Montréal: A Journey of Culture, History, and Poutine

Montréal, Canada is truly a city that blends old-world charm with a vibrant, modern edge. During our trip to this captivating French-Canadian city, we found ourselves constantly amazed by the stunning architecture, the deep-rooted history, the eclectic neighborhoods, and yes, by the sheer amount of delicious food we ate.

Here’s a look at some of our unforgettable moments and some helpful tips if you’re planning a trip to Montreal.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

Our first major stop was the Basilique Notre-Dame, an iconic church nestled in the heart of Old Montréal. Walking through its doors felt like stepping into a different time. Built in 1829, this Gothic Revival masterpiece is absolutely gorgeous.

The ornate wood carvings, deep blue vaulted ceilings speckled with golden stars, and the glowing altar left us in awe. Even if you’ve seen European cathedrals, there’s something uniquely majestic about this one. If you’re visiting, don’t miss the “Aura” light show in the evening—it turns the basilica into a canvas of light and sound.

Speaking of sounds, the plaza outside the basilica is typically full of musicians and artists sharing their work. This plaza is a central gathering area for tourists in Old Montreal.

👉 Tourist Tip: Tickets are required for entry (and especially for the light show), so book in advance if you can. It’s easily accessible from the Place-d’Armes Metro station.

Exploring Nature: Chalet du Mont-Royal & Île Ste-Hélène

Montreal may be a bustling city, but it knows how to offer some nature as well.

We made the short, scenic hike form the parking area up to the Chalet du Mont-Royal, a historic lookout point built in the 1930s.

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Mont-Royal is the tallest point in Montréal and home to the expansive Parc du Mont-Royal.

From the chalet’s terrace, we were rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of downtown Montréal, the St. Lawrence River, and even a glimpse of the Olympic Stadium in the distance. It’s the perfect spot for photos, especially in the early morning or at sunset.

This large mural on the wall of a 21-story building on Crescent Street in the city center commemorates Leonard Cohen, a well-known singer, poet and novelist born in Montreal

Later in the trip, we headed to Île Ste-Hélène, one of the islands in the St. Lawrence River. It’s part of Parc Jean-Drapeau, a massive urban park that was once home to Expo 67, one of the most celebrated World’s Fairs in history. You can easily spend a whole day here, exploring the trails, lounging by the river, or discovering the unique structures left behind from the Expo era.

👉 Tourist Tip: Bring a picnic and comfortable walking shoes for both locations. Île Ste-Hélène is also home to La Ronde, Montréal’s Six Flags amusement park, and is accessible by metro via the Jean-Drapeau station.

The Eco Icon: The Montréal Biosphère

One of the most unexpected and fascinating stops on our trip was the Biosphère on Île Ste-Hélène. Originally built as the United States pavilion for Expo 67, this massive geodesic dome now serves as an environmental museum.

Walking through the exhibitions, we learned about climate change, water conservation, and sustainable development in a way that was interactive and surprisingly fun. And the building itself? A futuristic marvel.

👉 Did You Know? The Biosphère was designed by famed architect Buckminster Fuller and is one of the only structures from Expo 67 still standing. It caught fire in 1976, but its skeleton remains intact and still awe-inspiring.

Another one of the leftover architecture from Expo 67 I found extremely fascinating was Habitat 67, a housing complex at Cité du Havre, on the Saint Lawrence River. It was designed by Israeli-Canadian-American architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67. Today, it’s a condominium that certainly stands out with its unique design.


When in Montréal… Eat Poutine

You can’t visit Montréal without trying poutine—and we took this unspoken rule very seriously. For those new to this mouthwatering marvel, poutine is a dish of thick fries smothered in cheese curds and brown gravy. It’s Canadian comfort food at its finest.

We took a stroll from our hotel down to NYK’s Bistro Pub and had the Poutine classique.

There’s no wrong way to have your poutine here. Every greasy bite felt like a rite of passage.

👉 Local Tip: Some of the best poutine spots include La Banquise (open 24/7!), Ma Poule Mouillée, and Chez Claudette. Prepare for a food coma.

What We Missed: Montréal’s Underground City

Despite our best intentions, we didn’t get a chance to explore Montréal’s underground shopping network, also known as RÉSO. It’s a sprawling 20-mile labyrinth of shops, walkways, food courts, and metro connections beneath the city—especially valuable during winter months when sub-zero temps take over.

👉 Fun Fact: The underground city links over 2,000 stores, offices, hotels, and universities. It’s one of the largest underground complexes in the world.

Even though we missed it this time around, it’s at the top of our list for the next trip.

Final Thoughts: Why Montréal is a Must-Visit

Montréal is a city of contrasts: French and English, old and new, urban and natural. It’s filled with culture, friendly people, and more croissants than you can count.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, architecture lover, or outdoor adventurer, there’s something here for you. And best of all? You can experience a European vibe without leaving North America.

We left Montréal with full hearts (and fuller stomachs) and can’t wait to return—maybe in winter next time, to see the city transform into a snow-globe wonderland.

Planning a Trip to Montréal? Here Are a Few Tips:

  • Language: French is the official language, but most people also speak English—especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Canadian dollars (CAD).
  • Getting Around: The STM Metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to use. You can also walk to most major attractions.
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for festivals and warm weather; winter (December to February) for snow sports and holiday magic.