Laura Osborne

Montreal is a playground for kids of all ages—especially during the winter. The city is full of attractions for young kids (and the young at heart), stellar free museums and excellent places to eat that are easy on the budget. Every borough has its own family-forward fun—not to mention the highest bungee jump in Canada—with easy access via public transportation (5 year-olds and under ride for free!).  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best free things to do in Montreal27 best Montreal attractions for tourists and locals10 best free museums in Montreal you need to check out

Bières locales, match diffusé sur grand écran, smash burgers primés, arcades, cocktails signature et ailes de poulet croustillantes… tentant, non? Retrouvez tout ça dans un immense espace réunissant certains des meilleurs chefs et restos de la ville sous un même toit, au Time Out Market Montréal. Niché à l’intérieur d’un de nos centres commerciaux préférés, le Centre Eaton de Montréal, c’est l’endroit ultime pour l’avant-match des Canadiens. Mais ne nous croyez pas sur parole, venez découvrir toute l’ambiance hockey ici. Où regarder le hockey au centre-ville? À partir du 22 septembre 2025, rendez-vous au Time Out Market Montréal pour profiter de la diffusion gratuite des matchs en direct, d’une excellente bouffe, de bons drinks et d’une ambiance parfaite pour les soirs de hockey. Pour plus d’infos sur le Time Out Market Montréal, cliquez ici. RECOMMANDÉ :Les meilleures choses à faire à Montreal maintenant50 meilleurs restaurants de Montréal

Local beers, the game on the big screen, award-winning smash burgers, arcades, killer cocktails, and crispy chicken wings—sound tempting? Find it all in a massive space featuring some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants under one roof at Time Out Market Montréal. Nestled inside one of our favourite shopping malls, the Montreal Eaton Centre, it’s the ultimate spot to hockey pre-game. But don't just take our word for it. Check out all the Habs vibes here. Where can I watch the Habs game downtown? Starting September 22, 2025, head to Time Out Market Montréal to watch free live-streaming of the games, great food, drinks, and a good game-night atmosphere. RECOMMENDED:Complete guide to the best restaurants in MontrealBest things to do with kids in MontrealBest attractions in Montreal

UPDATE, September 2025: Whether you're looking for the city's coolest new design hotel, the most spectacular hikes in and around Montreal or where to find its most secret bars, this town is full of amazing and free things to do—especially during the fall. Explore one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, the best cheap eats, where to find late-night eats or simply the best family-friendly activites. Time Out editors hit the streets of Montreal from one end of the city to the other looking for the coolest things to do, the most delicious places to eat and the most impressive events to see. Next step: we then pick only the very best things to do to make it to this list each month. This essential round-up of Montreal musts is your to-do list whether you're a tourist or a local: from the best bars and speakeasies to the most stellar free museums, this epic guide to Montreal rounds up the most outstanding things to do across the city. RECOMMENDED:Complete guide to the best restaurants in MontrealBest things to do with kids in MontrealBest attractions in MontrealBest Airbnbs in Montreal

UPDATE, September 2025: Welcome to Time Out's handpicked selection of the best restaurants in Montreal, home to the new Michelin-starred restaurants. This list is intended to put your finger on Montreal's pulse—it's all about what's best at the moment, whether it's the hottest new restaurant, a weekend brunch, something iconic, or a stellar cheap eats; these are the places you'll want to eat at again and again and again. RECOMMENDED:Most romantic restaurants in Montreal right nowMichelin star-calibre restaurants in Montreal

Montréal est un terrain de jeu pour les enfants de tous âges—particulièrement pendant l'été. La ville regorge d'attractions pour les jeunes enfants (et les jeunes de cœur), ainsi que d'excellents endroits pour manger à petit prix en famille. Chaque arrondissement a ses propres divertissements pour les familles, avec de nombreux endroits facilement accessibles en métro (les enfants de cinq ans et moins voyagent gratuitement !).  RECOMMANDÉ :39 meilleures choses à faire à Montreal maintenantLes 31 meilleurs musées de Montréal

MISE À JOUR, septembre 2025 : Quels sont les meilleurs restaurants de Montréal en ce moment ? Avec l’arrivée du Guide Michelin pour la première fois dans la ville, la gastronomie montréalaise n’a jamais été aussi effervescente. Bienvenue dans la sélection soigneusement élaborée par Time Out des meilleurs restaurants de Montréal, offrant actuellement les plats les plus délicieux de la ville, servis avec une expertise inégalée. Voici notre liste des adresses à essayer absolument : restaurants étoilés, nouvelles tables branchées et spots qui font parler d’eux. RECOMMANDÉ :Les restaurants les plus romantiques de Montréal du momentLes meilleurs nouveaux restaurants de Montréal

