Montreal is a stunning city, especially during the fall when it’s lit up by the autumn colours.
A new study examined more than 640 Canadian landmarks to discover which are the country’s most instagrammable spots, and Montreal came out on top—with one spot ranking the 7th most breathtaking landmark in Canada.
To discover the most beautiful places in the country, BonusFinder examined Canada’s diverse and picturesque locations from the majestic Niagara Falls to the charming streets of Old Quebec.
What are the most Instagrammable spots in Montreal?
1. Old Montreal
With its 400 year-old history and cobblestone streets, Old Montreal was crowned not just the most instagrammable spot in the city, but the most instagrammable landmark in Quebec and the 7th most instagrammable landmark in the entire country!
2. Bell Centre
A renowned hockey landmark, the Bell Centre opened in 1996 as the home of the Montréal Canadiens Hockey Club, with seating for over 21,000 sports fans. Beyond hockey, it hosts rock concerts, classical music performances, and family shows.
3. Jean-Talon Market
Since 1933, North America’s largest open-air market has been home to over 150 vendors, offering everything from meats and baked goods to lavender candlesticks. The stalls at Jean-Talon Market brim with produce from Quebec farms, especially in late summer when sweet corn, blueberries, tomatoes, and more are in abundance. In winter, specialty shops take centre stage, offering maple treats, cured meats, and more. Be sure to catch the wave of fresh cider from local orchards in the fall.
4. Montreal Botanical Garden
The Jardin Botanique de Montréal has a variety of natural environments to soak in. In the warmer months, stroll through the beautiful grounds that encompass the Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens, each with their own vibe and species. They all come to life at night at the annual Gardens of Light event in early fall, a lantern festival so popular you have to book your spot way ahead. Year-round, you can soak up the vibes of the vast greenhouses, ranging from indigenous to tropical.
5. Old Port of Montreal
The Old Port offers a variety of unique activities and scenic viewpoints. In the summer, unwind at Clock Tower Beach, rent pedal boats, bicycles, or quadricycles, take a guided tour, or cruise along the river. Stroll by the Grand Quay to admire the majestic liners docking, sip a drink on a bistro terrace, or enjoy the many food trucks. In winter, this magical area comes alive with fireworks, the Igloofest festival, a large outdoor skating rink and the Montréal Science Centre.
6. Jacques Cartier Bridge
An architectural Montreal icon and a fixture of the city’s skyline since 1930, he Jacques Cartier Bridge is a five-lane bridge linking Montreal to Longueuil, and provides access to Île Sainte-Hélène. The illuminated bridge comes to life at sunset, marks the new day at the stroke of midnight, and then goes into sleep mode at daybreak.
7. Mount Royal Park
With its 3 summits (de la Croix, Westmount Summit, and Tiohtià Otsira’kéhne), Mont Royal, the city's iconic centrepiece, offers endless activities year-round. In winter, its former cross-country skiing trails become thrilling toboggan runs, while the warmer months are perfect for hiking and taking in city views. Beaver Lake is a great spot for barbecues and relaxation, but the northern side shines in summer with the Tam-Tams, a massive drum circle that draws many Montrealers every Sunday.
8. Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
The largest sanctuary dedicated to Saint Joseph and one of the world’s top pilgrimage sites, Saint Joseph’s Oratory features a grand basilica with a 97-metre dome, a votive chapel, crypt, original small chapel, and gardens. The basilica, which seats 2,000, houses magnificent organs and a 56-bell carillon, and the Oratory Museum—known for its exceptional crèche collection—contains religious, historical, and artistic works from Québec and beyond.
9. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
This Gothic Revival masterpiece, built between 1824 and 1829, features a stunning wooden interior. The modern Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur Chapel attracst hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Expect paintings, sculptures, and stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and 350 years of parish history.
10. Montreal Casino
This expansive site, once home to Expo 67, boasts a rich history. The France Pavilion, designed by Jean Faugeron and André Blouin, was a grand eight-story structure of concrete, steel, and aluminium fins. In contrast, the avant-garde Québec Pavilion by Swiss architect Gustave Maeder featured minimalist design, with glass walls and straight lines, accessible by footbridge and surrounded by water. The two pavilions were reinvented as the Casino de Montréal, standing as a symbol of architectural adaptability and cultural preservation.
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