Visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal was already high on our list, but the AURA light show elevated the experience into something truly unforgettable. From the moment we stepped inside, the neo-Gothic architecture wrapped us in a sense of awe—towering columns, intricate woodwork, and stained glass that seemed to whisper centuries of history. Then came AURA. The show begins with a self-guided walk through the Basilica, where subtle lighting and ambient sound bring the art and architecture to life. It’s like the building itself is breathing. And then, the main event: a 20-minute multimedia spectacle that transforms the Basilica’s interior into a canvas of light, color, and sound. The projections danced across the vaulted ceilings and ornate altar, synchronized perfectly with a dramatic musical score. At times, it felt like we were inside a living painting—one moment evoking the serenity of nature, the next pulsing with cosmic energy. The use of lasers and animation was tasteful and powerful, never overwhelming, and always respectful of the sacred space. 🎶 The Casavant organ’s deep tones added a majestic layer to the experience, and the transitions between scenes were seamless. Whether you're spiritual or simply appreciate art and architecture, AURA is a must-see. It’s not just a show—it’s a celebration of light, history, and imagination. Highly recommend catching an evening performance to feel the full impact. We left with goosebumps and a renewed appreciation for how technology can enhance—not replace—human creativity.

It is not big and will not take much time to check out all unless you want to pray. I did not see the light show though, but its stunning architecture, intricate interior design, and historical significance amazed me. With the interior along with seeing people talk in low voices, made it feel like a sacred place to sit and think quietly. For me, it is one of the most amazing experiences one can have.

It was our first experience attending an aura show in a church, and it was truly wonderful. The church is huge, very old, and beautifully maintained. Even though the place was full for the show, the well-organized staff made everything easy and comfortable. The show lasted about 25 minutes, which felt just right. The sound system and lighting were of excellent quality, creating a perfect atmosphere for the performance. Note that photos and videos are not allowed during the show. Parking can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to find a paid parking spot nearby and arrive early to get a good seat in the middle section. Overall, a great experience and definitely recommended!

Tall and imposing with its towering external profile and breathtaking with its impressive interiors, the Notre Dame is a must visit for any visit to Montreal. While I've heard decent things about the Notre Dame prior to my visit, nothing beats the experience of seeing it's magnificent interiors up close; being able to sit in peace while appreciating the surroundings was a deeply calming experience. I had visited on a weekday afternoon and there was a short 2-3 minute queue for the tickets which was fairly efficient.

I’ve seen many churches in Europe and in North America while on vacation, but this one is unique IMHO with its modern internal design, artistically crafted doors, and unique stained glass windows. Even though it is high on the mountain side, it is also very accessible with elevators and escalators. Plus it has an impressive pipe organ with amazing views of the surrounding area (St Lawrence River, McGill university, sunset, etc)

Finally able to go inside and it was worth it. Payment is best done online although they sell tickets there too via credit card only. No cash. Everything inside was beautiful. There's also a dedicated prayer booth on the right. Toilet available.

It was a wonderful experience visiting this church. It made me feel truly amazed. Learning about its history made it even more meaningful. Although part of the building is under renovation, every corner of the church is full of beautiful and intricate details. Even though there were a lot of people inside, most were very respectful. However, I did notice one or two people trying to take photos inside the prayer room, which was disappointing. I think it would be helpful if someone could guide visitors near the prayer area to remind them to be quiet and respectful. After I finished praying, people continued to take photos and talk, which made me feel a bit upset. Overall, it was an incredible experience to visit such a stunning and historic building in Montreal. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

