Montréal, the most populated city in Quebec, has activities for every type of traveler. Are you a foodie? You’ll find trendy restaurants and superb things to eat in Montréal. Is hiking your jam? There’s a great hiking “mountain” in the center of Montréal. Love to explore botanical gardens? A Montréal weekend getaway has a little something for everyone.
As far as Montréal activities go if your are planning a long weekend this weekend, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
Fun Facts About Montréal
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The official language of Quebec is French. In fact, Montréal has the most French-speaking residents in the world outside of Paris, France. However, you’ll find that Montréal is bilingual and makes it easy for non-French speakers to enjoy this diverse city for your own Montréal weekend getaway
Even though you may not speak French, it is a good idea to learn a few key words before you visit:
- Hello – Bonjour
- Goodbye – Au revoir
- Thank you – Merci
Did you know that Montréal gets its name from the three peaks in the heart of the city? Mount Royal or Mont-Royal is a small mountain (think large hill) west of downtown Montréal popular among residents and visitors alike.
Top 15 Outdoor Activities for a Montréal Weekend Getaway
There is no shortage of things to do to keep you busy for your Montréal weekend getaway. Here are 15 best things about Montréal to consider for your long weekend this weekend.
1. Shop at the Jean Talon Market
The Jean Talon Market, located in the heart of Montréal’s Little Italy, is one of the oldest public markets in Montréal. It was named in honor of Jean Talon, the first administrator of justice and economy of New France.
The market is family-friendly and homey like a village featuring many local fruit and vegetable vendors, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and grocers. The market is open daily. If you are looking for Montréal activities, give the market a shot.
Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets from April to October in North America, bustles with activity. From October to April, walls are added around the market so you can shop in comfort and feel sheltered from the weather.
2. Stroll Along Saint Paul Street
Wander along Saint Paul Street to admire the beautiful architecture and enjoy the quaint shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The street is a bustling hive of activity and popular among tourists.
You’ll find cobblestone streets that are pedestrian friendly and the perfect “Europeanesque” ambiance for a weekend rendezvous. Surely Saint Paul Street has some of the best Montréal activities.
3. Visit the Bonsecours Market
Discover Bonsecours Market along Rue Saint-Paul within Old Town Montréal.
The market is a two-story domed building where you’ll find unique shops with everything from clothes, native Indian and Inuit artifacts, genuine maple syrup, handicrafts, and artistic souvenirs… definitely a great place to discover on your Montréal weekend getaway.
4. Discover Chinatown
Chris and I stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Montréal Downtown right at the entrance to Chinatown.
You may be interested to note that the Homewood Suites occupies the upper floors while a Hampton Inn is located on the lower floors. Both hotels share the breakfast area and the rooftop pool and hot tubs.
Step into the Chinatown neighborhood as you exit the hotel lobby where you’ll find a variety of Asian restaurants, food markets, and convenience stores. You are also pretty close to the Montréal Chinese Hospital and the Montréal Chinese Community and Cultural Center.
5. Explore Mount Royal Also Known as “The Mountain”
Majestically rising up in the heart of Montréal, Mount Royal or Mont-Royal (“The Mountain” as the locals call it) is a year round playground and is one of the best things about Montréal. On any given day, you’ll find joggers, cyclists, walkers, and boaters enjoying the park.
If you happen to be wondering what to do around Montréal for a long weekend this weekend, you’ll find plenty of activity on The Mountain.
Popular activities also include:
- Tobogganing
- Skating
- Skiing
- Bird watching
- Dog walking
- Hiking
- People watching
- Picnicking
Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (he also designed Central Park in New York City).
Follow the paved road to the top of “the mountain” and enjoy the view from the Kondiaronk Lookout. The panorama of Montréal from the Lookout and the Mount Royal Welcome Center is stunning.
