The most Instagrammable spots in Montréal [part 2]

Biosphère - Espace pour la vie

Hotspot: There are lots of great views of the Biosphère from Chemin Tour-de-l’Isle on Île Sainte-Hélène. Just hop the metro to the Jean-Drapeau station and start strolling along the paths for a vantage point that sparks your inspiration. The Biosphere is a geodesic dome designed by architect Buckminster Fuller as the pavilion of the United States for the 1967 World Fair, Expo 67, and is now the only environment museum in North America and part of the renowned Espace pour la vie museums complex.

Nearby: Once you are at Parc Jean-Drapeau there are tons of things to see and do nearby: the Aquatic Complex, Jean-Doré Beach, the Casino de Montréal (the former French Pavillion), plus, if your timing is right, you can take in music festivals and happenings like Piknic Électronik, Osheaga, Music and Arts Festival, îleSoniq Montréal and Lasso Montréal.

Dorchester Square – Place du Canada

Hotspot: The Boer War Memorial in the centre of this urban square facing north, towards the cross atop Mount Royal. In the 19^th century Dorchester Square was actually the site of the Montréal Catholic Cemetery, a fact that’s referred to in details like crosses in the paving of the beautiful redesign of the square by CCxA (the architecture and landscaping firm headed by Claude Cormier that’s also behind the famous Ring at Place Ville-Marie.)

Nearby: Place du Canada, across the street from Dorchester Square, is another beautiful spot to relax and take in views of downtown. Just steps away are lots of great shopping options on Sainte-Catherine Street and throughout the underground pedestrian network. History buffs will want to visit the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, inspired by Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Parc La Fontaine

Hotspot: Parc La Fontaine’s two linked ponds and fountains are popular in the summer and transform into an outdoor skating rink in the winter.

Nearby: This 34-hectare (84-acre) urban park is located right in the heart of Le Plateau and just steps from the northwest corner of the park is the legendary 24-hour paragon of poutine eateries La Banquise. Continue weaving west and north to explore the Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods, with their eclectic stores and restaurants and iconic staircases.

La Ronde

Hotspot: The rides at La Ronde, a Six Flags amusement park, are the main attraction, of course. Thrill-seekers love to take photos of themselves laughing (okay, sometimes screaming) with friends on park favourites like Le Goliath, Le Monstre and Le Vampire.

Nearby: On Wednesdays and Saturdays in July, Lac des Dauphins at La Ronde is the place to get a front-row seat for L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, Montréal’s annual fireworks competition.

The “Métropolitain” sign at Square-Victoria–OACI metro

Hotspot: Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau entrance portico frames the Saint-Antoine Street entrance to Square-Victoria–OACI metro station. Created in 1900, it was given as a gift to Montréal in 1967 by the RATP (Régie autonome des transports parisiens) to symbolize the collaboration of French and Canadian engineers in the building of the city’s metro.

Nearby: Continue exploring public art in the Quartier international, starting with Ju Ming’s massive – and massively popular – “Tai Chi Single Whip” sculpture, just a few steps from the metro entrance. Walk south to see the bronze and granite Victoria Memorial monument; then head into the World Trade Centre Montréal for a reflective moment at the huge stone fountain dominated by the statue of “Amphitrite, wife of Poseidon”. Take the easternmost exit and continue east along Saint-Antoine to experience Jean-Paul Riopelle’s “La Joute”, located in front of the multicolored façade of the Palais des congrès de Montréal (convention centre). During evenings from mid-May to mid-October, this fountain-sculpture comes to life with flames that rise in a fantastic show of mist and light.

McGill University

Hotspot: The view of the Arts Building with its iconic cupola and flag pole from the Roddick Gates on Sherbrooke Street at McGill College.

Nearby: Explore the campus of McGill University, which was founded in 1821, making it the oldest university in Montréal and one of the oldest in North America. Its 32-hectare (80-acre) downtown campus has a real “ivy league” feel with an eclectic collection of over 300 buildings with architectural styles ranging from Richardsonian Romanesque to Brutalism. Walk up the stairs of the Arts Building and look south for a great view of McGill College Avenue and downtown.

The Ring

Hotspot: This grandiose sculpture by CCxA, wedged between two buildings in the heart of downtown Montréal, is definitely a picture-perfect icon. In its sleek, minimalist form, The Ring captures 200 years of history, establishing a direct line of view from Esplanade Place Ville Marie to Mount Royal. 

Nearby: In Esplanade Place Ville Marie you can sit, gather, or pop down into Le Cathcart food court for a meal, before checking out all the shops in the Place Ville Marie mall. The historic Fairmont The Queen Elisabeth awaits you across the street with its restaurants too (among the best weekend brunch in the city, FYI). The Sun Life Building and the breathtaking Mary Queen of the World Cathedral are both snappable architectural icons nearby too.

Place des Festivals

Hotspot: The corner of Sainte-Catherine and Jeanne-Mance streets is the heart of the Place des Festivals (often tagged #placedesarts, which is right next door) in the Quartier des spectacles. Festival season brings people together to enjoy free shows, innovative art installations brighten up winter nights during Luminothérapie and the space also features a 235-jet fountain – the largest interactive fountain in Canada.

Nearby: The esplanade of Place des Arts is a popular place to soak up the sun or do a little people-watching before a show or performance. The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal borders the Place des festivals for those who want to get their modern art fix. Walk east along Sainte-Catherine Street and you’ll usually find street entertainment and lots of colourful characters along with popular entertainment venues like Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, MTELUS and Foufounes Électriques.

Schwartz’s

Hotspot: The plate in front of you. Seriously. Folks just can’t seem to get enough of posing their pickles and stacking their sandwiches for the perfect foodie-gram moment. Oh, and don’t forget the black cherry soda for the classic Schwartz’s experience. The “Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen” was founded in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania, and is the oldest deli in Canada.

Nearby: Schwartz’s is a veritable landmark on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, known to locals as “the Main”, which offers a treasure trove of restaurants, bars, stores, galleries and more. You could spend days exploring the quirky paradoxes of this storied street. Or visit the spectacular art created for the annual MURAL Festival. The festival website offers an interactive map, or you can book a guided tour.

Musée Imaginarium

Hotspot: Located on de la Montagne Street in the heart of Griffintown, Musée Imaginarium is a captivating photographic playground where imagination knows no bounds. Perfect for all ages, this immersive experience brings selfies to life across more than 16 fantastical universes. 

Nearby: Le Petit Dep, a café-buvette located next to the Musée Imaginarium, offers a variety of specialty products. A great place to wind down after a photo session!