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Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America

Mojave Desert

Much cooler and higher than the neighboring Great Basin Desert to the north and the Sonoran Desert to the south, the Mojave Desert is considered a rain shadow area, which occurs when an area of land is forced to become a desert due to mountains that block out rain that would otherwise allow most plants to grow. The Mojave Desert spans across a large region of southeastern California and through portions of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. In total, it encompasses more than 25,000 square miles of land.

The most notable areas by name are the Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks. The area also includes Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Mojave National Preserve, meaning

the Mojave Desert is home to an array of stunning, protected areas. The desert sits between 3,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation, much higher than the nearby Sonoran Desert. The elevation keeps temperatures slightly cooler. Visitors are primarily drawn to the area for natural recreation and to see the nearly 200 endemic plant species that only exist in the Mojave.

Practical Info

While mostly sparsely populated land, the Mojave Desert is home to a few larger cities, including Las Vegas. Some of the most popular tourist attractions—in addition to the national parks—include the Hoover Dam, the world's tallest thermometer in Baker, Calif., and the Kelso

Dunes. When traveling in the desert, always make sure to carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

California, USA

From $ 189

Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino

Looking at the key stats that define Monte Carlo, it appears in many ways to be an average property in a sea of over-the-top, award-winning resorts, but its low-key vibe draws many people who prefer not to be swept up in the stereotypical Las Vegas madness.

Monte Carlo’s casino floor includes more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space, which includes more than 1,600 slot and video poker machines. The resort offers all the popular table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, several variations of poker and three kinds of baccarat. In the poker room, players can try their luck at Texas hold ‘em, limit hold ‘em, Omaha and no limit hold ‘em, and a variety of daily tournaments up the ante.

The resort’s high limit slots lounge is located off the casino floor and is fully catered. The maximum bet is $100. The high limit table game room offers mini baccarat with bets ranging from $100 to $10,000, blackjack running from $25 to $5,000 and single-zero roulette.

For those new to the casino scene, Monte Carlo offers craps lessons in the casino at 11:00 a.m. daily and poker lessons in the poker room Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m.

3770 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

From $ 60

Monte Albán

A Zapotec ceremonial center, Monte Albán crouches on a leveled mountain top. For a thousand years, the rulers of the city extracted wealth from the plains below. Today, the ruins offer panoramic views of the modern city of Oaxaca sprawling across the giant Oaxaca valley.

Monte Albán is the oldest city in the Americas. In addition to being unusually ancient (dating back to 500 BC), the site is unusually extensive. In its heyday, the city covered 25 square miles. Expanses of Monte Albán aren’t yet excavated, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to explore all the restored tombs and temples in one afternoon; the ruins encompass enormous plazas, a ball court, a mysterious monument known as the observatory, a network of underground tunnels, and a profusion of dank tombs, which were once decorated with bright frescoes and filled with treasures of gold and jade.

Practical Info:

Admission: 57 pesos. Expect an additional charge to bring a video camera. Admission price includes entrance to the onsite museum.

Monte Albán is located 9km (5 miles) southwest of the city of Oaxaca. Buses to the ruins leave Oaxaca from Hotel Rivera de Angel (Mina 518), six blocks southwest of the zócalo. Rides leave on the hour from 8:30am-3:30pm and cost about 40 pesos for a roundtrip ticket.

Aside from a few spindly jacaranda trees, Monte Albán has minimal shade. The expanses between temples can feel vast and scorching. For this expedition, you’ll want sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Mon-Sun 9am-5pm

57 pesos

From $ 6

Montreal City Hall

Built in the 1870s and rebuilt after a 1922 fire, Montreal City Hall has long found itself at the center of Quebec history. In 1967, the building hosted one of the most significant political moments in the province’s recent past, when then–French President Charles de Gaulle gave a rousing speech from the balcony—one that spurred Quebec’s separatist movement.