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Visiting Old Montreal is a one-stop-shop for some of the best things to do in this city, and walking through the neighbourhood alone is one of the city’s best attractions. The near-400-year history of the area reveals itself as you wander through its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and shadows of its towering structures that once served as some of the most important facilities of the Port of Montreal. The distinct charm of this area can be chalked up to its charismatic architecture, ease of walkability and the diversity of bars, restaurants, museums and boutiques that line its streets in all directions. Any given walkthrough will help remind you that Montreal once stood as the economic heart of Canada, painting a beautiful portrait of the wealthy financial institutions once backed by Scottish and British merchants. There’s so much more than meets the eye: Here is a list of a few of the most fun and fascinating things to do in Old Montreal. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to the best things to do in Montreal50 best restaurants in Montreal Best things to do with kids in Montreal

Les meilleurs quartiers de la ville pour les locaux—et les endroits essentiels où les visiteurs peuvent séjourner—sont tous dans ce guide, y compris Saint-Henri, récemment classé parmi les quartiers les plus cools du monde. Montréal est très présente lorsqu'il s'agit de culture, de communauté et de caractère - et si vous avez besoin d'une preuve, il suffit de regarder la richesse des festivals de Montréal, certaines des meilleures choses à faire à Montréal, ainsi que les expériences exceptionnelles dans les meilleurs bars et restaurants de la ville.  RECOMMANDÉ :Guide complet quoi faire à Montréal50 meilleurs restaurants à Montréal en ce moment59 meilleurs bars de Montréal

Envie d’aventure et de moments inoubliables sans vider ton portefeuille ? Une foule d’aventures gratuites vous attendent aux quatre coins de la ville ! Montréal a tellement de choses incroyables à faire, surtout pendant l'été. Trouvez des activités qui correspondent à vos centres d'intérêt sans rien dépenser. Nous vous suggérons de sortir votre calendrier et de laisser le plaisir commencer... N'oubliez pas de visiter les meilleurs musées de Montréal à visiter gratuitement ! RECOMMANDÉ :Les meilleures choses à faire à Montreal maintenantLes meilleures choses à faire avec des enfants à Montréal

Préparez vos en-cas à petit prix, sortez la chaise de plage et n’oubliez surtout pas la crème solaire : Montréal est une île — autant en profiter cet été ! Quelle est la meilleure plage à Montréal ? Pour des plages magnifiques près de Montréal, considérez la plage de l'Horloge, la plage Jean-Doré, ou la plage du Parc National d'Oka. Que vous rêviez d’une étendue de sable bordée de huttes tiki ou d’un spot de surf prisé, notre sélection des meilleures plages près de Montréal a tout pour plaire : oasis urbaines, berges accessibles en métro, et même un parcours gonflable géant sur l’eau.  RECOMMANDÉ : Guide complet des meilleures choses à faire à MontréalLes meilleures piscines de Montréal pour se rafraîchir cet étéLes meilleures activités à faire avec des enfants à Montréal

Montrealers have been worshipping at the altar of this family-run sandwicheria since it opened in 2018. The lip-smacking magic happens when southern Italian recipes that hail back three generations meet Philly-style hoagies bursting with homemade ingredients—right down to the house burrata, hand-cut chips and fresh basil picked from the garden. It only takes one bite to see why these sandwiches have a cult following. MENU Hot Sandwiches PorchettaAioli, provolone, porchetta, carmelized onions, hot peppers, eggplants, coleslaw Porchetta and RapiniSpicy mayo, provolone, porchetta, rapini Cutlet 2.0Mayo, bomba, chicken cutlet, provolone, pickles, giardiniera, lettuce, tomato, O.G. House Vinaigrette CutletMayo, provolone, chicken cutlet, hot peppers, eggplants, coleslaw MeatballBasil, oil, mozzarella, burrata meatballs, tomato sauce, parmesan, hot peppers Cheese SteakSteak, cheese blend, cherry peppers SausageAioli, provolone, sausage, hot peppers, eggplants, carmelized onions, coleslaw Sausage and PeppersSpicy mayo, provolone, roasted red peppers, carmelized onions, coleslaw Sausage and RapiniOlive oil, provolone, sausage, hot peppers, rapini Eggplant ParmBasil oil, burrata, fried eggplant, tomato sauce, parmesan, hot peppers Chicken ParmBasil oil, mozzarella, chicken cutlet, tomato sauce, parmesan, hot peppers, rapini Steak and PepperoniSteak, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, OG sauce Cold Sandwiches Philly HoagieBalsamic reduction, olive oil, salami, capicollo, prosciutto, mortad

