Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m not your typical globetrotting adventurer these days. No, I’m donning my teacher’s hat and leading the charge for a fantastic school field trip to Montreal. In the past, we covered some tips for exploring Montreal on two wheels. In this post, we’ll cover it from a different angle. So, grab your backpacks, little explorers, because we’re about to embark on an adventure full of surprises, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Montreal is a city where old-world charm meets modern marvels
Consider this: Montreal is a fascinating book full of history, culture, and adventures just waiting to be discovered. Our school field trip is about to turn these pages, and the story that will unfold is nothing short of amazing. Our first stop is Old Montreal, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of bygone eras. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a time machine, kids! You’ll feel like you’re in a historical film, with charming architecture and echoes of French-speaking settlers. Stroll through Place Jacques-Cartier, a bustling square with street performers and colorful stalls that feel like a carnival. The grandeur of Notre Dame Basilica always astounds the children. It’s towering spires and intricate interior will take your breath away, as if you were a character in a fantasy novel discovering a hidden treasure.
Now, picture this: If you rent a school bus in Montreal like we did for our field trip, it will offer you a world of advantages. Firstly, it ensures the safety and convenience of our little explorers. With a dedicated bus, we can rest easy knowing the kids are comfortably seated, and we won’t have to navigate the city’s bustling traffic. Secondly, it adds an element of cohesion to our adventure, almost like having our own chariot. It allows us to stick together as a group, making sure no one misses out on the fun or gets lost in the labyrinthine streets of Old Montreal. Lastly, it provides a central meeting point for the parents, teachers, and students, making the logistics of our trip smooth and stress-free. So, hop on board the magic school bus, my young adventurers, and let’s make history come alive!
Watch this video to get some more ideas for fun things to do in Montreal with kids:
Museum Magic: Learning Disguised as Play
Let’s go into the world of museums now, shall we? Some may think museums are just old things, but trust me when I say they are portals to other dimensions. Our first stop is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a vast treasure trove of global art, where paintings and sculptures come to life through the eyes of curious children. Have you ever seen a Picasso up close? It’s similar to looking at a puzzle in which each piece tells a different story.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
The Montreal Science Centre is next, a haven for young Einsteins and Curie fans. Consider this location to be a mental playground. Exhibits that are interactive, mind-boggling experiments, and massive IMAX screens that transport you to the depths of the ocean or outer space. It’s like a mental roller coaster, and I guarantee the kids won’t realize they’re learning because they’ll be having so much fun.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the Montreal Science Centre:
The Great Outdoors: Nature’s Playground
Okay, adventurers, we’ve explored the city’s history and tested our knowledge. It’s time to get some fresh air in the great outdoors. Our next stop is Mount Royal Park. This vast green oasis serves as the city’s lungs, providing a breath of fresh air as well as spectacular views of the city skyline. It’s ideal for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or simply lying on the grass and admiring the fluffy clouds. A little bit of nature in the middle of the city, like discovering a hidden gem in a crowded market.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of Mount Royal Park:
And to cap off our Montreal adventure, we’re going underground. The Montreal Biodome is like stepping into another world. Imagine exploring lush rainforests, icy polar landscapes, and a seabird-filled marine ecosystem all in the same day. It’s like taking a trip around the world without ever leaving the city. You may have to convince the kids that you did not secretly transport them to another planet.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the Montreal Biodome:
Making the Most of Your Trip: Pros and Cons
Let us now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this Montreal adventure. On the plus side, we have a wealth of educational opportunities. While having a great time, the kids will learn about history, art, science, and the environment. Montreal has a diverse cultural tapestry, and this trip exposes them to a wide range of knowledge.
On the negative side, Montreal can get cold, especially during the winter. But here’s the secret weapon: Pack a few extra layers and you’ll be fine. The city’s enchantment is visible in all seasons. Also, navigating a busy city with a group of kids can be difficult. But don’t worry, teachers and parents! The public transportation system in Montreal is easy to use, and the kids will feel like real urban explorers on the metro and buses.
Lessons Learned: Reflections
As our Montreal adventure comes to an end, let us reflect on what we’ve learned. We’ve discovered that education can be enjoyable, that history is all around us, just waiting to be discovered, and that science is a never-ending puzzle. We’ve realized how important it is to embrace nature, even in the heart of the city, and that cultural diversity is a beautiful tapestry that enriches our lives.
Above all, we’ve learned that adventures, whether in distant lands or right in our own backyard, add spice to life. They’re like the seasoning that elevates a dish. So, as we return home, remember that life is an adventure waiting to be discovered, and every day is a new chapter in our own incredible story.
So, until our next field trip, keep exploring, learning, and keeping the spirit of curiosity alive. Montreal, with all of its wonders and mysteries, will always be waiting for you with open arms and a world of adventures.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram