Montreal holidays are a truly unforgettable experience. Soak up the fine food, elegant architecture and vibrant arts scene of Quebec’s largest city.
There’s a distinctly European vibe here, thanks to landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Lachine Canal. Head up the gentle slopes of Mount Royal to enjoy dazzling views of the city. Take a boat tour to delve into the fascinating history of the Old Port area.
Want to see world-famous art? Find masterpieces and fine treasures at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Even just a stroll through the heart of the city reveals beauty on almost every corner – some of the most impressive districts were once cities in their own right.
Embrace the bohemian way of life among the chic shops and coffee houses of Plateau, or visit Vieux-Montreal to see why this city is also known as the ‘Paris of the North’.
There are so many reasons to visit this spectacular destination. Find great deals when you book your holiday to Montreal with Etihad.
Whether you’re a food fanatic or a culture vulture, Montreal will keep you entertained from the beginning to the end of your holiday.
Montreal is famed for its fun-filled street fairs and festivals. If you’re looking for a holiday that provides an opportunity to enjoy local food, good music and shopping at souvenir-laden stalls, this is the place for you.
What’s more, these events often include public art elements showcasing the city’s up-and-coming creative talent. May, June and July are busy months for fairs in popular areas like Quartier Latin or Saint Laurent Boulevard.
Sitting proudly to the west of downtown Montreal, this natural beauty draws millions of tourists every year. Mount Royal helped give Montreal its name and features around four square miles of parkland – plus lots of walking and biking trails.
If you’re in the mood for a hike, head up to the Mount Royal Chalet for a stunning view of the city. Visiting in winter? Go on a cross-country skiing adventure through the park.
Plateau-Mont-Royal is the best place to be for Canadian cuisine. In this neighbourhood you’ll find a variety of classic dishes – including bagels, poutine and Montreal smoked meat.
The Mile End, Little Italy and Old Montreal areas are home to many of the city’s top restaurants. Of course, you might have difficulty deciding where to go – so why not book yourself a food tour and leave it to the experts?
Montreal is one of Canada’s leading cities for education – and here learning is not just for locals but for visitors too.
The Montreal Biodome is home to a head-spinning array of plant species, which you can admire along with exhibitions from four different ecosystems of the Americas. Boasting 190 acres of beautifully tended gardens, the world-famous Montreal Botanical Garden is also well worth adding to your itinerary.
The charming Old Montreal neighbourhood dates back to the 17th century and has a distinctly Old World European feel. Cobbled streets are lined by former warehouses and factories, along with museums, galleries and high-end shops and restaurants.
When your feet have had enough, take a ride on La Grand Roue – also known as the Montreal Observation Wheel. At 196 feet (60 metres) tall, here you can take in your new favourite city from a whole new perspective.
If you want to immerse yourself in modern Montreal, book a hotel at Ville-Marie. Here you’ll find hip coffee shops, quirky boutiques and an artistic vibe – ideal for couples looking for a cosmopolitan Montreal experience.
Lofts du Vieux-Port is a well-placed hotel perfect for your Montreal holiday. With great transport links, it’s also a handy base for exploring other parts of the city.
Treat yourself to a luxury holiday in Montreal with a stay at the five-star Ritz-Carlton. This spectacular hotel first opened its doors in 1912 and blends charming character with modern elegance.
Sample French cuisine in the popular restaurant, or recharge over afternoon tea in the Palm Court.
If you’re looking for city centre accommodation, check out the Four Seasons Montreal on the edge of Mount Royal Park.
This stylish hotel is just a short distance from the city’s key sites and boasts full spa services as well as an on-site pool – another good base for your Montreal holiday.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency in Montreal. There are plenty of ATMs dotted around the city and most places accept credit cards.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is on 24 June, celebrating the patron of French-speaking Canadians. Canada Day on 1 July marks the day in 1867 when the Constitution Act joined Canada’s three provinces into one country.
French is Montreal’s official language, and the most widely spoken, with English second.
Walking is a popular way to explore Montreal. The city has a network of underpasses and pathways connecting shops, restaurants and stations. Otherwise, taxis and the subway are the most efficient ways of getting around.
Holidays in Montreal are ideal for people who like to explore places on foot, thanks to a vast infrastructure of walkways and tunnels. Nicknamed the Underground City, Montreal consists of 20 miles (32 kilometres) of pedestrian-friendly footpaths that connect to over 2,000 stores and 200 restaurants – as well as key buildings such as universities, museums and art galleries.
With sections both underground and at street-level, it means you can still keep warm as you explore even when the cold weather arrives. Find a map at any metro station to plan your route.
Montreal has a strong arts and culture scene, with the city regularly playing host to major entertainment events. Standout dates in the calendar include the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Just for Laughs comedy festival and the Montreal World Film Festival.
The legendary Cirque du Soleil circus was founded in Montreal in the 1980s by two local street performers. While its sell-out shows now tour the world, Montreal is still its home and the performances are extra special here. Try to grab tickets if your holiday to Montreal lands at the right time of year.
Montreal is home to dozens of National Historic Sites and enjoys UNESCO City of Design status. One of its other nicknames is ‘the city of a hundred bell towers’, which won’t surprise you when you’re counting the number of beautiful old churches providing a striking testament to Montreal’s European roots. Two of the best are the Notre-Dame Basilica and Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.
In addition to these buildings, look out for signs of Montreal’s proud industrial heritage. Warehouses, mills and factories tell the story of the growth and development that helped the city become one of Canada’s most important economic centres.
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