Skip to main content
CanadaKids & TeensNorth AmericaUrban AdventuresVacation Ideas

A Guide to Creating Childhood Memories in Montreal

By April 6, 2015September 11th, 20202 Comments

Montreal skyline in winterWhen you’re a kid, the Olympics — touted in school as the world’s biggest gathering of athletes — are kind of a big deal. Little ones tend to pick their favorite stars and tune in to the most exciting events. What could be more thrilling than seeing the Olympic atmosphere come to life? Montreal boasts its own Olympic Park from the 1976 games and can be a great vantage point to view the rest of the traditional, yet sophisticated, city.

So before you book those flights to Montreal, let’s have a closer look at what this city has to offer.

When Should You Bring the Family to Montreal?

Montreal is a busy city that doesn’t seem to sleep. With cold weather a given during part of the year, Montreal locals have learned to embrace the chill and enjoy great festivals and events no matter the month. Traveling families interested in winter activities like ice skating and harvesting maple sugar can try for November through February. The spring and summer months are ideal for some urban beach time and café sitting. Bring a few beach items and coloring books to keep the kiddos occupied during downtime.

How are the Hotels?

From small bed and breakfasts to big, comfortable resorts, Montreal has a wide variety of accommodations. Sticking downtown can be a safe bet for families who hope to see highlights of the city within walking distance or a quick car ride.

Le Westin Montreal’s great amenities are ideal for crews that love to swim in big pools and even bring along pets. The Hotel Chateau St. Marc’s location is ideal for wandering, and they have a funky, colorful range of decor. For style and modern perks, the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal works well with its Internet access, MP3 docking stations for dance parties, and giant closet space.

What Should You Do in Montreal?

Our fondest childhood memories of traveling in Montreal were of visiting Olympic Park. The quirky, futuristic-looking buildings are a blast to explore by tour or on your own. Be sure to climb the Montreal Tower for pretty views of the city and St. Lawrence River below. Events from baseball games to One Direction concerts are also held here to please audiences of any age.

Head downtown for more great attractions, such as the Montreal Insectarium, LaRonde theme park on Saint Helen’s Island, and the circus shows at La Tohu. Snag a museum pass or package deal if planning to hit multiple hotspots.

What Kind of Grub is There?

Traditional French cuisine and old Quebec favorites are plentiful at most restaurants and cafes in the city. Veggie-friendly families will love to dig in at Lola Rosa, while Café Veritas is a classic choice for a more elegant meal. Finish the day with a treat from Juliette et Chocolate, a delectable paradise of crepes filled with chocolate and other sweets.

Montreal is a city where kids and adults can enjoy both sides of a vacation – learning and fun. History comes alive and the party happens year-round in this beautiful Canadian city.

Eileen Cotter Wright

Author Eileen Cotter Wright

Eileen Cotter is a freelance travel journalist and owner of Pure Wander. She's our resident expat extraordinaire and falls down a lot in yoga class. Follow her on Instagram @Pure_Wander.

More posts by Eileen Cotter Wright

Join the discussion 2 Comments

  • Jay says:

    The amusement park is “LaRonde.” 🙂

    You can also get a pass that allows you to visit the insectarium, botanical gardens and Biodome (which is basically several climate zones with their respective native animals inside… From bats to sloths to penguins. I love it.).

Leave a Reply

1 Shares
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share1
Reddit
WhatsApp