The Basics

Montreal City Hall is one of many landmark historic buildings in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). Walking tours of this part of the city often take participants to Montreal City Hall, as well as to Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market, Place d’Armes, and Place Jacques-Cartier. Guided tours of Montreal City Hall are available on a walk-in basis at select times throughout the year, and include access to the council chamber, the terrace, and the mayor’s gallery. Visitors can also explore parts of the building, including the Hall of Honor, independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

Montreal City Hall is a must for politicos and anyone with an interest in Quebec history.
Access to some parts of the building, such as the council chamber, can be restricted depending on the government’s schedule of events.
Montreal City Hall can be accessed by wheelchair via the Gosford Street entrance.

How to Get There

Montreal City Hall is in Old Montreal, near the north end of Place Jacques-Cartier. The closest Metro station is Champ-de-Mars, which is served by the Orange Line.

When to Get There

If you want to do a tour, come on a weekday in summer, when tours run most frequently. In winter, tours take place only once a week. If you’re in the area at night, consider passing by the building just to see it from the outside—it’s beautifully illuminated after dark.

Architectural Features and Artworks

Built in French Second Empire style, Montreal City Hall is rich with ornate architectural and decorative details, from turrets and mansard roofs to chandeliers and stained-glass windows. City Hall also holds a collection of about 150 artworks, including portraits of former Montreal mayors, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and photographs by contemporary Quebec artists.

275 Notre-Dame Street East, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

From $ 20

Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)

Higher than Niagara Falls, the impressive Montmorency Falls stand 272 feet (83 meters) tall and serve as the centerpiece of Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency). The site is a year-round destination for visitors to Quebec City and Montreal, offering an array of outdoor activities and the stunning sight of the falls, which form at the mouth of the Montmorency River and drop over a cliff into the St. Lawrence River.

The Basics

One of Quebec City’s highlights, Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency) is often visited on city sightseeing tours and dedicated bike tours. For a close-up view of the waterfall, you can climb the 487-step mountainside staircase or take the fee-based cable car to the top, where you can cross a suspended bridge over the crest of the falls to access both sides of the park. In summer, adventurous travelers can go ziplining over Montmorency Falls or try out the park's via ferrata circuits in summer, while winter travelers can take part in snowshoeing and ice climbing here.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fees apply for the cable car, ziplining, via ferrata access, and snowshoe rentals.
Food is offered at the cable car station, at Manoir Montmorency, and at La Terrasse du Manoir.
The park features three playgrounds for kids.
Much of the park is wheelchair accessible, although only some of the viewing platforms can be reached by wheelchair.

How to Get There

The falls are located on the boundary between Beauport and Boischatel, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the heart of Old Quebec. The site offers two paid parking lots, one below the falls and another above the falls. To reach Montmorency Falls by car, take Autoroute 20 northeast from Montreal to Quebec City. Then take Autoroute 440 east out of Quebec City.

When to Get There

One might think think Montmorency Falls is only nice to visit in the summer, but the park is actually suitable as a year-round attraction. Ziplining is offered from May to October, and if you’re visiting in July or August, you can try out the via ferrata circuits or catch the international fireworks competition that takes place at the park. In winter, the cable car still runs and the falls gain the famous "Sugarloaf," an impressive mound of ice that forms at the foot of the falls and sometimes reaches up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall.

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, Canada

Free

From $ 10

Montreal Botanical Gardens

With more than 20,000 species growing across 185 acres (75 hectares), Montreal’s expansive botanical gardens are often ranked among the world’s finest. Explore themed gardens—among them, Japanese, Chinese, First Nations, alpine, and medicinal—as well as hot and humid greenhouses dotted with orchids and tropical flowers.

The Basics

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are situated on the same site as the Montreal Insectarium, a family-friendly bug-themed attraction. A single ticket provides access to both. Visitors can also book package tickets, which grant entry to the botanical gardens and the Space for Life museum (either the Biodome or the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium). Alternatively, choose a combined ticket to the gardens and the Montreal Tower Observatory, which offers spectacular views over the city and the St. Lawrence River. Select sightseeing passes also include access to the gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are a must for families and gardening enthusiasts.
A mini-train runs through the gardens in summer; visitors with reduced mobility are given priority access.
Interpreter-led tours and activities, from bird-watching excursions to tea-tasting sessions, are regularly held throughout the gardens.
There are drinking fountains throughout the site.
The gardens have a wheelchair-accessible route that passes the major highlights.

