Mother Earth sculpture at Montreal Botanical Garden
The iconic Mother Earth sculpture in the Montreal Botanical Garden, adorned with vibrant plants and flowers. Image by Matias Garabedian licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Top 13 Attractions for Families Visiting Montreal for the First Time

Montreal is a vibrant, family-friendly city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun activities for all ages. Visiting Montreal for the first time, you’ll enjoy exploring the charming cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visiting world-class museums, and enjoying thrilling attractions. Montreal has something to delight every member of the family.

Interactive Fun at the Montreal Science Centre

The Montreal Science Centre, located in the heart of the Old Port, is a top destination for families seeking interactive and educational fun. With a focus on science and technology, the centre offers high-quality exhibitions that engage visitors through innovative, hands-on displays. Explore the science behind motion, air, light, water, geometry, and coding in the permanent exhibition “Explore: Life-Sized Science,” where every space is filled with wonder and laughter.

For younger children aged 0–7, “Mini Mondo” provides a fascinating, interactive world to discover through touch, sight, sound, and even smell. The centre also features a unique outdoor activity, “The Techno Garden,” which allows visitors to learn about urban agriculture and sustainability using AI technology. With breathtaking views, inspiring decor, and a variety of exhibitions, the Montreal Science Centre attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, offering a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Family interacting with an exhibit at the Montreal Science Centre
A mother and her children engaging with an interactive exhibit at the Montreal Science Centre, exploring the wonders of science. Image by Tom Page licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Exploring the Biodôme: A Family Adventure

The Montreal Biodôme is a must-visit attraction for families, offering an immersive experience through five distinct ecosystems: the Tropical Rainforest, Laurentian Maple Forest, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Labrador Coast, and Sub-Antarctic Islands. Children will delight in discovering diverse plants and animals, from sloths and marmosets in the humid rainforest to penguins in the chilly Sub-Antarctic exhibit.

The Biodôme’s interactive displays and engaging layout make it an educational and entertaining outing suitable for all ages. To make the most of your visit, pack snacks and lunch, as outside food is not permitted in the ecosystems, and consider storing coats in lockers for comfort. With affordable ticket prices and easy access within Olympic Park, the Biodôme provides a unique opportunity to explore nature and create lasting family memories in the heart of Montreal.

Hyacinth macaws at Montreal Biodome
A pair of vibrant hyacinth macaws at the Montreal Biodome, showcasing their striking blue plumage. Image by Gabriel Caparó licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Space Exploration Immersion

The Cosmodome, located in Laval, Quebec, is a unique space science museum and education center that offers an immersive experience for families interested in space exploration. Visitors can explore interactive exhibitions, participate in virtual missions, and experience the training simulators used by astronauts. The Cosmodome is home to Space Camp Canada, where children and adults can learn about the challenges of space travel and feel what it’s like to walk on the moon or experience weightlessness.

The Space Science Centre, the only museum in Canada dedicated solely to space sciences, houses one of two lunar rocks on display in the country, retrieved by astronaut James Irwin during the Apollo 15 mission. With a wide range of activities, from day camps and birthday parties to team-building exercises and school programs, the Cosmodome provides an engaging and educational experience that sparks curiosity and a passion for space sciences in visitors of all ages.

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Botanical Wonders Await

The Montreal Botanical Garden, founded in 1931, is a stunning 75-hectare oasis in the heart of the city, boasting an impressive collection of 22,000 plant species and cultivars. Visitors can explore the garden’s 30 thematic spaces, including the picturesque Chinese Garden, modeled after the Ming dynasty style, and 10 exhibition greenhouses brimming with diverse flora from around the globe.

Designated as a National Historic Site in 2008, the garden is considered one of the most important botanical gardens worldwide due to its extensive collections, research, and educational initiatives. The garden’s beauty, diversity, and commitment to conservation reflect the vision of its founders, botanist Brother Marie-Victorin and landscape architect Henry Teuscher. Open year-round, the Montreal Botanical Garden offers a serene escape and a fascinating journey through the wonders of nature for visitors of all ages.

Mother Earth sculpture at Montreal Botanical Garden
The iconic Mother Earth sculpture in the Montreal Botanical Garden, adorned with vibrant plants and flowers. Image by Matias Garabedian licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Earth’s Life-Supporting Layer

The Biosphere, located in Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau, is a unique museum dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Housed in the former United States pavilion from Expo 67, this striking geodesic dome is a landmark of Montreal’s architectural heritage. The Biosphere’s interactive exhibitions explore themes such as climate change, air, water, and sustainable development, encouraging visitors to reflect on environmental issues and their role in shaping a sustainable future.

Families can engage in hands-on activities, multimedia presentations, and guided tours that highlight the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of preserving our planet’s ecosystems. With its focus on environmental education and its stunning location on Saint Helen’s Island, the Biosphere offers an enlightening and memorable experience for visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of the world’s ecosystems and the need for responsible environmental stewardship.