Montrealers have been worshipping at the altar of this family-run sandwicheria since it opened in 2018. The lip-smacking magic happens when southern Italian recipes that hail back three generations meet Philly-style hoagies bursting with homemade ingredients—right down to the house burrata, hand-cut chips and fresh basil picked from the garden. It only takes one bite to see why these sandwiches have a cult following. MENU Hot Sandwiches PorchettaAioli, Provolone, Porchetta, Caramelized Onions, Hot Peppers, Eggplants, Coleslaw Cutlet 2.0Mayo, Bomba, Chicken Cutlet, Provolone, Pickles, Giardiniera, Lettuce, Tomato, O.G. House Vinaigrette Chicken Parmesan and RapiniBasil Oil, Mozzarella, Chicken Cutlet, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan, Hot Peppers, Rapini Eggplant ParmesanBasil Oil, Burrata, Fried Eggplant, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan, Hot Peppers Cold Sandwiches Philly HoagieBalsamic Reduction, Olive Oil, Salami, Capicollo, Mortadella, Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Provolone, Hot Peppers, Marinated Eggplant, Lettuce, O.G. House Vinaigrette DiavoloAioli, Bomba, Giardiniera, Salami, Calabrese, Capicollo, Fontino, Provolone, Banana Peppers, Marinated Red Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, O.G. House Vinaigrette ClassicoOlive Oil, Pistachio Mortadella, Sliced Lemon, Burrata, Arugula CapreseBasil Oil, Arugula, Tomato, Burrata, Balsamic Reduction Salads Fennel and Arugula CaesarFennel, Arugula, Bacon, Croutons, Parmesan, Lemon, Caesar Vinaigrette House Salad(s)Mixed Lettuce, Cucumber, Red Onion, Tomato, Croutons

The question on every Montrealer’s mind: why are there so many wasps right now? While the end of summer brings fall colours and so many of our favourite autumn activities, it’s also peak wasp season. According to CTV News, exterminators in Montreal are seeing a surge in wasp-related calls at the end of summer. Late summer marks the height of wasp season, and according to the report, calls to exterminators are pouring in with a marked rise in requests to remove bald-faced hornets.  In some Montreal neighbourhoods, what would normally mean one or two nests can now reach as many as 50. Photograph: Shutterstock / Dan4Earth According to Espace Pour La Vie Montréal, the surge has more to do with the insect life cycle than with an actual population boom.  Warm weather accelerates the development of colonies, and combined with the city’s abundance of food waste which provides nourishment for larvae, these conditions allow colonies to grow larger than usual. Once temperatures begin to drop, wasp activity slows and the population dies off with the first frost.  Only new queens make it through the winter, finding shelter wherever they can — in the ground, under tree bark, or other hidden spots.  When spring arrives, each young queen starts from scratch, building a nest on her own while laying eggs, hunting, and raising larvae.  As summer unfolds, the colony’s adult population grows at an accelerating pace. By late summer, the number of wasps is dramatically higher than it was in the s

Montreal’s newest hidden bar is serving up fiery cocktails with volcanic flair. Hidden below Montreal in a cave-inspired setting, Mona Loa fuses immersive design, bold cocktails, and refined cuisine to ignite a lava-hot atmosphere. Think sexy, red lighting, grotto vibes, signature cocktails, and intense dishes that fuse ancient Japan and Hawai‘i. The secret speakeasy is hidden away on Crescent Street, right in the heart of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. Can’t find it? Look for the restaurant Tuscolo overhead, and you’ll discover a hidden entrance below that could pass for a stone cave door. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒂 𝑳𝒐𝒂 (@monaloamtl) Grab the snake-shaped handle, and step inside a dimly lit cave—like the inside of an active volcano (without the heat). Mona Loa is said to honour two legendary sisters: Mona from Japan and Loa from the islands. Separated in childhood and raised worlds apart, their paths were destined to cross. Mona grew up steeped in ancestral rituals and wisdom, while Loa was shaped by the raw rhythm of ocean and land. In 1950, when Mauna Loa—the world’s largest active volcano—erupted, it sent a fiery signal across the Pacific, calling Loa to her sister. Their reunion atop the volcano was a moment where heat, spirit, and story collided. Today, that mythical energy is intended to stay alive in every detail of Mona Loa. Come for the filet mignon with gochujang butter, and stay for the pineapple Mai Tais. For more in

