Exploring the storied streets of Montreal, your clients will see the classically French architecture of the Old Port. Well-known for its great cuisine, you may suggest they wander into one of the city’s grand food markets – Marché Atwater or Little Italy’s Marché Jean-Talon – for some top-notch local food accompanied by people-watching. Montreal also has a vibrant music and sports scene – you could recommend clients try surfing on the rapids of the Saint Lawrence River or book tickets to see hockey teams such as the Montreal Canadiens tearing up the ice.
This is all classic guide book fodder. Now – for those customers looking for new things to do or wanting to get to know the city a little more deeply – there are a growing number of Indigenous experiences, attractions, shops, and restaurants to explore, and here are the best of them:
Art, food and shopping
Our ways: Peel Trail
Walking is always a great way to discover downtown. The new Our ways: Peel Trail consists of a series of beautifully intricate bronze orbs, arranged in pairs along the length of Rue Peel from Mount Royal Park to Rue Smith. With one orb designed by Indigenous artist MC Snow, and one by newer immigrant artist Kyra Revenko the works are pitched as a conversation about the history of Montreal since European settlement, depicting creation, food, water, trade and more through Indigenous eyes and European ones. An accompanying podcast guides walkers through them making it a relaxing and thought-provoking stroll across the city.
McCord Stewart Museum
The landmark McCord Stewart Museum is working to increase access to its Indigenous Cultures collections. Guest can explore a changing array of temporary exhibitions such as those on Inuit art. Permanent exhibitions include Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience, which features 100 objects and 80 stories (text and videos) from the 11 First Nations living in Quebec. The work aims to shine a light on the unrecognised knowledge of Indigenous peoples, as well as the deep wounds they carry and their incredible resilience.
Screaming Chef Cuisine
Ryland Diome is the Screaming Chef, and he invites diners to his home to try dishes and ingredients central to his Mohawk heritage. It was an initiative he began when he realised it was something he could do to represent his community, because food is such a big part of Mohawk culture, but no one was really showcasing it. He’s something of a trail blazer, teaching other chefs in the community, young people and visitors about this style of what he calls ‘pre-colonial’ food, such as berry salads, moose burgers and salmon nuggets.
Wachiya Boutique
This modern gallery-like store and social enterprise in Old Montréal, aims to introduce visitors to the best handcrafted art and clothing made entirely by Cree craftspeople from Eeyou Istchee from the James Bay area. “Wachiya” means “hello” in Cree. Products are sourced directly from producers and partner, the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association, ensuring authenticity and a fair price for artists. Shop for moosehide mittens and moccasins, intricate beadwork, handmade ornamental snowshoes, and more.
Cultural day trip
Kahnawà:ke
Visit the closest Indigenous community to the city. Kahnawá:ke – one of eight territories that make up the Mohawk Nation – sits just across the Saint Lawrence River from Montreal, 20 minutes from downtown.
Clients can self-guide around some sites, but booking a tour is recommended to get the deeper stories behind traditional ways of life, cultural preservation, and the fight for rights. Visit monuments such as the Quebec Bridge Memorial commemorating ironworkers lost during its construction, the Kanien’kehà:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitiohkwa Language and Cultural Center, and St. Francis Xavier Mission, built in 1720. A brand new cultural centre is under construction, set to open in 2026.
Two O Seven Steak & Seafood
If they’re touring Kahnawà:ke, recommend clients stop for food too. Two O Seven Steak & Seafood serves all day, and is a great breakfast stop with dishes featuring maple syrup produced at sugar shacks on the territory.
Purple Dragonfly Trading Post
Also located in Kahnawà:ke, Purple Dragonfly Trading Post is an emporium of Indigenous blends of teas, soaps, balms and lotions, smudge, and crafts such as beadwork jewellery. Learn about the cultural significance and healing properties of tea during a tasting, or take part in a balm-making workshop.
Festivals and events
International First Peoples’ Festival
This vibrant 10-day festival is held in the centre of Montreal every August. The International First Peoples’ Festival celebrates Indigenous creativity, culture, and resilience, not just in Canada and the Americas, but across the world. Film lovers can indulge in a cinematic programme from Indigenous makers, concerts feature new and old styles of performances from DJs to Inuit throat-singing, and you can also expect art installations and dance, drumming, and storytelling workshops.
Kahnawà:ke ‘Echoes of a Proud Nation’ Pow-Wow
Follow the drums, watch the dancers. Head across the Saint Lawrence River again to Kahnawà:ke for its annual Pow-Wow every July as the riverbank comes alive with colour and joy. Pow-Wows are an important moment of gathering and friendship for Indigenous communities, where multiple Nations assemble to witness dance, drumming, singing, and food. Visitors are welcome. There are also stalls selling Onkwehonwe (Mohawk) beadwork, porcupine quillwork and pottery.