How to Get There

The Montreal Botanical Gardens are situated in the Olympic Park, right next to the Biodome, Insectarium, and Montreal Tower. The nearest metro stop is Pie-IX (Green Line), about 10 or 15 minutes away on foot.

When to Get There

One of the best times of the year to visit the gardens is during the annual Gardens of Light event, which takes place in fall and sees the grounds lit up spectacularly. In winter, many of the outdoor gardens are covered by snow, though plants grow in the greenhouses year-round.

What Else to See at Space for Life

The Montreal Botanical Gardens is one of several attractions within Montreal’s Space for Life museum district, and you can combine a visit with a trip to one of the other nearby attractions. Find out more about the wonders of the universe at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, watch an ant colony at work at the Montreal Insectarium, and wander through different ecosystems at the Biodome. Though not officially part of the Space for Life site, the Olympic Stadium complex, which contains the Montreal Tower, is also right beside the gardens. Ride the funicular up to the observation deck of the 541-foot (165-meter) tower for bird’s-eye views of Montreal.

4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montreal, Canada

Varies

From $ 18

Montreal Little Italy

Montreal has one of the largest Italian communities in Canada, and nowhere is the community’s huge influence on the city more obvious than in leafy, park-filled Little Italy. As in Italy itself, food is an integral part of Little Italy’s appeal, and foodies flock to crowded pizzerias, old-school delis, and the vast Jean-Talon Market.

The Basics

Little Italy, one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, is heaven for anyone with a soft spot for Italian food, or just good food in general. Montreal’s biggest and best food market, Jean-Talon Market, is a common stop on Montreal food tours, which often include interactions with market vendors and tastings of farm-fresh produce, as well as visits to nearby brewpubs and independent coffee shops. During summer and fall, bike tours are a great way to explore Little Italy as well as surrounding neighborhoods such as the Plateau, Mile-Ex, and Mile End.

Things to Know Before You Go

Little Italy—and Montreal as a whole—has an excellent and extensive bike path network, making cycling an easy and pleasant way to explore.
Go with an empty stomach so you can sample the food on offer.

How to Get There

Little Italy is delineated by Rue Jean-Talon, Rue St-Denis, Rue de Bellechasse, and Boulevard St-Laurent. To get there, take the metro (orange line) to Jean-Talon, Rosemont, or Beaubien. The 55 bus, which travels north up Boulevard St-Laurent from downtown Montreal, also passes through Little Italy.

When to Get There

Little Italy shines during summer, when cafés and restaurants set up temporary outdoor terraces, neighborhood parks are packed with picnickers, and the streets around Jean Talon Market fill with stalls and buskers. Come during the week or early on weekend mornings and listen for locals chatting in Italian over their morning espresso.

The History of Montreal’s Italian Community

Though Italians have been in Quebec since as far back as the 17th century, Montreal’s Little Italy really came into its own with two later waves of Italian migrants: the first at the turn of the 20th century, and the second during the aftermath of World War II. Though many people of Italian descent have since moved to the suburbs, Little Italy remains at the center of Italian life in the city. The district is home to the most important Italian Catholic church in the city, the Church of the Madonna della Difesa, and hosts the annual Italian Week festival in August.

Montreal, QC, Canada

From $ 68

Montreal Science Centre

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Montreal Science Centre is a museum committed to educating the public about science and technology through hands-on learning. Its IMAX theater, daily programs, and interactive exhibits help make the Science Centre a popular attraction for both visiting and local families.

The Basics

Geared toward children and adolescents, the Montreal Science Centre’s permanent exhibits include Fabrik, which invites visitors to figure out how to engineer items such as derby cars and parachutes; Clic!, a space where children ages 4 to 7 can build with shapes and colors; and Human, an interactive exploration of human evolution. Special events are offered throughout the year and range from gaming nights for women to Rubik’s Cube competitions. Find a schedule for these events, as well as temporary exhibitions and IMAX movies, on the museum’s website.

