew Roberts, are told in this exhibit, which is aimed at seafarers aimed between 5 and 12. Young visitors and families can also enjoy the Archaeo-Adventure exhibit, which provides the opportunity to delve into the world of archaeology.
Or you can visit The Crossroads Montréal to discover the historic city and its surrounding area, going back over four and a half thousand years to when hunter-gatherers used it as a stopping point.
In addition to the excellent array of permanent exhibits, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History hosts temporary, visiting exhibits on various subjects.
At the time of writing, these included Headdresses from around the World, The Antoine de Galbert Collection, featuring headwear from history that performed social, symbolic, and useful functions.
3. Mount Royal Park
Those who prefer to stretch their legs in the great outdoors might find Mount Royal Park to be Montreal's main attraction.
Known locally as 'the Mountain,' Mount Royal is the biggest feature and lent its name to the eponymous park. The park was founded in the Victorian era (1876) and today covers more than 200 hectares with pleasant greenery and an impressive array of flora and fauna.
At the mountain's summit is the Kondiaronk Belvedere, where visitors can feast their eyes on the breathtaking view. Travelers with four-legged friends can take their dog for a relaxing walk around the park, or you can opt for more intensive exercise, as it's the perfect location for jogging, cycling, or skating.
Those feeling especially adventurous can avail themselves of the opportunity to go tobogganing, skiing, or boating. But for those with time to spend and a penchant for patiently watching the world go by, Mount Royal Park is also a top spot for engaging in a little ornithology and seeing how many feathery friends you can identify.
And once an appetite is worked up, Café des Amis is the ideal place to sate it without needing to leave the park.
4. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve couldn't be any closer to Montreal Casino as it's on the same island. It's also the host of one of the jewels in the Formula 1 calendar: the Canadian Grand Prix.
The circuit's 2011 race was an event that many consider one of the top races in F1 history, if not the greatest race of all time. At over 4km long, the race distance of 70 laps is (typically) completed within two hours. Bad weather led to a lengthy interval, multiple pit stops, and Jenson Button recovering from last to eventually win the race on the final lap.
The fast pace of F1 makes it a perfect pick for live betting, as seconds in a pit stop can make all the difference.
Of course, the Canadian Grand Prix is only hosted one weekend a year, but that's where top casinos from Quebec come in. Accessible day or night throughout the year, online casinos are ready at the player's convenience rather than being pegged back by a race calendar or league fixture list.
Some top 10 Canadian casino sites now include virtual racing among gaming portfolios for those wanting to scratch the racing itch.
5. Ecomuseum Zoo
Montreal has attractions for petrolheads and bettors, culture vultures, and fans of the great outdoors, and a major draw for animal-loving visitors is the Ecomuseum Zoo.
Among the iconic residents of the zoo are the cute river otters and red foxes, stern bald eagles, and the beloved gray wolves. Beyond mammals and birds, the zoo is also home to painted turtles, salamanders, and snakes.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as breakfast with wolves (or lynxes) or being a zookeeper for a day. Biologists from the zoo actively help to safeguard Quebec's wildlife through scientific research, monitoring, and recovery.
Final thoughts
For visitors who prefer natural beauty or delving into history, the excitement of speeding racecars and the roulette wheel, or breakfast with wolves, Montreal has something for just about everyone.
Enjoy your trip!