Aerial view of Biosphere in Montreal with surrounding park and St. Lawrence River
Aerial view of the Biosphere in Montreal, surrounded by lush greenery and the St. Lawrence River

Thrills at La Ronde

La Ronde, located on Saint Helen’s Island in Montreal, is the largest amusement park in Quebec and a must-visit destination for families seeking thrills and excitement. Originally built as the entertainment complex for Expo 67, the park now boasts over 40 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters like the record-holding Le Monstre, the world’s highest double-tracked roller coaster. Since 2001, Six Flags has run La Ronde, which guarantees fun for all ages by providing a wide range of family- and kid-friendly rides in addition to its heart-pumping thrill rides.

The park also hosts special events throughout the season, such as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, Montreal’s annual international fireworks competition, and the Halloween Fright Fest in October. With its rich history, diverse attractions, and commitment to delivering exhilarating experiences, La Ronde is a quintessential part of any family vacation to Montreal.

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Historic Heart of Montreal

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), the historic heart of the city, is a must-visit destination for families. With its cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and European atmosphere, this charming neighborhood borders the St. Lawrence River, McGill Street, Ruelle des Fortifications, and rue Saint-André. 

Explore notable sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal City Hall, and Bonsecours Market, or enjoy street performers and sidewalk cafes at Place Jacques-Cartier. Horse-drawn carriage rides add to the old-world charm, while numerous shops, restaurants, and museums provide endless entertainment for the whole family. As the site of Montreal’s original settlement, Old Montreal offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Explore notable sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal City Hall, and Bonsecours Market, or enjoy street performers and sidewalk cafes at Place Jacques-Cartier. Horse-drawn carriage rides add to the old-world charm, while numerous shops, restaurants, and museums provide endless entertainment for the whole family. As the site of Montreal’s original settlement, Old Montreal offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Crowded Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal
People strolling along the vibrant Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal. Image by Eneko Bidegain licensed under CC BY 2.0

Montréal’s Majestic Urban Oasis

Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) is a stunning green oasis in the heart of Montreal, offering a variety of fun activities for families year-round. The Kondiaronk and Camillien-Houde lookouts in the park, which Frederick Law Olmsted designed, offer breathtaking views of the city. In summer, families can cool off in the shade of tall trees, go running or cycling, admire the iconic Mount Royal Cross, or rent rowboats and outdoor games at Beaver Lake.

Winter brings opportunities for inner tubing on designated sledding lanes, ice skating on the refrigerated rink, and exploring hiking and snowshoeing trails. With picnic areas, playgrounds, and food available for purchase, Mount Royal Park provides an ideal setting for family outings and creating lasting memories in the midst of Montreal’s natural beauty.

Aerial view of Mount Royal Park in Montreal, Canada, featuring vibrant autumn colors with red, orange, and yellow foliage, a serene lake, and the city's skyline in the background during the fall season.
An Autumn Aerial View of Mount Royal Park in Montreal, Canada

Québec Wildlife Encounter

The Ecomuseum Zoo, located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue on the western tip of the Island of Montreal, is a unique outdoor zoo showcasing Quebec’s diverse wildlife in a natural setting. Founded in 1988 by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society, the zoo is home to 115 different animal species native to the Saint Lawrence Valley, providing an opportunity for visitors to observe animals in environments that reflect their natural habitats.

The Ecomuseum Zoo is the only outdoor zoo on the island of Montreal and is accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) for its commitment to animal welfare, education, and conservation. Visitors can explore the zoo through a walk among the living areas of various animals and attend educational presentations throughout the day. With a focus on responsible and ethical family outings, the Ecomuseum Zoo attracts over 165,000 visitors annually, offering a chance to connect with Quebec’s wildlife and learn about the importance of preserving their habitats.

Reindeer in autumn habitat at Ecomuseum Zoo, Montreal
A reindeer grazes in its naturalistic enclosure, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, at the Ecomuseum Zoo in Montreal. Image by Nuria Mpascual licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Vibrant Open-Air Market

Jean-Talon Market, located in the heart of Montreal’s Little Italy, is one of the largest open-air public markets in North America, attracting locals and tourists alike since its opening in 1933. The market bustles with activity year-round, offering a wide selection of fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and specialty items from over 300 vendors during peak summer months.

Visitors can explore the lively atmosphere and authentic character of the market, which showcases the multicultural flavors and sights of Montreal, with fruit, vegetable, and flower stalls lining the walkways alongside an array of shops featuring spices, oils, pastries, and other exquisite Québec products. Beyond shopping for groceries, Jean-Talon Market also offers culinary demonstrations, gourmet discovery circuits, and workshops, making it an unmissable destination for food lovers of all ages and tastes.