The Montreal Science Centre is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, and Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruises pass by.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Montreal Science Centre is a must for families with children.
Purchase admission tickets online in advance to skip long lines.
Self-serve lockers cost $1 (cash only).
The food court offers a number of options, including poutine, tacos, and a standard takeout café.
The museum can get chilly and requires a moderate amount of walking, so wear layers and comfortable shoes.
The Science Centre is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and wheelchairs are available to use free of charge.

How to Get There

Located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown in the Old Port, the Montreal Science Centre is easily accessible on foot or by public transit. Take bus 55 to Notre Dame and Saint Sulpice, bus 715 to Saint Laurent and Rue de la Commune, or the 2 metro to Place d’Armes. Hop-on hop-off bus tours offer hassle-free transportation and stop just outside the museum at Old Montreal: Pointe-à-Callière. Paid parking is available in the adjacent King Edward Quay parking lot.

When to Get There

The Montreal Science Centre is open from 10am to 5pm daily. It is busiest on weekend afternoons (weekdays offer a quieter visit), yet a wide range of activities and exhibits means it doesn’t often feel overly crowded.

Quebec’s Biggest Science Festival

Every June, the Montreal Science Centre partners with Eureka! to organize a science and technology festival for visitors of all ages. With over 100 free activities, lectures, and hands-on experiments, the festival is the largest of its kind in Quebec. Daily programs include talks by scientific experts, hands-on learning geared toward children, science-based theater performances, and workshops on endangered species. Check Eureka!’s website for a full calendar of events.

2 Rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal, Québec H2Y 4B2, Canada

Varies

From $ 23

Molokai Island

Molokai, Hawaii’s fifth largest island, is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) across at its widest point. The small island packs a big punch in terms of natural beauty—it’s home to the world’s highest sea cliffs and longest continuous fringing reef. It’s often considered the most Hawaiian of islands, thanks to its largely Native Hawaiian population.

The Basics

What Molokai lacks in development it makes up for in pristine beauty. Visitors find two volcanoes, sprawling white-sand beaches, and the sacred Halawa Valley, all in a compact package. While the island is worthy of a stay in its own right, visitors pressed for time can catch the highlights on a helicopter tour from the neighboring island of Maui.

While Molokai is beautiful from the air, it also offers numerous worthy attractions on the ground. Hike or ride a mule down the towering sea cliffs of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, visit a former leper colony within Kalaupapa National Historical Park, learn about sugar cane production at the Molokai Museum, do some shopping in the small town of Kaunakakai, or watch the sunset from Papohaku Beach, considered one of Hawaii’s best.

Things to Know Before You Go

Molokai is a must-see for travelers wanting to get off the beaten path.
Helicopter tours to Molokai range in length from 45 minutes to an hour.
If staying on Molokai, you’ll need a rental car or taxi; there is no public transportation on the island.
Don’t forget hiking boots and everything you’d need for a day at the beach.

How to Get There

Visitors have only one option for getting to the island—by plane. Daily commuter flights aboard local regional airlines depart from both Honolulu (Oahu) and Maui airports.

When to Get There

The weather on Molokai remains in the mid-80s throughout the year, with slightly more rainfall in winter and a combination of sunny skies and calm seas in summer. For a local cultural experience, plan to visit during the Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival in January or the Molokai Ka Hula Piko in May.

Molokai’s Leper Colony

Kalaupapa National Park is home to the remains of a colony where patients with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) were once isolated from the rest of Hawaii’s population. Of the 8,000 people who lived and died at the colony—most of them Hawaiian—only a few remain, cured of their disease but living out their lives in this isolated environment.

