Crêpes, Culture, and Concerts: Montreal for the Solo Traveler

1. Groove at the Montreal International Jazz Festival
From June 26 to July 5, 2025, downtown Montreal transforms into a musical haven with over 350 concerts, most of them free. It's the world's largest jazz festival, featuring a mix of legendary artists and emerging talents.

2. Explore public art trails
Wander through Montreal's neighborhoods and discover over 1,000 public artworks. The city's art walks offer a unique way to experience its rich history and vibrant culture. Montreal is a major Canadian art hub, and the city lives and breathes art from painted murals to video exhibits of life in the 1900s projected onto walls in the same location.

3. Visit the Montreal Biosphere
Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, this iconic geodesic dome from Expo 67 now serves as an environment museum. Engage with interactive exhibits focusing on ecological and environmental issues. This green bio-dome is a hub of international flora along with tons of educational exhibits. If you decide to include this in your Montreal trip, make sure to give yourself 2-3 hours to thoroughly enjoy it.

4. Take a scenic ferry ride
Hop on a river shuttle from the Old Port to destinations like Parc Jean-Drapeau or Longueuil. It's a relaxing way to see the city from the water and connect to various attractions. I took this ferry to Parc Jean-Drapeau to check out the Montreal Biosphere and got amazing views of the city skyline from it.

5. Ride La Grande Roue de Montréal
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Montreal from Canada's tallest observation wheel, standing at 60 meters. Each 20-minute ride offers a unique perspective of the city's landscape.

6. Stroll through Jean-Talon Market
One of North America's largest open-air markets, Jean-Talon offers fresh produce, local delicacies, and a taste of Montreal's multicultural flavors. Make sure you sample all the fruits and veggies and don’t forget to get some fresh mushrooms if they are in season!

7. Hike Mount Royal Park
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this urban park provides panoramic views of the city skyline and is perfect for a leisurely hike or picnic. My favorite hike at this park is the Escarpment Trail, it is only 2.5 mi long but gives you a stellar bird’s eye view of the city.

8. Discover Old Montreal
Step back in time as you walk along cobblestone streets, visit historic sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, and enjoy the European charm of this district.

9. Attend the Francos de Montréal
From June 13 to 21, 2025, this festival celebrates French-language music with over 150 shows, a third of which are free, showcasing a variety of genres. If you are in Montreal during this time, which I was lucky enough to experience, make sure you attend a few of the live artists. When I was there I got to see Pomme perform a whole set and sing along in French with the thousands of people in the crowd.

10. Bike along the Lachine Canal
Rent a bike and explore the scenic Lachine Canal, a historic waterway lined with parks, cafes, and art installations. Biking is one of my favorite ways to explore a city when I am traveling alone since it lets me see many of the larger sections of the city at my own pace. I would recommend renting a bike from Ma Bicyclette located right next to the water on Saint-Patrick St. If you would like a guided tour, they also offer those from this location.

Nilufar
This cozy, family-run spot serves some of the city’s best falafel and vegetarian wraps with a big heart and unbeatable prices. It’s a Montreal classic loved for its flavor-packed bites and friendly vibe. Grab a falafel wrap to-go as you walk around the city with your scrumptious, portable meal.

Café Parvis
Tucked away downtown, Café Parvis charms with leafy decor, rustic touches, and a menu full of creative veggie pizzas and salads. It’s a perfect lunch or brunch destination with relaxed, artsy energy. I loved being able to hop into here for a quick lunch while I was sightseeing downtown.

Le Nil Bleu
An upscale Ethiopian restaurant offering rich vegetarian platters of spiced lentils, greens, and hearty stews—all served with traditional injera. The intimate setting and warm spices make for a unique, soulful experience.

Maynard
A funky, retro-inspired eatery dishing up comfort food classics with a veggie twist—think mushroom “wings” and crispy tofu. It’s bold, playful, and ideal for a casual, indulgent meal. Definitely get a platter of their vegan wings because they are to die for!

Santa Barbara
Bright, airy, and effortlessly cool, Santa Barbara features a mostly vegetarian menu with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and fresh cocktails. A favorite for brunch or low-key dinners in a stylish setting. I loved the cocktails here and the bar staff was so friendly. If you are in Montreal on a solo trip make sure you pop in here for a true local experience and to make some new friends.

La Banquise
An iconic 24/7 Montreal institution famous for its over-the-top poutine creations, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s casual, colorful, and the perfect late-night (or anytime) stop for comfort food with serious local flair. I have to say, this was the best poutine I have ever had in my life, and it makes sense because it was recommended to me by a Montreal local.