Montreal’s beautiful Parc Jean Drapeau is filled with amazing natural and cultural attractions to explore. Check out the iconic Biosphere, originally built for Expo 67 and now an Environment Museum, enjoy a day at the La Ronde amusement park, check out music and culture at events like the Osheaga Festival or Fête des neiges de Montréal. Or get active and hike, ski, cycle, kayak, swim in this stunning urban park.

This masterpiece of gothic revival architecture built between 1824-1829 attracts more than 11 million visitors each year who come to explore its ornate gold-leaf and wood interiors, beautiful stained-glass windows and artworks, or in fact, to worship. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, the basilica is a site for grand events, annual performances, and even an interactive light and music show.

North America’s largest open-air market brings together over 300 vendors selling a delicious variety of foods from cheese and vegetables, to honey, pastries, fish, sausages and more. Located in Montréal’s Little Italy neighbourhood Jean Talon Market is the place to get locally grown, raised and made culinary delights. Create your own masterpieces at home or grab a bite at one of the market restaurants.

Montréal is home to one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens. The 190-acre site includes more than 20 themed gardens reflecting different cultures, natural botanical wonders, and a little bit of whimsy. With its wide range of carefully curated and landscaped indoor and outdoor exhibits, the Botanical Garden is a magical place to learn something new or to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

This beautiful mountain park, for which the city of Montreal is named, is the perfect place to take in the city views and offers activities to enjoy year-round. Relax here with friends, or join a discovery walk, snowshoe excursion, and more. In summer be sure to check out the weekly Tam Tams. Les amis de la montagne also offer volunteer opportunities – a great way to meet locals and help with conservation.

Vieux Montreal, originally “Fort Ville-Marie" is the centre of the city’s French colonial history. With its cobblestone streets and 17th century architecture Old Montreal is one of the oldest urban areas in North America and offers a unique charm, and lots to explore. A walking tour is the perfect way to take in Old Montreal’s Victorian architecture and stunning sites and learn about some of the city’s history.

This annual 10-day festival takes place each year in late June to early July and energizes the city with musical talent from all around the world. In fact, it holds the Guiness World Record as the world’s largest jazz festival, with around 3,000 artists offering over 650 performances annually. Most of them can be enjoyed for free in outdoor venues around the city. The Montreal Jazz fest is a must see.

Canada’s oldest art museum, the Musée des Beaux-arts houses thousands of artworks in its permanent collection and showcases a variety of temporary exhibits on an ongoing basis. The museum’s exhibits are spread throughout 5 different pavilions and include international contemporary art, Quebec and Canadian art, sculpture, decorative arts, and more.