There’s no shortage of things to do in Montréal

Montréal is a bustling, cosmopolitan city and coming up with just a few activity suggestions for a quick stopover or a pre- or post-cruise stay is an impossible task. But Geneviève Archambault, Travel Trade and Media Relations Manager at Tourism Montréal took it upon herself to try anyway! Find out where the Montréal locals head to when looking for good food and a fun time!

What to do?

Straight away, Geneviève recommends hiring a certified guide to discover Montréal’s many neighbourhoods. Each of them has a particular vibe, from cultural Quartier Latin to hip and urban Plateau Mont-Royal. Exploring them on foot is the best way to soak in the atmosphere.

What to eat?

Summarizing Montréal’s food scenes in a couple of lines is literally impossible, which is why Geneviève recommends stopping at the “halles gourmandes”. These foodie destinations are a cut above the average food court, and offer both fast food and fine dining options. In fact, many renowned chefs have stalls in one of Montréal’s three food halls (Time Out Market Montréal, Le Central - Manger Montréal, Le Cathcart, restaurants et biergarten), which offer everything from street food to sit-down dining experiences and posh cocktails.

What to drink?

Gin enthusiasts will fall in love with Montréal! Many distilleries have put their own spin on the popular drink, experimenting with herbs and fruit. Distillerie Rosemont in particular offers a wide selection of spirits, created in Montréal’s Rosemont neighbourhood. Try their maple-flavoured vodka, spiced or pineapple rum, or their gin infused with either rose petals or citrus fruits.

Did you know?

Since 2017, the Montréal flag features the symbols of the city’s five founding nations: the white pine (for the Indigenous people), the fleur-de-lis (for the French), the rose (for the English), the thistle (for the Scottish) and the clover (for the Irish). With such a varied cultural heritage, it’s no wonder Montréal is one of the most interesting cities around!