Montreal Has Arts, Sports and Culture Just Across the Border

Trek up to Mount Royal Park or head to Old Montreal.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM: BENEDEK

Why It’s Awesome: This drivable international destination has so much to offer families. From arts, culture and sports to natural beauty, your crew will never be at a loss for things to do. Savor the chance to sample French food, learn a bit of the language and check out the mix of old world charm and modern attractions.

Where to Stay: Hotel Bonaventure Montreal will be a big hit with the kids due to its heated outdoor rooftop pool that you can enter from inside the building, even in cold weather! The hotel is a short stroll to the historic and charming Old Montreal where you’ll find plenty of dining and entertainment options.

STAFF PHOTO

What to Do: Trek up to Mount Royal Park for an amazing view of the city. The park is host to concerts, BBQs and biking in the warmer months and ice skating and snow tubing in the winter. Head to Old Montreal and take a step back in time on the cobblestone streets. La Ronde, the city’s amusement park, offers everything from thrill rides to amusements for the little ones. In summer, don’t miss their fireworks displays at night. The Montreal Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. Stroll through the Japanese Garden and then check out the greenhouse and the aquatic garden. Let the kids run around while you relax and take in the beauty!

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / WIRESTOCK

What Else to Explore: One way to get a feel for Montreal is to taste all of its signature dishes. Poutine, which translates to “mess,” is French fries covered with gravy and cheese curds, and will be a hit with the kids. Chez Ma Tante is a reliable place to try this delicacy, and you can eat at outdoor tables or on the go. A sweet or savory crepe is a must on your trip. Visit Breizh Café on St. Laurent Boulevard or Creperie Chez Suzette. Try an authentic Montreal bagel, thinner and more pretzel-like than New York/New Jersey ones. St-Viateur or Fairmont Bagel are both popular choices.

Head to the Old Port for a ride on La Grande Roue de Montreal, an observation wheel with amazing views of the St. Lawrence River. The Biodome is an indoor zoo with five different ecosystems. You can enter an ice tunnel with penguins and a rainforest with tropical birds all in the same place.

See the Notre-Dame Basilica in a unique way with the AURA Experience. It’s a light and music show that uses the architecture of the basilica as its canvas. Montreal is known for its festivals and many occur at Place de Festivals, a large public urban space. Many shows are free and there’s also an interactive 235-jet fountain that kids will marvel at.

Details: Hotel Bonaventure rates are around $154-$265/night depending on room size and season.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Get fun things to do in NJ delivered straight to your inbox.

Latest articles

More from NJ Family