It's confirmed: Canadians travelling to the European Union will now face new fingerprinting and biometric requirements.  The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will phase out passport stamps for non-EU visitors, including Canadians and Americans, and replace them with biometric checks.  When entering any of the 29 Schengen Area countries—such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, or Greece—travellers will need to provide fingerprints and a digital photo.  Over the next six months, EES will roll out gradually, shifting arrivals from border agent queues to automated control gates.  Authorities are urging travellers to prepare in advance for this major shift, which marks the end of the simple passport-stamp process long familiar to Canadian visitors. When will Canadians have to get fingerprinted to enter Europe? The European Union will soon launch its new Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps with a digital record and biometric screening for most non-EU travellers.  Starting October 12, 2025, Canadians can expect longer wait times on their first trip to any of the 29 Schengen countries, as they’ll need to complete a digital registration that includes fingerprinting and a facial photo. While the new system will launch on October 12 at select European airports, ports, and land border crossings, more locations will be added over time until full implementation on April 10, 2026.  During this transition period, passport stamps will still be used as a backup, since

With more than 115 billion streams worldwide and 30 billion in the U.S., along with 70 million albums sold globally, Ariana Grande is one of the most successful artists of her generation.  General sale starts today, September 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. Click here for Montreal tickets  and full tips below. She holds the record for the most billion-streamed songs by a female artist on Spotify, ties for the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 this decade (7), and has earned two RIAA Diamond singles.  Her latest album, Eternal Sunshine, became the longest-running No. 1 of her career on the Billboard 200 and produced multiple Hot 100 chart-toppers. The Eternal Sunshine Tour marks Ariana’s first tour in six years since her record-breaking Sweetener World Tour, which attracted over 1.3 million fans across nearly 100 shows.  The tour supports her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, released on March 8, 2024. When is Ariana Grande coming to Montreal? The singer is coming to Montreal on Tuesday, July 28, Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31, 2026. The show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m. When do tickets go on sale? Regular tickets go on sale on September 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. For more information about tickets, click here. For resale tickets please try VividSeats, Viagogo and Stubhub. Where is Ariana Grande playing in Montreal? The singer will be playing at the Bell Centre (1909 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal in Montreal, Quebec) in the heart of Montreal—just steps from

It’s official: Following the news that Ariana Grande's tour is coming to town, Lady Gaga is bringing the Mayhem Ball to Montréal this spring. Gaga is expanding the North American leg of her spectacular Mayhem Ball tour, adding 20 new dates since its July 16 launch in Las Vegas — including back-to-back shows at Montréal’s Bell Centre. RECOMMENDED: Paul McCartney and many more celebrities who will be in Montreal this fall Montréal was skipped in the tour’s first round, with Toronto as Gaga’s only Canadian stop, where she’s slated for three sold-out nights starting Wednesday.  Is Lady Gaga coming to Montreal on tour? Lady Gaga is bringing the Mayhem Ball to Montreal on April 2 and 3, 2026. Named after her sixth studio album Mayhem, the Mayhem Ball has been praised for its theatrical flair, powerhouse vocals, and dynamic choreography. When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on sale on September 15 at noon. For more information about tickets, click on the link here. Is there a presale? Pre-sale begins Friday, September 12, 2025, at noon.  Fans can sign up for the pre-sale here. How much are tickets? Resale tickets for those shows are already hovering around $300 for upper seats and close to $1,000 on the floor. Check out Stubhub and Viagogo for tickets. What is the setlist? The setlist is set to spotlight tracks from Mayhem — including “Abracadabra,” “Zombie Boy,” and “Killah” — while including fan favourites from across her catalogue. RECOMMENDED:Full guide to the best things to

