Where old meets new

Did you know Montreal is actually an island in an archipelago? Set between the St Lawrence River and Rivière-des-Prairies, this iconic eastern Canadian city is steeped in history, yet teeming with modern urban culture and natural attractions.

Walk the cobblestone lanes, shop for cutting-edge fashion, stay up ‘til dawn in the trendy bars and clubs, and then take a day trip to some of the neighbouring regions, where you’ll hear thick French accents and soak up vast, picturesque landscapes.

Read on to discover Montreal – an exciting tale of old meets new and a dynamic all-seasons destination.

Step back in time
Meander through Old Montreal and stroll the Old Port waterfront, with its old-school architecture and cosmopolitan urban culture and imagine the scene in 1642 when Montreal was established. The oldest neighbourhood in the city, Old Montreal is a fascinating combination of historical landmarks and contemporary nightlife, boutiques and restaurants.

With its 24 -carat gold stars shimmering in a deep blue ceiling, the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal in the Old Port is nothing short of breathtaking. Completed nearly 200 years ago, it was the first Gothic Revival church built in Canada, resplendent with ancient religious paintings and incredible stained-glass windows.

City highlights
Few cities can lay claim to a mountain in the heart of downtown, but Mount Royal is just that. The mountain serves as lush green spaces in the city for locals and visitors to picnic, hike, or simply take in the view from the Belvédère Kondiaronk observatory.

Next, hit the shopping hub of Montreal, Sainte Catherine Street, where everything from world-famous designers to chain store brands and local boutiques are on offer. This eclectic street crosses the city’s downtown core from east to west. Spend a day (or three) shopping, people watching and frequenting the many restaurants, bars and cafes along the way.

Space for Life
Montréal’s Space for Life brings together four fast-tracks into the natural world to create Canada’s largest group of natural science museums: the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Gardens and Planetarium.

Surround yourself with exotic eco-systems, peer at galaxies and strange insects, and explore grand gardens. Travel the world from sub-polar planes to tropical locales via the Biodôme. Get bug-eyed at the Insectarium. Plant yourself in the international landscapes of the Botanical Garden, soar into orbit at the Planetarium, and then sit back and enjoy a 360-degree projection of the Northern Lights. Best to set aside a couple of days to take it all in.

Take a day trip
Just Montreal lies a treasure trove of pretty towns, wineries, mountain ranges, and national parks, all within striking distance from downtown. All you need is a car, a map, and a healthy supply of road snacks.

Just two hours from Montreal, the Eastern Townships are a study in quintessential Quebecois charm. We’re talking lush green countryside, thriving wineries, stately manor houses, old-school chocolatiers, and glittering lakes. Sample the province’s finest cheeses, sip the locally produced cider, and check out the microbreweries in the enchanting villages.

Alternatively, on the north bank of the St Lawrence River, the Lanaudière region is a haven for wilderness adventures. Hike the wooded trails in Mont-Tremblant National Park (we recommend visiting in autumn when the forests blaze with colourful foliage), plunge into some water sports at one of the many inviting lakes, and check out the magnificent waterfalls in the Parc Regional des Chutes-Monte-a-Pene-et-des-Dalles.