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Travel Guide: MontrealIf you’re heading into Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, here’s a list of must-sees.

MontrealisthelargestcityinQuebecandisanamazingdestinationforworldtravellerslookingforacityforofcultureandentertainment.Italsohappenstobehostingroundnineofthe2023FormulaOneWorldChampionship,andifyou’reluckyenoughtobeheadingovertherefortherace,here’showyoumightwanttofillyourtimewhenthere’snoracing.

SeeingtheCity

A good way to get your bearings of Montreal is to take a stroll up Mount Royal. There is a park inside Mount Royal, designed by the same architect – Frederick Law Olmstead – who also designed new York’s Central Park. At the top of the mount is Kondiaronk Belvedere a look out where you can see the city in all its glory. And don’t worry if you’re not much of a walker, there are several places where you’ll be able to get some refreshments whilst enjoying the view.

One of the must-sees is the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. With more than one million visitors a year, it’s hardly a hidden gem, but is worth seeing. The Basilica is still an active church that can trace its origins back to 1672, but it’s the interior of the church that is breath-taking. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. It’s full of colour and what is unusual is that the stained-glass windows depict the history of Montreal, not religious scenes.

And although it should (hopefully) be pleasant weather, you’ll want to visit RÉSO, Montreal’s underground city. The underground city is a series of interconnected office towers, hotels, shopping centres, residential and commercial complexes, convention halls, universities and performing arts venues that form the heart of Montreal's central business district. It is used to save people going outside during Montreal’s long, cold winters. It’s estimated that throughout the winter, half-a-million people use it daily.

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AQuickShoppingTrip

RÉSO connects a lot of the shopping malls in Montreal, so you’ll be able to spend plenty of time, and dollars, wandering around the underground city.

The Eaton Centre is the largest shopping centre in Montreal’s Downtown with more than 125 stores and restaurants spread over five levels. If there’s anything you want or need, you’re guaranteed to find it there.

If you enjoy the sunshine as you shop, you’ll want to visit Sainte Catherine Street. The street stretches east-to-west across the city and is 11km long. It is chock-a-block with independent shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping centres.

If you feel something more traditional than an underground city, head to Bonsecours Market. It is an historic marketplace that has been part of the city since 1847. This two-storey domed neoclassical heritage building was the main shopping market in Montreal for more than 100 years. The market offers a broad range of goods including Canadian and native arts and crafts, as well as jewellery by Quebec craftspeople and various clothing and accessories by local designers.

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Eatanddrink

Ask a two locals where to get the best poutine and you’ll probably get two different answers, but one place that is renowned for this extremely Canadian dish is Chez Ma Tante. The restaurant has been in the city since 1929 and as well as their top-notch poutine, they’re also famous for their hotdogs.

Whilst we’re on fast food, you’ll want to take to the restaurant that’s shaped like a huge orange: Gibeau Orange Julep. It’s famous for its iconic drink named after the restaurant, but you’ll also be able to get burgers, corndogs and of course, poutine.

If you fancy something a little more sophisticated than fast-food, then Montreal has plenty on offer on that front as well. Hélicoptère is a very popular choice, priding itself on amazing and unique flavours at a very reasonable price.

Looking for somewhere to head after dinner? Milky Way Cocktail Bar is one of the city’s most popular drinking venues. As you’d expect with a name like that, the décor and funky lighting is serving outer space chic, and the menu is full of original cocktails and tasty treats if you’re still feeling snacky.

GetYourF1Fix

If you’re in Montreal for the race weekend, but not actually heading to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, you’ll want to go to Peel Street for the Peel Formula Event.

Peel Street is full of restaurants, bars and boutiques and the vendors come together for the race weekend to organise the most prestigious Formula One event. The event is filled with F1-themed things to do as well as plenty of places with DJs live music. If it couldn’t get any better, we’ll have some racing simulators set up for anyone to come and set their fastest lap. Find out more and book your spot here.

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