Montreal is enjoying a tourism rebound in 2025, propelling itself to the fifth most-visited city in Canada, with three spots climbed in FlightHub’s latest “Unveiled” rankings. This upward move underscores Montreal’s growing appeal to international and domestic travelers who are drawn by its vibrant cultural scene, impressive gastronomic offerings, and dynamic urban atmosphere.
A City Packed with Attraction
Few Canadian cities blend history and modern vitality as seamlessly as Montreal. Its charming Old Town, with cobbled lanes, centuries-old architecture, murals, and cozy cafés, contrasts beautifully with the urban energy of Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile-End—neighborhoods pulsing with street art, indie boutiques, and creative hubs. Montreal’s unique character stems from this compelling coexistence of past and present.
The city is also enriched by its standing as a UNESCO City of Design, its legacy sites from the 1976 Olympics, and landmarks like the underground Réso network, which weaves through downtown and connects local hotspots—all adding to its travel allure.
Festivals That Spark Global Interest
Montreal’s festival landscape alone is enough to put any traveler in motion. The Montreal International Jazz Festival—the largest of its kind globally—lights up the city with hundreds of concerts under the summer sky. Nearby, Just for Laughs, the world’s biggest comedy festival, delivers laughter and large-scale entertainment.
Add to that Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, the premier francophone music festival, the avant-garde MUTEK, the cultural innovation of the M.A.D. Festival, and family-friendly events like the Eurêka! Festival, and you see a city that lives for celebration. In fact, Quebec hosts over 500 festivals annually, and Montreal remains at its noisy, colorful center.
These gatherings not only enrich tourism—they feed the local economy, stimulate global visibility, and reinforce the city’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse.
A Food Scene to Rival Any Global Metropolis
Montreal’s dining culture is a journey in itself. Internationally known for icons like poutine, smoked meat, and Montreal bagels, the city’s culinary identity extends far beyond. Market spots like Jean-Talon and Atwater buzz with fresh produce, artisanal trends, and gourmet exploration. Emerging dining districts and food truck enclaves keep pushing the city’s food culture forward.
One impressive highlight is La Poutine Week, a wildly popular festival where hundreds of restaurants participate in serving creative takes on this Québécois classic—drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors celebrating indulgence with culinary flair.
From haute cuisine to street eats, Montreal offers a feast for every palate.
Securing Its Place in the Upper Ranks
While Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton continue to lead as Canada’s most visited cities, Montreal’s strategy of amplifying festival offerings, culinary innovation, and creative energy is paying off—propelling it up into fifth place in national travel rankings.
What sets Montreal apart is its accessibility—compact, bilingual, and welcoming. Tourists find it easy to explore the art galleries, historic districts, nightlife, and museums without hassle. The city’s openness and charm make for an immersive experience unmatched by much larger metropolises.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Montreal Tourism?
With its ascent in TravelHub’s rankings, Montreal’s future in travel looks bright. Continued government investments—such as those supporting cultural institutions like MUTEK and M.A.D.—signal strong backing for its creative economy. As the city further evolves its neighborhoods and festivals, it’s poised to climb even higher in global travel consciousness.
Travelers in 2025 and beyond are seeking more than sightseeing—they want authenticity, cultural richness, and hospitality. Montreal delivers all of that, again and again.
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