Your non-touristy guide to enjoying Montréal

Montréal is arguably Canada’s coolest city. It's a vibrant, bilingual city that blends French and English cultures effortlessly, drawing in many interested travelers. In this guide, we’ll share the best hidden gems in the city alongside tips for spending smartly with Wise, helping you make the most of your trip to Montréal without breaking the bank. Allons-y!

Why Montréal is Perfect for Non-Touristy Travel

Known for its rich history, eclectic neighborhoods, and dynamic food scene, Montréal is a fantastic destination for those seeking an authentic, non-touristy adventure. Montréal’s cultural fusion of French and English creates a distinctive atmosphere and an intriguing buzz. Most neighborhoods remain off the beaten path, allowing visitors to discover hidden, amazing, authentic spots dripping in local charm. Each Montréal neighborhood offers a distinct personality.. Plus, Montréal is a more affordable city compared to other major North American destinations, allowing you to enjoy its richness without breaking the bank.

Non-Touristy Things to Do in Montréal

Get ready to dive into the authentic Montréal experience!

Explore Neighbourhoods Locals Love

• Little Italy and Villeray: Foodies, this is for you! These adjacent, vibrant neighbourhoods are brimming with incredible restaurants, trendy food spots, and a mix of cultural and family-friendly activities, shops, and architecture.¹
• The Quartiers du Canal: Located along the pretty Lachine Canal, this lovely area has quickly become a famed hotspot for food, drinks, and outdoor activities.¹
• Parc Jean-Drapeau: Spanning two islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a vibrant destination where fun never stops! This year-round haven is only a 20-minute metro ride from downtown.¹
• The Village: Embodying a vibrant, inclusive spirit, The Village is a cornerstone of Montréal's urban landscape as a gathering place for the LGBT+ community and beyond!¹
• Mile End: Eclectic and artistic, Mile End is well-known for its vibrant arts scene, trendy cafes, and indie boutiques.¹
• Verdun: For a chill mix of urban and natural beauty, you’ll love Verdun, known for its stunning waterfront parks along the St. Lawrence River. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride.¹

Enjoy Outdoor and Cultural Gems

• La Fontaine Park: Spanning an impressive 40 hectares of lush greenery, Parc La Fontaine is a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a picnic with friends, or embrace winter with skating and sliding when the snow sets in.
• Lachine Canal multipurpose path: Ranked among the world’s most beautiful urban trails, the Lachine Canal path is also one of Montréal’s oldest and most cherished bike routes. Stretching 14.5 km from the Bonaventure Expressway near the Old Port to Chemin du Musée in Lachine, it winds through the lush green spaces of the Sud-Ouest borough.
• Peace Square: Tucked along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Place de la Paix is a serene, tree-lined square in the heart of the city’s action. This perfectly rectangular urban space transforms throughout the year, hosting everything from open-air concerts and film screenings to culinary events and pop-up performances.
• Jean-Talon Market: Located in the heart of Little Italy, Jean-Talon Market is one of Montréal’s oldest public markets, having first opened in 1933. The market has a warm, village-like feel with an impressive range of local produce growers, specialty food vendors, and family-run shops.

Get Immersed in Local Food and Drink

If Montréal is good at one thing, it's certainly food and drink! Here are some top choices:

• La Capital Tacos: Street-style Mexican cuisine served in a cozy, brick-walled space with a relaxed, minimalist vibe.
• Elena: Modern Italian restaurant with patio seating, serving fresh pizza, pasta, and a generous selection of wines.
• Bar Mamie/Cave Mamie: Part wine bar, part wine shop, La Cave features nearly 250 wines from around the globe. Pair your favorite pour with shareable small plates for a laid-back evening of good conversation.
• Au Pied de Cochon: Chef Martin Picard serves up bold, hearty Québécois dishes, think foie gras and pork, in a lively, rustic setting that celebrates local flavor with flair.
• Thammada: A chic, intimate Thai resto-bar in Outremont, Montréal, serving up authentic Thai street food and small plates in a family-style setting.

Sample Daily Budget in Montréal (CAD)

Note: Prices as of April 21, 2025

Smart Spending Tips in Montréal

To make your money stretch further, follow these smart spending tips while visiting Montréal:

• Shop for food at PA Supermarket, Metro, or local markets for fresh and affordable groceries.
• If you plan to use public transit frequently, get an OPUS card for discounted fares.
• The majority of Montréal places accept cards, however, some small stores and markets might prefer cash.
• Use a multi-currency account such as the Wise account if you’re visiting Canada - this helps cut down on currency conversion costs.

Sample Grocery Costs in Montréal (CAD)

Helpful French Terms for Travellers

While Montréal is bilingual, it's respectful and courteous to at least try a few key phrases in French. It will go a long way and may even enhance your experience:

• Bonjour / Bonsoir = Hello / Good evening
• Merci / Merci beaucoup = Thank you / Thank you very much
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît = The bill, please
• Où est…? = Where is…?
• Dépanneur = Corner store/convenience shop
• Carte ou compte? = Card or cash?
• Excusez-moi = Excuse me
• Pouvez-vous m’aider? = Can you help me?
• Je parle un peu français = I speak a little French
• Parlez-vous anglais? = Do you speak English?

​Using Wise in Montréal

Wise is a great option for managing your finances while traveling, with low, transparent fees, and real exchange rates that help you get more for your money. The app makes sending money and paying for services simple and quick, while the Wise App helps you track all your expenses, so you can maintain your budget. What's more, Wise accounts hold multiple currencies, simultaneously making it ideal for international travel. You can even set up a local account in Canadian dollars, helping you avoid costly international bank fees!

You can get a digital Wise card to spend in the local currency effortlessly, at the mid-market rate.

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Conclusion

Montréal’s rich mix of people, culture, and experiences makes it a top destination to explore and enjoy. The city's charming neighborhoods are inviting, with something for everyone. With the help of Wise, managing your money while in Montréal can be simple and stress-free. Experience Wise, sign up today!

Sources:

1. Montréal neighbourhoods
2. 24-hr, All modes | Société de transport de Montréal - Transportation in Montréal
3. Cost of Living in Montréal. May 2025. Prices in Montréal - Numbeo