Women-Friendly Travel in Montreal
The Montreal women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Montreal
Carre St. Louis
Carre St. Louis is smaller than the other public parks of Montreal, but popular nevertheless. Its small size means it fits in comfortably into the surrounding residential community, with local restaurants and shops just a few minutes’ walk away. The park contains bike paths and beautiful fountains. Perhaps the most striking feature is its use as the set in the popular “Just for Laughs Gags” show – so be on the lookout for pranksters!
Montreal
Parc Jeanne Mance
A small but popular evening gathering point for local residents. This park contains a large playground with facilities for soccer, tennis, volleyball, badminton, and baseball, and a swimming pool for children. It's located at the northern base of Mount Royal.
Montreal
Parc LaFontaine
Located a few kilometers north of Mount Royal and stretching over 36 hectares, this park contains beautiful artificial lakes connected by waterfalls, decorative fountains, large playing fields, swimming pools, bike trails, an ice skating area in winters, and the newest addition, an open-air theatre. This is a good place to hit on your last day in the city, if you want to relax and collect everlasting memories before leaving.
Montreal
Parc du Mont Royal
Central Park, Hyde Park, Jardin d’Luxembourg, Chapultapec – Parc du Mont Real stands alongside any of the world’s great parks. Mont Real (or Mount Royal) is one of the city’s great icons. Jacques Cartier scaled the peak when he arrived in 1535, naming it for the king of France. The hill has served as a beacon for the city ever since. It stands 233m at its peak, a height that no buildings in the city are allowed to surpass.
Montreal
Warshaw Building
One of the earliest skyscrapers to be constructed in the region when it was opened in the 1920’s. Standing at only seven stories tall, it is dwarfed by the modern skyscrapers of today, but nevertheless maintains its position as one of the initial defining examples of Montreal architecture.
Montreal
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the oldest art museum in Canada. It was established way back in 1860. It moved to its present location in the Golden Square Mile in December 1912. The new building was in the Beaux Arts style. The museum’s collection is also held in two other buildings – the modernist Desmarais Pavilion across the street and the Bourgie Pavilion in an old church. Today the collection has more than 30,000 pieces.
Montreal
Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden "Jardin Botanique" was founded in 1931 thanks to the effort of Brother Marie-Victorin. It was built up throughout the 1930s, and has continued to expand ever since. During the 1976 Olympics, it hosted the running portion of the pentathlon and the 20km walk. The botanical gardens cover 185 acres and are home to more than 22,000 plant species. It is the largest botanical garden in the world.
Montreal
Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
The Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is the second largest church in Montreal. It was built amid controversy starting in 1875 and lasting until 1894. The process was not without controversy – the site of the church was in a predominantly English-speaking and Anglican neighborhood. It was a long walk from the church’s French-speaking, Catholic congregation. Originally called St. James Cathedral, it was rededicated to the Virgin Mary in 1955.
Montreal
Underground City
The Underground City is a unique complex of shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, boutiques, and offices underneath Downtown Montreal. It was the brainchild of urbanist Vincent Ponte. The first section was built in 1962 beneath new skyscraper construction on the site of an old railyard. The subterranean network has been expanding ever since, most recently in 2003 with the development of the Quartier International de Montreal business district.
Montreal
Montreal Planetarium
Founded in 1966, the Montreal Planetarium is one of four entries in the Montreal Nature Museum (along with the Biodome, Botanical Garden, and Insectarium). Multimedia exhibits showcase different celestial bodies – planets, quasars, nebulae, galaxies, etc. Free lectures are held from time to time. This is another good attraction for children, but it’s not as good as the other parts of the Montreal Nature Museum, or the Science Center.
Montreal
McGill University and McCord Museum
McGill University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada. It has the oldest law school in Canada. The campus has tree lined walkways and an eclectic mix of nineteenth century and modern/postmodern architecture. The atmosphere is collegial; all the students make the campus come alive. During the day you can visit the departments, gardens, and of course the bookstore. In the evening, refresh yourself with a stroll along the romantically lit walkways.
Montreal
Grande Bibliothèque
The Grande Bibliotheque is the largest library in the French-speaking world. It was built between 2001 and 2005 and cost nearly $100 million. The five-story building is a magnificent example of modern architecture. The façade consists of copper strips in front of massive panes of glass. In addition to the books, the library is home to a sculpture garden and several interesting murals.
Montreal
Chinatown
No world-class city can call itself that with a straight face if it doesn't have a Chinatown! Montreal is no exception. This is the largest Chinatown in Canada, which is an accomplishment considering the large Chinese populations in Toronto and Vancouver. You can find traditional Chinese architecture, restaurants, shops and much more. This is a great place to get some cheap souvenirs, and you know you're going to find amazing, and authentic, Chinese food.
Montreal
Bell Centre
Nothing says Canada like hockey, the country’s national sport. If you are in town during the NHL (National Hockey League) season, which runs from October through April you’d be remiss not to watch a game. The Montreal Canadiens are one of the league’s six charter members. It may be difficult to get a ticket, but there’s nothing like the atmosphere and intensity of a playoff hockey game. If you’re in town from late April to early June and the Canadiens are still in it, seriously consider seeing a game, though it can be pricey.