Must See Places in Montreal

June 20, 2022 Comedyville Pressroom

Comedyville Comedy Club loves showcasing the many wonderful sights and sounds of our wonderful city. While we are certainly in the business of comedy shows in Montreal, we recognize that our guests from out of town will want to fully explore Montreal. While we would certainly welcome you to our comedy club, we also want you to take the time to truly experience all that our city has to offer. With that in mind, here are some must-see places in Montreal.

Old Montreal (Including the Old Port)

A favourite of many tourists is to visit Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal in French). This is the location where the city was originally founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie. You’ll be able to escape the skyscrapers of the business district and take in some old-world charm. This area is filled with cobblestone streets and historical sites. In fact, many of the top things to do in Montreal are found in this area.

As you stroll through Old Montreal, you will notice a different vibe than elsewhere in town. You’ll notice crowds milling around local restaurants and cafes. You’ll likely also see some street performers engaging in magic, acrobatics, or other things. You can easily pass away an afternoon exploring this beautiful area.

Le Quartier des spectacles

If you are a lover of arts, the Quartier des Spectacles, or the entertainment district in English, is simply not to be missed. This area is Montreal’s downtown arts and entertainment district and has many things to see. Here, you will find many different museums, restaurants, and shops. However, the big draw is the huge Montreal arts scene.

Here you will find Quebec’s oldest operating theatre, Montreal’s Monument-National, and the most popular library in all of Canada, La Grande Bibliothèque. You can also take in a show at the Place des Arts. This is also the place to be for many of Montreal’s festivals such as the Just for Laughs Festival and International Jazz Festival. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the arts, the Quartier des Spectacles is definitely one of the must-see places.

Underground City

If the summer gets a little too hot or the winter gets far too cold, an easy escape is to head underground. In Montreal, you can do this by visiting the Underground City. This is an interesting thing to see and is comprised of nearly 20 miles of businesses. If you want to take a shopping excursion during your vacation, the Underground City is a great place to venture into.

While it may seem much like a maze, you’ll be pleased to know that it is well-marked to ensure that you don’t get lost. You can easily spend hours walking through the different shops and connecting malls. As you wander through the Underground City, you’ll also find that different areas have their own distinct vibes and culture. You’ll be happy to know that Gare Centrale (Montreal Central Station) is also connected to the Underground City.

Marché Jean-Talon (Jean-Talon Market)

Visitors simply must stop by Jean-Talon Market. This is the largest outdoor market in the city and a place where you can find virtually any type of food that you would like. If your visit to Montreal involves staying in an AirBnB, this is a great place to find locally sourced meats, veggies, and fruits to cook up.

However, even if you don’t plan on cooking, it is a great place to visit as there are many ready-to-eat delectable foods. From hot bread to cold desserts, you’ll find many things to tempt your taste buds. Of course, Marché Jean-Talon isn’t all about foods. Here you’ll also find crafts, souvenirs, artwork, and many other things being sold by vendors.

Something you may not have known, prior to its opening in 1933, the space was a lacrosse field for the “Shamrock Lacrosse Grounds” club.

Montreal Botanical Garden

This is one of the hidden gems of the city, making it a truly must-see place in Montreal. This is actually a combination of a number of different themed gardens that provide for an immersive stroll. Spanning nearly 200 acres, the Montreal Botanical Garden is a National Historic Site of Canada.

While you will certainly find many things to do here, one of our personal favourites is the Japanese Garden where you’ll find bamboo and beautiful water features. Another treat is the First Nations Garden where you can learn about the art and culture of Canada’s original inhabitants including many artifacts such as a totem pole.

Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)

Near the top of Montreal’s Mount Royal, you will find the expansive Mount Royal Park, which is one of the must-see places in Montreal for nature lovers. This is a great area to relax, take a stroll, or have a picnic. It is particularly beautiful in the autumn with the changing colours of the leaves. It also provides wonderful views of the city from the Mount Royal Chalet.

However, Mount Royal Park is not solely a place to rejoice in nature. Here, you can also find many things to do from skating rinks and toboggan hills to rowboats and playgrounds. If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon, this is a great place to get a bit of respite.

Saint Helen’s Island (Île Sainte-Hélène)

Located just a bit south of the city, you can visit Saint Helen’s Island, one of Montreal’s most unique must-see places. While there are many things to see on this island in the Saint Lawrence River, the feature is the Biosphere Environment Museum. This giant dome-like structure contains many exhibits aimed at exploring our relationships with nature.

But there is more to do on this island than just touring the Biosphere. You can also visit the La Ronde amusement park, take a walk in Parc Jean-Drapeau, or visit other museums and remnants of Expo 67. This island truly has something for every interest from thrill rides to hands-on scientific exhibits.

Something you may not have known, the Island was named in 1611 by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, in honour of his wife, Hélène de Champlain, née Boullé.

Mile End

Closing out this article of must-see places in Montreal is the neighbourhood of Mile End. A trendy neighbourhood where you can find lots of small boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants. Mile End is a fun place to explore for a few hours. One of the fun things to do in this area is to check out the local artists selling their paintings and artworks on the sidewalk.

A really fun way to experience the Mile End neighbourhood is to take a formal tour. There are a number of cycling tours available; however, our personal favourite is food tours. These carefully curated tours will take you around to taste many of the diverse culinary offerings of this popular area.

Make Your Montreal Trip Memorable

These must-see places in Montreal are a great way to ensure that you have a memorable trip. Montreal is the most populous metropolitan area in Quebec and the second most populous in Canada with a diverse array of things to see. It is really easy to customize the perfect trip. And of course, we are always happy to welcome you to Comedyville Comedy Club for our hilarious English comedy shows.