Top Things to Do in Montreal in Summer

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide

Montreal is a terrific city for family vacations: many visitors feel like they've been transported to Europe once they find themselves immersed in Montreal's centuries-old architecture and unique culture, with French spoken frequently around them. (Overheard cell-phone conversation: "You can save so much money, you don't need to go to Paris, just come here!") Note, however, that English is widely spoken in Montreal: English-speakers will have no problem here.

Start your visit in the Old Montreal and the adjacent Old Port area, where families will find many fun things to do in summer-time -- the next few pages will highlight major attractions. Old Montreal is conveniently located near downtown, and has buildings that date back to the 1600's. Above is a photo of Place Jacques Cartier, a lively public square in summer months, with street performers, caricaturists, and open-air restaurants. Visitors will also find a tourist bureau with maps and information. Jacques Cartier, by the way, was an early explorer who sailed up the St. Lawrence river to the Indian village of Hochelaga-- now Montreal-- in the year 1535.

• Read more about visiting Old Montreal.

- continue to Montreal's Museum of Archaeology and History, Pointe-a-Calliere

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary experiences for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.