Montreal - The Don'ts of Visiting Montreal

I'm from Montreal and can 100% confirm that a simple, even if butchered, "bonjours" and "merci" will make your experience 100x better.

I come from the L.A. branch of an old Montreal family and have visited a lot. Generally, the "Don't Go to Montreal in the Winter" is sound advice, but, on the other hand, if you can stand the cold, there is a special beauty, especially in Old Montreal, during Winter time. With the streets frozen and snow falling, the warm lights and cozy interiors of the restaurants, brasseries and cafes are especially inviting. The vibe around Christmas is really special, and the urban scenery just glows with a sort of frozen light that gives everything a special kind of beauty you won't see elsewhere.

Been living my whole life in Montréal and this is as accurate as it gets. I would also recommend not spending any cash in the old-town's tourist areas, and stick to better neighbourhoods. People always mention the Plateau Mont-Royal, but there is also St-Henri (Sud-Ouest) quarter that has a lot of inexpensive restaurants and beautiful vibe to it.

As a Montrealer (for all my life) - you hit the main don'ts of the city on the head Wolter! I'd add that the metro system is far more reliable than the bus system, so if you're debating between the two, always go with the metro even if its a further walk, you never known what construction lies ahead for the buses.

Also for Public Transport: Montreal is the only city I know of where people orderly queue at the stop markers to board the bus based on order of arrival on foot to the bus stop. I lived in Ottawa for 7 years and there, it was a mad dash for the open doors. And so has every European city I have been to recently.

Great video as always! As a native Montrealer, I would also add DON'T miss out on all the great festivals (including in winter!) Just for Laughs, Jazz Festival, Montreal en Lumière, to name a few. The winters may be cold in Montreal, but the people know how to live it up!

Just one thing about using "bonjour." In a lot of businesses downtown and in touristy areas, the people working there take the language you start in as a cue for which to use while serving you, sometimes greeting you with "Bonjour, Hi" or "Bonjour, Hello." If you don't speak French, just saying "Hello" will lead them to serve you in English instead of then having to apologize and having to ask them to repeat themselves.

We had a family vacation in Montreal last August and just loved it. We were almost ready to move there. We got museum passes that covered almost all of the places that we wanted to go. We took public transit or walked everywhere (including to the airport). We really enjoyed wandering down Mount-Royal Avenue, that was pedestrian only for the summer. The Mount Royal Park was stunning, though I'm glad that we took a bus to the top. Our AirBnB was around the corner from a little bakery, so we had Croissants or Chocolatines every day for Breakfast. There were only two underwhelming things that we did. 1) The boat tour of the river that we took was not good at all. It passed industrial areas and there was just a smattering of pre-recorded audio for interpretation. 2) The Biosphere was the only museum that we didn't find all that interesting. The Biodome, the Archeology Museum, The Chateau Dufresne, The Insectarium, The Botanical Gardens, The Chateau Ramezay, the Planetarium -- these were all fantastic.

You did a good job with one of my two favorite North American cities. I would add this "Don't," especially after my last stay in Montreal and Quebec City: Don't miss the chance to visit Montreal in the fall. Spring is fun because of the cabane-a-sucres and the restless energy after a long winter, summers are a blast because of the long days and all the festivals, but no big North American city is more beautiful than Montreal between late September and the middle/end of October. The skies are blue, the weather sunny & crisp, and the trees are on fire! We still rave nostalgic about our hike up Mount Royal one Saturday morning, the bike ride under the flaming canopies of the Plateau, Mile End & Outremont, and our train ride to Quebec City past forests, over rivers and through farmlands.

I live in Montreal. My wife is from the US. The first two french words she learned are "rue barée".

Lived in Montreal all my life, so I see winter differently: Yes, the days are shorter, but few things compare to the brilliant blue skies, sparkling deep white snow in the parks and crisp air. We have lovely outdoor skating rinks, cozy restaurants with fireplaces and some great nordic outdoor spas. Yes, the streets can get messy, but the nearest ski hills are only 45 minutes away, and there are great places to snowshoe, fat bike and cross country ski even closer (you can rent equipment, and everyone is happy to offer instructions to get you started). We're a laid back, friendly bunch, so welcome and hope to see you during the colder months. Just dress up properly (layers and breathable, good warm boots).

One hidden gem I recommend as a day trip is renting a car or taking the 211 bus all the way down to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue at the southern point of the island. Lots of restaurants on the water and some shops there and in the Pointe-Claire Village. Very nice in the Fall and you're right there along the water.

Awesome list! I would add on that if you like hockey and visiting in winter months, definitely don't miss out on going to a game! The Canadiens games are a blast, but also check out some beer league and women's team games too! The locals go nuts for hockey, and it's a great way to beat the weather and meet people. They'll talk hockey all day with you if you play or pay attention to what's happening in the leagues.

I am a tour guide here and i loved your video, you are a very talented YouTuber who really puts in the work and knows his stuff. Good job! Love your positivity and enthusiasm too ❤

As a Montrealer, born and bread, I have to say you did a fab job! From neighbourhoods, to politics, food, nature, cultural activities and just getting around our city - you are completely spot on! I think I would add a trip to the Orange Julep and seriously, walk everywhere, on all the side streets especially in Mile End, le Plateau and Old Montreal. Lastly, the metro system is full of original art and architecture and you can buy a day ticket for the bus/metro system, Google a map of what each station has and take a self-guided tour - especially good for a cold or rainy day!

Montreal really is a jewel in Canada....No city in Canada comes close to Montreal's unique vibe, history, art and architecture.

Lived in Montreal for 23 years, great video and hit the right notes with everything. Now, i live in the south shore of Montreal, for the past 20 years, i always enjoy going to Old Montreal, St-Denis street, festivals around the city, St-Laurent street, downtown. Montreal will always be in my heart. Enjoyed the video.

You must be from here or have spent lots of time here because this is pretty darn accurate. Nicely done. As other commenters have, i'll just add one more thing: the humidity here will surprise you whether it's summer or winter, it'll make outside temps feel way more extreme. Summer can feel tropical and winter will rip your face right off and freeze your bones. Bring the appropriate clothing. And good shoes. And yes, trying to speak 2 words of french does go a long way.

Going to the Jean Talon Marché first thing in the morning (we went in September) I was ENTHRALLED with the gorgeous explosion of the most colorful and freshest produce you’ve ever seen. We bought strawberries and raspberries and washed them there (there’s sinks) and ate them immediately!

The best vegan food scene I’ve ever visited and I have traveled extensively.