What's new in Montréal

Autumn galore

Every autumn Montréal’s public markets (or marchés publics, if you want to impress with your French) go into full-on harvest mode, faster than you can say pumpkin spice. Packed to the brim with area farmers offering a bounty of seasonal produce and an array of warming snacks and treats from apple cidre to roasted corn on the cob. Both the Atwater and Jean-Talon markets are host to Oktoberfest festivities that include a large selection of craft beers, great food, music, workshops and activities for the entire family. With each of Montréal’s markets considered a local icon in its own right —from Atwater Market’s clock tower to Maisonneuve Market’s domed roof—any market visit is the perfect way to connect directly with the heart of Montréal’s neighbourhoods. That’s what we call local flavour!

Montréal is a bonafide park city, and there’s no easier way to take in the crisp autumn air and beautiful fall foliage than by strolling one of its atmospheric village greens.  Two of our most celebrated parks, Parc La Fontaine and Mount Royal Park. The Mount Royal park was designed by landscaper, Frederick Law Olmsted of New York’s Central Park, and is host to special events and walking tours with its non-profit group, Les amis de la montagne, offering a variety of excursions tailored to every taste. 

Looking to moonlight as a local? A vigorous hike up Mount Royal to the Kondiaronk Belvedere summit will put colour in your cheeks and provide a feast for your eyes with its breathtaking views of downtown Montréal punctuated by vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges. 

Speaking of colour, Espace pour la vie’s Gardens of Light at Montréal’s Botanical Garden takes place exclusively in the lead up to Halloween and offers a magical, family-friendly way to experience three of its gardens as they’re transformed by autumn-coloured lanterns, creating an immersive sensory experience (Ends October 31, 2024). 

Feeling a nip in the air? Gamers will love warming up inside at the PLAYBOX Center at Montréal’s Eaton Centre, stuffed to the gills with cutting-edge video games, VR experiences and crane games. Sure to become one of Montréal’s favourite party spots, there’s even private rooms and reservations available to guarantee a winning time is had by all.

Even more family-friendly games are to be had at Les Trois Monkeys, a massive downtown entertainment centre where people of all ages can eat and play to their heart’s content while choosing from a smorgasbord of activities ranging from laser tag, arcade, bowling, mini putt, and more. 

Cycling enthusiasts rejoice: the city’s iconic BIXI bike sharing system will be in full force all through the fall months. A true biking city—ranked in the international Copenhagen Index, no less—fall is a beautiful time to plot out and tackle some memorable bucket list bike rides.

Love the idea of exploring the city by bike but concerned for your leg muscles? Fitz Montréal - Bike Tours now offers a brand new Montréal street art e-bike tour that’ll add some battery power to your cycle, so you can weave through the city’s charming alleyways with ease as you take in some of the most stunning murals in North America. 

New Montréal hotels guaranteeing that home away from home experience

Montréal’s hotel scene offers everything from unique boutique luxury experiences to the most trusted brands, and we’re welcoming some new heavy hitters to the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

The Saint Sulpice Hotel, a 3 Diamond (AAA rating) luxury hotel in the heart of Old Montréal promises a feast for the senses as soon as you step in the door — whether its through the fresh scent of lotus that wafts through the lobby or its impressive collection of local art thoughtfully curated and arranged throughout the hotel. Part old-world charm and part cutting-edge design-chic, its collection of unique suites each come with a balcony, a fireplace, or both! Perfect for looking out over the nearby sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in the morning and getting cozy after a long, satisfying day spent strolling Old Montréal’s cobblestone streets. Having recently undergone renovations, The Saint Sulpice Hotel’s restaurant, Cour Arrière, now features an elegant year-round patio, featuring a warming atmosphere inspired by the Arizona desert — the ideal place to enjoy cocktail hour on a fall day.

Sofitel Montreal Le Carré Doré, located on Sherbrooke Street, announces a comprehensive enhancement project for its property, the first of its kind in North America. The renovations, conducted in three phases, will include updates to common areas, rooms, and the Renoir restaurant, with the first phase completed by this fall. This project, scheduled to be completed by spring 2025, aims to continue offering a unique luxury experience by blending local Montréal culture with French hospitality.

The iconic Casino de Montréal recently announced plans for the opening of a 200-room on-site hotel, ready for guests by 2028. As one of the city’s top travel destinations, the hotel is sure to add even more to the Casino’s allure and prestige. With potential designs sourced from an international competition, we’re eagerly awaiting further plans.

The Montréal Olympic Park will also welcome a 200-room hotel, with work scheduled to kick into high gear by 2025. Designed by architecture firm Provencher_Roy, the hotel will replace the currently operating Star Cité cinema, yet maintain six of its screens in collaboration with France Film. And what could possibly be better than a movie theatre right down the hallway?

