Montreal is a city that has it all: history, culture, nature, food, and nightlife. But if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions and discover some hidden gems, here are 10 under-the-radar or offbeat experiences that will make your visit to Montreal unforgettable.
Explore the Underground City
The Underground City is a massive network of tunnels, malls, offices, hotels, and museums that spans more than 33 kilometres under the streets of downtown Montreal. It’s a great way to escape the cold or the heat and enjoy some shopping, entertainment and art. You can access it from many metro stations and buildings, or join a guided tour to learn more about its history and secrets.
Visit the Biosphere of Montreal
The Biosphere of Montreal is a striking geodesic dome that was built for Expo 67 and now houses an environmental museum. It’s located on Saint Helen’s Island in Parc Jean-Drapeau, where you can also find other attractions like the La Ronde amusement park, the Stewart Museum and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Biosphere offers interactive exhibits, workshops, and events that showcase the diversity and challenges of the natural world.
Experience zero gravity at iFly
iFly is an indoor skydiving facility that lets you experience the thrill of freefall without jumping out of a plane. You’ll be floating in a vertical wind tunnel that simulates the conditions of a real skydive, with the help of professional instructors. It’s a fun and safe activity for anyone aged 4 and up, and no experience is required.
Discover Montreal’s street art scene
Montreal is a city that embraces street art as a form of expression, creativity, and social commentary. You can find colourful murals, graffiti, and installations all over the city, especially in neighbourhoods like Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, Saint-Laurent and Saint-Henri. You can explore them on your own or join a street art tour to learn more about the artists and their messages.
Relax in a spa on a boat
Bota Bota Spa is a unique spa that is located on a former ferryboat on the St. Lawrence River. You can enjoy a variety of treatments and services, such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. You can also relax in the water circuit, which includes hot tubs, cold baths, saunas and steam rooms.
Watch an improv show at Theatre Sainte-Catherine
Theatre Sainte-Catherine is a cozy and intimate venue that hosts some of the best improv shows in Montreal. Improv is a form of comedy where the performers make up everything on the spot, based on suggestions from the audience or a theme. It’s unpredictable, hilarious, and sometimes downright absurd. Theatre Sainte-Catherine features local and international improv groups, as well as other shows like stand-up, sketch, and musical comedy.
Learn about insects at the Insectarium of Montreal
The Insectarium of Montreal is a museum dedicated to the fascinating world of insects. It’s part of the Space for Life complex, which also includes the Botanical Garden, the Biodome and the Planetarium. The Insectarium displays more than 250,000 specimens of insects and arthropods from around the world, as well as live insects that you can observe and interact with. You can also learn about the role and importance of insects in nature and culture.
Enjoy a drink at a speakeasy bar
Montreal has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from. But if you’re looking for something more discreet and exclusive, you can try to find one of the speakeasy bars that are hidden around the city. These are bars that have no sign or visible entrance, and often require a password or reservation to get in. They are inspired by the Prohibition era, when alcohol was illegal and people had to drink in secret. Some of the speakeasy bars in Montreal are The Coldroom, Le 4e Mur and Atwater Cocktail Club.
Go ice skating at Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is a scenic artificial lake located on Mount Royal, the iconic hill that overlooks the city. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating. You can rent skates on site or bring your own, and enjoy the views of the snow-covered park and the city skyline. There’s also a sledding hill and a cross-country ski trail nearby, if you want more winter fun. Not in Montreal during the winter? Head to Atrium le 1000’s fabulous, year-round indoor skating rink that is in the heart of downtown.
Experience a sensory deprivation tank at Ovarium
Ovarium is a wellness centre that offers a unique service called flotation baths. These are sensory deprivation tanks filled with salt water that allow you to float effortlessly and isolate yourself from any external stimuli. The experience is meant to induce a state of deep relaxation, meditation and healing. It can also help with stress, pain, insomnia, and creativity. Ovarium also offers other services like massage therapy and neurospa.
