Canada
Montreal
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Montreal: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
A big French-speaking city with European charm: the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, the colourful staircases of the Plateau and bagels, on an island in the St. Lawrence.
Best weatherIn summer: festivals and terraces, around 25 °C. Autumn has stunning colours, and winter is cold but festive.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Sugar shacks
In spring, it's sugar season: traditional maple meals in the sugar shacks around the city.
Festival season
International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, terraces and picnics on Mount Royal.
Autumn colours
The maples turn red and gold: the most beautiful time for Mount Royal and the Laurentians.
Festive winter
Ice skating, Igloofest in January and Montréal en lumière in February: a cold but very lively winter, at low prices.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Old Montreal
The historic district by the river: cobbled streets, Notre-Dame Basilica and charming hotels.
Plateau-Mont-Royal
The liveliest area: cafés, shops and houses with outdoor staircases, near Mount Royal.
Downtown
Handy and central, linked to the metro and the underground city. Perfect in winter.
Quartier des Spectacles
Right in the heart of the summer festivals, like the International Jazz Festival.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Old Montreal
Cobbled streets, stone façades and a European feel: the historic district is perfect on foot. Step into Notre-Dame Basilica to admire its blue and gold interior.
Ideal for strolling
Mount Royal
This large park in the heart of the city was designed by the creator of Central Park. From the Kondiaronk lookout, the view of the skyscrapers is superb in every season.
Ideal for great views
A city of festivals
In summer, the International Jazz Festival fills downtown with free outdoor concerts. In winter, Montréal en Lumière lights up the cold nights.
Ideal for music lovers
Poutine, bagels and smoked meat
Try poutine (fries, cheese curds and gravy), wood-fired bagels and the famous smoked meat sandwich. On cold days, the Underground City links shops and the metro.
Ideal for food lovers