Montréal is a year-round destination, and with the fall season almost upon us, there is so much to see and do in this magnificent city. Whether it is searching for a dazzling collection of museums and theatres to feed your cultural curiosity, fresh local markets to whet your appetite, science to feed your brain or just taking some tranquil moments enjoying the vibrant colours in nature, Montréal has something to offer everyone.
Local Delights
It is no secret that Montréal is a central hub for all things fresh and local. Paired with the extraordinary dining options that circle the globe, the city boasts all kinds of delectable delights for the tastebuds. Just North of the city in Little Italy, visitors will marvel at the oldest and largest open-air market in North America, the Jean-Talon Market. Fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, ready-to-eat dishes and, of course, mounds of cheese are some of the things that can be savoured here. Situated in the southwest borough of Saint-Henri, the Atwater Market is not only an architects dream of witnessing Art Deco features, but the market boasts organic and locally grown products and houses many vendors including gourmet olive oils, balsamic vinegars, spices and dried fruit—a perfect place to pick up a treat from one of the many merchants.
Sylvie LiFood for the Brain: Exhibitions, Culture and History
Spend the day exploring Space for Life, Canada's largest science museum complex which includes the Botanical Garden—home to more than 22,000 species of plants, 20 outdoor gardens, and 10 exhibitions blooming on 75 hectares of lush beauty—the famous Biodôme housing five ecosystems all under one roof and the newly renovated Insectarium, which reopened its doors to the public in the springtime and is the first museum in North America where a number of other live and naturalized insect species can be mixed. For a more intimate experience, opt for the essence of luminescence by walking past silk lanterns in the Chinese garden during the Gardens of Lights, 30 Years of Magic on September 2 to October 31.
History comes to life with Cité Mémoire, an art installation created by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, inspired by the history of Montréal. The installation is on display for four years and features more than 25 tableaux projected on historical buildings. It is the largest installation of its kind in the world, and it’s right here, in Old Montréal.
Eva BlueBold and innovative, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the oldest art museum in Canada, allows visitors to discover Québec and Canadian heritage and international traditions. Jean-Michel Basquiat was considered one of the most innovative artists of the second half of the twentieth century and an exhibition honouring his musical talents, At Full Volume: Basquiat and Music, will begin its run October 15 to February 19, 2023, while the McCord Museum presents its first major exhibition dedicated to the photographer Alexander Henderson entitled Art and Nature, until April 23, 2023.
Pointe-à-Callière, the largest archaeological museum in Canada, was built on the very site where Montréal was founded in 1642. Visitors can enjoy the permanent exhibition, Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers?. This family exhibit allows guests to board the ship D’Iberville and embark on an immersive and interactive adventure dating back to the days of New France.
Centre PHI is a multifunctional space where art takes the form of various shapes. The PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art is celebrating its 15th anniversary and is presenting Yayoi Kusama: Dancing Lights That Flew Up To The Universe—celebrating one of the most popular living contemporary artists in the world today—until January 15, 2023.
David ZwirnerCulture has a permanent home in Montréal in the way of theatre productions. Centaur Theatre Company has another magnificent lineup this year including Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes running November 8 to 27; Segal Centre for the Performing Arts, the heart of English Theatre, runs Poo! No Water from Sept 1 to 15 with their full line up of shows to be announced in Sept; the OSM Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, sees another brilliant musical lineup including Shostakovich And Mozart Envisioned by Rafael Payare October 13 And Beethoven’s Triple Concerto In OSM Colours November 9 and 10.
Nature’s Best Medicine
Tranquil moments are waiting to melt away the everyday stress at Bota Bota, a river ferry turned upscale floating spa offering treatments, yoga, sauna and a restaurant taking in silence and a breathtaking view of Montréal; Strøm Nordic Spa offers serene moments and a thermal spa on the shores of Lac des Battures located on Nun’s Island—both exceptional places to see the beautiful fall foliage.
Strøm spa nordiqueAnother great way to see Montréal’s vibrant autumn colours is wandering around the peaceful parks. A trip to Montréal would not be complete without visiting the urban oasis of Mount Royal Park, the centrepiece to Montréal’s lush landscape, Mount Royal encompasses over 200 hectares of parkland, perfect for long walks on a colourful fall day. Surrounded by the Saint Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is known for its diverse cultural and sports programming and where you’ll find hiking trails, public art, eco-tours, gardens and perfect picnic spots; with 40 hectares of land, the iconic Parc La Fontaine is an ideal place to picnic by a pond under some tall trees while keeping your eyes peeled for the park’s star bird, the starling. Parc Frédéric-Back, located within the Saint-Michel Environment Complex in the space that once served as a dumping ground, is now an urban sanctuary dedicated to the environment, culture recreation and sports.
Walking around a city is one of the best ways to admire and explore its features. A stroll around the Old Port for a side of scenic St. Lawrence views along cobblestone streets outlining the many shops and boutiques is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Alongside a little shopping on pedestrian street of Saint-Paul in Old Montréal, one of the oldest and most historic streets in the city filled with charm, shops and restaurants.
Inspiration Around Every Corner
Montréal has lots to offer when it comes to its murals and the artworks are one-of-a-kind and boast the city’s culture on many unique canvases.
Montréal Mural Tour by Spade & Palacio ToursOne of the most popular is the Leonard Cohen mural, a tribute to a Montréal icon rising 10,000 square feet and 21 stories above the city; the art installation Niamh is inspired by the themes of nature and time presented in Nicolas Party’s exhibition L’heure mauve and is in collaboration with the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, on until October 22. Take a walking excursion with Montréal Mural Tour - Spade & Palacio Tours which runs through the Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the perfect way to satisfy your artistic curiosity.
It is no mistake that the Quartier des spectacles is in Montréal’s downtown entertainment district—it stands as the centre of all things artistic. Take a free walking tour that allows you to explore the creativity and history that inhabits this 1 km2 area of the island. And when the sun sets, things begin to sparkle thanks to the Luminous Pathway, highlighting the city’s unrivalled creativity.
Exploring Montréal via your stomach is a sure-fire way to get to know the city—very, very well. Check out the Local Montréal Food Tours in Mile End and Old Montréal for a special treat on exploring the neighbourhoods and gastronomy. Montréal’s staples of classic poutine, bagels and smoked meats are scattered across the city and offer an authentic Montréal experience— Schwartz's Deli is known for its smoked meat while St-Viateur Bagel has been defining the art of bagel making since 1957 and La Banquise satisfies your need for poutine with more than 30 options to choose from. For the full and true Montréal experience, indulge in gastronomic delight at one of Montréal’s renowned restaurants.
Alice GaoNo matter where your travels take you, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.
