Remarkable Places to see in Montreal

With only a day to explore Montreal I decided to spend it in Old Montreal. Even though time was short I managed to pack a few things in but even just wandering the streets admiring the different buildings and streets was enough. It was a grey, wet afternoon and there were people everywhere, all of them seemingly unbothered by the weather and happy to be out in it.  I can just imagine what it would be like on a sunny day.

Old cities have a pull on me that I find hard to explain, except that it probably comes down to the same thing that draws me to vintage and secondhand finds: the sense that something has lived a life before you arrived.

 

Old Montreal

Much of my time was spent just walking around Old Montreal, which was a good way to explore the area. Walking along Rue Saint-Paul which is the city’s oldest street admiring the 19th century buildings that have been renovated and now house art galleries, artists studios and more. Place Jacques Cartier was also worth a stop and make sure to see Rue Saint Amable.

 

Notre Dame Basilica Montreal

I paid for the sightseeing visit to Notre-Dame Basilica which was so worthwhile.  The colours inside are extraordinary: deep blues, rich golds, intricate woodwork everywhere you look. There’s a level of detail that takes a while to absorb. You find yourself looking at one section and then realising there’s an entire other layer of ornamentation you hadn’t even noticed yet.

Quick Tips: Notre Dame Basilica

Address: 110 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal
What I did: Paid sightseeing visit (self-guided with interpretation panels throughout)
Website: basiliquenotredame.ca to book tickets and check current event schedules
Good to know: Book in advance, particularly in peak season. There is also an AURA evening light show experience if you want something different after dark. Special events and masses can affect visiting hours without notice.
Time to allow: 1 to 1.5 hours

 

 

Overview of Notre Dame Basilica Montreal

 

The Bank of Montreal

Purely by chance, while walking past the Bank of Montreal, I spotted a couple having their wedding photos taken on the steps outside. It’s a grand old building and completely makes sense as a backdrop. One of those little moments you stumble across that you’d never have planned for.

 

Chapelle Notre Dame de bon Secours Montreal

I saw Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours from the outside. Built in 1771, it’s one of the oldest churches in Montreal, historically known as the Sailors’ Church because sailors arriving in the Old Port would stop to give thanks for safe passage. There’s a statue of the Virgin overlooking the harbour that nods to those maritime roots.

From the outside, I’ll be honest, I found it a bit severe-looking. Not unwelcoming exactly, just serious in a way that felt almost heavy perhaps it was the weather on the day? Though after the fact it does appear to be a place worth visiting, you can find out more on the Marguerite Bourgeoys website

The Old Port Montreal

The Old Port is a whole precinct in its own right and there’s a lot going on down there. I spotted the Tour de l’Horloge (the Clock Tower) on the Plage de l’Horloge, and separately the Montreal Ferris Wheel, which is a striking thing to come across on a grey waterfront day. There were people zip lining too, which looked like tremendous fun in the damp air.
It’s an area where you can wander and feel relaxed. The Old Port website has a full rundown of what’s on if you want to plan ahead, because there really is a lot to do.

Places to Eat in Old Montreal

Tommy Café

Earlier in the day I stopped in at Tommy Cafe for something to eat, which turned out to be a great choice. The decor is  eclectic, just how I like it. A vintage couch, old mirrors, plants, and little touches scattered around that give the whole place real personality.

Quick Tips: Tommy Cafe (St-Paul)

Address: 151 rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Montreal
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm | Sat-Sun 8:00am-5:00pm
Website: tommycafe.ca
Good to know: Multiple Tommy Cafe locations in Montreal so make sure you head to the St-Paul one if that’s the vibe you’re after. Known for coffee and brunch-style food.
Time to allow: 30 to 45 minutes

Café des Arts

Later in the day I stopped for a coffee and a muffin at Café des Arts and had a wander around the complex. It’s tucked inside the Marché Bonsecours building, a nice place to pause mid-wander.

Quick Tips: Café des Arts

Address: 350 Rue Saint-Paul Est (inside Marché Bonsecours), Montreal
What I had: Coffee and a muffin
Hours: Check the website
Website: cafedesarts.ca
Good to know: Located at the far end of the Marché Bonsecours indoor shopping area, so worth a wander through the market on the way. Art on the walls is for sale.
Time to allow: As long as you like, it’s a relaxed spot

 

 

 

Montreal Video Highlights

includes other Canadian stops

 

Thrifting in Montreal

Value Village

Before any of the sightseeing, there was a stop I had to make. I’d heard of Value Village but had never actually been to one, and this was my first visit. If you’re not familiar, think of it as an op shop scaled up to a degree that might make your head spin. The sheer volume of stuff is something to behold. Coming from New Zealand where our op shops are relatively compact, walking into a Value Village for the first time is a genuine experience. I could have spent a lot more time there.

This thrift store was near our accomodation which was a about a 30 min drive to Old Montreal. Unfortunately it was the only secondhand shop I managed to visit in Montreal. However I did manage to see some thrift stores in Quebec – blog coming soon.

Final Thoughts on Montreal

A day in Montreal isn’t enough. I knew that before I visited, I only scratched the surface. There’s so many interesting things to look at and explore but I think spending most of my time in Old Montreal was the right call.

Have you been to Montreal? I’d love to know what you’d prioritise on a longer visit. More blogs to come on our North
American experience.

Happy travelling, Jenny – follow me on Insta or Youtube