Oh goodness, we have been here for a year, and it has taken us this long to find things around Montreal. Montreal is pretty eclectic, and there are some really fantastic areas to discover that don`t cost a thing. We love parks, and parks, we have found.

1. Maisonneuve Park - an absolutely stunning park,  botanical garden, the biodome, washrooms, and lots of area to picnic, it is a fabulous place to hang out for a whole day.

Maisonneuve Park
4601 Sherbrooke East
514-872-6555

2. Westmount Park - is in the more prominent area of Montreal, with massive brick homes, stunning architecture, a few coffee shops and a quieter area. There is a massive fountain on the Sherbrooke side that all of the kids run through during the summer. With massive playground structures, washrooms, paved walking trail and close to the bike lane that goes right into downtown, and lots of area to picnic, it is a fabulous place to hang out burn the energy out of a wired child.

3. The Biodome - You can`t visit Montreal with a child and not go to the Biodome. I will be posting more about this one shortly. Not only does it have gardens, incredible exhibits, but it is educational for all ages, even the parents! With its interactive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, incredible insects, animals and various creatures, you will want to come back.

4. The Old Port Montreal - I dedicated a whole post to this over the summer, you can check out my walking tour here

5. Old Montreal - well, I am a sucker for this area, it is absolutely beautiful, you can check out pictures on my posts of Old Montreal and More of Old Montreal. It is NOT stroller friendly in the middle of winter or during peak tourist times in the summer.

6. The Ecomuseum - I have posted about it previously here  This is a really nice, small museum that tucked away. I mentioned before, it is great for toddlers and young children, pack a picnic because there is nothing to eat around the area, or in the museum.

7. Pointe À Callière - Montreal museum of Archaeology and history -  this is a small museum, but gives you a feel of how Old Montreal developed, who lived there, who settled etc. it is really fascinating, and can be done in a few hours.

8. Canadian Railway Museum - what kid or adult, would want to check out and tour old trains through the ages. Part of this museum is outdoors, and is closed during the winter, therefore, not worth going to unless the whole this is open in the summer. Bring some extra sunscreen and pack a lunch, no child ever wants to leave this area.

9. Chinese Gardens - this is something for all ages, it is stroller friendly, interactive, and awakens various senses for babies as well as toddlers. You can enjoy it at any pace!

10. Notre Dame Basilica  it is Montreal`s oldest Catholic church built in 1600`s. You can take a tour of it, or, you can do what we have done, gone on a Saturday when it is closed between 1:30-3:30 for weddings, you not only get to see the beautiful bride, but you hear the bells! When the ceremony is done the church is reopened to the public. There is something old world about hearing the bells and then being able to enter and see the beautiful stained glass.