Where to Stay in Montreal

Our Favorite Hotels in Montreal

– 5-Star: Four Seasons
• 4-‧ Four-star hotel: Sofitel Golden Mile
• 3-・ 3-Star Rating: Auberge de la Fontaine
• For Family Travel: Le Square Phillips
• For Couples: Hotel Le Germain
• Boasting an Indoor Pool: Ritz-Carlton
• Outdoor Pool: Humaniti
• Near Airport: Marriott
• Platis Gialos: Branco Hotel
a hotel room with a large bed and a large window

The Best Area to Stay in Montreal

As the second largest French speaking city after Paris, Montreal defines Canadian culture as a diverse melting pot of towering skyscrapers, distinctive architecture, imaginative restaurants, and energetic festivals year-round. For lodging, most options are found centrally – either Downtown or nearby Old Montreal, but more adventurous travelers are seeing choices emerge in Montreal`s characteristically peculiar outer neighborhoods. Walking remains practical in Montreal, and motels on the outskirts mainly appeal to those exploring rural Quebec by vehicle.

The historic core of the city, known as Old Montreal, officially referred to as Vieux-Montréal, provides the most atmosphere with a scattering of romantic boutique hotels as well as some of the biggest attractions including the grand Notre-Dame Basilica and Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s premiere archaeology and history complex. It also encompasses the once inactive Old Port which has been transformed into a series of parks and urban beaches along the St Lawrence River. Nearby lies Montreal`s downtown area, blending modern glass and steel skyscrapers with Victorian townhouses and numerous churches. Shops and eateries line Sainte-Catherine and the streets of the Quartier Latin and Quartier des Spectacles. The city`s principal museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, is situated here. To the north, the Plateau district is renowned for its many restaurants, the city`s famous bagels and a sprinkling of less expensive hotels and bed and breakfasts. Looming above is Mount Royal itself, its tree-lined slopes interwoven with shaded trails that end up on the west side of the mountain in the hip district of Outremont. Here and in neighboring Cote-Des-Neiges are a handful of lodging options, while further east, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to the enormous Olympic Stadium complex and the vast green space of the botanical gardens. The islands in the St Lawrence that comprise Parc Jean-Drapeau offer all manner of family-friendly activities ranging from La Ronde amusement park to open-air swimming pools and beaches in the summer.

Montreal Travel Tips

  • The Aeroport International Montreal-Trudeau is situated around 14 miles southwest of the central area of the city. The most affordable mode of transport between the airport and downtown is Express Bus #747 (operational 24 hours along René-Lévesque Blvd to Berri-UQAM station), even though travel times can fluctuate greatly dependent on traffic volume (40 min to 1hr 10 min). The fare is $10, but this also acts as a 24-hour pass for the entire transit system.
  • Renting a car is not advised. Parking is expensive (meters are C$3.50/hour Downtown) and hard to find – especially in winter, traffic is horrible at rush hour, and all signs are in French. Public transportation is great in Montréal and beyond that, Uber is always a great option. If arriving by car, note that turning right at a red light on the Island of Montreal is prohibited.
  • While it’s relatively simple to explore the city center on foot, Montreal’s metro system is the best way to rapidly move around the city’s outer neighborhoods. Single fares are C$3.50, with one-day passes C$10. The best deal for visitors that intend to use the Metro a lot is the three-day pass (C$20.50).
  • BIXI Montreal is the city’s bike share system, running from April through November, with over 9,500 bicycles and 700 stations. Cycling is an enjoyable way to navigate the city, despite some ups and downs (e-bikes are also available but you must wear a helmet). You’ll need to download the app and purchase a BIXI membership or a one-way pass (C$0.15/minute regular, C$0.30/minute e-bike) to access the bicycles. Monthly memberships are simply C$18 and are worth considering if you plan to cycle often; the first 45 minutes of any trip are free.

The Best Places to Stay in Montreal

a snow covered city street with a fire hydrant

Best Neighborhoods in Montreal for…

  • Best Area to Stay for First Timers/Sightseeing: Downtown or Old Montreal
    The city center of Montreal comprises two main districts – Downtown, which serves as the principal commercial and entertainment hub, and the historically significant Old Montreal area across the Ville-Marie Expressway. The bulk of recommended lodging is situated within these two zones; central subway stations are all located here as well, facilitating access to outer neighborhoods in addition to some of the premier dining and nightlife choices in the city. Downtown houses much talked about attractions like the Barbie Expo showcasing Barbie dolls, shopping in the affluent Golden Square Mile area, the McCord Museum, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Redpath Museum, cultural venues and theaters at Quartier des Spectacles, nightlife in the Latin Quarter, Montreal`s Chinatown and Bell Centre – home to the renowned Montreal Canadiens ice hockey club.

