Family-Friendly Guide to Montreal

The dome at the canadian museum of history

Montreal, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and historical depth, is a beacon of family-friendly attractions that beckon travelers from across the globe. Whether you’re an executive coach seeking a break from the rigors of corporate life or a motivational speaker drawing inspiration from diverse human experiences, Montreal offers a rich tapestry of activities and accommodations tailored to families. This guide aims to illuminate the myriad opportunities for enriching family experiences in Montreal, providing insights into the city’s offerings that foster communal growth and personal empowerment.

Unveiling Family Fun in Montreal

Montreal is not just a city; it’s an experience waiting to unfold for families of all sizes and interests. It offers a harmonious blend of cultural, educational, and entertaining activities that captivate both the young and the young at heart. Here’s how you can dive into the family-friendly fun that Montreal has to offer.

Exploring Kid-Friendly Attractions

Discovering Interactive Museums

Montreal’s museums are more than just repositories of artifacts; they are vibrant spaces that encourage learning through interaction. The Montreal Science Centre is a prime example, with its hands-on exhibits and interactive workshops that engage children in a playful yet educational manner. The IMAX theatre here is a must-visit, offering breathtaking documentaries that bring science and nature to life on the big screen.

Nature Encounters at the Biodome

The Biodome, part of the Space for Life museum district, is a family-friendly marvel that replicates diverse ecosystems. Children can walk through a lush tropical rainforest, feel the chill of the polar worlds, and even experience the unique habitats of the Laurentian Maple Forest. This immersive experience not only entertains but also educates, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Adventure at La Ronde

For families seeking thrills, La Ronde amusement park offers an array of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. From gentle carousels for the little ones to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters for thrill-seekers, La Ronde ensures a day full of excitement and laughter. Seasonal events and fireworks displays add an extra layer of magic to your visit.

Engaging Family Events

Montreal International Jazz Festival

The Montreal International Jazz Festival is not just for music aficionados; it’s a celebration for the whole family. The festival includes dedicated family zones where children can engage in musical activities and workshops. These interactive sessions provide an opportunity for kids to explore their musical talents and experience the joy of creating music.

Just for Laughs Festival

Laughter knows no age, and the Just for Laughs Festival ensures that families can share in the fun. With family-friendly comedy acts and street performances, the festival creates a lighthearted atmosphere that brings smiles to faces young and old. It’s a perfect way to introduce children to the art of comedy and the universal language of laughter.

Winter Wonders at Montreal en Lumière

During the colder months, Montreal en Lumière transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy outdoor light installations, ice slides, and culinary treats that reflect the city’s gastronomic diversity. This festival is a celebration of light, food, and togetherness, providing a cozy and enchanting atmosphere for creating cherished family memories.

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Hotels in Montreal

Choosing the right accommodation is pivotal in crafting a seamless family vacation. Montreal’s hotels are well-equipped to cater to families, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and unique experiences.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Located in the heart of the city, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth offers a luxurious stay with family-friendly amenities. Spacious suites ensure comfort, while the family package includes complimentary meals for children and access to the indoor pool. Its central location allows families to explore Montreal’s major attractions easily, making it an ideal base for your adventures.

Hotel Nelligan: A Blend of Luxury and History

For those seeking a blend of luxury and history, Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal is a perfect choice. This boutique hotel combines modern amenities with historic charm, providing family suites and babysitting services. Its proximity to the Old Port and attractions like the Montreal Science Centre makes it a favorite among families looking to explore the city’s rich heritage.

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile offers a sophisticated stay with a focus on family comfort. With spacious rooms, on-demand babysitting services, and a welcoming atmosphere, this hotel caters to the needs of families. Located near Mont-Royal Park, it provides easy access to outdoor activities, ensuring that both relaxation and adventure are within reach.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Old Montreal

Marriott SpringHill Suites Old Montreal

Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and charming architecture, is a picturesque setting for family stays. The Marriott SpringHill Suites Old Montreal offers family suites with kitchenettes, perfect for those traveling with young children. Its location within walking distance of the Old Port ensures that family-friendly attractions are never far away.

Hotel Place d’Armes

Hotel Place d’Armes offers a unique blend of contemporary style and historic elegance. The hotel’s family packages include guided tours of the area, providing an educational yet fun experience for all members of the family. With amenities designed to cater to families, this hotel ensures a comfortable and enriching stay.

Le Petit Hotel

Le Petit Hotel offers a cozy and intimate setting for families seeking a charming stay in Old Montreal. With its welcoming atmosphere and family-oriented services, it provides an ideal base for exploring the city’s historic sites. The hotel’s location allows easy access to cafes, boutiques, and attractions, ensuring a delightful experience for the whole family.

Culinary Delights: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Montreal

Montreal’s culinary scene is a reflection of its multicultural heritage, offering a wide range of family-friendly dining options. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, the city caters to diverse palates and dietary needs.