Those looking for a bona fide 5-star experience need look no further than the Vogue Hotel Montréal Downtown, a new addition to the Curio Collection by Hilton. With design flourishes by the esteemed Sid Lee creative firm and Clear Inc technology installed throughout to purify the hotel’s water and air supplies, the Vogue is always in fashion. Celebrated Montréal restaurateur Antonio Park brings his ultra-cool food vibe to the property with YamaResto, a new hotspot featuring a delicious Asian fusion menu. Be sure to check out Café Bazin, who serves classic French fare in a relaxed bistro ambiance.

Right in the centre of Montréal’s action-packed Downtown district, the new Hyatt Place Montréal Downtown provides easy access to many of Montréal’s top attractions, including The Village and the Quartier des spectacles. Offering upscale amenities at a reasonable price, it’s the latest addition to the “Hyatt Place” collection of Hyatt properties. 

Instagrammers and #selfie lovers will adore the Art Deco inspired HONEYROSE Hotel Montréal, a stone’s throw from festival hotspot Place des Festivals. Extra points for the exotic on-site MUZE LOUNGE & TERRASSE, the fine dining restaurant the Commodore and the cute hotel lobby café. Sure to quickly become a Montréal must-stay, the HONEYROSE’s rooms are bedecked with enough vintage objets d’art and movie set charm in its stately environs that you’ll feel like 1920s royalty.

Warwick Le Crystal Hotel’s bright airy rooms and open air terrasse are the textbook definition of boutique accommodation. Smack dab in the middle of downtown, the Le Crystal is mere steps away from the city’s busiest shopping district. Its unique architecture and gleaming facade also make finding your way back a snap.

In the wake of her popularity at the cinema, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has partnered with Mattel Inc. to offer an exciting Barbie Dream Experiences perfect for Barbie-lovers of all ages. Besides the official Barbie Dream Suite, there’s a variety of hotel packages on offer, and everyone is welcome to live "la vie en rose" with a Barbie-approved afternoon tea and sweets boutique, alongside a selection of signature cocktails and mocktails.

The recently renovated Hôtel de l'ITHQ in Montréal offers 42 rooms designed with Quebec materials by Ædifica. The rooms include options for people with reduced mobility and the hotel is now pet-friendly. While showcasing Quebec expertise, the hotel has also received the Clé Verte® certification for its eco-responsible practices, an international recognition in environmental assessment for the hotel industry.

All-new awe-inspiring and seasonal attractions

Always down to assist with a good photo op, Tourisme Montréal’s BONJOUR Montréal sign on the Grand Quay in the Old Port is love letter to visitors and locals alike and a top spot for a seasonal selfie in your favourite autumn sweater. It’s the perfect spot for a family and friends’ fall portrait and a must-see installation on any Montréal getaway—but don’t forget the tag #mtlmoments!

Not far from the Old Port, the new Bickerdike Promenade is an urban development project bordering the port facilities of Cité du Havre. The project features an observation and rest area, as well as explanatory panels on the history of the Port of Montreal and its activities. 

Following an extensive glow-up and expansion, the Centre d’histoire de Montréal unveils its makeover as the MEM—Centre des mémoires montréalaises in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. Collecting a massive trove of oral histories and personal accounts of life in Montréal, the MEM aims to tell the city’s story through the voices of its citizens both old and new. This fall’s exhibitions include the immersive Detours—Urban Experiences and Milton Parc: Over a Century of Community Building created in part with those who live in this beloved corner of Montréal. Beyond the museum itself, the MEM is also active with pop-up events and activities throughout Montréal, endlessly collecting what it means to be montréalais!

Contemporary circus hub, La TOHU, has their stage set to dazzle with its new fall programming. From October 16 to November 17, 2024, internationally-renowned circus arts collective, 7 doigts, presents Duel Reality, a pared-down reimagination of the battle between the two infamous houses from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. With the stage transformed into a fighting ring, the audience become spectators to a sporting match to the death as the Montagues and Capulets duke it out through breathtaking displays of out-of-this-world acrobatics. Expect appearances from the star-crossed lovers themselves in this unmissable event conceived by some of Montréal’s premiere circus artists.

As part of the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist and environmental activist Frédéric Back, TOHU will also present free activities throughout the fall highlighting his work, many of them taking place in the adjacent Parc Frédéric-Back. From the unveiling of artwork inspired by his life to three conferences on climate change, this family-friendly celebration of art and the environment offers something for everyone (Runs through November 16, 2024). 

The internationally renowned Moment Factory brings its technological prowess to the Casino de Montréal with the ARcade augmented multiplayer experience, an immersive gaming adventure that brings players right into the system. Choose from six different games including difficulty levels, and compete like never before. And you didn’t hear it from us, but the on-site bar can also assist in loosening one up before gameplay. Next round on the loser!