    Residing in Old Montreal implies being closer to the river and the Old Port, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, historic Chateau Ramezay, Bonsecours Market, Montreal Science Center, and the Pointe-a-Calliere Archaeology and History Complex. Parts of Old Montreal can be a little calmer at night, but the best boutique hotels are located here and it’s a lot more atmospheric.

  • Most Enchanting Neighborhood: Old Montreal
    Though several Montreal neighborhoods provide highly charming appeals, it’s difficult to surpass the cobbled streets, historic buildings, and luxurious boutique hotels found in Old Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is ideal for couples searching for a romantic escape: there are sunset and dinner cruises along the river, beautiful house museums like the Chateau Ramezay, the quaint food and craft stalls of Bonsecours Market, and enchanting old churches like the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours. The hotels here are very good; the most attractive and intimate options for couples include Hotel Bonaparte,Hotel Epik,Hotel Nelligan,Hotel Uville, and Le Petit Hotel.
  • Best Areas for Nightlife: Downtown and the Plateau
    Residing in downtown Montreal means convenient access to several busy nightlife hubs. Crescent Street provides a good starting point (between René-Lévesque Blvd and Sherbrooke St), with a consistently lively strip of bars including Brutopia,Hurley’s Irish Pub, an outlet of 3 Brasseurs brewery, Brass Door Pub (2171 Crescent St), and several dance clubs. Further north, the Quartier Latin features another cluster of restaurants and bars, mainly along Saint-Denis Street. Solid choices here include Saint-Houblon,Bistro a Jojo,Patrick’s Pub, the micro-brewery Le Saint-Bock, and cocktails at Turbo Haus

    The Latin Quarter is part of the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s Entertainment District; numerous big performance spaces can be found here, numerous music festivals take place (such as JazzFest), and bars like Pub Le Sainte-Elisabeth (1412 Sainte-Elisabeth St). Another nightlife strip is Saint-Laurent Boulevard in the Plateau, northwest of the city center, lined with brewpubs, clubs, karaoke bars, and dive bars open until the early hours. On a long list of appealing options are Le Majestique Montreal (4105 Saint-Laurent Blvd), Le Darling (4328 Saint-Laurent Blvd), and Barfly (4062 Saint-Laurent Blvd). Not many hotels are located up here, but some budget, hostel, and Airbnb accommodations exist. Note that the Village (“Le Village”) is at the heart of the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene (see below).

  • Top Areas for Food and Dining: Plateau/Mile End and Little Italy
    Montreal has long held regard as a culinary capital, offering everything from fine French dining to Jewish delis and bagel shops in every neighborhood. While Downtown and Old Montreal offer abundant choices, food enthusiasts should look outside the city center. North of Downtown and anchored by Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the Plateau is the quintessential Montreal area – and especially known for food (Mile End is the stylish section at the western end of the Plateau.) You could invest weeks sampling the gastronomic delights here, but a few highlights comprise the foie gras poutine and other Québécois specialties at Au Pied de Cochon; the wood-fired bagels at Fairmount or St-Viateur; Schwartz’s, and Wilensky’s Light Lunch, classic Jewish delis; top French restaurant Chez Victoire; Mycoboutique, a special store committed solely to mushrooms; the sizeable sandwiches at Café Santropol; local breakfast spot La Binerie Mont-Royal, and many others).

    • You’ll find some decent hostels and B&Bs in the Plateau (apartment rentals also), but it’s also easily accessible via the Metro. If you’re more interested in food, drink, and shopping than in sightseeing, staying here is worth considering.

    The Best Hotels in Plateau/Mile End
    Manoir Sherbrooke – Hotel phone: +1 514 845 0915
    Kutuma Hotel phone: +1 514 844 0111
    Milton Parc Loft Accommodations • Hotel phone: +1 514 759 6110
    Suites Hotel • Hotel phone: +1 514 985 5656

    Best B&Bs
    Bienvenue Lodging & Breakfast • Hotel phone: +1 514 844 5897
    A themed lodging • Hotel contact number: +1 514 597 2804

    Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Auberge Chez Jean – Hotel phone: +1 514 843 8279

  • .