Dining with the Family

La Banquise: A Poutine Paradise

La Banquise, famous for its poutine, is a must-visit for families. This iconic dish, consisting of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is a quintessential Canadian experience sure to delight both kids and adults. The casual and lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a family meal, allowing everyone to indulge in this local favorite.

Jardin Nelson: A Dining Gem in Old Montreal

For a more refined dining experience, consider dining at Jardin Nelson, located in the heart of Old Montreal. Its beautiful courtyard and live jazz music create an enchanting atmosphere that complements its delectable menu. With a variety of dishes that cater to both adults and children, Jardin Nelson ensures a memorable dining experience for the whole family.

Schwartz’s Deli: A Taste of Tradition

No visit to Montreal is complete without a stop at Schwartz’s Deli. Known for its legendary smoked meat sandwiches, this deli offers a taste of Montreal’s culinary tradition. The bustling environment and hearty portions make it a hit with families, providing a satisfying meal that’s steeped in local flavor.

Embracing Cultural Cuisine

Le Cagibi: Vegetarian Delights

Encouraging children to explore new tastes can be a rewarding experience. Le Cagibi, known for its vegetarian offerings, provides a cozy environment where families can enjoy a range of international dishes. The menu, featuring flavors from around the world, encourages young diners to expand their culinary horizons in a welcoming setting.

Chez Lévêque: French Bistro Brunch

Chez Lévêque, a French bistro in Outremont, offers a family-friendly brunch menu that includes classics like croque-monsieur and crepes. This restaurant’s warm ambiance and attentive service make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely meal that introduces children to the delights of French cuisine.

Aux Vivres: Vegan and Global Flavors

Aux Vivres, a beloved vegan restaurant, offers a diverse menu that showcases global flavors. Families can enjoy dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, all crafted with plant-based ingredients. The vibrant and inclusive atmosphere makes it a welcoming space for families exploring healthy and delicious dining options.

Cultivating Family Bonds Through Montreal’s Experiences

Montreal, with its rich cultural heritage and commitment to community, provides an unparalleled backdrop for family vacations that transcend mere tourism. Each attraction, event, and culinary experience is an opportunity to foster personal empowerment and communal growth, aligning perfectly with the goals of those who seek to inspire and transform.

Shared Experiences and Personal Growth

Building Memories Through Exploration

Exploring Montreal as a family offers countless opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether it’s marveling at the wonders of nature in the Biodome, laughing together at a comedy show, or savoring a shared meal, each experience strengthens family bonds. These moments of togetherness contribute to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Learning and Discovery

Montreal’s educational attractions, from interactive museums to guided tours, provide a rich environment for learning and discovery. Families can engage in hands-on activities that ignite curiosity and inspire a love of learning. These experiences not only educate but also empower children to explore their interests and develop new skills.

Cultural Appreciation and Connection

Participating in Montreal’s cultural events fosters an appreciation for diversity and creativity. Families can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant arts scene, experiencing music, dance, and visual arts from different cultures. These shared cultural experiences promote empathy and understanding, nurturing a sense of connection to the global community.

Transformative Journeys in a Dynamic City

In conclusion, whether you’re nurturing future leaders as an executive coach, facilitating cultural shifts as a corporate trainer, or captivating audiences as a motivational speaker, Montreal’s family-friendly offerings are a testament to the city’s dedication to holistic enrichment and human potential. Through shared experiences in this dynamic city, families can cultivate bonds that last a lifetime, making Montreal not just a destination, but a journey toward transformation and evolution.

May 18, 2025/by T Riman

Education, Hidden Gems, Indoors

10 Best bookstores in Montreal

Many of us enjoy reading, so it’s always a very good idea to try reading a few books either for fun or to learn new things. There are a variety of bookstores all over Montreal, so you won’t have a problem finding the right one to suit your needs. That being said, we created a list with 10 of the best book stores you can check out right now in Montreal.

1. The Word

The Word is one of the most popular book stores because it has a ton of great books, many vintage editions and great prices. On top of that, some books are available in English and French too. That means you will find a variety of great books, and if you look hard enough you can easily identify some great gems in there.

2. Librairie Drawn & Quarterly

Librairie Drawn & Quarterly is a more posh, appealing book stores. They have lots of graphic novels, fiction and non fiction content too. It’s definitely one of those book stores you want to visit while in the city.

3. Argo Bookshop

The Argo Bookshop is very well organized, they have lots of extraordinary special editions, and again, you can also get the French and English version of the same book. They also have books in other languages.

4. Archambault

Archambault has a lot of different things, ranging from music products to books and so on. There’s definitely something for everyone, but you will be particularly impressed with the music focused books here.

5. Renaud Bray

Renaud Bray has a great selection of new and older books too. It’s one of those places where you can spend hours and hours trying to see everything. The prices are great, and the quality is pretty impressive.

