Montreal is one of the biggest cities in Canada, and its rich history is supported by some stunning architecture, a lively modern atmosphere, and mouth-watering food. It is truly a city one must see at least once in one’s life.

While sitting around enjoying some delicious food in Plateau Mont-Royal, partying Downtown, or going for a walk in Old Montreal, there are tons of things you can do to enjoy the city more. Below are some travel tips to help you explore Montreal like a local.

Make Use of Public Transport

Sightseeing around Montreal is made simple due to the impressive public transit network. You can travel through the city with the cheap and reliable Montreal Metro, which will take you through the historic streets of Old Montreal to Mile End, which is the artistic district. If you plan on visiting multiple sections of the city, you should consider buying a multi-day metro pass. There are also plenty of bikes that you can hire as a cheaper and healthier alternative for exploring the city.

Become a Foodie

Montreal is a foodie’s delight. Schwartz’s Deli serves the world-renowned smoked meat sandwich, and St-Viateur’s Bagels are bagels that will leave your taste buds dancing. Try visiting the city’s markets like Jean-Talon or Atwater to get the best local experience, as these markets provide fresh produce, artisan cheese, and tasty local delicacies.

While you’re at it, remember to try the city’s signature dish, tossed fries smothered in gravy and topped with cheese curds, otherwise known as poutine. For those who are looking to experience fine dining, Montreal has many world-class restaurants offering culinary masterpieces created by some of Canada’s finest chefs.

Enjoy Entertainment and Nightlife

Nightlife in Montreal is diverse and lively, from the chic bars and clubs on Crescent Street to indie ones on the Plateau, Montreal has it all. Another fascinating form of entertainment that is often overlooked by tourists is the city’s casinos.

For those hoping to try their luck, online casinos in Quebec are a great place to start. They are easy to access before your trip and have all the local gaming rules and preferences. Online casinos often feature promotions, like free spins for new users to help test out the games.

Once your appetite for online gaming is calling, you can visit the Casino de Montreal, which is the most accessible local casino to downtown Montreal.

Aside from the casino nightlife, Montreal also has a long list of festivals like the Igloo fest, an outdoor electronic music festival that takes place during winter, or the International Jazz festival that takes place in the summer.

Discover Montreal’s Rich History

No visit to Montreal would be complete without exploring its history. Stroll along the Old Port, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and enjoy a relaxing carriage ride. History lovers should stop by the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, which is dedicated to the archaeological history of Montreal.

Furthermore, the Chateau Ramezay historic house provides a magnified view of life in colonial Canada. There are even more great places, such as the Montreal Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which add to the diverse history of Montreal.

Dress for the Weather

With Montreal being cold for most parts of the year, layering up will help keep you comfortable. The summers tend to have hot and quite sticky weather, which means spending time outside is quite enjoyable at the many outdoor festivals, such as the International Jazz Festival or the Just for Laughs comedy festival.

Winters, on the other hand, are typically harsh with plenty of snow, which means ice skating, along with visiting the magical Christmas markets, is a go-to. Always check the weather estimate and plan accordingly if you want to make the best out of each season’s charms. Warm boots, insulated jackets, gloves, and a scarf are essential for outdoor activities in the winter.

Explore Montreal’s Parks and Green Spaces

Montreal also has some magnificent parks and green open spaces, which is quite impressive for a famous city. For example, Mount Royal Park serves as a stunning centrepiece park for the city due to its panoramic views.

This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City. The Botanical Gardens and Parc La Fontaine are good spots to unwind, enjoy a stroll, or have a picnic. Jean-Drapeau Park, on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, is also a stunning place to visit with lots of greenery and fewer crowds. It also contains some great sandy beaches along with the famous Biosphere Environment Museum.