    • ” There is no need to change this line Auberge du Plateau • Hotel phone: +1 514 284 1276

    Located just west of the Plateau, Saint-Laurent Boulevard cuts through Little Italy, with the side roads here sprinkled with authentic Italian cafes and restaurants. Your visit should commence with a stop at the covered Jean-Talon Market, one of the finest in the city, jam-packed with Quebec snacks and produce, in addition to fresh seafood, bubble tea, coffee, vegan cuisine, artisanal ice cream, falafel, tacos and more. Other highlights of the neighborhood include the espresso at the 1950s establishment Caffè Italia; the Italian groceries and cheeses at Milano; stylish Italian fare at Impasto; the craft beers at Brasserie Harricana, and the kitchenware at Quincaillerie Dante • Montreal Food Tours was listed as offering excursions that cover the Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy, as well as Mile End •

    I suppose that`s why Daniel, the chef, proprietor, plater, dishwasher, and salesperson is the expert and not us.

  • Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Downtown and Plateau/Mile End
    You’ll find the most convenient shopping opportunities scattered throughout Downtown, but especially in the Golden Square Mile, all within walking distance. Upscale malls include Les Cours Mont-Royal; once a posh hotel, with a 12-story skylight and terrazzo floors, it now contains four floors of fashion boutiques such as DKNY, Harry Rosen, and Inwear, as well as coffee shops, restaurants, and gift stores. Nearby Sainte-Catherine Street is lined with stores throughout the Downtown zone; Apple store, lululemon, Roots, Reebok, Victoria’s Secret, and many other brands are here. The Underground Pedestrian Network beneath the Golden Square Mile streets is home to yet more shops and boutiques. Crescent Street is another strip worth exploring, home to designer boutiques and art galleries. Other major Downtown malls include the Centre Eaton de Montreal,Place Ville-Marie, and Promenades Cathedrale. Saint-Laurent Boulevard, as it cuts through the Plateau between Sherbrooke and Bernard Streets (aka “The Main”) is another rewarding place to shop. Highlights (east to west) include Boutique 1861; vintage clothing at La Caravane; Asian-inspired home goods at L’Heureux Bouddha; unique mirrors at O Miroir; instruments at Nantel Musique; creative homeware store Jamais Assez; and Maguire Shoes.
  • Neighborhood with the Strongest Local Atmosphere: Outremont
    Below western Mount Royal slopes leave tourists streets buzzing Outremont, centered Bernard Avenue. Fun explore though no major sights. French performing arts Theatre Outremont here, intriguing stores cheese Yannick Fromagerie, authentic Brasserie Bernard, sensational ice cream Le Bilboquet Outremont.Lester’s Deli knocked smoked meats since 1951. Avenue Van Horne, authentic Syrian Damas,Provisions excellent wine bar/bistro, Boxermans offers inventive fine dining.
  • The most popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood is Le Village
    Montreal’s LGBTQ neighborhood is known as “Le Village”, an area that stretches north from the Berri-UQAM metro station and the Quartier des Spectacles to the Beaudry station. Fierte Montreal, the city’s annual Pride festivities (Aug), occurs here. The neighborhood centers on Sainte-Catherine Street East, lined with gay-friendly boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Highlights include the drag shows at Cabaret Mado. The 19th-century Eglise Saint-Pierre-Apotre contains the touching Chapel of Hope, dedicated to victims of AIDS.
    • The Mtl en Arts festival (late June – early July) transforms over 1km of Sainte-Catherine Street into a vast open-air art gallery in the summer, showcasing the work of local and regional artists).

