Discovering the best of Montreal’s leisure, culture, and more. In the province of Quebec, you’ll find one of the most vibrant cities in the world: Montreal. Blending historic charm and modern excitement, it’s a destination that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. And the proof is in the pudding, with plenty of recreational activities, cultural heritage, and one-of-a-kind experiences – all of which we’ll explore below.

Montreal really has no shortage of exciting activities for you to enjoy. And the first option on our menu of fun is something pretty glitzy: a trip to one of their gambling establishments. Here, you’ll get mesmerized by the thrill of the available games, the sociable ambiance, and, more often than not, their impeccable design choices.

For complete beginners, we’d highly suggest sticking to simpler options, which still offer plenty of charm, like blackjack. This game is pretty straightforward, making it a popular pick for those new to this world. You can even make it easier on yourself by researching the games in advance. If we were you, we’d play as many rounds of a blackjack game online as necessary to build up some much-needed experience. As you’re in Canada, you’ll have access to several online casinos that offer different blackjack game variants.

For instance, some traditional options we’d recommend going with are European Blackjack and Classic Blackjack. These are commonly found in all types of casinos, making them a veritable cornerstone of the industry. But you can also check out more innovative versions like Dragon Blackjack or Zappit Blackjack. Regardless of which one you pick, the aim will typically be to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as you can without going bust.

You can even take this a step further by checking out Live Dealer Blackjack games. This option will best simulate the casino experience, as you get to play with a human dealer streamed through live audio and video feeds. And for those travelers who pack light, fret not, as you can check all of these options using a smartphone or tablet. As long as you have an internet connection – you’re good to go.

If you’re looking for a different kind of fun, may we suggest a rage room instead? The rage rooms in Montreal are the ideal option for people who have a lot of energy to expend. Currently, there are two official venues you can check out, each offering a distinct experience.

Alternatively, you could always explore Montreal’s largest amusement park – La Ronde. With over 40 rides, you won’t be left wanting here. But if you’re a true adrenaline junkie, you can’t miss out on the chance to ride on their Slingshot, which is very aptly named. Just make sure to book your trip to the city sometime from mid-May to late October when La Ronde is open.

Cultural Experiences

If you feel a little giddy after that last option, it may be time to enjoy something a bit closer to Earth. So our next stop in Montreal is exploring its cultural gems, of which there are many.

We’re starting with the Notre Dame Basilica, a stunning work of neo-Gothic architecture. You can opt to experience it during the day, night, or even both! We’d suggest the latter, as the difference is like night and day, pun intended. To clarify, during the day you can opt for a sightseeing experience, while at night you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the AURA experience, an impeccable light show.

If museums are more your vibe, then you should make your way to one of Canada’s oldest ones: Redpath Museum. Built in 1881, its focus lies in natural history, with exhibits showcasing everything from anthropology to geology. Even though it has three floors to peruse, we’d highly suggest also taking the time to explore their current events and activities.

And don’t miss out on the opportunity to check out the Biosphere of Montreal. This museum has quite literally survived both fire and ice and is standing tall as a 20-story dome. Since its reopening in 1995, it has been devoted to showcasing unique ecosystems and bettering the public’s understanding of environmental issues.

Foodie Adventures

All of that fun and exploration will surely have left you hungry for more. So now it’s time to try out what Montreal has to offer in terms of food. Thanks to its diverse culture and rich history, your palate will be very pleased by the available offerings.

If you’re in the mood for something local, yet iconic, you should head to the historic Schwartz’s Deli. And there’s a reason why they’ve been open for almost a hundred years. Here, you’ll be met with wafting aromas of Montreal-style smoked meats, all marinated in their secret blend of herbs and spices. From sandwiches to steaks – this is a meat lover’s heaven.

Of course, when in Canada, you can’t not try out the famous poutine. For this one, we’d suggest walking to La Banquise, which has over 30 different poutine variants. These range from simple gravy and cheese curd-covered fries to innovative meat-stacked and even vegan options. Their menu also has some other delectable dishes, but this Canadian classic is a definite highlight.

Conclusion

Montreal is in equal parts historic, modern, and delicious – making it a sensational option for those itching to explore new cities. So after all of the above, we can’t imagine not being enticed to book your trip now as a fellow traveler.