🎭 Overview & History Place des Arts officially opened in 1963 to transform Montreal into a cultural capital—the initiative of Mayor Jean Drapeau. Its flagship venue, Salle Wilfrid‑Pelletier, inaugurated that year, marked the beginning of this iconic complex 🎟️ Venues & Programming Place des Arts includes six performance halls with varied capacities and purposes: Salle Wilfrid‑Pelletier (~2,996 seats): Canada’s largest multipurpose stage, home to large-scale opera, ballet, jazz, and musicals Maison symphonique (~2,100 seats): Acclaimed for its acoustics, home to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. Théâtre Maisonneuve (~1,453 seats): Hosts dance, theatre, comedy, and chamber performances Smaller venues include Théâtre Jean‑Duceppe (~765 seats), Cinquième Salle (~300–421 seats), and Salle Claude‑Léveillée (~128 seats) for more intimate or experimental shows The programming is diverse—ranging from internationally renowned musicians and dance companies to comedy, musicals, opera, and experimental works. Place des Arts is a frequent host for high-profile festivals like the Montréal Jazz Festival, FrancoFolies, Just for Laughs, and Montreal en lumière 🌟 Esplanade & Public Space The Esplanade de la Place des Arts is a vibrant elevated plaza connecting the building’s theatres—it’s a magnet for festivals, performances, and public art installations year‑round—including live fountains in summer and winter events during Montréal en lumière and Jazz Fest The Espace culturel Georges‑Émile‑Lapalme, at ground level and attached to Sainte-Catherine Street, features free performances, exhibits, and gatherings in a dynamic urban setting

Place des Arts is, in my opinion, one of Montreal’s greatest cultural gems. The area around it has evolved into one of the city’s most charming yet bustling sectors, with something to enjoy in every season. I can easily imagine how delighted tourists must feel when visiting. Its proximity to excellent restaurants and the metro (subway) makes it very accessible, though parking can sometimes be a bit tricky—but not enough to take away from the experience. I’ve attended numerous shows here, including Broadway productions, which are truly spectacular. My only real criticism is the sound quality, which isn’t always ideal. While many may overlook this, an acoustic overhaul would significantly elevate the entertainment experience and make this venue even more remarkable.

Saw 2 concerts in October. Mezzanine seats are too small. Also mezzanine seats don't have a unobstructed view (lighting fuxtures) of the screen images. It's something Place Des Arts should consider for people sitting higher (project images lower i n the screens) Parterre seats are ideal.

Lots of fun.always great festivals . Love the jazz festival. Have been over 10 times Don't let the name fool you. A good variety of music. Jazz, blues, hip-hop, rap rock, you name it and is there.

Nice place for shows and concerts, acoustics are clear, the place itself is really well maintained, not crappie sets... illumination during this last show now in 2025 Montreal Jazzfestival, was very modest but accordingly appropriate with jazz rhythm, Dianne Reeves makes us happy for an 1,15 hour, very recommended, the only thing I didn't find was a place to buy a bottle of water, but finally we found a water fountain

Had a wonderful evening on October 30th 2025. Spectators and performers were dressed in costumes. Lots of fun. Sound is amazing. Comfortable seats.

Sound system wasn't the greatest. Watched Hamilton there and had to really focus to hear the artists. Could overhear everyone's conversations or muffles during the show. Stage and setup was nice though.

Facilities and staff is amazing. The place was clean though some foul smell in the upper seats. Bathrooms clean and well stocked. Good access and felt very secure. But the sound of the Simple Minds concert was terrible. Show was amazing, but still, the sound wasn't up to it.

Have been here in many occasions for concerts. The last 3 concerts I attended here were U2, Pink, Benson Boone. It is the perfect place for a concert. Just the right size and even the furthest seat away are good. Because it's an arena the steps are steep but this also allows you to still see everything. Very clean arena.

The atmosphere was electric with excellent sound quality that really made the performance stand out. Staff were friendly and well-organized, from security at the entrance to the bartenders and ushers inside. The lines moved quickly, and everything felt safe and efficient without losing the fun vibe. Had an amazing experience seeing $uicideboy$ last week. Would come back for future events!

Went to our very 1st Habs game all the way from Northern Alberta tonight and what an amazing time we had! Lower row seats with a perfect view of the ice. We won the home opener game it was so exciting!! What an awesome environment to be in!! Highly recommended if you are in Montreal! But one down side is, cheddar cheese onion popcorn...omg that smells absolutely disgusting...should definitely not be on the menu lol that is an at home snack.

Great experience coming over from NY, Montreal has always been my favorite hockey team and a trip to the Bell Centre was a bucket list item. It did not disappoint at all, very electric atmosphere inside, fans are very passionate and supportive. I wish the team store had larger sized jerseys such as 3xl and 4xl with older players names available and maybe some bobbleheads for sale but otherwise it was nice. For the second game of a new season I expected pristine amenities and I was surprised to find the seats torn up a bit, but we enjoyed the nice padding they had. Great time overall.