    Best B&Bs in Le Village
    A l’Adresse du Centre-Ville • Hotel contact number: +1 514 528 9516
    Bed & Breakfast du Village hotel contact number: +1 514 522 4771
    La Loggia Art B&B • Hotel contact number: +1 514 524 2493
    Auberge de La Fontaine • Hotel phone: +1 514 597 0166
    .” This line also requires no changes

    Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    M Montreal • Hotel phone: +1 514 845 9803
    Quality Inn Centre-Ville • Hotel phone: +1 514 419 0538
    Samesun Central • Hotel contact number: +1 514 843 5739

  • Unsafe Areas of Montreal
    The city of Montreal is regarded as one of the safest major cities in North America, but normal precautions should still be exercised at night. Census data reveals that the northwest sections of the city, including Montreal-Nord and Rene Goupil, have higher reported criminal activity primarily involving theft and vandalism compared to other regions. While some pockets of Hochelaga continue to face challenges such as poverty, prostitution, and narcotics distribution visible homelessness as well, the vicinity of Olympic Park is relatively secure. It is likely prudent to avoid Place Emilie-Gamelin near the Berri-UQAM station and the environment close to Maisonneuve Market during evening hours.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Montreal for Tourists

1. Downtown Montreal

The heart of downtown Montreal, otherwise known as Centre-Ville, is the economic core of the city. It`s a bustling district full of skyscrapers, shopping centers, elegant Victorian churches, historic avenues, and some of the finest museums. Nearby is the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal`s cultural hub, while below ground is an extensive “Underground City” with around 20 miles of tunnels and subterranean shopping areas. Dominating the central Square Dorchester is the grand Basilique-Cathedrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, built in the 1890s taking inspiration from St. Peter`s Basilica in Rome. In sharp contrast nearby is the Barbie Expo, housing the world`s largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls dressed by top fashion designers – it`s one of the most visited attractions in the city.

The central sector of Downtown Montreal is known as the Golden Square Mile, which was home to Canada’s wealthiest families during the Victorian era. Presently, it`s a major shopping region but also houses the city`s finest museums, like the McCord Museum, documenting Montreal’s social history. Another is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts with its exceptional collection of Canadian artwork. There is also the Redpath Museum at McGill University, housing Egyptian mummies and dinosaur bones. You`ll further find the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal displaying cutting-edge modern art (presently located in Place Ville Marie during renovations at their base in the Quartier des Spectacles, estimated for completion in 2024).

Major shopping thoroughfare Sainte-Catherine Street runs northeast from Downtown proper to La Place des Arts in the heart the Quartier des Spectacles, home to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre Metropolitain, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Opera de Montreal, and numerous festivals year-round. The other main attraction up here is MEM ( Centre des Mémoire des Montréalais), which chronicles the history of the city. Beyond the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) campus lies the Quartier Latin, a major nightlife hub, while Montreal’s Chinatown can be found just to the east, it’s borders marked by large ornate “Paifang Gates” (pedestrian-only de le Gauchetière Street between Saint-Dominique and Saint-Urbain is the main strip of stores and restaurants). Other highlights Downtown include the Bell Centre, home of thelegendary Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League, and the Centre Canadien d’Architecture, with absorbing galleries of prints, drawings, and books spanning the whole history of architecture.

Given the abundance to see, shop, eat, and drink Downtown, it will consistently be one of the best places to lodge, particularly for first-time visitors. If nightlife and entertainment is important, try to stay in or near the Quartier des Spectacles area.
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• One of Downtown’s major annual events is the Fashion & Design Festival (August), featuring complimentary outdoor fashion displays, live music, film screenings, and the Pop-Up Shop Village around Place des Festivals. Visitors should book hotels months in advance when attending this time.

2. Old Montreal

The old Montreal (“Vieux-Montréal”) lies between Downtown (east of the Ville-Marie Expressway) and the St Lawrence River, and makes a more charming and atmospheric base – some of the city’s best unique hotels are here. This is where Montreal was founded in the 17th century and today it’s an appealing historic district of cobbled streets, aged churches, and museums. There are also several excellent restaurants and bars. Central Place d’Armes is dominated by the neo-Gothic Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, the city’s primary Catholic cathedral since 1829. The inside of the cathedral is lavishly decorated with detailed wood carvings, religious paintings, and stained-glass windows. Opposite Montreal’s stately City Hall (the 1870s Hotel de Ville; tours operate in summer), the Chateau Ramezay is one of the city’s most enchanting historic sights. The old manor looks very much as it did when it was built for Claude de Ramezay, the 11th governor of Montreal, in 1705 (Benjamin Franklin stayed here while attempting to convince Quebec to join the United States during the Revolutionary War). Today it’s full of period oil paintings, tools, costumes, furniture, and informative interpreters, bringing 18th-century New France to life. A short walk away is the Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site, former home of the father of the Confederation from 1848 to 1871.