State Highway 450, Kaunakakai 96748, USA

Free

From $ 123

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the top aquariums in the United States, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not just home to hundreds of marine animals—the nonprofit organization is also known for its dedication to ocean conservation. With its Pacific Coast location on Monterey Bay, this California aquarium enjoys a prime spot to highlight marine environments and educate the public about protecting wildlife. Visitors will find some 200 exhibits and galleries featuring more than 600 species of marine mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.

The Basics

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit for families with kids and wildlife lovers on any trip to Monterey. Book tickets in advance to save time when you arrive, or book a guided day trip from San Francisco for round-trip transportation from the city. Tours in the area typically also visit Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea or make the 17-Mile Drive. Admission tickets provide access to shows and exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea, while allowing visitors to see sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most travelers spend between two and three hours here.
An on-site café, restaurant, and coffee bar each offers food and drinks.
The aquarium is accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lockers are available to rent to store belongings.
Free on-site WiFi is available.

How to Get There

The aquarium is located about 115 miles (185 kilometers) south of San Francisco (about two hours by road) and 43 miles (69 kilometers) from Santa Cruz, with parking available at the Cannery Row Parking Garage. If you’re already in Monterey, biking to the aquarium along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a great way to arrive, as is the free MST Trolley. The museum sits along Cannery Row, Monterey’s historic waterfront street made famous by author John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name.

When to Get There

The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Summer and the winter holidays are the most popular times of year to go to the aquarium—try visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Fall and winter generally see fewer visitors.

Aquarium Experiences

To dive deeper into the underwater world of the aquarium, tours and activities are available, most for an additional fee. These include kids’ scuba diving experiences and sleepovers, guided behind-the-scenes tours, and sea otter conservation tours.

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Varies

From $ 50

Monument Valley

With red rock formations soaring up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) into the desert sky, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is home to a unique landscape recognizable from classic Western films starring John Wayne. But beyond its fame on the big screen, there are nearly 92,000 acres of reservation cacti, arches, and Navajo traditions to explore and experience.

Since Monument Valley is located in a remote desert and much of it is only open to visitors who have a permit or are traveling with a Navajo guide, most travelers choose to explore the valley on a guided tour.

The Basics

Monument Valley belongs to the Navajo Nation and lies on the border between Utah and Arizona. The entrance fee is $10 per person (or $20 per vehicle). Many tour options are available, some starting in Monument Valley and others departing from nearby cities. Tours range from three-hour safaris to full-day and multi-day adventures deep into the valley.

Some of the most popular sites in the vast park include John Ford’s Point, the Mittens, and the Four Corners Monument, where it’s possible to stand in four states at once: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Best Ways to Experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features plenty of trails for hiking and horseback riding, including the secluded Mystery Valley and Tear Drop Arch, which are best reached on a hiking excursion or Jeep tour with a tour guide. Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit, and many travelers say that visiting these untouched areas of the desert feels like a spiritual experience.

The park also offers opportunities to learn about the Navajo people (or Dineh, as they call themselves). Take a Navajo spirit and culture tour to visit a hogan (a native home) and take in a traditional music performance at Big Hogan, a large natural amphitheater.

How to Get There

The closest commercial airport is in Page, Arizona, just over a two-hour drive from Monument Valley, while bus service to the valley is also available from larger cities including Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. In addition, visitors have the option of traveling by private or semi-private helicopter or high-wing airplane. Note that most guided Monument Valley tours include roundtrip transportation from nearby cities such as Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Sedona.

Monument Valley, Utah, USA

Visitor Center open May-Oct 6am-8pm, Oct-May 8am-5pm

$10 per person; $20 per vehicle

From $ 60

Molokini Crater

When was the last time you had a snorkel adventure inside of a sunken Hawaiian volcano, or enjoyed a freshly cooked BBQ lunch on the deck of a sailing catamaran? Thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters, bright coral reef, and 250-plus species of tropical fish, Molokini Crater is the most popular spot for snorkeling tours on Maui. Spend a day on a snorkeling tour as you explore the protected marine preserve and come face to face with some of Hawaii's most colorful marine life.

