Curious Traveller: Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Montreal
Montreal is celebrated for its iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame Basilica and the scenic Mount Royal, but beneath these famous attractions lies a wealth of quirky and offbeat spots waiting to be discovered. Beyond the usual tourist destinations, Montreal offers a side of itself that is distinctly local and wonderfully unexpected.
Unique Experiences
Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, transports visitors to a European-like setting in North America. As one of the oldest urban areas on the continent, it’s rich with historical significance. Strolling through its charming streets, such as Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Saint-Pierre, reveals the best of the area’s shops and cultural heritage. For a deeper dive into Montreal’s hidden features, the Underground City, or RÉSO, is a sprawling network of tunnels that span over 20 miles beneath the city, offering a fascinating underground world filled with shops, offices, and unique artworks.
For those seeking a more thrilling experience, Montreal’s haunted Griffintown provides a glimpse into the city’s darker past. This popular neighbourhood is rich in ghost stories and eerie legends, but if you prefer a more interactive adventure, a scavenger hunt through Old Montreal’s historic landmarks like Pointe-à-Callière Museum and Ramsay Castle offers a fun and engaging way to uncover the mysteries of the city while enjoying its iconic sites.
If you are lucky enough to be moving to Montreal, and as you embrace your new city, a reliable moving company Montreal can help make your transition smooth, leaving you more time to discover what makes this city truly special.
Alternative Entertainment
Sandbox VR at Sources Mega Centre is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for the ultimate immersive experience. Combining full-body motion capture with high-quality haptics, it offers a level of realism far beyond what home virtual reality systems can provide. Groups of up to six friends are transported into dynamic virtual worlds where they can freely explore, collaborate, and feel like they’re starring in their own action movie.
Canada’s thriving iGaming market has also seen renewed interest in brick-and-mortar venues and it just so happens that Montreal boasts the largest casino in Canada, where you’ll find dining, shows, arcade games, and of course, thousands of slot machines. If you’re new to gambling games, Canada has an abundance of top-rated online casinos that you can try before your visit, especially if you want to sample some of the many slot machines. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started as Jackpot City Casino and LeoVegas are offering 295 and 300 free spins respectively to new customers playing their online slots.
Off the Beaten Track
A boat trip along the St. Lawrence River offers a fresh perspective of Montreal’s landmarks like the Olympic Stadium, Habitat 67, and Jacques Cartier Bridge, while also diving into the city’s rich history as a fur trading hub. For those who prefer staying active, exploring Montreal’s extensive bike paths on a guided tour is an efficient and fun way to visit trendy neighbourhoods like Mile End and the Plateau, with stops at scenic spots such as Parc Jean Drapeau and its famous Biosphere.
During the winter, Montreal’s adventurous spirit continues with activities like dog sledding in nearby villages like Tadoussac and Saint Hippolyte. Visitors can take charge of their own husky team, or try other winter sports such as ice fishing and snowshoeing. For a truly special winter experience, electric fat tire biking up Mount Royal offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered cityscape, giving visitors an exhilarating way to enjoy Montreal’s iconic mountain in its winter wonderland state.
Beyond the Expected
Montreal is a city that thrives on its ability to surprise and delight visitors with experiences that go far beyond the expected. It offers something for every curious traveller looking to explore the unusual and offbeat, and invites you to discover its unique charm in ways that will leave lasting memories.