The winding Rue Bonsecours led down towards the riverbank, featuring beautifully the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours or the “Sailors’ Church”, built in 1771. It is part of the Site Historique Marguerite Bourgeoys, commemorating the founder of Canada’s initial religious order and benevolent guardian of the “filles du roi” – French girls sent to marry single settlers. Canada’s first saint, Bourgeoys was sanctified in 1982. The compact Musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys inside the chapel outlines her life, and visitors can also climb the church tower for sweeping perspectives.

Nearby is another significant attraction, the domed silver-topped Bonsecours Market, constructed in the mid-19th century. Currently it houses eateries and craft shops. The market overlooks the Vieux-Port (Old Port) area. With the shipyards now gone, this location features parks, paths, and waterside cafes and restaurants, especially enjoyable in the summer months.

Families should explore Voiles en Voiles, an interactive rope course, the indoor maze at SOS Labyrinthe, the Tyrolienne MTL Zipline experience, and La Grande Roue de Montreal, a 197-foot high ferris wheel providing panoramic perspectives. There`s also the child-welcoming Montreal Science Center and IMAX theater. Further along the waterfront is the Place Royale and stylishly designed Pointe-a-Calliere, the Montreal Archaeology and History Complex, situated at the founding site where the first French settlers arrived in 1642.

3. Mount Royal and Outremont/Cote-des-Neiges

Mount Royal (also called “the Mountain”) rises just west of downtown Montreal and the McGill University grounds, with its slopes covered in lush parks and trails. It`s a popular place to escape the city and get some exercise, with magnificent views across the city center and St. Lawrence valley (you can also take a bus or taxi to the top). The giant Mount Royal Cross denotes the summit and is illuminated at night, while the ornate Mount Royal Chalet contains a café overlooking the Kondiaronk Belvedere. On the southern slopes the primary sight is the gigantic Saint Joseph`s Oratory, while the Mount Royal Cemetery on the western edge holds a reserve of grand historic tombs and an incredible diversity of birdlife.

Below here and the University of Montreal grounds, the residential Outremont area provides an engaging location to explore, with Avenue Laurier and Bernard Street lined with fashion boutiques, eateries and cafés. Further south, Cote-Des-Neiges is home to the Montreal Holocaust Museum, which outlines the history of Jewish communities before, during, and after the Holocaust, and some of the city’s most well-known dining establishments; Snowdon Deli, famous for classic smoked meat sandwiches since 1946; and retro drive-in diner, Gibeau Orange Julep, open since the 1930s with its iconic orange-shaped building.

The annual drumming and dancing celebrations at Mont Royal (usually Sundays in May) feature drummers and dancers gathering at the base of the mountain (at Parc Jeanne-Mance, near the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument).
• belvederesantorini.com • facebook
• There are no other lodging options on Mount Royal itself, just a few hotels at the southern end of Cote-Des-Neiges.

The Best Hotels in Cote-Des-Neiges
Homewood Suites Midtown – Hotel phone: +1 514 370 3333
A hotel located in Old Montreal • Hotel phone: +1 514 739 6391
Located in Montreal, Canada is the Pavillon Jean XXIII, with a phone number of +1 514 733 8211

4. Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (Olympic Park)

A few miles northeast of Downtown Montreal, along the St Lawrence River, the historically working-class area of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (also known as HoMa) is best recognized for the attractions found in Parc Maisonneuve, notably the Olympic Stadium and botanical gardens. Constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park encompasses the iconic Montreal Tower (the world’s highest incline tower), the Olympic Stadium itself (also called the “Big O”), and a major skateboarding park. A funicular transports visitors up to the summit of the tower (575ft/175 meters), where an observation deck presents spectacular perspectives. The stadium is used for concerts and special occasions, and occasionally by MLS team Club de Foot Montréal (the team’s home ground is nearby Saputo Stadium), and by the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball for spring training.

Sahale and Umbrella Falls:This hike is a surprisingly delightful experience, accessed from the parking area for Mount Hood Meadows (a favorite local ski destination) on the eastern side of Mount Hood. The route forms a loop that initially presents the lovely Umbrella Falls, before concluding with a stroll across former ski slopes offering scenic views of the flat lands nearby. It merits noting one does not get the most compelling perspective of Sahale Falls directly from the trail – rather, the optimal vista exists from a nearby bridge, which can be visited before or after the hike.

