From Gourmet to Gaming: The Best Things to Do in Montréal

If you’ve never been to Montréal, you may have the misconception that the city is a chilly winter wonderland. However, there’s lots to do and explore in Quebec’s Metropolis if you know where to look. In fact, according to Tourisme Montreal, the city is set to expect a lively summer tourism season this year. In 2023, 11 million tourists visited the city, and the numbers are expected to increase in the following year.

Additionally, officials expect more direct flights to Montréal from the US and other countries this year, owing to the strengthening of the US dollar. Similarly, in 2023, hotels were 80% booked. As many hotels throughout the city have undergone upgrades and updates in the past year, alongside new and modern establishments, experts expect the number will be reached again.

So, if you’re planning on a city break anytime soon, you may find there’s lots to do in Montréal. Below, we’ll be highlighting some of the best things to do in Montréal based on your interests and preferences:

Cuisine

Photo credit: M. Rehemtulia

One of the biggest draws of Montréal is the culinary experience the city offers. As such, the city is a dream destination for foodies seeking diverse and refreshing gastronomic experiences. You may be familiar with the poutine — a savory dish made of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Other local foods you may want to try include Montréal style bagels, which deliver a crunchy sweetness served in various ways. You can find various local businesses and restaurants offering Montréal style bagels, including the family-owned St-Viateur Bagels, which has been a local favorite since the 50s.

As mentioned, Montréal offers a diverse culinary experience if you know where to look. The city is home to various annual food festivals like the YATAI MTL. In 2023, the four-day event drew over 30,000 people. Spearheaded by non-profit ASIASIE, the Japanese food and culture festival is set to return to the greens of Lachine Canal National Historic Site this year, offering tourists total immersion into Japanese culture with over 30 culinary kiosks on standby.

Gaming and esports

While not as explicitly known for its gaming culture, Montréal is home to a vast diversity of video game and esports opportunities. With annual esports events and gaming conventions abound the city has quickly become a gaming and nerd hub for many enthusiasts in recent years. For one, Montréal is home to the popular esports title Rainbow Six Siege’s official esports tournament, the Six Invitational. The 2023 Six Invitational took place in Montreal and Laval and boasted a $3 million prize pool. Since its introduction in 2017, Montréal has played host for the coveted Six Invitational tournament, barring 2021 (Paris) and 2022 (Stockholm). The city is also home to many video game and esports bars, including Arcade MTL on Saint-Denis, which features older and retro consoles for more nostalgic gamers. You can also check out Meltdown Montréal, also on Saint-Denis, which couples PC and console gaming with karaoke, DJs, and other events depending on the day of the week.

Today, Canada and Montréal have birthed many esports video game titles and esports professionals. The aforementioned Rainbow Six Siege was created in the city under the video game development company Ubisoft and has remained a popular esports staple despite the game’s age. Likewise, there is also a huge market for esports fans, viewers, and bettors. As with traditional sports, many fans and enthusiasts rely on esports betting predictions to place bets on tournament and match outcomes, adding a new high-stakes layer to esports entertainment and competitions, as well as showing support for favored teams and players. Of course, it's essential to do your research by watching, listening, and learning through various tournaments to avoid tilting or rushing as you follow esports events.

Nature

Photo credit: Dean Bere

Of course, a city break in Montréal would not be complete without the city's beautiful green spaces. Whether you're looking to hike up tree-covered mountains or want a picturesque picnic by a fountain in the park, Montréal perfectly balances its greenery with city life. Some urban parks you'll want to check out include Parc La Fontaine, which spans several city blocks between downtown and the Plateau's eastern edge. While the park's pond is a known skating rink during the winter, La Fontaine is a warm hangout spot in summer. If you'd like to do some physical activity on your day out, you can also visit Parc Maisonneuve, which has a public golf course and official bike paths. It's also next door to a botanical garden and insectarium, which are great for satisfying your natural interest.

If you'd like to go a bit farther away from the cityscape, you can also check out Montréal's many nature parks. There's the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques, which is a short drive from the city and is open year-round. Whether cycling, bird-watching, or even water activities like kayaking or going on a pedal boat, the park offers a variety of experiences and activities. If you're traveling with family, you can also check out the animal and organic vegetable farm.

History

Notre-Dame,_Montreal, credit Diego Delso

A crucial ingredient of Montréal's diversity is the city's rich history and, subsequently, its many historical landmarks and sites. Whether you're a history enthusiast or would like to snap photos of architectural landmarks, Montréal has it all. There's the Notre Dame Basilica, the city's oldest Catholic church, built in 1656, which features intricate interior design and stained glass art chronicling the city's history. You can also take a stroll down Rue St-Paul, which is the oldest of Montréal's streets, home to the Bonsecours Market and authentic cobblestones. You can visit the street's many shops and restaurants to get a European flavor away from Europe.

You can also stop by the Château Ramezay Museum for more historical tourism. Dating back to 1705, it's one of the oldest buildings in North America and features a permanent exhibition detailing prehistoric times through the early 20th century. It's also surrounded by beautiful gardens, laid out in traditional 18th-century style and featuring historical plants. For a more immersive experience, you can take a guided tour offered by the Château's volunteer guides for a more thorough look into Montréal's history.

Arts

Credit: Jeangagnon

Finally, another important draw of the city of Montréal is its love for the arts. In our previous post highlighting the dynamic cityscape of Montréal, we highlighted the various forms and shapes of art you can encounter as you explore the city, from iconic street art down Saint-Laurent Boulevard to the many museums and galleries that combine historical and contemporary works for artists and enthusiasts.

At the same time, new art attractions continue to prop up throughout the city. A newly opened spin art bar called Art Chaos has become especially popular recently. Located in Montréal’s Mile End neighborhood, the art bar is a fun and experimental avenue for spin art. For the uninitiated, spin art involves decorating or dripping paint onto a rotating surface. This makes it a great escape for those who like looking at art but may not know or have the experience to create their own. Visitors have access to unlimited paint for an hour to create boundless works of art based on colors and movement.

So, whether you’re looking for a Montréalese food trip, supporting your favorite esports team, or acquainting yourself with the arts, Montréal is an endless source of inspiration and adventure for your much-needed city break.