Centre bell excellent concert menu. The venue entrance was a bit slow, but expected due to large crowd. Staff very helpful. Great concert sound. Bryan Adams..

Very first HABS game! Loved it! I will say this about the stadium, the vertical seating is sketchy lol… they also need more bathrooms as well. Other than that it was so much fun! Go Habs Go!

We went to pick up our race bibs. Nicely organized for runners and sales booths for needed items.

Palais des congrès de Montréal / Montreal Convention Center The Palais des congrès de Montréal is a prominent convention centre located in the heart of downtown Montreal, at the intersection of the city's business district and Old Montreal. Established in 1983 and expanded in 2002, it offers over 508,000 square feet of versatile event space across seven floors, including one of Canada's largest column-free exhibition halls. Accessibility: Directly connected to the Place-d'Armes metro station and Montreal's extensive underground pedestrian network (RÉSO). Architecture: Notable for its vibrant multicoloured glass façade and modern design, making it a distinctive landmark in the city. Sustainability: Certified as a carbon-neutral building, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly event planning. Art Installation: Home to "Lipstick Forest," an art piece by Claude Cormier featuring 52 pink concrete tree trunks, symbolizing a blend of nature and urban life. The Palais hosts a variety of events annually, including international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings, contributing significantly to Montreal's status as a global meeting destination.

First time being at the otakuton this year it was very nice seen a lot of things and people cosplay and events either gaming or in the exhibition hall there was also a lot of activities like table going, workshop crafting even Amine watching rooms and more

Stunning convention centre!!! Visited for Expo-Marathon and adored the colourful windows. Couldn't stop admiring them!

Love this place, Especially during conventions like Otakuthon, because of how big it is, very pretty and clean too, easy to get there by Metro, close to many others place, but wish there was more air conditionner during a conventions in summer, i end up so sweaty and dizzy due of the amount of people and it get so hot

lol it is like copy and paste from Paris , same confusion. Had a great conference and staff are helpful and kind. Will hope to be back in 2026

This is a convention center in downtown Montreal, next to Westin and Intercontinental hotels. However, it is accessible by Metro train. So, if you are attending a conference here on a budget, it makes sense to stay a bit farther and commute via the metro rail.

It's easily accessible to public transportation metro/bus. You will find the beautiful scenery ✨️ colorful trees (sep/oct) and an old fort/Minar. Walking through the forest is amazing 👏 You must plan at least 6 hrs to spend over there to covering the entire park.

One of the most beautiful park located in the heart of the city. Easily accessible via metro and bus routes. There are several cool activities during the summer as well as in winter for everyone. Huge picnic area with tables. Cityscape also looks great from there and amazing place for the nature walk and photography.

It's such a beautiful place. There's so much to see. The flowers are beautiful. There's also this enormous blue chair that's really cool. I simply went there to enjoy the clamness of the afternoon and had no idea a that the Biosphere Museum was near by. I was pleasantly surprised. I absolutely enjoyed going there and intend to go back soon.

A nice place to spend your weekend and have a picnic. It's in the yellow line. Not far from the downtown, and literally on the opposite side of the old port. A great place to spend quiet afternoons with your partner. The biodome is also an attraction if one visits with family.

A very big and beautiful park with great views of the city and harbour. They've been making many renovations to update the park's infrastructure, buildings, and landscape features. I definitely recommend coming here during the weekdays when it's quiet to explore the many trails and gardens.

Very large Parc! Many activities! Lots of resting places (benches)! Could improve on adding more public washrooms! Metro and Bixi stations! Great for kids and families! See map attached!

Nice area to enjoy a leisure walk. Just not able to visit the biosphere museum as it W's closed on Monday. Also quite some construction within the park too.