6. Librairie Ulysse

It’s a good book store in Montreal, and the great thing about it is definitely the overall selection. Everything is also really well organized, which is not the case with most book stores.

7. Librairie Paragraphe

Librairie Paragraphe has special edition books, vintage books and new releases too. They also bring in a good variety of fiction and non fiction books too, which makes it ideal for everyone.

8. Encore Books & Records

Encore Books & Records is all about offering lots of cool books and a huge selection of great records. They also have comic books too, especially some vintage versions with impressive covers and really good prices.

9. Librairie Gallimard

Librairie Gallimard is more about bringing you vintage books, so here you can find some great gems. Their prices are very fair, and the fact that you can find special editions and also new releases is great.

10. S W Welch

S W Welch has everything from older books to coffee table books, special editions and many others. It’s a bit pricey when compared to other places, but they do have some hidden gems for sure.

Conclusion

Each one of these book stores is a great visit if you love reading books. You will be impressed with the great selection of books, but also the fact that some of these stores have special editions too. It’s a great idea to give them a try whenever you are in Montreal.

Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
Photos from Unsplash & canva.

January 10, 2022/by T Riman

Activities, Hidden Gems

10 bars to play games in Montreal

Best bars and spots to play games in Montreal

Montreal is a great place for anyone that wants to have fun and enjoy some drinks and also some great games too. This makes you wonder, can you find 10 bars to play games in Montreal? Yes, there are a variety of options when it comes to gaming bars, and here you have some of the best you can focus on!

Montreal is home to a variety of game bars that cater to all sorts of interests. Whether you’re looking for some family fun, an escape room, or just want the chance to get your nerd on by playing games like Settlers of Catan and Magic The Gathering with fellow players – there’s something here for everyone! Here are our favourite 10 game bars in Montreal so far… which one will be yours?

1. Randolph Pub Ludique

Randolph Pub Ludique is an amazing option if you’re looking for a great, fun bar where you can play all kinds of games. They have a plethora of arcade games and many newer games too, which make it a really good option!

2. HI Montreal

HI Montreal has a pool table, and a vast range of other games. It also comes with a great location, close to restaurants and the metro station. It’s also open 24 hours, which is always a plus!

3. London Pub

London Pub has its own share of games, and the great thing is that you have a proper selection of drinks too. It’s very exciting and definitely one of those locations you want to cherish and enjoy, just because they are so much fun! They even have some dice games!

4. Premier Joueur

As the name suggests, this is one of the best 10 bars to play games in Montreal. It’s amazing, exciting and enjoyable, and the entire place is designed specifically for tabletop games. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday.

5. Le 4e Mur

There are some gaming nights here from time to time, and you can even play a game where you can unlock clues if you order specific drinks.

6. Teal Bar

Teal Bar has some interesting games, you also have a pool table and a few other games to play. That’s why it’s a great option to keep in mind for a great night out.

7. North Star

North Star has a full on arcade and you will certainly have a great time with it. That being said, the bar itself is filled with all kinds of great drinks. This is suitable for everyone from old school gamers to newer ones that want to test their skills with arcade machines.

8. Arcade MTL

Everyone will love Arcade MTL because it seamlessly combines a great bar experience with some of the best arcades in Montreal. If you have the slightest interest in arcade gaming, this is one place you do not want to miss. There’s also free popcorn to go with your drinks sometimes.

9. Putting Edge

Putting Edge is another place you would like because it has bartending services, but it’s just as good for birthday parties, events and so on. It’s definitely one of the most interesting spaces in the city, and well worth a shot.

10. Royal Palace

Royal Palace does an amazing job at offering state of the art arcade and gaming, while also having a great time with friends. It’s a great opportunity to explore this place, and you are bound to have an incredible time.

Montreal is a great city for gamers. With over 10 different game bars, there’s something to suit every taste and preference. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where you can sit down with your friends or family members and enjoy some friendly competition in person, then these are all worth checking out! Which one sounds like the perfect place for you?

There’s no shortage of options if you want a Montreal bar where you can also play games. We recommend these 10 bars to play games in Montreal because they are a whole lot of fun, they have a great location, and you will certainly enjoy your time here. Check them out today!

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Article based on personal opinion and research.
Photos from Unsplash & canva.

December 26, 2021/by T Riman

Activities, Hidden Gems, Like a Local, Parks

Montreal’s 5 best places to walk summer 2020

Best 5 spots to go for a walk, in Montreal

With a not-so-ideal summer ahead of us, it’s a good time to be cherishing the little moments of life that we can get. One of the best ways we find to accomplish this goal is to go on a solo walk or walk with friends and family at a great spot you may have never been to before. Taking in new sceneries is a great way to feel refresh your brain and feel like a tourist in your own city all and can make for a fun afternoon or evening out. Walking is also a great way to not only keep healthy so why not do it with some incentives! but it’s a good chance to be a tourist in your own city once again.

