Montreal Pictures

Vieux-Montreal brims with lively cafes, restaurants and bars. Pgiam Getty Images

One of the upsides of visiting Montreal during its chilly winter: ice skating at the city's Old Port, available from December to March. Linda Raymond Getty Images

Montreal's Village neighborhood is the center of the city's summer Pride festivals. Guy Banville Getty Images

Take time to wander the grounds at St. Joseph's Oratory. carterdayne iStockphoto.com

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal has been attracting visitors since it was originally designed in 1824. Daniela Duncan Getty Images

Head to Parc du Mont-Royal for a stunning vantage point of the city. janniswerner Getty Images

St. Joseph's Oratory's copper dome rises 318 feet high. bakerjarvis Getty Images

The Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) is located in Vieux-Montreal. gregobagel Getty Images

Relax at a cafe, meander along the quaint streets and browse for souvenirs in Vieux-Montréal. DenisTangneyJr Getty Images

With more than 4,500 animals to see, adults and children alike will love exploring the Montreal Biodome. Andre Vandal Flickr

Originally built for the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, La Ronde is the largest amusement park in Eastern Canada.
Tamara Scullion Getty Images

With works by masters from El Greco to Picasso, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the most prestigious museum in the city and a must-see for art aficionados.
Bernard Fougères et Jean-François Lejeune Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal

Jean-Talon Market was originally founded in May 1933 as the Marché du Nord (north-end market), before being renamed. It's one of the largest public markets in North America. Onfokus Getty Images

In the "Crossroads Montreal" exhibit at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, visitors will see the ruins of Ville-Marie's first Catholic cemetery, dating from 1643. Courtesy Pointe a Calliere Museum

Locally grown produce, flowers, meats and more line the stalls of Jean-Talon Market. Rosy Outlook Photography Getty Images

Poutine, a Canadian staple, is made of fries, cheese curds and gravy. Firda Beka Getty Images

The Montreal-style bagel is a must-eat when you visit. Samantha Chesler Leiman Getty Images

Taking rowboats out on Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake) is a popular activity in Parc du Mont-Royal. Photo- Joanne Levesque Getty Images

The Mount Royal Cross, which is illuminated every evening, stands nearly 100 feet in height on a summit of Parc du Mont-Royal. Hemera Technologies Getty Images

Dale Chihuly's The Sun can be found outside the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Christine Guest Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts houses 750 works, from the Middle Ages to today. Terry Rishel. Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Jean-Talon Market allows visitors to rub elbows with locals. Michelle Lee Flickr

Inside and out, St. Joseph's Oratory offers plenty to enjoy. naibank Getty Images

Even if you don't have an interest in touring the inside of St. Joseph's Oratory, you'll want to make a trip for the city views alone, according to past visitors. bakerjarvis Getty Images

The stunning Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a must-see for all visitors. Image provided by Felipe Mulè Getty Images

You'll find the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. ale72 Getty Images

The Montreal Botanic Garden's Chinese Garden maintains its harmony with the help of four major elements: plants, water, stones, and architecture. benedek Getty Images

According to past visitors, kids love the "Pirates or Privateers" exhibit at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. Caroline Bergeron Courtesy Pointe-à-Callière Museum

The Montreal Holocaust Museum features stories and objects from Holocaust survivors. Courtesy Montreal Holocaust Museum

Your visit to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum will start with a multimedia presentation on the history of Montreal, from the ice age to the present. Courtesy Pointe-à-Callière Museum

Biking is one of easiest ways to get around Montreal thanks to the city's bike-sharing system.  Linda Raymond Getty Images

The Atwater Market is another open-air market praised by both locals and visitors. carterdayne Getty Images

Along with the survivor donated objects on display at the Montreal Holocaust Museum, it also features a memorial room. Courtesy Montreal Holocaust Museum

Saturdays in December, Montreal's sky is illuminated with fireworks during the annual Fire on Ice event. Preserved Light Photography Getty Images

You'll see a bevy of objects on display throughout the Montreal Holocaust Museum, including this heart-shaped notebook from Auschwitz. Courtesy Montreal Holocaust Museum

A green oasis in the city makes the Montreal Botanical Gardens popular with locals and tourists alike. L. Toshio Kishiyama Getty Images

For an amazing view of Old Montreal, climb the steps of the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel. L. Toshio Kishiyama Getty Images

Head to the Centre d'histoire de Montreal for a comprehensive look at the city's far-reaching history. Patrick Donovan Getty Images

According to past visitors, the experiences offered by Local Montreal Food Tours are as delicious as they are historical. Gabriela Tulian Getty Images