Montreal is the ultimate city of culture. It’s a bilingual city where the word “boredom” isn’t part of the lexicon, in any language. It’s an exciting place that is sure to charm you, whether for a weekend, a week, or longer!
Many of you will be visiting Montreal for the upcoming Mental Health for All conference, from October 22 to 24, so we have come up with a list of 6 things to do in Montreal for a dose of instant well-being.
1. A relaxing break
Did you know that Montreal is brimming with places to pamper yourself? There’s nothing like taking a break to relax and recharge your batteries. One of our favourite spots to do just that is the floating spa Bota Bota. Yes, you heard right. You can relax on a boat and take in its gardens in the heart of the Old Port. You’ll enjoy a view of the Old Port, the St. Lawrence and Habitat 67, a highly original example of modern architecture. For more information: http://botabota.ca/ (Square-Victoria-OACI metro station)
2. A walk on Mont Royal
A stone’s throw from downtown, Mont Royal is a great spot for getting some fresh air. Joggers, cyclists, families and sightseers gather at the summit to take in the breathtaking view of downtown. You’ll recognize the historic site from its lighted cross. For more information: https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/fr/a-propos-du-mont-royal/l-histoire-du-mont-royal (Mont-Royal metro station)
3. A “tail” of two cafés
Pet lovers will delight! The Chat l’Heureux and the Doggy Café are great places to enjoy a latté in feline or canine company. Cat and dog lovers will be well served! For more information, visit the websites for the Doggy Café (between Laurier and Mont-Royal metros) and the Chat l’Heureux.(Sherbrooke metro station)
4. A world of flavour to discover
If there’s one thing you can’t skip in Montreal, it’s the food. There’s Little Italy and its lively cafés, the Jean-Talon and Atwater markets, Mile End with its bagels (St. Viateur Bagel -vs- Fairmont Bagel), La Banquise with its many choices of poutine, the famous Schwartz’s with its smoked meat, the incredible range of bistros, world cuisine, street food and so much more! Hands down, Montreal is foodie heaven!
Looking for a restaurant? RestoMontreal will whet your appetite!
5. Back to the source
Montreal just celebrated its 375th anniversary! It’s no surprise that history buffs love the city, with its historic architecture and museums. The free app, Montréal en Histoires, lets you discover historic sites and points of interest with a virtual guide.
6. A cultural rendezvous
Montreal has an international reputation for cultural vitality. An entire district—the Quartier des Spectacles—has been designed as a site for festivals, museums and cultural activities. Explore its concert venues, art museums, theatres, the Society for Arts and Technology, public art and much more, right in the heart of the city. For more information: https://www.quartierdesspectacles.com/en/ (Place-des-Arts metro station)
Looking for new ideas for your next visit to Montreal?