6. Enjoy Old Town Montréal
Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal and the Old Port where you’ll find a dynamic city vibe. You’ll find Montréal famous places in Old Town: Saint Paul Street, Saint-Sulpice Seminary, museums, the ferris wheel, river cruises, Notre-Dame Basilica and a variety of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and stores in Old Town.
Be sure to visit during the evening for an enchanting walk through streets glittering with twinkle lights and full of life.
7. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
Tickets are required for your visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica in the heart of Old Montréal. Discover the beauty of the nave as you take a self-guided tour where you will undoubtedly be amazed by the stained glass windows, the artwork and the interior decoration.
The vaulted ceiling of the basilica is a deep blue and decorated with golden stars. Blue, azure, red, purple, silver, and gold decorate the rest of the sanctuary. The Basilica is one of the must-visit places in Montréal during your stay.
8. Take a Spin on La Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris Wheel
Take a spin on the La Grande Roue de Montréal observation wheel anytime of the year for a breathtaking view of Montréal. The ferris wheel boasts 42 cabins with ultra-clear windows and climate-controlled temperatures. Riding the ferris wheel is one of the coolest outdoor activities in Montréal.
9. Wander Through the Botanical Gardens
Montréal’s Botanical Garden is considered to be one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. The garden boast over 22,000 plant species, ponds, an indoor waterfall, 10 exhibition greenhouses, Chinese, Japanese, and First Nations gardens, and approximately 30 thematic gardens.
10. Marvel at the Garden of Light and Lantern show
The magical Gardens of Light runs through September and October and is a feast for the eyes.
Marvel as the Japanese, Chinese and First Nations Gardens at the Jardin botanique de Montréal are transformed with lights and hundreds of lanterns. Wander the footpaths throughout gardens as they are set ablaze with millions of tiny lights.
Are you looking for outdoor activities in Montréal during your visit? The light show is awesome, but be sure to bundle up for the cooler evening temperatures.
11. Enjoy Trendy Restaurants in Montréal
If you are a foodie, you will love trying the 11 hottest new restaurants in Montréal ranked by Eater Montréal:
- Les Mômes @ 586 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H6, Canada
- Anemone @ 271 Rue Saint-Zotique O, Montréal, QC H2V 1A4, Canada
- LeDon Donburi @ 168 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1R2, Canada
- Nili @ 255 Rue Saint- Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2V 1Y1, Canada
- Cabaret L’enfer @ 4094 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M5, Canada
- Vivace @ 101 Ave des Pins E, Montréal, QC H2W 1N8, Canada
- Nolan @ 1752 Rue Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1M3, Canada
- NineTailFox @ 3401 Rue Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1P3, Canada
- Eva’s @ 3981 Rue Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1R2, Canada
- Millmans @ 3779 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1V1, Canada
- Ketiw Comptoir Cambodgien @ 866 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1V2, Canada
Montréal Weekend Getaway Day Trips
12. Take Tours at Abbey St. Benoit du Lac
Visitors to the Abbey will find a wide variety of products in the Abbey shop made by the monks and residents:
- Artisanal cheese
- Compotes and spreads
- Chocolate
- Cider
- Books
- CDs
- Religious objects
- Art
The Benedictine monks who live at the Abbey work in the apple orchards, a fromagerie, and the chocolaterie. Tours are available from the middle of June until the beginning of September.
13. Explore Les Laurentides (Laurentians)
The Laurentians is a vast area north of Montréal that include scenic byways, beautiful lakes, lively villages, majestic mountains and some of the best skiing in North America.
14. Discover Magog
Magog is a tourist town approximately 120 km east of Montréal at the confluence of Lake Memphremagog, the Rivière aux Cerises and the Magog River.