Les couleurs d’automne sont enfin arrivées à Montréal ! Mais où admirer le plus beau feuillage au Québec ? De la cueillette de pommes et des champs de citrouilles aux labyrinthes de maïs et aux promenades dans les marchés fermiers animés, la ville regorge d’activités et de paysages d’automne à savourer. Où puis-je voir les feuilles d'automne ? La carte automnale Bonjour Québec suit l’évolution des couleurs à travers la province et indique quand le feuillage atteint son apogée dans chaque région. Pour suivre le pic des couleurs ou l’évolution du feuillage, consultez cette carte interactive où vous pouvez voir l’état du feuillage au Québec et les meilleurs endroits pour l’admirer. Les endroits incontournables incluent le parc du Mont-Royal, offrant des vues panoramiques sur la ville depuis les belvédères et de magnifiques reflets sur le lac aux Castors. Photograph: Tourisme Montréal, Susan Moss Pour une expérience plus soignée, le Jardin botanique de Montréal est splendide, surtout en soirée lors des Jardins de lumière. Photograph: Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock Les îles du parc Jean-Drapeau sont également parfaites pour une balade ou une sortie à vélo au milieu d’un feuillage éclatant. Pour découvrir des endroits hors de la ville, explorez ces idées de randonnées et escapades automnales, incluant des expériences rustiques, des sentiers et des festivals.  Photograph: © Sépaq Quand aller voir les couleurs ? La meilleure période pour admirer le feuillage s’étend de la fi

Tout juste sortie de la grève de cet été, la Société de transport de Montréal (STM) fait face à une nouvelle grève. La STM prévoit de réduire le service pendant une grève de ses travailleurs de la maintenance, ce qui signifie que les usagers devront composer avec d’importantes coupures en dehors des heures de pointe. Le service réduit restera en vigueur jusqu’au 5 octobre, sauf si un accord est conclu avant cette date.  Quand aura lieu la grève de la STM ? À partir du 22 septembre 2025, le service du métro sera réduit. Comment se déplacer pendant la grève de la STM ? Les lundis, mercredis et vendredis, le métro ne circulera que pendant trois plages horaires : 6 h 30 à 9 h 30 14 h 45 à 17 h 45 23 h 00 jusqu’aux derniers trains (vers 1 h 15) Les horaires des derniers trains sont affichés en station et disponibles en ligne ici. Aucune circulation du métro n’est prévue entre ces périodes. Les mardis, jeudis, samedis et dimanches, le métro circulera selon l’horaire régulier. Le service d’autobus fonctionnera de 6 h 15 à 9 h 15, de 15 h à 18 h et de 23 h 15 à 1 h 15. Photograph: Shutterstock / NorthWerk Photography Pourquoi la STM fait-elle grève ? Le Tribunal administratif du travail a défini les services essentiels devant être maintenus pendant la grève. Le service complet du métro n’en fait pas partie, ce qui explique la coupure des heures creuses. Quelle est la durée de la grève de la STM ? La grève est prévue trois jours par semaine, du 22 septembre au 5 octobre 2025. Pho

From Bali to Bilbury, England, 50 of the most breathtaking villages on the planet have been revealed. Tucked along Canada’s East Coast, this charming village has earned a spot on the list of the world’s most beautiful places for 2025—and it’s not the one you might expect. With the help of Unforgettable Travel Company, Forbes has unveiled the 50 most beautiful villages in the world for 2025 and Canada made the coveted list. Victoria-by-the-Sea on Prince Edward Island’s southern shore feels like a postcard sprung to life.  How can you argue with rows of candy-coloured cottages that recall its nautical past, or the coastline that glows red beneath kayaks gliding the calm waters of the Northumberland Strait—gulls circling lazily above the Seaport Lighthouse.  Photograph: Shutterstock / Yingna Cai It’s a storybook fishing village and artistic community tucked along the south shore of Prince Edward Island. Established in 1819, it’s celebrated for its quaint streets, red-sand beaches, warm coastal waters, and iconic lighthouse.  Photograph: Shutterstock / Nicola Pulham Expect galleries showcasing local art, waterfront cafés, chocolate shops heaving with handmade sweets, and antique shops brimming with treasures.  Photograph: Shutterstock / Gareth Janzen At dusk, the streets fall quiet as the lanterns flicker on—the entire village humming with old-world, seaside magic. Highlights include the Victoria Seaport Lighthouse, the beloved Victoria Playhouse, and seafood restaurants se

Fresh off the metro and bus strike this summer, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is facing another strike. The STM plans to scale back service during a strike by its maintenance workers., meaning riders will face major cuts outside of peak hours. The reduced schedule will remain in effect until October 5 unless a deal is reached beforehand. When is the STM strike? Starting September 22, 2025, there will be reduced metro service. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, trains will only operate during these three periods 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM 2:45 PM to 5:45 PM 11:00 PM until the last trains (around 1:15 AM) The STM has posted last-train schedules in stations online here. There will be no metro service between these periods. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the metro will run on its regular schedule. Bus service will operate from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m and 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Photograph: Shutterstock / NorthWerk Photography Why is STM going on strike? The Tribunal administratif du travail has defined which essential services must continue during the strike. Full metro service isn’t part of that list, which is why off-peak hours are being cut. How long is the STM strike? The strike is planned for three days per week from September 22, 2025, to October 5, 2025. Photograph: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators What does the STM strike mean for riders? If you normally travel outside rush hours on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, expect