Prepare yourself for some symphonic magic with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal! Under the guiding hand of its new music director, Rafael Payare, the OSM’s 2024 programme is guaranteed to thrill music lovers throughout the season. And under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Orchestre Métropolitain’s breathtaking performances in Montréal’s grandest halls blend traditional favourites with cutting-edge programming.

The ultramodern glass and steel marvel the Port of Montréal Tower at the newly re-developed Grand Quay now offers visitors thrilling views over Old Montréal, downtown and the St. Lawrence River. You can even get a glimpse of the view thanks to Skaping, a camera that lets you observe the view from the tower in real time.

Cozy up to the arts

The venerable institution the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts continues their history of unmissable arts programming with , Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools: Three Hundred Years of Flemish Masterworks a presentation of  selections from The Phoebus Foundation’s collection of early modern masterworks including pieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Michaelina Wautier running to October 20, 2024 and will unveil its permanent collections latest acquisitions to museum members for the first time with, Two by Two, Together: Recent Additions to the MMFA’s Collection (September 11, 2024 to October 5, 2025). Then, beginning November 29, 2024, the MMFA will present the Canadian premiere of an immersive video installation, Ravel Ravel Interval, by world-renowned Albanian artist Anri Sala in its Contemporary Art Square. 

Exposition World Press Photo Montreal, a flagship event of Montréal’s fall cultural calendar returns this year for its 17th edition. Presented annually at Marché Bonsecours, Over 65,000 people attend this large-scale international exhibition, which has been organized since 1955 by the World Press Photo Foundation, based in the Netherlands. The winning photos are selected from among tens of thousands submitted to the jury by thousands of photographers from all over the world. The iconic images in large-format prints are reminders of the world events, in various categories, that marked the past year. Accompanying exhibitions featuring Quebecer artists and photojournalists are also presented at this not-to-be-missed annual event (August 28 to October 14).

Created in collaboration between Kahnawà:ke artist MC Snow and Kyra Revenko, new bronze sculptures erected on Peel Street along the 2.5 km route connecting Mount Royal with the St. Lawrence River. Marking the trail, these decorated spheres pay direct homage to Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, the Kanien’kehá:ka ceremony of thanks, to commemorate and acknowledge Montréal’s Indigenous histories. Further information and a guided tour are also available on the Portrait Sonore app.

Focused on Montréal’s urban history, the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology and History Complex hosts the extensive The Heart and Soul of St-Henri, a loving look at one of the city’s most storied and unique waterside quartiers.

The McCord Stewart Museum in the Golden Square Mile  hosts the permanent exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience offering an important  record and acknowledgement of  Montréal Island’s rich Indigenous histories. 

While still in their temporary location in Place Ville Marie, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC)’s fall exhibition season is not to be missed. Montréal’s Mara Eagle presents the epic computer-generated mural des Dieux, et des Monstres along the MAC’s corridor until September 15, 2024 and a groundbreaking retrospective of the work of Abenaki documentary filmmaker, activist, and singer, Alanis Obomsawin, ALANIS OBOMSAWIN: The Children Have to Hear Another Story, opens September 25th, 2024.

OASIS immersion continues its run of blockbuster full-body experiences with the North American premiere of the renowned Dreaming Asia program. Shining a light on Chinese and Japanese cultural heritage, this 360-degree mind-blowing presentation brings classic woodcut prints, shadow puppeteering and a crowded riverside festival to mesmerizing life in its North American premiere. OASIS also premieres Root for Nature, created in collaboration with National Geographic, the United Nations, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Palais des congrès de Montréal and Age of Union. Inspired by the historic COP15—held in the very same building—and utilizing the latest in projection and sound technology, Nature vive expresses the biodiversity of our planet in all its splendour, making a plea for quick action in response to the climate crisis.

A gourmet paradise

It’s no empty brag when we say Montréal is home to one of North America’s most vibrant culinary scenes, and the list of must-eats grows with every season. Especially high on this fall’s list is the long awaited reopening of Montréal’s legendary Art Deco Le 9e restaurant. Designated a heritage site shortly after its closure in 1999, the new Le 9e is a lovingly preserved time capsule in which all of the restaurant’s original 1931 furnishings and decor have been restored to their full splendor, while its menu has been reimagined by some of the best in the Montréal restaurant biz. A true jewel of Montréal's architectural heritage, the reopening of this storied locale is sure to usher in a whole new generation of bon vivants wishing to see and be seen as they dive fork first into our culinary scene’s latest offerings.

Also returning to much fanfare is MTLàTABLE — Montréal's restaurant week, now in its 12th year. From October 31 to November 17, 2024 foodies can tuck into reasonably priced prix fixe menus at some of our city’s best restaurants. Make sure you reserve early, as seatings during this delectable event tend to sell out fast. Did we mention brunches are back this year?  Bon appétit!

