Note: While local parks, shops, and events are reopening throughout the province, Santé Quebec is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the two-metre physical distancing guidelines and wear a face covering or mask when in public.
Montreal is oozing with photo opportunities, regardless of the season — there’s no doubt. But the city is also rich in terms of iconic buildings, structures, and sights.
Considering this summer has a different feel than years past, it might be time to grab that camera and get in touch with some landmarks from around the city.
We’ll keep recognized restaurants and bars out of this one, only because COVID-19 protocols means its a lot safer to be spending time in the great outdoors.
- See also:
Since no tourists are soaking up all the recognized sights and sounds of our city this summer, maybe it’s time to take a stroll and reconnect with some of the following landmarks that make Montreal what it is.
Mont Royal
View this post on Instagram
Mont Royal, the three-peak mountain to which Montreal gets its name, is arguably the most popular spot amongst tourists and locals alike.
The mountain is made of three peaks: Mont Royal at 764 feet above sea level, Outremont at 692 feet, and the Westmount Summit at 659 feet.
Whether you’re going for a hike, a view, a park, or smoke Tam-Tams, Mont Royal is one of the most picturesque sights on the entire island.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
View this post on Instagram
Construction of the Notre-Dame Basilica began in 1824, and with 11 million yearly visitors, it is one of North America’s most-visited structures.
The interior of the church is as gorgeous as the exterior — a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. The exterior walls are made of limestone from quarries located north of the island of Montreal itself.
The 259-foot church is one of Montreal’s most timeless sights.
Olympic Stadium
View this post on Instagram
Built in the mid-1970s as the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the Olympic Stadium is the tallest inclined structure in the world at 574 feet.
The ‘Big O’ has not had a primary tenant since the Montreal Expos left in 2004 and the structure has had a lengthy history of financial burdens and structural problems.
Regardless, it’s still one of Montreal’s most iconic buildings.
Farine Five Roses
View this post on Instagram
Farine Five Roses is a massive neon emblem that greets drivers entering the city from the south.
The sign consists of fifteen letters arranged in two rows, repeated on both sides. Each letter measures roughly 15 feet in height and the neon-lit letters stand out among Montreal’s night sky. The words flash on and off in a slow rotation that lasts about 25 seconds.
The sign first went up in 1948 and won’t be going anywhere for a while.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory
View this post on Instagram
One of the largest church domes in the world, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is the largest building in Montreal and a new $80 million project will renovate the 53-year old structure into offering an unprecedented 360-degree view over the mountain of the city.
Parc Jean Drapeau
View this post on Instagram
Parc Jean-Drapeau is situated to the east of downtown Montreal and the Saint Lawrence River. It’s made up of two islands, Saint Helen’s Island and the man-made island of Notre Dame Island.
The islands were the site of the Expo 67 World’s Fair and (excluding this summer) hosts a bevy of Montreal festivals, events, and concerts.
La Grande Roue
View this post on Instagram
Montreal has a lot of tall structures, and La Grande Roue fits in well in that regard. It’s the tallest ferris wheel in all of Canada. Even though it’s relatively new to Montreal’s landmark scene (it opened in 2017), it’s quickly becoming a favourite with locals and tourists.
Riders can take the wheel on a ride and take in some seriously breathtaking views of the island.
Clock Tower
View this post on Instagram
The Clock Tower, built in 1922, marks the entrance to the Montreal’s Old Port and was erected to dedicate the seamen who died in World War I.
It’s an immensely popular spot for photos and gorgeous views of the adjacent Saint Lawrence River.
The tower is traditionally climbable but COVID-19 has resulted in us being only able to appreciate it from afar for the time being.
Habitat 67
View this post on Instagram
As one of the major symbols of Expo 67, Habitat 67 is a housing complex that is widely considered an architectural landmark, and it’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.
Jacques Cartier Bridge
View this post on Instagram
The Jacques Cartier Bridge is a steel bridge that crosses the Saint Lawrence River and connects Montreal to the South Shore. With over 35 vehicle crossings annually, it’s the third busiest bridge in Canada, the first being Samuel-de-Champlain Bridge, just a few kilometres upstream.
The Jacques Cartier Bridge offers gorgeous views of the island, the South Shore, and beyond, and is arguably the best spot to catch the summer’s usual fireworks display (which didn’t happen this year because of you-know-what.)
Biosphere
View this post on Instagram
The Biosphere is a museum dedicated to the environment, and it’s an absolute gorgeous spectacle. Whether it’s lit up in the summer or winter, it’s a big-time emblem and photo opp.