We stayed in the city for a month on work so had plenty of time there to enjoy as much as possible. This is not a complete guide to all you must see in Old Montreal. However if you take my advice and go on a walking tour of the area the list below includes most of the must see places as well as plenty of the picturesque streets.
In past times Old Montreal was a place that local foodies steered clear of, it was touristy and overpriced. Now the district has gone through a big change over the few years and is now the place to go for good restaurants and markets. The Old Montreal Food Tour takes visitors around the historic cobblestone streets of North America’s most European neighbourhood, with highlights like fancy poutine, gluten-free sweets, craft beers, and many other great tasting things. Quite a few of the place the tour stops I have mentioned below.
Place d’Armes is one of the most beautiful and historical public squares in Montreal. It’s the best spot to enjoy the view of the Notre-Dame Basilica, whose facade is quite outstanding. Once inside, you can see the many unique traits of the church, starting with the unusual stained glass, which depicts scenes of the religious history of Montreal, instead of traditional biblical scenes. The organ is one of the most impressive of its kind and perfectly complements the magnificent ceiling. If you are a Titanic film fan then probably already know that this is where Celine Dion got married in 1994. In fact there is so much to see in this one place that you really should devote a special trip just for this. In fact I have written another article just about this one place that you should read before you decide to visit.
The square is also flanked by several of Montreal’s most notable buildings, including the old Bank of Montreal on the northern side. The Bank of Montreal was Canada' s first bank and opened for business on November 3, 1817. It provided Canada' s first widely-recognized and circulated currency. However it moved to Toronto in 1977 due to political instability in Quebec. The current Montreal Main Branch is a Pantheon like building built by John Wells in 1847.
On the western side of the square you will see the Aldred Building. This was the first skyscraper to be built in the city and resembles New York’s Empire State Building. This may not be a coincidence as they were both completed at the same time.
The rest of this tour is continued in part 3.
In past times Old Montreal was a place that local foodies steered clear of, it was touristy and overpriced. Now the district has gone through a big change over the few years and is now the place to go for good restaurants and markets. The Old Montreal Food Tour takes visitors around the historic cobblestone streets of North America’s most European neighbourhood, with highlights like fancy poutine, gluten-free sweets, craft beers, and many other great tasting things. Quite a few of the place the tour stops I have mentioned below.
Place d’Armes is one of the most beautiful and historical public squares in Montreal. It’s the best spot to enjoy the view of the Notre-Dame Basilica, whose facade is quite outstanding. Once inside, you can see the many unique traits of the church, starting with the unusual stained glass, which depicts scenes of the religious history of Montreal, instead of traditional biblical scenes. The organ is one of the most impressive of its kind and perfectly complements the magnificent ceiling. If you are a Titanic film fan then probably already know that this is where Celine Dion got married in 1994. In fact there is so much to see in this one place that you really should devote a special trip just for this. In fact I have written another article just about this one place that you should read before you decide to visit.
The square is also flanked by several of Montreal’s most notable buildings, including the old Bank of Montreal on the northern side. The Bank of Montreal was Canada' s first bank and opened for business on November 3, 1817. It provided Canada' s first widely-recognized and circulated currency. However it moved to Toronto in 1977 due to political instability in Quebec. The current Montreal Main Branch is a Pantheon like building built by John Wells in 1847.
On the western side of the square you will see the Aldred Building. This was the first skyscraper to be built in the city and resembles New York’s Empire State Building. This may not be a coincidence as they were both completed at the same time.
The rest of this tour is continued in part 3.