It's a deli famous for it's beef, and we got the beef! Pretty delicious and a great little delight where you get to meet some people as you'll be sandwiched in with some other travellers. A great experience and hits the exact mark you're expecting. We had a shwartz beef sandwich and a poutine with beef on top. Both excellent. The only critique would be the line up. While we expected a wait, the line was filled with / "I think this of what we're supposed to do". That being said, we all figured it out. Amazing sandwich from a famous and awesome deli!

I had an incredible experience at Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal. The smoked meat was simply outstanding — juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. You can really taste the tradition and quality in every bite. Their poutine was also amazing, with crispy fries, tasty gravy, and the right amount of cheese curds. The place has that authentic Montreal vibe, always busy but full of energy. The staff were friendly and quick, even with the long line. It’s no surprise that this place is a local favorite — definitely a must-visit for anyone coming to Montreal!

One thing that you cannot miss when you’re in Montreal, smoked meat. It’s one of kind delicacy with its rich history, and served out of place that looks right out of a 60-70’s movie even today. A classic retro styled diner, with brisket display and bar seating, old style menu’s and a specific counter to collect payments. Coming to the meat and the sandwich, the meat was just like cotton candy, melts the moment it touches your tongue. Seasoned perfectly, cooked right and smoked blissfully, this is a place that anyone and everyone visiting Montreal should try

If you're visiting Montreal, or planning a visit, this is definitely a culinary spot that should be included on your itinerary. The Deli is truly a sensational place: and I'm not just saying that for its 70s, 80s, and 90s vibe, but also for its excellent service and food. Unfortunately, the restaurant doesn't have many tables, and even with counter space, there's still not enough room for everyone. So plan to arrive early, make a reservation, or wait in line, which can take up to an hour depending on the time of day. Now, if you don't mind not eating in, they offer takeout at the store next door, which is just as delicious, as it's prepared the same way. Plus, you can also buy other items from the restaurant, including preserves and sauces. Unfortunately, the restaurant doesn't have facilities for disabled guests, and the entrances to both stores are small, preventing wheelchairs from entering. In these cases, you'll need the help of friends and family. The prices are very attractive, and the delicious food is worth the wait and the trip. They don't have their own parking lot, and depending on the day, parking in the area is impossible (keep in mind that all street parking is paid, so you'll rarely find free parking).

Was looking to try some Montreal smoked meat while in town, so went to the OG place. Had lunch here and was able to sit at the counter with no wait. Our server was absolutely pleasant and directed us in what/how to order. Food came out fast and was hot. Absolutely delicious!

Absolutely great place and experience! The sandwiches are fresh and delicious, and the pickles are perfect. I especially loved the friendly atmosphere, the older gentleman working there really made our visit special with his cheerful anecdotes from the past. Highly recommend stopping by for great food if you're in Montreal.

Hate to be a downer but Schwartz’s came so highly recommended and we were so disappointed. The line up outside was so very long, but we were thankfully able to sit down at the takeaway restaurant beside the main restaurant. The staff was friendly and welcoming, but the food was a let down. The smoked meat sandwich was so small, and the rye bread so thin. You had to order the pickle and fries extra. Not cheap either. The actual smoked meat was juicy, tasty and authentic. The tables were dirty and no one available to clean them. Overall, it felt like the hype was the reason people go, but the product wasn’t worth it. Sorry Schwartz.

We had a lovely dinner at this charming French restaurant. We ordered the house salad, onion soup, and rack of lamb. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. The lamb was a bit more cooked than I would have preferred, but it was still flavorful. Service was friendly and attentive. We were seated in the room next to the live music, which was perfect — we could enjoy the ambiance while still having an easy conversation. Overall, a wonderful dining experience that I’d happily recommend.

Had a wonderful lunch at Modavie today. They had a lunch special for 3 courses; appetizer, main, and desert. The food was spectacular. I had a house salad with a tasty Dijon vinnegrette, a half-chicken served over mashed potatoes with a red-wine demi, and a creme brule to finish it off. All of the food came out with perfect timing, so you don't have to rush through your food before something else gets cold. Lorenzo is a wonderful host, and had me a seat at the bar in record time. The bartender Kevin was attentive and makes killer cocktails. I definitely enjoyed my time here in Montreal, and Modavie was a great end to my business trip.