The Basics

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All trips include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, and the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui's best snorkel sites. Sail and snorkel adventures generally last about five hours and offer roundtrip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Some Molokini snorkeling tours also offer scuba diving for certified divers.

Beat the crowds with an early Molokini tour.
Be sure to bring sunscreen and a swimsuit.
Snuba diving is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.
Private charters are available for personalized experiences.

How To Get There
Set off Maui's southern coastline, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. The Molokini snorkel tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.

When To Get There
Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales.

Why Molokini Crater Offers the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii

Because Molokini is three miles offshore of Maui, you never know what you're going to find. Eagle rays, dolphins, and harmless reef sharks will frequently mingle with resident critters like parrotfish and octopus. In winter if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, the haunting song of humpback whales reverberates in the distance. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are rarely spotted at Molokini Crater, which is why many boats include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.

Molokini Island Preserve, Makena Bay 96753, USA

Free

From $ 71

Montana Avenue

Stretching from Santa Monica Beach all the way up into the neighborhood of Brentwood, this palm tree-lined street is a Los Angeles local’s favorite for shopping and strolling. Breezes from the nearby beach lend to its casual yet chic feel. Known for its open-air boutique shopping, both upscale and bohemian clothing and jewelry, as well as furniture and home goods, can be found here. The relaxed vibe combined with a variety of independent stores makes this a unique shopping destination.

The avenue is also home to some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, including Father’s Office — a gastropub famous for its delicious house-made burgers. You can also find coffee shops, bakeries, salons, and a theater. Despite being one of the trendier shopping destinations, the area still maintains its original neighborhood feel.

Practical Info

Montana Avenue runs from Bringham Avenue in Brentwood to Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. To get there, take either the Lincoln Boulevard or the 4th/5th Street exit from the 10 freeway.

Montana Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA, USA

From $ 89

Montreal Cruise Port

Among Canada’s largest inland ports, Montreal cruise port sits on the St. Lawrence River, which flows between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic. It’s the gateway to Montreal, the country’s second largest city, located in the francophone Quebec province, offering easy access to Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and wider downtown area.

The Basics

Known as the Iberville Cruise Terminal, the Montreal cruise port sits on the edge of Old Montreal, the historic core of the city that is known for its European-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and sidewalk cafés. Passengers disembarking here can join guided walking tours of the historic old town, which cover top sights such as Place d’Armes, Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Rue Saint-Paul.

Sightseeing tours by hop-on hop-off bus or car allow visitors to explore beyond the old town area, stopping at destinations including Chinatown, Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal), and St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most Montreal shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the port.
The length of shore excursions range from short walking tours of Old Montreal to full-day excursions covering a wider swath of the city.
A hop-on hop-off bus tour is an easy way to travel between major attractions.
Choose a private tour to enjoy a customized sightseeing experience.

How to Get to Montreal from the Montreal Cruise Port

The Iberville Cruise Terminal is situated on Alexandra Quay in the Old Port (Vieux-Port) area of the city. The port is centrally situated, leaving passengers within easy strolling distance of Old Montreal and all its historical attractions. Taxis are also available for those traveling farther afield.

Port Information

The cruise port is well-equipped with visitor-friendly facilities, including public restrooms, left luggage, and tourist information desks. Wi-Fi is also available at the cruise terminal. Though French is the official language of Montreal and the province of Quebec, English is widely spoken.

2100 Avenue Pierre Dupuy, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3R5, Canada

From $ 20

Mogollon Rim

Sky-high cliffs of pale limestone and sandstone give this spectacular natural wonder its recognizable color. Its shaded canyons, creeks and ledges, juxtaposed with brilliant blue skies and lush green plains, make for breathtaking photo ops of the American Southwest. Travelers can wander the Ponderosa Pine forests and revel at age-old growth here, or navigate the trails that follow Fossil Creek Canyon and Pine Canyon through impressive landscapes and breathtaking beauty. After exploring the Mogollon Rim, visitors can explore the nearby towns of Payson or Sedona, where red rock culture, Native American influence and desert life give way to an almost spiritual existence for residents.

