Montreal is the Canadian city that never sleeps. It’s a city that captivates you with its creativity, artistic and trending nature. As the second largest city in Canada, you will find new things to do as days go by and you will definitely need more time to fully explore Montreal. Next time you are here, explore these 23 hidden gems in Montreal.

River Surfing at Saint Lawrence River

This is one of the few rivers around the world with big waves that attract surfers. You will find lots of surfers bear Habitat 67 having a good surfing time. Give it a try, surfing lessons are available.

River Rafting and Lachine Rapids

The place to be for real adventure by raft or boat in LaSalle. Every activity offered here is exhilarating.

Festival Fun

Montreal is a city of festivals and you will find plenty dedicated to the city’s food, music, and culture.

Lachine Canal

A great place for an afternoon bike ride. The canal runs through Montreal along the Saint Lawrence River and this makes a great atmosphere and views. My Bicyclette across the Atwater Market is the place to rent some bikes if you don’t have your own.

Street Murals along St. Lawrence Boulevard

This is the place where Montreal’s annual Mural Festival takes place. The street art is vibrant and interesting.

Sunday Tam-Tams at Mount Royal

You’ll find gatherings of people at the foot of Mount Royal every Sunday listening to drummers improvising at Tam-Tams. This weekly festival sees slackliners, drummers, larpers, and tourists enjoy the day dancing and listening to good music.

Floating Spa at Old Port

Bota Bota is a floating spa on the Saint Lawrence River at the Old Port. This is an ideal place to go for a water circuit, get a massage, and relax as you enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Flamenco Thursdays on 4848 Boul St-Laurent

Everything about this restaurant is unique from the venue to the rotating weekly menu. The free flamenco show that is on every Thursday evening is incredible.

The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery

With over one million bodies lying here in hundreds of acres, this is the largest cemetery in Canada. It is a place to see numerous monuments and breathtaking grounds.

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel at Old Montreal

Also known as the Sailor’s Church, this is a one of a kind chapel with a rich history. The miniature ship votives that hang from the ceiling are amazing to see.

Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy

The largest and most popular market in Montreal in the Italian district of the city. It is open all year round and is the biggest in North America. Chew on some tacos from El Rey Del Taco and have some amazing dessert at Havre Aux Glaces.

Chez Mein at 3754 Boul St. Laurent

Looking for a place to have a late night meal after a night out? Chez Mein serves some amazing peanut butter noodles for only $2.

Cat Cafes at Multiple Locations

Montreal has three cat cafes namely Le Café des Chats, Café Venosa, and Café Chat L’Heureux for all the feline enthusiasts out there.

Le Doggy Café at 4493 Avenue Papineau

After the cat cafes now comes the dog cafes. Le Doggy Café encourages people to bring their own puppies and hangout.

Surf and Dine at Quartier DIX30

A one of a kind surfing complex has indoor waves, a full menu and daily specials for everyone, beginners and experts alike.

Poutine Heaven

Poutine is a Montreal favorite dish and you must have it every time you’re here. Have some poutine with a hot dog at La Belle Province, choose your favorite flavor at La Nabquise or have the foie gras poutine at Au Pied de Cochon.

Big in Japan at Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

This is a tiny upscale and elegant bar that will leave a positive mark on you but you’ll need to find it first. The staff is awesome, the drinks are great and the food is simply amazing.

Gibeau Orange Julep at Décarie Expressway

A favorite restaurant among Montreal locals mainly for their classic orange soda and sumptuous food since 1932. Every meal you order comes with a free soda.

Kem Coba Ice Cream at Mile End

Come to this place to enjoy some flavorful and tasty handmade ice creams.

Clock Tower Beach at Old Port

A beach on an inland river right in the center of the city.  This is a real Montreal gem and you only pay $2 and is open until 7 pm during summer.

Habitat 67, Ville-Marie

This is an unusual housing complex designed by an Israeli-Canadian architect for Montreal’s Expo in 1967. It is truly a unique piece of architecture.

Verger Labonté at Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot

A place for wholesome family entertainment. This orchard is 30-minutes from Montreal and offers activities such as apple picking, corn mazes, and other fun seasonal events.

The Laurentides, North of Montreal

Head north to get a taste of the natural beauty of the Laurentian Mountains. Make sure to visit these old-fashioned villages Sainte-Adèle, Saint-Sauveur, and Sainte-Agathes-des-Monts.