Fall colours have officially arrived! From apple picking and pumpkin patches to corn mazes and strolls through bustling farmers’ markets, the city is packed with amazing autumn activities—and views—to enjoy. Where to see fall colours in and around Montreal? The Bonjour Québec fall foliage map monitors the changing colours across the province, indicating when the peak is expected in your specific area.  To check out peak foliage, or follow the evolution of colours, check out this interactive map where you can see the status of fall colours in Québec (and where to admire them). Favourite viewing spots include Mount Royal Park, where you’ll find sweeping city views from the lookouts and vibrant reflections on Beaver Lake.  Photograph: Tourisme Montréal, Susan Moss For a more curated experience, the Montreal Botanical Garden is stunning—especially in the evenings during the Gardens of Light. You can also head to Parc Jean-Drapeau’s islands, perfect for a walk or bike ride surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage. Photograph: Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock Looking for spots outside the city? Check out these hikes and getaway ideas that include rustic fall experiences, hikes and festivals. Photograph: © Sépaq   When can you see the fall colours in Montreal? The best time to catch fall colours in Montreal is from late September through late October, with the peak usually hitting in mid-October.  What month is fall in Montreal? Once the autumnal equinox arrives, the leaves sta

It’s official: The final leg of the long-awaited highway connecting Montreal to the U.S. border is now open for motorists. After five years of work representing a total investment of nearly $223 million, Highway 35 was inaugurated ahead of schedule by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (MTMD). The opening of the final section of Highway 35, between Saint-Sébastien and Saint-Armand, means that road users will now be able to travel on a divided four-lane highway between Montréal and the U.S. border. The completion of this major milestone is aimed to improve the movement of people and goods between Québec and the United States, and enhance road safety and quality of life for residents along Route 133, as trucks will be able to use this faster new route. Phase III of this major project, covering 8.9 km, included numerous road infrastructures as well as a significant environmental compensation plan. We’re talking about 1 hectare of wetlands and 4 hectares of fish habitats, as well as the reforestation of over 24 hectares of forest through the planting of 35,000 trees, and the protection of 75 hectares of land with high ecological value. With the opening of the final section of Highway 35, road users can also travel on a highway-grade road from Montréal to Boston.  Photograph: Osman Rana The third phase of the Highway 35 extension included several major works, such as: Extending Highway 35 by 8.9 km between Saint-Sébastien and Saint-Armand, with two lanes in each

The world's smartest countries in 2025 have been revealed, and Canada placed in the top 10. Being a smart country is about how well nations learn, innovate, and apply knowledge.  This recent ranking from TradingPlatforms combined OECD PISA 2022 scores in math, science, and reading with scientific publication output and average IQ scores to create a global smartness ranking. The analysis focuses on three key factors: student performance on the OECD’s 2022 PISA exams in math, reading, and science; the volume of scientific research papers published in 2024; and each country’s average IQ score.  These elements combine to form a comprehensive “Smartness Score,” which measures education, research output, and overall cognitive ability. Photograph: Shutterstock / Andrew Angelov What are the top 10 smartest countries? 1. Hong Kong  2. Singapore  3. Switzerland  4. Taiwan  5. Japan  6. South Korea  7. Iceland  8. Denmark  9. Australia  10. Canada What are the world's top 20 smartest countries in 2025? According to the Smartness Score, here's the global top 20: 1. Hong Kong – 94.0 2. Singapore – 81.6 3. Switzerland – 72.2 4. Taiwan – 66.3 5. Japan – 64.4 6. South Korea – 64.3 7. Iceland – 59.1 8. Denmark – 57.9 9. Australia – 57.8 10. Canada – 55.4 11. Finland – 55.2 12. Estonia – 54.7 13. Sweden – 54.4 14. New Zealand – 53.4 15. Slovenia – 53.0 16. Netherlands – 51.9 17. Austria – 51.8 18. United Kingdom – 51.2 19. Belgium – 51.2 20. Spain – 50.3 For more information about the Tradi