Montreal Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 11 November 2024

Montréal, Québec’s largest city, is a cultural hub blending French and English heritage, renowned for its architecture, arts, and global festivals.

Overview

How many tourists visit Montreal each year?

Approximately 11 million international and domestic tourists visited Montreal in 2024.

In 2019, over 11.1 million tourists visited Montreal. However, due to the 2020 pandemic, the figure dropped by 75% with only 2.75 million visitors recorded.¹

Recovery began in 2022 with 8 million visitors to Montreal.

In 2023, the figure increased by 37% to 11 million, The figure increased by 27.5% to 10.2 million in 2023, nearly matching the pre-pandemic figure.

Visitor numbers further increased to 11 million in 2024, a 7.8% increase from the previous year.

How many people visited Montreal in 2024?

In 2024, Montreal welcomed 11 million visitors, indicating a 7.8% increase from the previous year but still slightly less than in 2019.

How much do tourists spend in Montreal every year?

International and domestic tourists spent over $6.01 billion during their trips to Montreal in 2024.

Tourists in Montreal generated $4.86 billion in expenditure in 2019. However, visitor spending decreased to $767 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2022 with $3.72 billion spent.

In 2023, visitor spending increased by 26% totalling $4.7 billion.

Visitor spending reached $6.01 billion in 2024, marking a 27.9% increase from the previous year.Visitor spending reached $6.01 billion in 2024, marking a 27.9% increase from the previous year.

How much did tourists spend in Montreal in 2024?

Domestic and international tourists spent $6.01 billion while exploring Montreal in 2024.
This represented a 27.9% increase from 2023 and a 23.7% increase from pre-pandemic year 2019.

How much does it cost to visit Montreal?

Tourists spent an average of 546 CAD in Montreal in 2024. This includes expenses on accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping, transportation, and attractions.

The average spending was calculated by dividing the total tourism expenditure by the number of visitors reported for 2024.

Which countries visit Montreal the most?

The majority of tourists to Montréal came from Canada, with Québec accounting for 51% of the total, amounting to 5.66 million visitors in 2019

The United States contributed 15% of visitors, while overseas countries collectively accounted for 14%, representing 1.55 million visits.

Note: 2024 visitor origin data are not available. Visitor numbers are calculated by applying the percentage share to the total number of visitors provided in the annual report.

Why do people visit Montreal?

Tourists visit Montreal to experience the unique blend of cultures showcased through French colonial architecture, historic streets, and the modern city vibe.

People enjoy world-class festivals and events including the International Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs, which make the city a year-round hub of entertainment.

Travellers indulge in food and art to savour iconic dishes like poutine and bagels, explore renowned art museums, and immerse themselves in the city’s creative and culinary scenes.

Montreal Travel Resources

Car hire prices in Montreal or (Campervan)
Car hire prices in Canada or (Campervan)

When is the best time to visit Montreal?

The best times to visit Montreal are late spring (May) for blooming flowers and mild weather and summer (June to August) for festivals and lively activities.

Spring (April to May)

Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (15-30°C).

Activities: Spring marks the blooming of flowers and an awakening of outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August)

Weather: Expect warm temperatures, typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (around 24-30°C). However, it can be humid, especially in July.

Activities: Summer is the peak tourist season, with festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs.

Is Montreal safe for tourists to visit?

Montreal boasts one of the lowest crime rates among Canada’s major cities, making it a secure place for visitors.

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is the most common concern but is relatively rare and can often be avoided with standard precautions.

How popular is Montreal as a tourist destination?

Montreal was named the “3rd best city in the world to visit” in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 rankings.

For eight consecutive years, Montreal has been crowned the #1 city in North America for international events.

Montreal is a UNESCO City of Design (one of the first in this network), recognized for its creative urban design and architecture.

The city was also ranked #5 in the World’s Best Cities for Foodies 2024 by a CNN Travel poll.

How many days do tourists need to explore Montreal?

The average length of stay for visitors in Montreal is approximately 3.5 days.
The ideal duration for a visit to Montreal typically ranges from 3 to 5 days, allowing travellers to experience the city’s major attractions, neighbourhoods, and cultural events.

What should tourists do in Montreal?

Notre-Dame Basilica: Admire Gothic Revival architecture, intricate stained glass, and a stunning interior; guided tours available.
Old Montreal: Wander cobblestone streets, visit charming boutiques and cafés, and explore landmarks like the Old Port.
Mount Royal Park: Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and winter sports; the lookout offers panoramic city views.
St. Joseph’s Oratory: Discover Canada’s largest church with a striking dome, gardens, and views from its steps.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Explore over 41,000 diverse art pieces in Canada’s most-visited art museum.