A constantly changing cityscape

Montréal is on the move, with a roster of major enhancement projects changing the face of the city – and we’re ready for our close-up! 

Renovations have begun on the city’s legendary Théâtre St-Denis which, along with other performance spaces and restaurants, will become the brand-new Espace St-Denis, opening in 2025. Situated in the Latin Quarter, the complex will not only pay homage to the area’s rich entertainment history, but also unveil new, cutting-edge experiences for those in attendance with the incorporation of artificial intelligence. While the complex gets its makeover, you can still enjoy shows at its Studio-Cabaret, taste of Paris brasserie Le Molière and chic rooftop piano bar Le Marie-Louise—clearly the new it place to be. 

A new centre for food and culture constructed out of Montréal’s original and iconic MR-63 métro (or subway) cars from 1966 is under construction in Place William Dow in the heart of Griffintown. In partnership with Montréal’s creative community, the MR-63 Pavilion will offer an array of products and services in addition to artistic, design and culinary programming featuring 100% local talent rotated every season. Get ready to board in 2025!

Also under construction is the epic new home of the  Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal  (or MAC for short, set for opening in 2028), but  that  doesn’t mean the museum’s programming has stopped for the duration. See the Arts section above for this fall’s’s MAC offerings. 

Long a reminder of Montréal’s Old Port past, a rejuvenating overhaul of the epic Silo No. 5 site will break ground in 2024. With plans for an observation deck, public market, living spaces, hotel, museum space and upscale restaurants, this long-closed memento of the city’s industrious past is certain to become one of Montréal’s most sought-after addresses.

The island oasis Parc Jean-Drapeau is undergoing a transformation featuring a re-greening of park space including spaces dedicated to wetlands, a riverside promenade, ferry access, waterfront public squares and a High Line-inspired bridge linking the park’s two islands. And embracing the park’s legendary Expo 67 history, the Place des Nations is also on the receiving end of a unique glow-up, restoring its exposition-heights grandeur as an open-air performance space and gathering point at the west end of Île Sainte-Hélène.

The light-rail REM (Réseau express métropolitain) system will directly connect Montréal’s North Shore, South Shore, West Island and YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, with the first self-driving trains now running from Brossard to Gare Centrale in as little as 18 minutes! Future legs are scheduled to open next year.

Now open since September 5, 2024, Groupe Écorécréo’s Royalmount project promises an eco-innovative neighbourhood that’s more than just an upcoming must-have address, but also a leafy oasis well-stocked with shops, theatres, hotels and park spaces. Boasting Le Fou Fou, a gourmet European-style food hall that promises to act as both a seamless dining experience and a community hub for art and live events, diners can choose from 12 different cuisines, all while basking in the greenery and art work that fills the airy and sophisticated 35, 000 foot space. The development will also be home to the Aquarium de Montréal, promoting the health of marine and freshwater environments while highlighting the importance of high-quality animal care and conservation actions.

Following an open international architectural competition, the PHI Centre and PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art will consolidate under the same roof as PHI Contemporary, set to open in 2026. Blending pieces of Old Montréal with innovative modern structural add-ons, the PHI Contemporary is sure to bring the most forward-looking creativity to Montréal’s oldest neighbourhood.

Greatest hits and icons galore

• Feel like a high-roller at the Casino de Montréal, housed in the architectural wonder originally built for the France pavilion at Expo 67. Games, performances and fine dining are all on offer—a literal playground for adults!
• The epic views from the La Grande Roue de Montréal cover the flowing waters of the Saint-Lawrence River on one side, and Old Montréal and the Old Port on the other. An iconic must-do for any visitor.

• AURA at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is back in a new, revamped edition. A marvel of video mapping, light and sound, AURA transforms the Basilica into a living, breathing environment you won’t soon forget—a must-see on any Old Montréal visit.
• There’s a plethora of activities and adventures awaiting in the Old Port, ranging from the brain-tickling SOS Labyrinth to the MTL Zipline, and the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology and History Complex to the stately Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site. There’s something for everyone! 
• Montréal’s glowing history comes to life with the light and sound experiences of Cité Mémoire, throughout Old Montréal and the Old Port. Triggered by the Montréal en Histories app, the city’s ghosts are projected throughout the neighbourhood to tell their own stories after dark.

• Insect lovers—and heck, even those who can’t stand them when they run across the kitchen floor—won’t want to miss the Insectarium, back in full swing following a major renovation. Explore the fascinating world of hard-working bees, industrious ants, pest-controlling spiders and so many other insects that we literally could not live without. Get a whole new appreciation for these endlessly captivating, colourful and highly adaptable tiny creatures.

• Are there any two things more relaxing than boats and spas? The Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau combines the two in an old ferryboat and outdoor pool area. And did we mention that view over the water?