People shopping and dining at Jean-Talon Market in Montreal
People shopping and dining at Jean-Talon Market in Montreal. Image by Alex Costin licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Birthplace of Montréal Uncovered

Pointe-à-Callière Museum, a designated national archaeological and historic site, is a must-visit destination for families interested in exploring Montreal’s rich history. Founded in 1992 on the site of the city’s birthplace, the museum complex showcases centuries of history through impressive archaeological remains, multimedia shows, and engaging exhibitions. Visitors can explore the remains of Fort Ville-Marie, Montreal’s first Catholic cemetery, and the William Collector Sewer, an engineering marvel built between 1832 and 1838. 

The museum’s permanent exhibitions, such as “Where Montréal Began” and “Building Montréal,” transport visitors through key moments in the city’s history under the French and British regimes. With interactive displays, cultural activities, and a unique underground archaeological route, Pointe-à-Callière offers an immersive and educational experience for the whole family, attracting over 350,000 visitors annually.

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Majestic Montréal Pilgrimage Site

St. Joseph’s Oratory, a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine, is a must-visit landmark for families exploring Montreal. Founded in 1904 by Saint André Bessette, the Oratory is Canada’s largest church and attracts over 2 million visitors and pilgrims annually. Its monumental scale, Renaissance Revival facade, and contrasting Art Deco interior make it recognizable worldwide. Visitors can climb the grand staircase leading to the basilica, a sign of devotion and penitence for especially religious Catholics. 

The Oratory houses Brother André’s preserved heart and a collection of crutches from those said to have been healed through his miraculous intervention. As the highest building in Montreal, rising more than 30 meters above Mount Royal’s summit, the Oratory offers stunning views of the city. Ongoing renovations to the dome and lantern, expected to be completed in 2024, will provide unprecedented 360-degree vistas from the mountain.

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Winter Wonderland: Ice Skating at Atrium Le 1000

Atrium Le 1000, located in the heart of downtown Montreal, offers a unique indoor ice skating experience for families year-round. This lively skating rink is situated on the main floor of the tallest building in Quebec, featuring a stunning glass dome that allows natural light to shine through. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the rink provides a fun and affordable activity for all ages, with competitive rates and family packages available.

Skate rentals, helmet rentals, and skate sharpening services are offered on-site, along with a food court for refreshments. The Atrium Le 1000 is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a delightful winter wonderland experience in the city’s bustling business district.

Skaters enjoying the ice rink at Atrium Le 1000 in Montreal
Families and friends ice skating under the glass dome at Atrium Le 1000 in Montreal. Image by Céline MOSNIER licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Frequently Asked Questions

In Canada, we say hello in English as “Hello” or in French as “Bonjour,” reflecting the country’s bilingual nature. In most of Canada, “Hello” is commonly used, while “Bonjour” is widely used in Quebec province and other French-speaking regions.

Choose Toronto if you seek a bustling, diverse metropolitan experience with numerous attractions and business opportunities. Opt for Montreal if you prefer a city with historic charm, vibrant cultural scene, and a European feel. Both cities offer unique experiences and are worth visiting.

Whether you need a visa to visit Montreal depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Citizens of the United States: Typically do not need a visa for short visits (up to 6 months) for tourism or business purposes, but you will need a valid passport or other approved document like a NEXUS card.
  • Citizens of Visa-Exempt Countries: Citizens of countries that are visa-exempt for Canada (such as the UK, most EU countries, Australia, Japan, etc.) do not need a visa for short stays, but they do need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air.
  • Citizens of Countries Requiring a Visa: Citizens from countries that require a visa must apply for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) before traveling to Canada.

To determine your specific requirements, check the official Government of Canada immigration and citizenship website or consult with the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.

To enter Canada, the documents you need depend on your citizenship and the purpose of your visit. Here are the key requirements:

  1. For U.S. citizens:
    • A valid U.S. passport or other approved document like a NEXUS card is required. No visa is needed for tourism stays under 6 months.
  2. For Canadian citizens:
    • A valid Canadian passport is the only universally accepted document proving your right to enter Canada. A birth certificate or citizenship certificate alone is not sufficient for air travel.
  3. For Canadian permanent residents:
    • A valid passport and your Permanent Resident (PR) card are required.
  4. For visa-exempt foreign nationals (e.g. most European countries):
    • A valid passport and an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are required to fly to or transit through Canada. No visa is needed.
  5. For other foreign nationals:
    • A valid passport and a visitor visa or other entry document may be required depending on your nationality and purpose of travel.

Additionally, all travelers should carry any supporting documents like marriage/birth certificates, proof of funds, letter of invitation if visiting someone, etc. that may be requested by immigration officials upon entry.

Please check the official Government of Canada website for the latest requirements and updates before you travel.

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