Here are the top 5 spots to go for a nice walk in the city of Montreal:

1. Old Port

Old Montreal offers a great place to walk around and discover where Montreal’s roots came from. The Old Port offers a little bit for everyone as its scenery is able to transport you back centuries as you walk through the cobblestone streets and get to discover historical landmarks such as Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. If you want a break from walking there are also Segway tours, paddle boat tours, and a handful of different activities to do. At the same time, the Old Port is also home to some of Montreal’s trendiest restaurants, stores, and bars which we can all hopefully enjoy to its full extent once again. Our pro tip is to walk around and find the Queues De Castor and enjoy the sights!

2. Mount Royal Park

One of Montreal’s green paradises, Mount Royal Park is the classic Montreal park for amazing and most scenics of walks. Mont-Royal Park is a great place to bring your family and friends to spend an afternoon and while you can definitely have small gatherings for bbq or just general social gatherings there are also walking paths to follow to the top of the mountain. If you’re looking to keep yourself in shape or just going to take in some views Mont-Royal will not disappoint. Making your way to the top offers up great nature scenery on the trail and eventually leading to the top where you get one of if not the best view of Montreal.

3. La Fontaine Park

La Fontaine Park is one of Montreal’s most interesting parks to walk, as it is quite large and kind of like the Old Port, in the sense that there is something for everyone. For general walking purposes, it is a great place to come for a stroll because of its many places for shade, great views, and awesome gardens. It also features very spacious greenery and has enough room for picnics and gatherings which makes it a great place to bring family but also offers up sports courts for tennis and volleyball for those who are looking to get a dose of sports. La Fontaine Park is located in the Plateau district where you can find trendy bars and of course two of Montreal’s favorite restaurants La Banquise and Ma Poule Mouillée. A pro tip would be to take either to go and enjoy it at the park for an unforgettable day.

4. Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal is another classic walking spot in Montreal. Once the industrial beating heart of Montreal, it is now been mostly abandoned and transformed into beautiful looking condos. The city has taken care of it quite a bit as they have really aim to develop the canal into something a little more modernized. The Canal usually has a lot of visitors and is a welcome place of relaxation from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. The Canal itself is a multi-functional attraction that is welcoming to many different activities. While it has a dedicated bike and pedestrian lane that can take you from the Old Port all the way until Lake St. Louis, there is also entertainment and activities to do along the way ranging from Kayaking to stopping by the Atwater Market. The Canal walk itself is a great way to spend a couple of hours and also has areas to do a small picnic so it is a great way to spend an afternoon while taking in the sights. While this doesn’t have nature’s endless bounties it offers people a different vibe. The view along the Canal offers up different cityscapes as well as learning some history along the way making it a truly unique scenic walking trail.

5. Maisonneuve Park

Maisonneuve Park is located in the east end borough of Montreal, right next to the Olympic stadium, and is also a stone’s throw away from Montreal’s Botanical Gardens. The park itself is an amazing space with a massive amount of room and is of course a great place to walk around. The park can sometimes feel so big because of its vast openness and its natural surroundings and at times gives a feeling of a peaceful secluded area to yourself.It is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening or just for a bit of solo time. The park is also very well maintained as it features tons of picnic benches, tables, sitting structures, and plenty of great places to rest under some trees. Overall it promises for a good day no matter what you go there for!

This summer, choose your own adventure, be active while you can still enjoy our beautiful summer weather, and explore different parts of Montreal with your own two feet.

July 28, 2020/by T Riman

Hidden Gems, History, Museums

What to Visit When in Montreal Part 1: World Trade Center Montreal

Montreal World Trade Center also known as Centre de Commerce mondial de Montréal), is a mix of both offices and a hotel located in the Old Port of Montreal, an area called the international quarter.

The place itself is beautiful, and I always tend to bring my friends who are visiting for a walk and a look around.

What makes this place special?

History, the place was built in the early 90s, yet the items on display inside go way back.

There is a piece of the Berlin wall on display, which I find a beautiful reminder, especially for our younger generation.

There is also a fountain by French architect and sculptor Dieudonné-Barthélemy Guibal.

2. The architecture of the building

The whole area looks like two buildings have been put together, in the most intelligent and artistic way possible.

The ceiling is a transparent glass ceiling.

There is a mesh of stairways along the way that adds this modern effect, while keeping it simple.

3. The open space

In the open space through the building, there is a reflecting pool, coffee shops, boutiques and other services.

Here is how it looks:

This is some panoramic footage taken June 2017.

If you are interested in discovering more history around Montreal. You might want to check the historic Fort de Chambly.

Bike Trip To Fort De Chambly | Bike Trip out Of Montreal

June 12, 2017/by T Riman