22 reasons to visit Montréal in 2022!

Extra! Extra! This just in!

We like to keep things fresh here in Montréal, and each year there’s always new and exciting things to see and do. Here’s 7 we’re particularly hyped about experiencing in 2022.

1. Bustling city square in the spring, summer and fall, the Esplanade Tranquille transforms into a world-class skating rink in the winter months. That’s what we call versatility!

2. Make all your followers jealous with a selfie on the Hôtel Humaniti rooftop, and drink in those views atop one of Montréal’s newest architectural wonders.

3. Experience the mighty Orchestre symphonique de Montréal under the expressive baton of new music director Rafael Payare. (Some familiar faces will also be returning to the conductor’s podium in 2022, including past leaders Kent Nagano and Zubin Mehta who led the OSM on their first international tour six decades ago!)

4. Get into green desking and ditch the office for one of Montréal’s outdoor Aire commune outdoor spaces that go from workspace in the day to party zones by night. After work drinks, anyone?

5. Check out some of Montréal’s biggest attractions with 2022’s all-new Passeport MTL, stacked with deals and savings.

6. Explore contemporary Indigenous art at daphne, Tiohtá:ke’s (the Kanien’kéha word for Montréal) first-ever Indigenous artist-run centre.

7. Telling the story of Montréal through local memories and personal histories, the Centre des Mémoires Montréalaises will open its doors in 2022. But until then, they’re out and about throughout the city collecting stories and presenting pop-up exhibitions.

Let’s get physical!

It takes more than a little snow to keep Montréalers off the streets and out of the city’s parks. In fact, the city buzzes with physical activity all year long, and here’s just a few of our favourite ways to keep active throughout the year.

8. Montréal’s world-class urban skateparks are the perfect spots to work on your jumps and tricks, from the Olympian-level Vans Pro Skate Park to the graffiti’d Van Horne Skatepark under the Van Horne Underpass in the Mile End.

9. The island oasis Parc Jean-Drapeau continues its transformation with continued redevelopment of green spaces and construction of all-new waterfront public areas. There’s no finer spot for a long walk, jog or swim (in the Olympic pool on site).

10. Explore the Quartier des spectacles entertainment district all dressed up in lights during MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, a glittering feast for the senses of lighting installations, rides and culinary delights you deserve for walking so much!

11. As one of the world’s top cycling cities, Montréal is a real treat seen from atop two wheels. Check off some of the city’s bucket list bike rides and go home with bragging rights in hand.

Who’s Hungry?

OK, we admit it – one of the reasons we’re so active here in Montréal is due to how much we love to eat. A culinary hot spot of North America, Montréal’s culinary scene will have you reaching for second portions.

12. Go plant-based at the city’s 100% vegetarian and vegan restaurants, from fast food to fine dining.

13. Bottoms up! Montréal’s microbrewery culture is thriving downtown, with a multitude of brewers and taprooms showcasing the city’s unique locally-made beer varieties.

14. Montréal’s Jewish food scene is a local mainstay, with classic spots and new upstarts exhibiting the full range of Jewish culinary finesse and expertise.

15. MTLàTABLE is our annual celebration of Montréal’s one-of-a-kind culinary scene, with over 150 local restaurants offering special menus, gourmet events and unforgettable dining experiences.

16. Keeping it classic is also cool – no trip to Montréal is complete without a hearty helping of poutine, a bag or two of world-famous Montréal bagels or a bursting Montréal smoked meat sandwich.

The definition of must-see

Montréal is a city of “musts” for first-time visitors, with mouthwatering public markets, hip neighbourhoods, and iconic sights. But we’d also suggest adding these to your list for a glimpse of Montréal from all new angles.

17. While construction continues on the full-scale remodelling of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal’s home base in Place des Arts, their temporary home at Place Ville Marie will keep that thirst for modern art sated. (Want to sound like a local? Just say you’re heading to the MAC at PVM and we’ll get you, fam).

18. The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts announced its 2022 program and it includes plenty of not-to-be-missed exhibitions! (Re)discover the iconic artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat, explore the world of photography with Diane Arbus and Yousuf Karsh or enjoy the vision of rising star Nicolas Party for its first exhibition in Canada.

19. Montréal is an island, with the St. Lawrence River flowing around it on all sides. Get up close and personal with these rushing waters with Ohana Sailing Agency, staffed with skilled crews eager to share the joys of sailing on our majestic fleuve.

20. Every season is a perfect time to bask in the glowing vistas on the La Grande Roue de Montréal ferris wheel. Did somebody say date night?

21. After dark, Old Montréal’s history comes alive with cutting edge projections and sound thanks to Montréal en Histoires – Cité Mémoire. Simply download the app to your phone, follow the map and trigger the presentations one by one. It’s basically like having a remote control powerful enough to control screens as tall as buildings.

22. Montréal is a city of public transport, with our infinitely photographical Métro system a favourite of visitors and locals alike. Summer 2022 brings the all-new REM (Réseau express métropolitain) train system, further linking the city more than ever before.