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Montreal is a French-speaking cultural melting pot and an underrated tourist destination.
It has a vibrant arts scene and gourmet cuisine that even the French would be proud of, and it is home to a host of important architectural monuments.
And I’m not the only one noticing this fascinating destination.
Tourist numbers in Montreal are up this year.
This is stated in a press release from Tourisme Montreal visitor numbers increased by 4.8% compared to last summer, and there has also been a 7.7% increase in the number of American travelers.
Montreal is a year-round destination, but fall is an especially great time to visit.
This is why:
Cultural attractions in Montreal
The cooler and more comfortable temperatures of autumn are perfect for exploring big cities, getting lost in hidden alleys and wandering popular attractions.
And when it comes to popular Montreal attractions, you’re truly spoiled for choice.
One of the most iconic sights is Notre-Dame Basilica, located in the historic Old Montreal district. This is an imposing neo-Gothic church and truly a visual feast.
Unlike many churches and cathedrals, you can’t actually enter this one for free unless you attend daily mass or another service.
You need a ticket which costs $16.00 CN ($11.60). for a daytime sightseeing visit.
If religious iconography is your thing, then your next stop should be that Oratory of Saint Joseph of Mount Royalanother Roman Catholic minor basilica and a national shrine.
This is the tallest church in Canadaand unlike Notre Dame Basilica, admission is free.
For old-world charm, don’t miss Old Montreal.
This part of the city was founded by French settlers, and you could almost think you were in Paris as so much of the original French style and architecture has been preserved.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to spend an afternoon.
It is located on the historic Golden Square Mile (so right in the middle of the hustle and bustle) and is Canada’s largest art museum.
One of my favorite things to do in any new city is go to its most famous art gallery, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is home to works by Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas and Rembrandt.
Adult admission costs $27 CN ($19.60) but anyone under 25 is free. Admission is free for everyone every first Sunday of the month.
Finally, although the Montreal Botanical Gardens are at their best in spring and summer, fall is an excellent time to visit because of the changing and then falling leaves.
Until October 31 you can visit the gardens in the evening for a Jardins de Lumière (Gardens of Light) event.
This is a visually spectacular, immersive, light-up experience that is definitely worth seeing. Tickets cost $20.75 CN ($15) per person.
Events in Montreal this fall
Being such a vibrant metropolis, there is always something happening in Montreal. That’s why I love city trips so much: you can never be bored!
The most exciting event (at least from my perspective) is the Kampai Montreal sake festival: the only one of its kind in Canada.
This takes place in October, and as the name suggests, it’s a festival dedicated to Japanese sake, meaning you can experience sake tastings and food pairings from Japanese restaurants all over the city.
From October 9 to 20, the extremely popular Festival du Nouveau Cinéma attracts film lovers to the city.
This cinematic event showcases more than 200 works from 60 different countries and showcases both new and emerging talent.
Golf enthusiasts come to the city at the end of September. The PGA Presidents Cup takes place from September 24 to 29 in Montreal.
You have to buy separate tickets for each day of the tournament. I looked for tickets for the first day of the event (September 24) and general admission tickets are currently available for $63 CA ($46).
Transportation to Montreal
Getting to Montreal will be easy and affordable for American travelers this fall.
In October and November you can fly directly to Montreal from no fewer than 29 different American airports.
The 3 cheapest airports with direct flights for October are Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and New York JFK.
Fly round-trip from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal with Air Canada from October 3 to 7 for $201. This flight departs Fort Lauderdale at 8:25 PM and returns at 7:15 AM with a flight time of 3 hours and 21 minutes.
From New York your cheapest flight is on October 21 and the return flight is on October 28. This flight takes just 1 hour and 32 minutes and a return flight with Air Canada costs $211.
When you arrive in Montreal, it is a very walkable city and all the major historical and cultural sites are relatively close together.
But if you don’t like walking or your feet get tired, the city also has an excellent bus and metro system. Perhaps the best way to explore the city is by bicycle.
BIXI Montreal is a public bike sharing system, making it easy to pick up a bike and get where you want to go with ease.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