On the southern edge of the park, scholars of history should check out the elegant Chateau Dufresne, a grand mansion built in 1918, now serving as a museum showcasing the affluent middle-class life during the early twentieth century. Further into the neighborhood, the historic Maisonneuve Market comprises various local food and produce vendors.

• There’s little rationale in remaining around here, since the park area is an easy journey from the city center via public transit; there’s not much lodging in any circumstance.

5. Quartiers du Canal

The “Quartiers du Canal” region involves three historic neighborhoods to the southwest of downtown: Griffintown,Little Burgundy, and Saint-Henri, primarily found along the Lachine Canal (you can walk the entire way from Old Montreal). It’s become one of Montreal’s trendiest districts, home to innovative restaurants, bars, and indie stores. There are few conventional sights, and the main activity is ambling along the primary street (Notre-Dame) that connects the three neighborhoods, or the paths lining the canal itself. The canal is safeguarded within the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, an 8.5-mile (13.5km) stretch involving the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis.

Griffintown contains a couple notable attractions centered around visual arts: the Arsenal art contemporain Montreal, displaying contemporary pieces, and the Montreal Art Center and Museum, housing over 50 open and private workshop spaces as well as exhibitions and art shops. Culinary highlights include a meat focused establishment Restaurant Grinder, barbecue at Le Boucan Smokehouse, the Italian restaurant Le Richmond, and Chez Sophie for French fine dining.

This charming former fishing village situated in the northeastern coast of Catalunya provides an excellent day trip option from Barcelona, though the somewhat lengthy drive. A narrow road winds down into this small port comprised of whitewashed homes clinging to hilly terrain. The surrounding rugged coastline and relaxed atmosphere of Cadaqués have attracted artists and intellectuals since the 19th century – figures like Matisse, Marcel Duchamp and Picasso all visited here to paint, and Salvador Dalí did some of his finest work at his waterfront home near Port Lligat, an easy walk along the coast. His residence – now a museum – offers fascinating insight into the life of the Surrealist artist, particularly for those familiar with the Dalí Museum in Figueres. It comprises a maze-like complex of fishermen`s cottages embellished with personal touches illuminating his private world.

6. Parc Jean-Drapeau

Spread across two islands – Ile-Notre-Dame and Ile Ste-Helene – in the center of the St Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau provides an assortment of family-friendly attractions perfect for a full day outing. Notre-Dame island is essentially man-crafted, built for the Expo 67 World’s Fair, when the current park took form.

Highlights on Ile Ste-Helene involve the Levis Tower, constructed in the 1930s with an observation deck providing a complete 360-degree panoramic view of the islands; Six Flags’ La Ronde amusement park; the Complexe Aquatique, with three huge exterior swimming pools; the iconic Biosphere, with its geodesic dome, exhibitions on environmental issues, green wall, and gardens; and Espace 67, a landscaped concourse linking the Biosphere and Alexander Calder’s monumental steel sculpture Trois disques.

On Ile-Notre-Dame (connected to Ste-Helene by bridges), Jean-Doré Beach is a popular spot in summer for swimming and sunbathing ( Parc Aquazilla here features inflatable floating structures with slides). The Casino de Montreal offers the usual slot machines, poker, and roulette games, but also entertaining Cabaret du Casino shows. The entire island is encircled by the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, site of the annual Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix (usually June), but otherwise an ideal cycling route.

There is no lodging available on the two islands that comprise Parc Jean-Drapeau, but it is easily accessible from Downtown Montreal. Take the metro to the Jean-Drapeau station. From there, it is simple to walk or bike anywhere in the park.
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• The park welcomes some of Montréal’s biggest musical gatherings: Piknic Electronik (late May – late Sept), with electronic music each Sunday (and some Saturdays) in summer; the 3-day Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (late July), a major rock and pop performance that brings in all the notable names; and ile Soniq Montreal (early August), an enormous electronic music festival.
• In winter the family-friendly Fête des Neiges takes place on the islands, with shows, activities for children, food, and live music. There’s also snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Other Montreal Neighborhoods

We’ve covered our favorite neighborhoods above, but with more time, families or water sports fans should also check out the Pole des Rapides area in southwestern Montréal. You can ride the rapids of the St Lawrence River in a jet boat, or on a whitewater raft; fish or sail boats in Lake Saint-Louis; kayak the Lachine Canal, or bike along the multi-use river trails. There are also historical reenactments at the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site. There is no place to stay down here, so just take a bus or taxi.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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