Montreal Holidays

Montreal holidays will offer you an eclectic urban experience that combines old and contemporary influences from both sides of the Atlantic. This French-inspired Quebecois city is packed with museums, music, great food, churches and pretty riverside cafés combining the best of two continents.

Discover the cobbled streets and heritage sites of Old Montreal, where you can practice your Quebecois French with the friendly locals before popping in for a delicious fresh bagel (or two) made with eggs and honey. Shop, eat and travel on the subterranean streets of the Underground Pedestrian Network (also known as RÉSO), where over 20 miles of corridors, tunnels and atriums provide an array of art and entertainment. You can even enjoy hockey at the arena, or a show at the theatre or concert hall.

Montreal’s two islands on Saint Lawrence River are fascinating to explore: On Île Sainte-Hélène, you can discover novel green technologies and admire an architectural masterpiece at Biosphere Environmental Museum, or take your children to La Ronde theme park for a white knuckle adventure. The southern island, Île Notre Dame, houses the splash-tastic Aquazilla water park, the peaceful Floralies Garden, and a Formula One track.

Our considered selection of luxury Montreal hotels put you at the heart of the action: the Novotel Montreal Center boasts a downtown location just a block from the Bell Centre arena, while Le Nelligan offers fantastic views over the river.

Cultural treats during your holiday in Montreal

The gothic Notre Dame Basilica, decorated in blues, reds, purples, silvers and golds, is one of Canada’s most impressive churches. For more French tinged adventures take our combined Montreal and Quebec tour. Quebec’s UNESCO World Heritage old town is bursting with historical delights celebrating 400 years of history in six sectors. Alternatively, our Canadian Contrasts tour mixes the urban treasures of the east with the rural beauty of snow-capped mountains and rolling ranch land of Canada’s west.

Great sample itineraries

Our expert Montreal tours combine energetic modern cities with the charm of yesteryear and breath-taking landscapes. Discover Canada’s fascinating culture and history with our recommended Toronto, Quebec and Montreal tailor made holidays.

8 days

Montreal and Quebec City Multi Centre

Dive into Canada's culture and history in these two fascinating cities. Montréal is filled with French influences resulting in delicious cuisine and a sophisticated atmosphere. Explore Old Town where you'll find quirky boutique shops and cafes. Continue your journey by...

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Multi centre holidays

8 days

Eastern Journey Tour

Guide Price £1,699 pp

This tour of eastern Canada begins and ends in the lively and cosmopolitan Toronto, taking in vibrant capital city of Ottawa and the French-speaking Quebec and Montreal in between. Discover this country’s fascinating blend of old-world charm and exciting cities...

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Escorted tours

15 days

Canadian Contrasts Tour

Guide Price £3,399 pp

Discover the wonders of Canada on our Canadian Contrasts tour, which entails a unique journey from the East to the West of this magnificent country. The tour incorporates Canada’s top sights; from exploring vibrant cities to observing the marvellous Niagara...

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Adventure holidays

13 days

Heritage Trail Tour

Guide Price £2,199 pp

Your Canada Heritage Trail self drive begins in Toronto, Ontario’s capital city. The city is where you’ll find a variety of incredible must-sees, including the CN Tower, which looms overhead at 553 metres tall. From there, you’ll travel to Kingston...

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Self drive holidays

View all Montreal itineraries (12)

Time Zone

GMT-5 hours

Flight Time

Approx 8 hours; British Airways and Air Canada both offer a direct service to Montreal from London Heathrow.

Currency

CAD - Canadian Dollar

Visa Information

Please ensure you have a valid electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to your departure to Canada. Please check on the Canadian Embassy for all Visa FAQ’s.

Language

French, English

Health Information

No vaccinations required

Old Montreal

Discover the city's pride and joy and catch a glimpse into its incredible history along the side streets and back lanes of Old Montréal. Marvel at Notre-Dame Basilica’s glowing interiors, take in the historic architecture as you wander down to the Old Port and enjoy the quaint restaurants and boutiques along Saint-Paul Street - make sure you plan a whole day of exploring.
Parc Jean-Drapeau

Spanning two islands located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is Montréal's indoor-outdoor playground. Those looking to be entertained can easily do so in the Montréal Casino or the La Ronde amusement park - where those looking for a slightly slower pace can take in the views on a riverside walk or view the amazing eco-exhibitions at iconic Biosphére Environment Museum in the famous geodesic dome, all within easy each of downtown Montréal.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Located on Île Notre Dame in the middle of the St Lawrence River this world-class F1™ street circuit has played host to the Canadian Grand Prix since 1978. Take a tour of the complex, enjoy the fantastic nearby restaurants, clubs and shops or visit in early June to soak up the incredible excitement of Formula 1™ race day - an experience not to be missed.
Parc Mont-Royal

Montréal's backyard, Mount Royal park is an unique urban mountain and sprawling park that is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Climb the 256-step staircase to the top for captivating views of the city and if visiting in summer, take a picnic and eat al fresco and watch the world go by. Undoubtedly, the best time to view the park is in the Fall between September and October where you can enjoy the breathtaking foliage of bright reds, yellows and oranges on a fall walk.
Winter Activities

Embrace winter's cold weather in Montréal with unforgettable experiences and amazing things to do. Daredevils can zip-line through the snow at Fête des Neiges on or go sliding, skating, tubing, snowshoeing or even cross-country skiing on its Mount Royal park's snowy hills. For a more relaxed pace, we love getting cozy by the fire with a cocktail in the bars along Crescent Street, shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts in the festive Christmas Markets and ice skating by the St. Lawrence River with the city's stunning backdrop.

Melissa

Destination Specialist

“Download the ‘Montreal en Histoires’ app before you go to help you learn about the city’s past. It has about 60 items, including points of interest and circuits you can follow around town. The map highlights the best places to visit - and you can even test your knowledge.”
Jessica

Destination Manager

“If you're a motor racing fan, make sure to visit in early June to see the Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The atmosphere is just incredible and the early summer temperatures are extremely pleasant too.”

Events & Festivals

F1 Grand Prix

Held in June each year, the Canadian Grand Prix is one of Montreal’s top annual events. Cars speed round Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Notre Dame Island. The event attracts motoring fans from near and far, as they come to absorb the electric atmosphere.
Rogers Cup

If you’re a tennis fans then consider timing your Montreal holiday with the Canadian Open, which takes place in August each year. Watch the world’s greatest players compete on outdoor hard courts at the 12,000 seater IGA Stadium, in glorious summer temperatures.

Local Cuisine

Fairmount Bagel

Snack on delicious hand-rolled, wood fired bagels at the Fairmount Bakery, a family-run business that was established in 1919. With options ranging from classic sesame and poppy seed bagels, to sweet delights such as chocolate and orange or the nutritious ‘mueslix’ bagel, you might find you need to make several trips.
Smoked Meat

Kosher-style deli beef is a true Montreal delicacy that has its origins in the Jewish immigrants who first came to Canada from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s. Produced by salting and curing the meat in a variety of spices - including garlic, mustard seeds, coriander and pepper corns - it is then smoked and steamed for several hours before being served up with rye bread. The result? A flavoursome sweet yet salty treat that is easy to be devoured.