24 reasons to visit Montréal in 2024!
2024 in Montréal is where FOMO and YOLO collide, with a full calendar of unmissable #mtlmoments, festivals and experiences you won’t find anywhere but here. From its sparkling winters, budding springtimes, blooming summers and eye-popping autumns, Montréal’s got you covered all year long. Here’s just 24 things you won’t want to miss in 2024!
Extra! Extra! This just in!
We like to keep things fresh here in Montréal, and each year there’s always new and exciting things to see and do. Here’s 8 we’re particularly hyped about experiencing in 2024.
1. Get an up close look at the city’s vibrant shipping activity at the Bickerdike Promenade in the Cité du Havre section of the Port of Montréal, with easy access to Parc Jean-Drapeau.
2. Bustling city square in the spring, summer and fall, the Esplanade Tranquille transforms into a world-class skating rink in the winter months. That’s what we call versatility!
3. Snap the ultimate trip photo at Tourisme Montréal’s BONJOUR Montréal sign overlooking the Old Montréal and Downtown skylines.
4. Check out some of Montréal’s biggest attractions with the seasonally-updated Passeport MTL, stacked with deals and savings.
5. Take it all in from the heights of the Port of Montréal Tower, perched over the mighty St. Lawrence River.
6. Explore contemporary Indigenous art at the newly moved and renovated daphne, Tiohtià:ke's (the Kanien’kéha word for Montréal) first-ever Indigenous artist-run centre.
7. Telling the story of Montréal through local memories and personal histories, the MEM—Centre des mémoires montréalaises's sparkling space documents city life in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles.
8. Get your shop on at Royalmount, Montréal’s newest shopping mall featuring high-profile luxury brands and an inner court urban park for some post-purchase rest.
Let’s get physical!
It takes more than a little snow to keep Montréalers off the streets and out of the city’s parks. In fact, the city buzzes with physical activity all year long, and here’s just a few of our favourite ways to keep active throughout the year.
9. Montréal’s world-class urban skateparks are the perfect spots to work on your jumps and tricks, from the Olympian-level Vans Pro Skate Park to the graffiti’d Van Horne Skatepark under the Van Horne Underpass in the Mile End.
10. The island oasis Parc Jean-Drapeau continues its epic transformation with continued redevelopment of green spaces and waterfront public areas that play home to some of the city’s biggest festivals. There’s no finer spot for a long walk, jog or swim (in the on-site Olympic pool, no less).
11. Explore the Quartier des spectacles entertainment district all dressed up in lights during MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, a glittering feast for the senses of lighting installations, rides and culinary delights you deserve for walking so much!
12. As one of the world’s top cycling cities, Montréal is a real treat seen from atop two wheels. Check off some of the city’s bucket list bike rides and go home with bragging rights in hand.
Who’s hungry?
OK, we admit it—one of the reasons we’re so active here in Montréal is due to how much we love to eat. A culinary hot spot of North America, Montréal’s gourmet scene will have you reaching for second portions.
13. Go plant-based at the city’s 100% vegetarian and vegan restaurants, from fast food to fine dining.
14. Bottoms up! Montréal’s microbrewery culture is thriving city-wide, with a multitude of brewers and taprooms showcasing the city’s unique locally-made beer varieties.
15. Montréal’s Jewish food scene is a local mainstay, with classic spots and new upstarts exhibiting the full range of Jewish culinary finesse and expertise.
16. MTLàTABLE is our annual celebration of Montréal’s one-of-a-kind foodie scene, with over 150 local restaurants offering special menus, gourmet events and unforgettable dining experiences.
17. Keeping it classic is also cool—no trip to Montréal is complete without a hearty helping of poutine, a bag or two of world-famous Montréal bagels or a bursting Montréal smoked meat sandwich.
The definition of must-see
Montréal is a city of “musts” for first-time visitors, with mouthwatering public markets, hip neighbourhoods, trend-setting streets and iconic sights. But we’d also suggest adding these to your list for a glimpse of Montréal from all new angles.
18. The MMFA (Montréal Museum of Fine Arts) continues its habit of blockbuster shows, including the newly-opened Indigenous arts exhibition space ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ uummaqutik.
19. While construction continues on the full-scale remodelling of the MAC (Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal)’s home base in Place des Arts, their temporary home at Place Ville Marie will keep that thirst for modern art sated. (Want to sound like a local? Just say you’re heading to the MAC at PVM and we’ll get you, fam).
20. Montréal is an island, with the St. Lawrence River flowing around it on all sides. Get up close and personal with these rushing waters with Ohana Sailing Agency, staffed with skilled crews eager to share the joys of sailing on our majestic fleuve. (You can also surf on the rapids too!)
21. Every season is a perfect time to bask in the glowing vistas on the La Grande Roue de Montréal ferris wheel. Did somebody say date night?
22. Montréal is a city of public transport, with our infinitely photographical Métro system a favourite of visitors and locals alike. The new REM (Réseau express métropolitain) train system, further links the city more than ever before, with an extensive network opening in stages.
23. Experience the mighty Orchestre symphonique de Montréal under the expressive baton of music director Rafael Payare in the stately Maison symphonique de Montréal.
24. Take one final look over the city and river from the unbeatable viewpoints from the mighty Mount Royal's Chalet and Belvedere.
Mark Hamilton
Mark Hamilton is the community director for QueerMTL, an internationally-touring musician with his projects Woodpigeon and Frontperson and a graduate studies student of history researching LGBTQ+ activism in the city. He’s lived in Montréal since 2015, during which time he’s most often spotted atop a BIXI bike usally running a few minutes late.