Practical Info

Mogollon Rim is located in the town of Pason and stretches from Yavapai County to the border of New Mexico. The rim forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau.

Arizona, USA

From $ 109

Montezuma Castle National Monument

One of the most well-preserved ruins in North America, the 1,000-year-old Montezuma Castle was once home to ancient farmers known as the Sinagua Indians. Although the majestic ruins were given a “castle” title, they were actually a multi-family cliff dwelling. In 1906, the site was declared one of the United States’ first national monuments.

The Basics

Many visitors tour Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde on a day trip from Phoenix, Sedona, or Flagstaff. In addition to the ruins themselves, tourists should set aside a few hours to explore the museum, walk the scenic trails, and have lunch along the shore of Beaver Creek. Visitors can focus on the castle and nearby Montezuma Well, or opt for a guided tour to five Arizona national monuments in a single day, including Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, Tuzigoot, Wupatki, and Sunset Crater National Monuments.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visit the castle on its own or bundled with other national monuments.
Dogs are welcome on park trails but must remain on leash.
The park visitor center and much of the paved trail at the castle are wheelchair accessible.
Montezuma Castle is at a high elevation in a dry climate—bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

How to Get There

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located in Northern Arizona off I-17, exit 289 (about 90 minutes north of Phoenix and 45 minutes south of Flagstaff).

When to Get There

The national monument is open daily throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day. During the hot summer months, plan your visit in the early morning or early evening.

Montezuma Well

Just a few miles from the cliff dwelling sits another archaeological site worth visiting, Montezuma Well. This limestone sinkhole is believed to be the remains of the Sinagua’s irrigation system. A half-mile paved trail winds through the site, and it’s an excellent spot to observe local wildlife such as whitetail deer, muskrats, rock squirrels, and some 100 species of birds.

2800 N Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde 86322, USA

Open daily, 8am - 5pm

Adults: US$10 (good for 7 days), Children (under 16yrs): Free

From $ 80

Montreal Chinatown

Montreal Chinatown was established in the late 19th century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants from western Canada who came to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Though just a couple of blocks long, the district offers a wide selection of Asian eateries and shops selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

The Basics

Chinatown is situated in downtown Montreal, its boundaries marked by four traditional Chinese gateways. Explore the neighborhood on foot, either independently or as part of a guided walking tour of Ville-Marie (the wider downtown area). Chinatown is also seen on some bike tours of Montreal and on food tours of the city. Hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at the neighborhood as part of their city route.

Things to Know Before You Go

Montreal Chinatown is a must for foodies and shoppers.
Come hungry as Chinatown is home to lots of tasty, inexpensive restaurants, including some of the best dim sum and noodle spots in the city.
Chinatown is accessible to wheelchair users via the Place-d’Armes metro station (Orange Line), which is equipped with elevators.

How to Get There

Situated in downtown Montreal, Chinatown is located on and around Rue De La Gauchetière, Rue Saint-Urbain, and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, between René Lévesque Boulevard and Viger Avenue. The nearest metro stations are Place-d’Armes (Orange Line) and Saint-Laurent (Green Line).

When to Get There

Montreal Chinatown buzzes with people year-round. It’s best explored during summer, when the streets are warm enough for wandering, vendors set up on the sidewalks, and Place Falun Gong members demonstrate at Sun-Yat-Sen.

Chinese Celebrations in Montreal

Despite the movement of many Chinese residents to suburbs such as Brossard, Chinatown remains a hub for Chinese celebrations. The biggest celebration staged here is Chinese New Year, held in January or February. During the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown bakeries sell traditional mooncakes, while in summer, Montreal’s Chinatown hosts a series of sidewalk sales.

De la Gauchetiere Street, Montreal, Canada

From $ 26

Montecito

Montecito is a small but wealthy town along California's coast. The town started out as a popular vacation destination more than 100 years ago because of the pleasant climate and natural beauty. Some visitors loved it so much they didn't want to leave, and they decided to move to Montecito. Today many celebrities call this town home. It's still a popular place for a relaxing escape, and there are plenty of hotels, shops, and restaurants with outdoor patios.