The food was fantastic! The location and atmosphere made for a memorable experience. Constant was very kind and helpful, which added to the great service. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for authentic French cuisine. The pesto gnocchi was a bit on the heavier side, but the steak was excellent, tender and perfectly cooked. The French onion soup was tasty, though slightly heavy on the cheese, and the cheese platter could use a bit more variety.

Amazing experience. We didn't make reservation but able to grab bar seats. Staff are all inventive and friendly, the young gentleman worked at bar is amazing, took care of us very well. The food is great! From the appetizers to the main, to the dessert, all amazing. Vibe is great, Tuesday night but so full and everyone was enjoying. Overall very nice experience, will definitely come back if visit in Montreal again

We visited this restaurant as tourists in Montreal. The location is wonderful, especially given how many competitors there are around. Our table was prepared quickly, even though we arrived half an hour earlier than our reservation. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We ordered three dishes: escargots, foie gras, and French onion soup. The escargots were delicious, but we were surprised when they were topped with cheese for an additional charge that was neither mentioned in the menu nor communicated to us. The onion soup was overly salty — perhaps a matter of taste. The foie gras, however, was excellent, with a perfect balance of sweet pear, toast, and liver. Would I return? Probably not — first, because Montreal has many other places worth exploring, and second, the discrepancy between the menu prices and the final bill was disappointing. Do I recommend it? Yes — trying the foie gras here is definitely worth it🫶🏻

Our first meal in Montreal, conveniently located right next to our hotel in the heart of downtown on a lively street. We didn’t have a reservation but were seated quickly with a two-hour time limit, likely because it gets busier later with live music. The service and food were both excellent. I didn’t love the lamb rack, even though the waiter recommended it—it just wasn’t my thing. But the steak was fantastic and the portion was generous. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit!

WOW. this place is amazing! From out of town and was suggested to try this restaurant with live music. We walked in on a weekday evening and was greeted by a friendly host. The restaurant was packed but luckily we got a table on the bar side of the restaurant, where you could still hear the live music from the other side. Our server Buddy was amazing! And the food was delicious! We started the foie gras, garlic snails, and bone marrow. All of them was done to perfection! Our meals we tried rack of lamb and the catch of the day which was the Rainbow Trout. Both was so delicious though we both prefer the rack of lamb. It was definitely an enjoyable experience!! 5* all the way!! Must try!

Amazing coffee, great food, and really good staff. And Oh my God ! The interiors. It’s a huge vintage old building with amazing and archaic architecture. Highly recommend the spinach danish, iced hazelnut latte, and the salad. Good service too. One of the staff came To Our table to get our drink that we forgot. (It’s self serve)

A beautiful place to have your morning coffee, cappuccino or whatever! Stopped in here before we got or day going to explore Montreal. One of the most scenic cafe settings I have ever been to (as far as the interior at least!). We had a decaf latte, cappuccino and a couple of bagels. The drinks were great, including the temperature right off the bat (no waiting for a reasonable cool down before you got to drinking). The bagels were delicious; crispy on the outside and nice and soft inside. The cream cheese very silky smooth and tasty. Definitely a worthwhile stop in Montreal!

The beautiful architecture and soaring ceilings are worth a visit just for their beauty. The remainder of the cafe is equally impressive, utilizing bank teller windows and counters for the counterspace. The seating area is plentiful, with polite notes to enjoy your food and the ambiance without setting up workstations. The breakfast was fine, but to be honest - it wasn't really the point of the visit. An absolute gem. I can't wait to return to experience it again.

Beautiful building with plenty of seating areas. You can choose your own seat, and there are many sofa sections. They also offer $15/hour private rooms and monthly membership areas. It’s quite crowded and a bit noisy, giving off a tourist spot vibe. The coffee is rich and flavorful.

Collective Crew Café is such a beautiful spot! The architecture and interior design are stunning — bright, modern, and full of charm. I ordered a matcha latte and a pastry, and both were excellent. The matcha was perfectly balanced, and the pastry was fresh and buttery. The staff were so friendly, and the whole place has such a calm, welcoming vibe. A perfect café to relax, work, or just enjoy the beautiful space!

