Top tips from the Montréal Tourist Information Office

Catherine

The MEM, Centre des mémoires montréalaises, is one of my favourite museums in the city. It’s such a unique way to discover Montréal through the stories, history and everyday lives of the people who have shaped it, both past and present. If you’re looking for nature, Parc Maisonneuve is hard to beat. With its wide open green spaces, wildlife and peaceful atmosphere, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a major city. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss Iconoglace, where the sundaes are every bit as fun as they are delicious.

François

Photography, Expo 67 and spectacular sunsets are three of my favourite things, and the Lévis Tower brings them all together. Climb its 157 steps and you’re rewarded with incredible 360 degree views over Montréal, Parc Jean-Drapeau and the South Shore. It’s breathtaking in every season.

I’m also always on the hunt for something sweet. Les Madeleines d’Émilie, Flers Café and Carlota Boulangerie Mexicaine are all fantastic stops on the Plateau. Afterwards, I like walking or grabbing a BIXI to explore the neighbourhood’s more than 120 green alleys and colourful murals.

Public art is another passion of mine. I love discovering new murals created during the MURAL festival or through MU’s projects. Their interactive maps are great tools for planning neighbourhood walks while learning more about the artists behind each piece, and they help me point visitors toward some amazing discoveries.

Arielle

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is an absolute must in my books. I love that its collection spans every era and brings together incredible works from around the world. When I’m in the mood for vintage shopping, Eva B is my go to. It’s packed with one-of-a-kind finds and has this wonderfully quirky, eclectic vibe. And whenever I need a quiet moment, I head to the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. It’s one of those places where Montréal’s past and present seem to come together.

Émilie

The Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site has been one of my favourite places since I was a kid. Between the chapel with its suspended model ships and the archaeological site, it’s a fascinating glimpse into Montréal’s history. I also love taking an AML river cruise. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the city while seeing it from a whole new perspective. The West Island is one of my favourite corners of Montréal, especially for families. Spend the day at the Ecomuseum Zoo or Cap-Saint-Jacques Beach, then wrap things up with dinner on a waterfront patio in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue while watching the sun go down.

Félix

Montréal is made for exploring by bike. I love cycling out to the city’s nature parks, especially Cap-Saint-Jacques and Île-de-la-Visitation, where you can spend hours riding peaceful trails. Another favourite adventure is hopping on the river shuttle over to the Boucherville Islands.

As a history buff, I’m constantly surrounded by reminders of Montréal’s past. The city of a hundred steeples is full of beautiful churches, and I never get tired of wandering Old Montréal’s cobblestone streets and visiting landmarks like Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and Château Ramezay.

Gabrielle

If you’re craving a little nature, head west to Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park. Wander the trails, cross the long boardwalk and keep an eye out for beavers, ducks and turtles. Afterwards, visit the McCord Stewart Museum, where fashion, photography and social history come together, especially in the outstanding Indigenous Voices exhibition created with Québec’s 11 First Nations. End your day with dinner at Jardin Nelson in Old Montréal, where the flower filled terrace and live jazz create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Hugo

The Lachine Canal is one of my favourite places to slow down. Just minutes from the Old Port and downtown, it offers a quieter, more authentic side of Montréal. Whether you’re walking along the water, kayaking or pedalling a boat, life seems to move at a gentler pace here. The nearby Atwater Market is the perfect stop for local flavours and a taste of everyday Montréal.

If I could recommend just one museum to understand the city’s soul, it would be Pointe-à-Callière. It’s not exactly a hidden gem, but it is one of Montréal’s greatest treasures. Every visit feels like a journey through the layers of history that built the city. The experience extends beyond the galleries too, with outdoor spaces including a lookout over the Old Port, Habitat 67 and the St. Lawrence River. It’s more than a museum. It’s an experience.

Jade 

When I’m in Old Montréal, I love stopping at Matcha Haus for a great matcha or Crew Collective & Café for coffee inside one of the city’s most beautiful former bank buildings. On the Plateau, Antipode is one of my favourite brunch spots, while Khawa Café makes an amazing merguez sandwich to go. If I’m in Hochelaga, I’ll spend time wandering the Jardin botanique de Montréal before picking up local produce and fresh fruit at Marché Maisonneuve.

Mathilde 

Whenever the weather cooperates, you’ll usually find me strolling along Mont-Royal Avenue, hopping between all the vintage shops. Somewhere along the way I’ll grab an iced coffee from Flers Café, and if my friends are free, we’ll finish the day relaxing in Laurier Park.

Valentine 

One of my favourite ways to discover Montréal is by bike. I love riding along the Lachine Canal, stopping at Atwater Market before continuing all the way to beautiful Parc René-Lévesque. Another great ride follows the river through Parc des Rapides in LaSalle.

I also enjoy wandering the pedestrian section of Mont-Royal Avenue, where you’ll find hidden gems like Café Montiran, known for its delicious Persian lattes and welcoming atmosphere. To me, the perfect summer evening ends with a picnic at the Outremont Lookout on Mount Royal, watching the sun set over the city.

Viyana

My perfect Montréal day starts with a stroll through Westmount and a coffee from Café Olimpico. After some shopping downtown and a walk through the Old Port, I’d stop for lunch at Jardin Nelson. In the evening, I’d choose dinner at either Bous or Yama, two of my favourite restaurants that each offer something completely different. To finish the day, I’d head up to Saint Joseph’s Oratory to watch the sunset over Montréal. It’s one of the city’s most spectacular views.

The Montréal Tourist Information Office is open everyday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.