Exploring Montréal: An Accessible Adventure in Canada’s Cultural Capital
Our recent journey to Montréal gave us the perfect blend of city life, culture, and history – all within a relatively accessible setting. While there were a few bumps in the road (quite literally, in some cases!), this vibrant French-Canadian city offered plenty to see and do for wheelchair users and companions alike.
Where We Stayed
We checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Montréal Centre-Ville, which was well-located in the heart of downtown. Our accessible room featured two double beds and a bathroom with an adapted bathtub. Although it didn’t have a roll-in shower – which might not suit everyone – it worked fine for our needs. The hotel’s location made exploring the city on foot easy, especially around the nearby Rue Sainte-Catherine.
Discovering Downtown and Festival Season
On our first evening, we explored Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal’s main shopping street lined with gift shops, international restaurants, and bars. It’s mostly accessible, although we did spot a few uneven pavements and potholes to be mindful of.
We happened to arrive during the final days of the Francos de Montréal, a Francophone music festival held in the Festival Quarter, with the Montréal Jazz Festival scheduled to follow. The city’s love of outdoor dining is also evident here – we enjoyed ramen at a terrace restaurant, a popular summertime setup across Montréal.
Day Two: From Basilicas to Archaeology
We set off early to explore Old Montréal, the 17th-century heart of the city. Our first stop was the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica, an 18th-century gothic masterpiece that is fully wheelchair accessible. A lovely touch – the basilica offers free entry for carers or companions.
From there, we walked to the St Lawrence River to visit Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Museum of History and Archaeology. Located at the very site where French settlers founded Ville-Marie (the original name of Montréal), this museum traces the city’s journey from First Nations settlements through colonial times to the multicultural metropolis it is today.
The museum features a brilliant multimedia show – there are steps to the main theatre, but staff guided us to an alternative, step-free entrance with a private balcony. The lower level showcases the preserved ruins of the original colony, and although the ground is uneven in parts, it remains accessible thanks to a well-signposted lift system connecting all areas.
The Plateau and a Taste of Local Life
Later that day, we took the Montréal Metro to explore the Plateau Mont-Royal, a bohemian neighbourhood full of quirky cafés, shops, and leafy parks. Metro access was easy – the platform was step-free, and train boarding was level. However, not all metro stations in Montréal are equipped with lifts, so planning ahead using an accessible map is essential.
The Plateau area itself is charming but does feature many businesses with steps, which may be a barrier for some. Still, if you can manage it, this neighbourhood is a culinary delight. We sampled a Portuguese twist on poutine in Little Portugal, and recommend stopping by La Banquise for creative poutine, Schwartz’s Deli for smoked meat sandwiches, and St-Viateur Bagel for Montréal’s famous rival to New York’s best.
History, Nature, and Panoramic Views
On day three, we began with a visit to the McCord Stewart Museum, which features a moving exhibition called Indigenous Voices of Today. It offers a powerful insight into Canada’s First Nations history – both its beauty and its pain – while highlighting the importance of reconciliation and cultural understanding. The museum is fully accessible.
Next, we drove to Île Sainte-Hélène, once home to Expo 67 and now the green expanse of Parc Jean-Drapeau. While the original pavilions are gone, one landmark remains: the Montréal Biosphere, a geodesic dome turned environmental museum. Having a rental car was helpful for getting to places like this, but Montréal’s metro does extend to the island for those relying on public transport.
We ended our trip with a visit to the majestic Oratory of Saint Joseph of Mount Royal, perched dramatically on the city’s hillside. At first glance, the hundreds of steps might make this basilica seem completely out of reach – but staff were brilliant. They provided a map with a fully step-free route, involving five lifts in total. Along the way, we explored exhibits about the church’s history and its serene crypt before arriving at the upper basilica, with sweeping views over Montréal.
Final Thoughts
Montréal charmed us with its mix of old-world beauty, modern accessibility (in most places!), and deeply rooted cultural pride. While not every area was perfectly accessible, we found that with a bit of planning and a lot of curiosity, it’s a city well worth exploring for disabled travellers.
If you’re thinking about your next Canadian adventure, Montréal might just be the perfect place to start.
Next Stop – Quebec City