One of Montecito's big draws is its natural landscape and environment. This small town's coastline is home to some of the area's most beautiful beaches including Miramar Beach, Fernald's Point, Hammonds Point, and Butterfly Beach. Some areas boast calm waters while others are well known for their waves. Popular activities include surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Since the coast faces west, it is also the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Practical Info

Montecito is located just a few minutes east of Santa Barbara and can be reached from US Highway 101.

Montecito, California, USA

From $ 60

Montreal Tower Observatory

Originally intended for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the Montreal Tower Observatory is world’s tallest inclined tower, standing at an unprecedented 45-degree angle. A funicular cable ride to the observatory offers panoramic views of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers), from beyond the St. Lawrence River to Mount Royal.

The Basics

As one of the city’s top landmarks, the Montreal Tower Observatory is included on Tourisme Montreal’s attractions pass, which grants access to a bundle of attractions at a discounted rate. This pass includes a range of city highlights, from the Montreal Biodôme to Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

Guided tours of Montreal’s Olympic Park are offered daily at various departure times, and typically include the Botanic Garden, Olympic Stadium, Planetarium, and Musée Dufresne-Nincheri. An option to upgrade includes an admission ticket to the Montreal Tower Observatory.

Things to Know Before You Go

Purchase your admission ticket online in advance to skip long entrance queues.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes and layers, as the Olympic Park is large and some highlights are outdoors.
Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French.
Café In Vivo and the Botanic Garden Restaurant offer plenty of refueling options.
The Montreal Tower and Observatory are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) from Downtown in Montreal’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, the Montreal Tower Observatory is easily accessible using public transit. The nearest stops are Pie-IX and Viau metro stations on the green 2 line, located directly in front of Olympic Park. If traveling by car, Montreal Tower is accessible via Sherbrooke Street East. Olympic Park has eight parking lots available at a per diem rate.

When to Get There

Each season offers a different view from the observatory, which operates year-round. Winter provides panoramic views of the city under a blanket of snow; autumn rings in a fiery display of Mount Royal’s foliage. Every first Friday of the month from May to October, the Olympic Park hosts Québec’s biggest food truck festival. For a birds’-eye view of the gastronomic delights below, tack on a trip to the observatory.

Montreal’s Olympic Disaster

The Montreal Tower and Observatory were supposed to be finished before the opening ceremony of the 1976 Summer Olympics. Due to a long list of unforeseen issues—including brutal winter weather, an unusual architectural design, strikes, and escalating costs—the tower's construction was abandoned. After another series of setbacks, including a fire that set the tower ablaze, it officially opened in 1987—11 years after its intended completion.

4141 Avenue Pierre-de Coubertin, Montréal, Québec, Canada H1V 3N7, Canada

Varies

From $ 18

Montebello Lakes National Park

With its dazzling lakes bordered by dense pine forests and a seemingly endless network of hiking trails, the Montebello Lakes National Park is an idyllic spot to explore, sprawling along the Guatemalan border. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Montebello was Chiapas’ first national park and boasts an impressive 59 lakes, each naturally formed cenotes (sinkholes) caused by erosion of the limestone terrain. Notable highlights include Tziscao Lake, the largest and deepest lake, the Emerald Lagoons, the Enchanted Lake and the Tinted Lake, celebrated for their startling multi-colored hues, the effect of minerals in the water catching the sunlight.

Hiking is the best way to soak up the magnificent scenery and wildlife of the Montebello Lakes, with cabins dotted around the park for campers, but there are also plenty of other outdoor activities to be enjoyed. Horseback riding and canoeing tours are increasingly popular, but swimming, rafting and even scuba diving is possible in the lakes.

Practical Info

The Montebello Lakes National Park is located 61 kilometers east of Comitán in southeastern Chiapas, close by the Guatemalan border. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is about 10 pesos.

Montebello Lakes National Park, Chiapas, Mexico

Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About 10 pesos

From $ 18