“‘Memphremagog’ comes from the Abenaki word mamhlawbagak, which means ‘large expanse of water’ or ‘vast lake’.” ~Wikipedia
15. Drive from Montreal to Tremblant
As one of the top tourist attractions and cool places near Montréal, Mont-Tremblant, known for the famous Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, is within the Laurentian mountain range northwest of Montréal. It is about 130 km from Montreal to Tremblant. Beyond skiing, visitors to the area can enjoy:
- Stunning views
- Winter sports
- Golf
- A shopping village
- Hiking trails in Mont-Tremblant National Park
- Canoeing and water sports
Travel Gear for Your Montréal Weekend Getaway
- Portable Charger
- Headphones, Airpods, or corded earbuds
- Cell Phone
- Tablet and Keyboard
- Cable Organizer
- DSLR Camera, Point and Shoot Camera, or Underwater Camera
- Camera battery, Charger, Memory Card
- Power Strip
- Apple Watch
- The North Face Recon Backpack for Women
- The North Face Recon Backpack
- Travelon Crossbody Messenger Bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two days enough for Montréal?
Two days is not enough time to see all of the best things about Montréal, but it will give you time to begin your discovery and sample a taste of what the city has to offer. For a long weekend this weekend, plan at least 4 days.
What are the best months to visit Montréal?
Montréal is enjoyable to visit in April and May as well as September to November. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant, hotels often have availability, and the spring blossoms and fall foliage are awesome.
How far is Montréal from Quebec?
Quebec City is 158 miles (254 km) from Montréal. It would take you about three hours to drive that distance.
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Final Thoughts on A Montréal Weekend Getaway: Discover 15 Cool Things to Do
Sometimes the best trips and weekend getaways just pop up without time to make advanced plans and you just have to be spontaneous and say “YES!” to new adventures. Discover fun facts about Montréal for a long weekend this weekend and explore a myriad of outdoor activities in Montréal and nearby destinations when you do.
Having a few frequent flyer miles and hotel reward points makes the spontaneity that much sweeter. If you haven’t signed up for Hilton Honors or frequent flyer miles, now is a good time.
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I need to take another trip too Montreal, such a beautiful city. I absolutely loved the old town, botanical gardens and the view from Mount Royal was gorgeous.
I can’t wait to get to Montreal and see some of these things especially the markets and old town
Great list for some Montreal ideas. I especially love the look of the Garden of Light and Lantern show! I’ll definitely check it out if I’m ever in the area.
Thanks for the ideas!
You met us very well. You described everything very well!
Oooh nice! I am glad you enjoyed your trip East! Montreal is such a great food-filled city isn’t it!? I loved the mountain in the middle as you call it, and the possible day trips to go hiking – but most of my memories there are from good food and markets!
Garden of Light and Lantern show looks really fun at this time of year!
Montreal is a great city. Living only 2 hours away, it is a quick getaway destination for us. There are a few items on your list that I still haven’t been to, thank you for the reminder 🙂
I had a rough first visit to Montreal – things didn’t go to plan… but after a few days the city redeemed itself. Sitting in the sun in Mont Royale certainly helped. Now looking at your guide, it reminds me I need to go back!
Thanks for the post! Montreal is amazing! I have been there many years ago, but now I reeeeeaally feel like going back 🙂
What a gorgeous city to explore! I love these ideas! You have inspired me to explore deeper for myself!
I would love to go to Montreal one day, to me, it’s like a mini France! I have been looking at flights to go there but it’s expensive coming from the West Coast of the US.
I’m finding myself adding Canada to my bucket list more and more! Montreal looks beautiful and picturesque! Thank you for sharing all the great things the city has to offer!
I would love to check out “the mountain”. I am always looking for new parks and outdoor spaces to explore when i’m traveling. Thank’s for these awesome recommendations!
We love being able to hop to Montreal on a fairly frequent basis. So much variety in the things to see and do. It was good that you discovered the great outdoor things there were to do. And were charmed in Old Montréal too! Eating well is never a challenge in this great city.
I used to live an hour south of Montréal in Vermont. We loved exploring this city and your post is inspiring me to visit again to experience all 15 of these cool things to do.
We’ve been to Montreal once, and did a boattour and wandered around down town. However there’s so much to do, we’ll just have to return and do some of the things on this list.