Traveling solo allows for more intense adventures and greater openness to the people you meet. Ultimately, it’s a way to experience a different world perspective. This has become one of the significant trends shaping tourism in 2024.
Canada is a fascinating, safe, and welcoming country that stands out as one of the best destinations for solo travelers. Montreal, with its European charm, offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable solo adventure.
If you’re considering visiting Paris in North America solo, you’ll always have things to do. Canada’s second-largest city in the province of Quebec offers a perfect mix of historic buildings and landmarks, modern attractions, and a lively food scene.
Whether you’re spending just a few days or have more time to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy! Check out this guide to help you make the most of your solo adventure in Montreal.
Take a Food Tour
One of the best ways to kick off your trip to Montreal is by joining a pub crawl or a guided food tour. A food tour is an excellent opportunity to sample the local gastronomy and learn about the city’s food culture, especially if you have more time.
Montreal is famous for its culinary diversity, from French-inspired dishes like tourtiere and poutine to fresh bagels and pastrami sandwiches. A food tour of Montreal can take you to some of the best local spots, giving you a taste of everything from street food to really gourmet dishes.
If you’re a foodie, this is a must-do. Plus, it’s an excellent way to meet other travelers if you feel social during your solo adventure!
Explore Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Every trip to Montreal is complete with a visit to Old Montreal. This historic neighborhood, located next to the Old Port, is filled with beautiful architecture that will transport you to another era. Wander through the cobblestone streets and marvel at landmarks like the Bonsecours Market, which now houses artisan shops and boutiques, or the Montreal City Hall.
Remember to visit Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively square perfect for watching performance artists, and take a stroll along Rue Saint-Paul, the main street of the area, lined with restaurants, art galleries, and charming stores.
If you’re visiting during the summer (or weekends in the off-season), catch the Montréal en Histoires project. This captivating multimedia experience projects stories of the city’s past onto various buildings in Old Montreal, creating a unique way to learn about its history. Download the app to read the stories in English (or Spanish) as you walk through the area.
Discover Street Art in Plateau-Mont Royal
If you’re into alternative vibes and street art, head to the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood. Known for its colorful murals, this area offers a completely different experience from the more touristy parts of the city.
Take your time wandering through the streets to admire the graffiti and art installations that adorn the buildings.
A great starting point is Plaza Saint Louis, a charming square surrounded by beautiful Victorian-style houses in different colors. From there, explore the nearby streets, home to charming residences and even more street art. For the best murals, go to Boulevard Saint-Laurent, which is packed with vibrant works of art on nearly every corner.
Solo Travel Tips for Montreal
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Language Barrier
As mentioned, Montreal is an excellent city for solo travelers. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character: Old Montreal is steeped in history, Plateau-Mont Royal is full of artistic energy, and downtown (Centre-Ville) is the city’s commercial heart. In addition to exploring these areas, you’ll find plenty of cafes, shops, and parks to relax and people-watch.
However, if you’re not comfortable with the local language, you may face a few challenges. The official language in Montreal is French, and while English is widely spoken in tourist areas, you might find it helpful to download a translation app. If you don’t speak French, learning a few basic phrases is worth making your experience smoother. Just knowing a few essential words like “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Merci” (Thank you) can go a long way.
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Safety Considerations
Montreal is generally a very safe city, especially compared to larger cities in Europe or Latin America. However, like any large city, staying aware of your surroundings is essential. You’ll notice a significant homeless population, particularly in commercial areas and transportation hubs.
This can be disconcerting for solo travelers, but most of these areas are safe to walk through during the day.
Neighborhood streets like Plateau-Mont Royal or Mile-End might feel off-putting after dark. However, you should still avoid these areas entirely. Stick to well-lit, busier streets if you’re traveling alone at night. It’s also a good idea to explore these neighborhoods during the day when the streets are bustling and full of life.