North Island Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in North Island, Montreal, Quebec, Canada with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to North Island

Located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, North Island is a charming and culturally-rich destination that offers a range of attractions for travelers. Known for its historical significance, beautiful scenery, and lively atmosphere, North Island has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in North Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pointe-à-Callière Museum: This museum explores the rich history of Montreal and features exhibitions that showcase the city’s heritage and diverse cultural influences.
  • Notre-Dame Basilica: This historic landmark is a must-visit for architecture and history lovers. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the basilica boasts ornate details and stunning stained glass windows.
  • Lachine Canal National Historic Site: A popular spot for biking and hiking, the Lachine Canal is the perfect place to soak up the natural beauty of North Island while learning about the area’s history.

Natural Attractions of North Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Royal Park: A beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, this sprawling park offers breathtaking views of the city and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
  • Saint Helen’s Island: Located just a short distance from North Island, this picturesque island is home to La Ronde amusement park and a natural oasis that beckons with stunning vistas, walking trails, and gardens.
  • Old Port of Montreal: Located in the heart of the city, the Old Port is a bustling cultural hub that sits on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and features a range of outdoor activities, including zip-lining, paddle boating, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Island

  • The Lachine Canal: This historic waterway is now a popular biking and hiking route that takes you through some of North Island’s most scenic areas.
  • Mount Royal: This sprawling park offers a multitude of trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels and provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Jean-Drapeau Park: Located just off the coast of North Island, Jean-Drapeau Park offers extensive biking and hiking trails that take you through picturesque landscapes and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.

Best Things to Do in North Island: Activities and Tours

  • Montreal Bike Tour: Get an immersive experience of North Island’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage by taking a guided bike tour of the city.
  • Food Tour: Discover the bustling food scene that North Island has to offer with a culinary tour that takes you to the best eateries and food markets in the city.
  • Segway Tour: Take a tour of North Island on a Segway and explore its most beautiful and historic neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Island

Day 1: Explore the Old Port of Montreal. Day 2: Walk around Mount Royal Park and visit the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. Day 3: Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and take a stroll along the Lachine Canal. Day 4: Go on a food tour of North Island and explore its bustling culinary scene. Day 5: Take a bike tour of Montreal and discover its cultural highlights. Day 6: Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and explore the surrounding historic neighborhood. Day 7: Take a day trip to Saint Helen’s Island and enjoy its natural beauty and attractions.

Food and Drink Scene of North Island

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A traditional Quebec dish made with french fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
  • Montreal-style bagels: A beloved local variation of the classic bagel, Montreal-style bagels are smaller and denser and are typically baked in a wood-fired oven.
  • Smoked meat sandwich: A classic Montreal sandwich, smoked meat is similar to pastrami and is made with beef brisket that is smoked and seasoned to perfection.

Local Beverages

  • Unibroue: A popular local brewery that produces a range of craft beers, including the famous La Fin du Monde.
  • Ice cider: A unique Quebecois creation, ice cider is made by fermenting apples that have been left to freeze on the tree.

Where to Stay in North Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Le Westin Montreal: A luxurious hotel that offers stunning views of the city and is located in the heart of North Island.
  • Auberge Saint-Paul Hostel: A cozy and budget-friendly hostel that provides easy access to North Island’s most popular attractions.
  • Hotel William Gray: A chic and modern hotel that offers top-notch amenities and is located in the heart of Old Montreal.

What to Buy in North Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple syrup: A must-buy souvenir from North Island, maple syrup is a quintessentially Canadian product that is loved around the world.
  • Poutine sauce mix: Take the taste of Quebec home with you by purchasing a Poutine sauce mix that lets you recreate this delicious dish anytime.
  • Quebec cheese: Quebec is famous for its delicious cheeses, including the pungent and flavorful Brie de Meaux.

Local Culture and Customs of North Island

North Island is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts and music scene. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending music festivals and exhibitions, exploring historic sites, and trying the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit North Island

The best time to visit North Island is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and the city is buzzing with activity. However, the autumn months of September and October can also be a great time to visit when the foliage is at its most beautiful and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Island

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: North Island’s food scene is one of its biggest draws, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties.
  • Visit the city’s museums and historical sites: North Island is a city with a rich history and culture, so take the time to explore its many museums and historical landmarks.
  • Take a bike tour: One of the best ways to explore North Island is on a bike tour that takes you through its most beautiful and historic areas.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended: As with any city, it’s important to be cautious of pickpockets and keep your valuables with you at all times.
  • Be reckless with your spending: North Island can be expensive, so be mindful of your budget and try to find affordable ways to enjoy the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Island

North Island is a safe city with low crime rates, but it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when traveling in any unfamiliar area. As with any city, it’s also important to keep your valuables with you at all times to avoid theft.

Health in North Island

North Island is home to a range of medical facilities that provide excellent care to visitors and locals alike. If you need medical attention during your stay, there are a range of hospitals and clinics throughout the city that offer world-class care.

Getting to North Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Island

  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport: Located just a short drive from North Island, this airport serves a range of domestic and international airlines.

Bus Stations Near North Island

  • Gare d’autocars Montreal: Located in the heart of downtown, this bus station provides regular bus service to a range of destinations throughout Quebec and beyond.

Other Options

  • Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city and provide an easy and convenient way to get around.
  • Public transportation: North Island has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, metro, and light rail.

How to Get Around in North Island

The best way to get around North Island is on foot, bike, or public transportation. The city is easy to navigate and has a range of options for travelers, including bike rentals, buses, and metro.

Where to Go Next from North Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ottawa: Located just a few hours from North Island, Canada’s capital city is a vibrant destination that offers stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a range of cultural attractions.
  • Quebec City: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quebec City is a charming and historic city that offers stunning architecture, beautiful scenery, and a rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

North Island is a vibrant and culturally-rich destination that offers a range of attractions for travelers. From its historic landmarks and museums to its stunning natural beauty and bustling food scene, North Island is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Saint-Léonard church on Rue Jarry Saint-Léonard church on Rue Jarry Former Park Avenue train station (''Gare Jean-Talon'') Former Park Avenue train station (''Gare Jean-Talon'') Cité des arts du cirque, TOHU Cité des arts du cirque, TOHU Pierre Granche's sculpture Pierre Granche's sculpture