Menu

Top 7 Montreal Landmarks You’ll Want to See

With its long and rich history, a city like Montreal is bound to have some epic landmarks. This is one of those cities with a story to tell, and for those who want to listen, it can be told through the top Montreal landmarks spread across the city.

There’s something for everyone; whether you’re a history buff, jock, or outdoorsy type, you can find a Montreal landmark that will speak to you and most likely take your breath away. During your stay, check out all or as many of these as you can; the memories will be priceless, and you’ll feel like a part of Montreal’s history forever.

Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal during a walking tour

1. Olympic Park – Best for Sports Lovers

The Olympic Park and stadium in Montreal were originally built for the 1976 Olympic Games. The most striking feature is the Olympic Stadium, with its retractable roof and distinctive tower. Designed by renowned French architect Roger Taillibert, the stadium’s unique shape and size make it an inspiring and recognizable symbol of Montreal.

Montreal was the first Canadian city to host the 1976 Olympics, and the park and stadium serve as a reminder of this moment in history. They continue to inspire and bring people from all over the world together.

Olympic stadium

2. Underground City in Montreal – Best for Shopping

Montreal’s underground city, known as RÉSO, is a vast network of interconnected tunnels and passageways that span over 30 kilometres (18,6 miles).

It serves as a vital transportation hub, providing easy access to various metro stations, shopping centres, hotels, offices, and government buildings. This allows visitors and locals to navigate the city without facing the harsh winter weather or getting stuck in traffic above ground.

The underground city is an architectural marvel that integrates modern and historic buildings seamlessly. It also boasts stunning artwork, sculptures, and installations, making it a unique cultural experience.

Take a cool underground and downtown tour to discover it with a guide and get all the information you need to enjoy it fully.

RÉSO underground system and tunnels in Montreal

Looking for a cheap flight to Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair I use regularly. Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Montreal and surrounding cities with Busbud.

3. Notre-Dame Basilica Church – Best for Religious Exploration

The Notre-Dame Basilica Church in Montreal is not just a religious site but a masterpiece of architectural grandeur and cultural significance that has become an iconic symbol of the city. Located in the historic district of Old Montreal, this stunning church is a must-see landmark that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The church’s construction began in 1672 and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries. It has witnessed significant events in Canadian history. The church houses many priceless paintings, sculptures, and sacred relics that further enhance its significance.

Booking your tickets now for the stunning Aura experience, a lights and music show inside the basilica.

Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal - Photo: Victor Cayke Vikeph - Pexels
Photo: Victor Cayke Vikeph – Pexels

4. The Cross on Mont-Royal – Best for Nature-Lovers

The Cross on Mont-Royal is undoubtedly one of the most identifiable landmarks in Montreal. Standing 31 metres tall, it was originally erected in 1643 by the city’s founder, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, as a promise to the Virgin Mary to protect the city from disaster. Since then, the cross has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current version dating back to 1924. It is a testament to the city’s resilience and unwavering belief in their faith.

However, the cross is not just a symbol of Catholicism; it also represents the unity and diversity of Montreal. It’s a meeting point for people from all walks of life, offering a panoramic view of the city and bringing people together in celebration and contemplation.

To discover our mountain fully, this tour will guide you through all the must-see spots.

Mont-Royal Park lake - Montreal - Mariam S on Pixabay

5. Jacques Cartier Bridge – Best View

The Jacques Cartier Bridge crosses the St. Lawrence River, connecting the city’s downtown core to the South Shore. It’s a prominent feature in the city’s skyline. The first major bridge built over the St. Lawrence River played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce.

The bridge, named after 16th-century French explorer Jacques Cartier, was inaugurated in 1930 and quickly became a symbol of Montreal’s modernity and spirit of progress. Today, the Jacques Cartier Bridge is a vital transportation link and a marvel to behold. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

At night, it’s illuminated and takes on different colours for special events. It’s also the best place to view Montreal’s fireworks.

La Ronde Fireworks in Montreal - near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge - Zhanhong Cheng - From Unsplash
Photo: Zhanhong Cheng from Unsplash

6. The Old Port Clock Tower – Best for History-Lovers

The Old Port Clock Tower is in the heart of the Old Port. This structure stands tall at 45 metres (147 feet) and has been an integral part of Montreal’s history and culture since its construction in 1922.

One of the main reasons why the Old Port Clock Tower is such an important Montreal landmark is its captivating architecture. Designed by the renowned architect Paul Leclaire, the tower’s structure perfectly blends neoclassical and Second Empire styles. The intricate details, such as the large clock face, give it an unmistakable look.

Montreal's clock tower in the Old Port - Photo: Pexels - Joseph Walker

Photo: Pexels – Joseph Walker

7. The Geodesic Dome – Best for Academic Lovers

Built for the 1967 World Expo, this bold structure stands tall and proud, showcasing its unique and futuristic design. It was initially built as the United States pavilion, representing the theme of “Man and His World” during the Expo.

Today, visitors can learn about environmental sustainability and human impact on the planet at the Biosphere Museum, housed within the structure.

The Geodesic Dome also offers panoramic views of the city, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals seeking a memorable experience.

Biosphere in Montreal - Aerial view - Photo: Pexels - Joseph Walker

Top Montreal Landmarks are Just the Beginning

Montreal is chock-full of experiences that go far beyond its recognizable landmarks. All visitors should see the top Montreal landmarks, but don’t stop there. Extend your stay and enjoy the many other things that make this city so special.

Here are some other amazing tours in Montreal you may want to book!

  • Try your hand at a bagel making workshop, an iconic Montreal institution!
  • Vélo Festif MTL partying with friends (or new acquaintances) and biking collide.
  • Combine bike and spa for sore joints with Fitz Tours.
  • Spade & Palacio lead activities like Beyond the Bike Lanes, Beyond the Market, Beyond the Basilica, Mural Tours, and Beyond the Village.
  • Secret Montreal offers hidden history tours of the Montreal red light district around what we now call the Quartier des Spectacles.
  • Watch a Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Bell Centre.
  • Take a History Walking Tour of Old Montreal with Guidatour.
  • Quartier des Spectacles offers a free walking tour around the Place des Festivals in the summer.
  • Urban Marmotte and his owner Michel take you around the city for a Montreal by Night tour!
  • Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City + Downtown Tour.
  • If you’re into architecture and quirky living spaces, Habitat 67 tours are for you!
  • Indulge in some of the best bites in the city with Secret Food Tours.
  • In the Shadow of the Mountain: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour.
  • The Montreal Street Art & Mural Tour with Fitz Montreal.
  • Montreal’s Sin City Era & Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours.

Here is some other inspiration for your trip:

Wanna save this article for later? Pin it to your Pinterest board!

Montreal / Quebec Destinations / Trip Planner / What to See and Do
About Author

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer Doré Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.