15-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Montreal

  • Day 1: Old Montreal Walking Tour
    15 minutes (4 km) from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

    Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and soak up the city's rich history with a guided walking tour. Admire stunning architecture, visit historic sites and museums, and enjoy delicious French-Canadian cuisine along the way.

  • Day 2: Biodome and Olympic Park
    10 minutes (6.1 km) from Old Montreal

    Spend a day with the family exploring the famous Montreal Biodome and take a stroll around the Olympic Park. Experience the different ecosystems from around the world at the Biodome, and then visit the Olympic Park, the site of the 1976 Summer Olympics. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, or head to one of the nearby restaurants for a delicious meal.

  • Day 3: Mont Royal Park and St Joseph's Oratory
    25 minutes (10.3 km) from Biodome

    Spend a day in nature exploring Mont Royal Park and visiting St Joseph's Oratory – the largest church in Canada. Take a hike up Mont Royal for stunning views of the city or enjoy a picnic with the family. Then visit the Oratory and marvel at the architecture, stained glass windows, and beautiful gardens.

  • Day 4: La Ronde Amusement Park
    20 minutes (12.4 km) from Mont Royal Park

    Spend a thrilling day riding roller coasters and enjoying family-friendly entertainment at La Ronde. With over 40 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Day 5: Montreal Science Centre and Clock Tower Beach
    15 minutes (9.1 km) from La Ronde Amusement Park

    Explore the fascinating world of science at the Montreal Science Centre and enjoy a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River at the Clock Tower Beach. Relax on the sandy beach, play volleyball, or take a dip in the refreshing water.

  • Day 6: Montreal Botanical Garden and Insectarium
    15 minutes (8.6 km) from Montreal Science Centre

    Discover the beauty of nature at the Montreal Botanical Garden and marvel at the diverse collection of insects from around the world at the Insectarium. Take a stroll through the 75 hectares of gardens, greenhouses, and exhibits, and enjoy a picnic lunch with the family.

  • Day 7: Lachine Canal National Historic Site and Atwater Market
    20 minutes (10.3 km) from Montreal Botanical Garden

    Explore the stunning Lachine Canal, which was built in the early 19th century, and learn about its importance to Montreal's history at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. Then, head to the Atwater Market for some delicious fresh produce and artisanal goods. Don't forget to try some Quebec cheese and maple syrup!

  • Day 8: Underground City and Museum of Contemporary Art
    10 minutes (5.1 km) from Lachine Canal National Historic Site

    Discover the amazing Underground City, a network of interconnected shopping malls, hotels, and apartments. Take a walk through the tunnels and explore the unique architecture of this city below the city. Then, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art and check out some exciting exhibits.

  • Day 9: Plateau Mont-Royal and Jean-Talon Market
    15 minutes (6.2 km) from the Museum of Contemporary Art

    Explore the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its unique architecture, trendy shops, and delicious restaurants. Take a stroll down Avenue Mont-Royal and soak up the atmosphere. Then, head to the Jean-Talon Market for some tasty local produce and gourmet goodies.

  • Day 10: Pointe-à-Callière Museum and Old Port
    15 minutes (5.3 km) from Jean-Talon Market

    Discover the fascinating history of Montreal at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and explore the beautiful Old Port. Learn about the city's origin and development, and then take a boat tour of the harbor to see the city from a different perspective.

  • Day 11: Mount Saint Hilaire and Apple Picking
    45 minutes (43.5 km) from Old Port

    Escape the city and head to Mount Saint Hilaire for a refreshing hike in nature. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and discover the local flora and fauna. Then, head to one of the nearby apple orchards for some delicious apple picking with the family.

  • Day 12: Saint Joseph's Oratory
    25 minutes (17.5 km) from Mount Saint Hilaire

    Visit Saint Joseph's Oratory again for a peaceful day of reflection and relaxation. Take a guided tour of the basilica or explore the beautiful gardens. Attend a mass or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred landmark.

  • Day 13: La Fontaine Park and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
    20 minutes (6.1 km) from Saint Joseph's Oratory

    Enjoy a day in the park and visit one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in Canada. Take a walk through the beautiful La Fontaine Park and enjoy a picnic with the family. Then, head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and explore its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

  • Day 14: McGill University and Grevin Montreal Museum
    10 minutes (2 km) from Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

    Visit the prestigious McGill University, one of the top universities in Canada. Take a campus tour and learn about its rich history, stunning architecture, and academic programs. Then, head to the Grevin Montreal Museum and discover the fascinating world of wax figures, including local celebrities and historical figures.

  • Day 15: Montreal Botanical Garden and Insectarium (again)
    15 minutes (6.9 km) from Grevin Montreal Museum

    Spend another day at the Montreal Botanical Garden and Insectarium and explore different parts of the gardens and exhibits. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with the family and take some beautiful photos of the stunning flowers and butterflies.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Old Montreal Walking Tour (2-3 hours, free)
  • Biodome and Olympic Park (4-6 hours, $25 adult, $16 child)
  • Mont Royal Park and St Joseph's Oratory (4-6 hours, free)
  • La Ronde Amusement Park (6-8 hours, $70 adult, $60 child)
  • Montreal Science Centre and Clock Tower Beach (4-6 hours, $24 adult, $14 child)
  • Montreal Botanical Garden and Insectarium (4-6 hours, $23 adult, $10 child)
  • Lachine Canal National Historic Site and Atwater Market (4-6 hours, free)
  • Underground City and Museum of Contemporary Art (4-6 hours, free)
  • Plateau Mont-Royal and Jean-Talon Market (4-6 hours, free)
  • Pointe-à-Callière Museum and Old Port (4-6 hours, $25 adult, $13 child)
  • Mount Saint Hilaire and Apple Picking (6-8 hours, free)
  • Saint Joseph's Oratory (2-3 hours, free)
  • La Fontaine Park and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (4-6 hours, $24 adult, $14 child)
  • McGill University and Grevin Montreal Museum (4-6 hours, $20 adult, $15 child)
Total Estimated Costs: $356 adult, $218 child

Transportation

Public transportation in Montreal is efficient and affordable. The metro system is easy to use, and there are also buses and taxis available. A day pass for one adult costs $10, and a child's day pass costs $6. If you plan on exploring outside the city, renting a car is a good option, and parking is relatively easy to find and inexpensive. Car rentals start at around $40 per day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Quebec City or Ottawa. Both cities are easily accessible by train or bus and offer unique cultural and historical experiences. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider focusing on a few key attractions and neighborhoods to explore in depth rather than trying to see everything.

Airports

Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the main airport serving Montreal, located about 20 km from the city center. The airport offers numerous transportation options, including buses, taxis, and car rentals. The trip from the airport to downtown Montreal takes approximately 30 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus.

0