Tasty espresso-based drinks and friendly service. The staff are very attentive with orders and friendly. This is a great spot for meetings over coffee and working with friends, co-workers or classmates - there's ample space and a beautiful, grand interior layout. The architecture is beautiful to look at, and while the space fills up quickly, it's close to the business district and a popular spot. Worth trying when you're in the area!

Super I loved it, the sandwiches were really good, the cappuccino was the best I tried at Montréal, the atmosphere and the attention were super. 100% recommended to go. Advise: It is crowded all the time so be patient, no need reservation for going.

The service was very good. The atmosphere was homely and comfortable, big, clean The soya chicken drumstick was a bit too salty and hard The beef horfun was hard, and SUPER oily. I did ask for less oil when I ordered. I only ate 1/3.

Really good bbq. We were 2 people and shared the small plate with duck, bbq pork, and soy sauce chicken. Soy sauce Chicken was reminiscent of hainanese chicken. It came with a salty dipping sauce for. Huge portion. Also ordered chicken feet that was pretty good. Neither dish had eggs dairy or peanuts. Staff could answer questions about allergies because I think owner was there. Wonton noodles are egg noodles. Toilet does not flush well… I will definitely return.

One, if not the only, HK style cafe in Montreal. We came for breakfast and they had some decent HK style options like noodle soups or eggs with toast. We also got their BBQ meats on rice and noodle soup. If you are craving these items, this is a good option to try.

My favorite roast is red sausage, which I go to eat every week. I dare say the hot milk tea here is also the best. Of course, it also bothers me that it will sell out if it goes late. The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and it would be nice if the language of the TV could be changed to English.

Very local Chinese cafe in Montreal China town! Food is not bad! Toilet quite clean but smelly! I suggest use chlorine to get rid of the smell

Very homey and authentic Hong Kong snack placee! A hidden gem 😍 good price, big portions and delicious food 😋😋 we ordered the shaomai, century egg pork porridge, spring rolls and chinese broccoli/beef noodles; very filling! The servers were kind and accommodating as well 😊

If you happen to visit Chinatown in Montreal, don’t miss this restaurant! The food is absolutely fantastic and the staff is very nice. I love the roasted pork and barbecue pork!

This place was a complete letdown. The menu outside didn't match what we got inside—about half the options were missing. Total bait and switch. The atmosphere was just odd. It felt like sitting in a random, uncomfortable living room, surrounded by strangers in awkward silence. The service? Terrible. Our waiter was straight-up rude and treated our group of six like we didn’t have a clue. As for the food, it was mediocre at best. Honestly, it had that frozen, straight-out-of-a-box vibe—like something Gordon Ramsay would tear apart on Kitchen Nightmares. Bottom line: We’re never going back. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place.

We went there for our Christmas party and celebrated in their private room. They accommodated us on every demand and were super flexible on any requirements. The food was divine! Every single item that was served to the guests was generous and super delicious. Hats off to the chef! Thank you for creating the perfect Christmas party!

The food was good, I had a vegetable cream, a salad, linguini with Parmigiano chicken and a canoli for desert. The soup was great, the salad good as well. My chicken parm was really good the pasta were good and for the desert you can't go wrong with the canoli. We were a group and we really enjoyed the place.

Excellent service, they accomodated us for everything we asked for. Great salon for private meetings. Will go back for sure, food was great, i had the fish and risotto and risotto was very tasty 👌

Excellence place, the terrace is beautiful and the plates are delicious. Try any pasta with carbonara sauce seafood, pizza is also good. Great ambience, amazing option for having a date and surprise that woman with a glass of wine, great food and if there is a concert at the park in front you have the total package. Only weakness I've seen, the menu for drinks is nothing original from my perspective, they could have a better variety of wines and cocktails but I felt it a little poor. Out of that, for being at longueil is a great option.

The food was ok but not great. It’s more like cheap pub food yet at restaurant prices. Not sure it was worth it. Some items like the calamari gave the impression they had been stored in the freezer and then deep fried, as it lacked taste or seasoning.

Great service. Complimentary fresh bread was amazing - perfectly crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. Soup of the day was a delicious Creamy Carrot Soup. Caesar salad was a bit too anchovy for me but still good.