Montréal, Quebec, is one of the coolest cities in Canada with the perfect mix of Canadian and European influences. The cobblestone streets of Old Montreal will have you feeling like you’re in Europe, and the downtown skyscrapers will have you feeling in the middle of a modern city. Quebec is a charming and friendly Province also known as the land of French Canadians who know how to make delicious poutine, relax, and enjoy nature. So make sure to explore the top activities in Montreal and visit the surrounding Province of Quebec for your next vacation!
Popular Activities in Montréal
Montreal is best explored on foot since there are so many beautiful sights to see throughout the city. The perfect place to start is where the city began. Head over to Old Montréal, where you feel like you have taken a step back in time. Saint-Paul Street in Old Montréal is full of shopping, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Other sights are available to view as you continue around the neighborhood, such as Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, or City Hall.
Explore Montréal By Foot
Plateau Mont-Royal is another exciting neighborhood to explore in Montréal. This is definitely the city’s creative hub, filled with beautiful building murals, colorful Victorian homes, and cafés. While this area of the city doesn’t necessarily cater to tourists, it gives you a more authentic vibe of the real Montréal. Here you can enjoy the local perspective, take a few Instagram pictures, and maybe even check out a gallery or two.
Nearby is Mont-Royal, which is a do not miss. This space is a beautiful park that includes a beautiful hike to the top. Once there, you will have fantastic views of the entire city of Montréal. The paths are mostly paved with a slight incline and are easy to access.
Enjoy The Food Montréal Has to Offer
Whether you are in the mood for French cuisine, latte art, poutine, or smoked meat, Montréal has all of that to offer and more! You can’t step foot in Montréal without hearing about the Sesame bagel. You will be remiss if you leave the city without stopping at one of the two famous bagel shops. Fairmont Bagels is the city’s original bagel shop, but St-Viateur Bagel is also a tourist favorite. What makes Montréal bagels so good? Unlike New York bagels, these are sweeter due to a honey bath included in the cooking process.
An absolute do not miss while in Montréal is poutine and the go-to spot is definitely La Banquise. When you usually think of poutine, french fries, cheese curds, and gravy come to mind, but this restaurant offers more than 30 different types of poutine to try. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic poutine or mix it up and try something exciting like The Elvis, which includes ground beef, peppers, and mushrooms.
The perfect lunch or dinner spot in Montréal is Le Roi du Smoked Meat. This restaurant is within walking distance from the Jean-Talon Market and St. Hubert Street and the perfect stop if you’re looking for Montreal-style smoked meat. If you’re looking for a vintage feel, fantastic food, and even a little poutine with your Montreal smoked meat – this is the stop for you!
Last but not least, Creperie Chez Suzette offers the perfect French Canadian meal. Whether crépes or fondues are your cravings, eating is always one of the top activities in Montreal. This quaint cafe in Old Montreal will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to Paris for the afternoon.
Mont-Tremblant Village + Laurentian Mountains
An hour north of Montréal, you will find the Laurentian Mountains, covering over 22,000 square miles. The mountains have many peaks and lakes and are a popular tourist destination all four seasons of the year, including cycling, hiking, and skiing. In addition, there are plenty of small towns to visit during your stay, which have small cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Mont Tremblant is the most popular destination for outdoor sports and tourism. While there are many ski destinations, there are activities for all four seasons. The slopes are open for skiing at Mont Tremblant from November to April, and equipment rentals and skiing lessons are available.
There is also a national park nearby that includes activities such as hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter. The Via Ferrata Mont Tremblant is also an option if you’re extra outdoorsy and want to try a hike that definitely has elements of mountain climbing.
Memorable Activities in Quebec City
Quebec City has the same mesmerizing European vibe as Montréal with an old-world setting. You’ll be welcomed by a tall castle perched above the old city and more cobblestoned streets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below are the can’t miss activities in Quebec City.
Visit Quebec City
A three-hour drive east of Montréal is Quebec City, the capital of the Province. Officially known as Quebec, it is over 400 years old. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors each year. Quebec is best known for its quaint Old City, fantastic winter festival, and stunning architecture.
There are many fantastic restaurants to eat at in Quebec. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you don’t miss the many maple syrup taffy options at the candy stores on the streets. On the other hand, if you’re looking for traditional Quebecois cuisine, look no further than Aux Anciens Canadiens. This restaurant is also located in the oldest house in Quebec, constructed in 1675.
The best way to get to know this fantastic city is by walking tour. You can start your day in the historic district of Old Quebec and appreciate Le Chateau Frontenac, which is the most photographed hotel in the world. While walking around the fortified historic district, you can stop in the small shops or continue to the historic town plaza called Place-Royale. Only a short walk from Place-Royal, you will see the beautiful city mural. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, one of the oldest churches in North America, is also nearby.
If you want to take a more extended stop, the Musée de la Civilisation is an excellent activity in Quebec. This museum covers the history of society in Quebec and includes interactive exhibits. The museum also has a special section on indigenous history in the area.
The perfect spot to finish your walking tour is to walk along the St. Lawrence River to get a fantastic view of Le Chateau Frontenac and the city. There are lovely wooden planks to walk along with gazebos and other spots to sit and relax.
Montmorency Falls
Not too far from Quebec City and along the shore of the St. Lawrence river, you’ll find the highest waterfall in the Province of Quebec. This location is a trendy spot for family picnics. Furthermore, it is also an enjoyable location for activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or zip-lining across the falls.
Visitors can even take a cable car to the top, which offers fantastic area views. There is also a suspension bridge that is not for the faint of heart! This is a perfect stop for travelers looking to get some extra time outdoors on their trip. It can be a quick stop, or you can spend more time outside if you’d like.
Activities in Montréal, Quebec City Recap
Between Montréal, Quebec City, and the surrounding areas, the Province of Quebec has so much to offer travelers. Whether you decide to visit in the warm or cold months, there will always be activities in Montreal and Quebec City to fill your time with good food to be had.