montreal weekend travel

Montreal 3 Day Itinerary: 72 Hours in Montreal for the Ultimate Getaway

Posted on Published: October 16, 2020  - Last updated: March 15, 2024

Categories Blog , Canada , City Guides , Montreal , Quebec , Travel Guides

This Montreal 3 day itinerary will show you how to have an amazing getaway to this fantastic Canadian city. There are so many awesome things to do in Montreal, and I’ve created a Montreal itinerary that I’m sure you will love, too. As I live in the Toronto area, I’ve been to Montreal on numerous occasions (it’s only about a five hour drive away). With this handy travel guide, you can spend the best 3 days in Montreal ever, whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve gone a few times before.

Whether it’s one day , 36 hours, 2 days in Montreal, or a long weekend, this travel blog will give you lots of great ideas when searching for what to do in Montreal. Feel free to pick and choose your favorite aspects or follow it to a T. This Montreal 3 day itinerary will allow you to see the most iconic areas of the city, plus some of its hidden gems. Ready? Let’s go!

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Table of Contents

Day 1: Old Montreal and Old Port

One of the first areas of the city that comes to mind when you think of Montreal might be Old Montreal and Old Port. With its cobblestone streets and grandiose architecture, you might feel like you’ve transported yourself to Europe. It makes sense to start your first day in Old Montreal.

In the first day of this Montreal 3 day itinerary, we’ll explore Old Montreal by foot and also wander to some nearby neighborhoods. Then, I highly recommend that you rent a bike and do some cycling. Montreal is a very bike-friendly city. Cycling around Montreal is one way that you’ll feel connected to the city and feel a little more like a local resident.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) likely tops your list of the best places to see on a weekend trip to Montreal. We’ll start the first day of your 3 days in Montreal with a walking trip around Old Montreal and other notable areas near downtown Montreal.

I recommend that you wander around Old Montreal on foot. Walk up and down all of its streets and side streets. You never know what you might discover around each corner. The historic cobblestone streets and old architecture definitely ooze European vibes.

If you enjoy walking tours to get acquainted with new cities, there’s no better place in Montreal to go for a walking tour than Old Montreal. I suggest booking this Old Montreal Walking Tour that’s about two hours long with a maximum of six people per group.

More into spooky experiences? Check out this Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour of the older parts of the city. Hear chilling stories and tales from your guide, and be on the lookout for the spirits that haunt Old Montreal. There are lots of scary tales and unexplained mysteries, and your guide will share all of the gruesome details.

Rue Saint-Paul

Rue Saint-Paul is the oldest street in Montreal, and some of its cobblestones date back to 1672. Yes, there are many souvenir shops on this stretch. However, keep walking and you’ll find some interesting boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and patios.

Bonsecours Market

Bonsecours Market is the home of the largest public market in Montreal, dating back 150 years. You can’t miss its glimmering silver dome. It was built in 1847 and once served as City Hall. It became Montreal’s main marketplace for over a century until it closed in the 1960s.

Nowadays, it’s a heritage building that was recently renovated in the 1990s. You’ll find it on Rue Saint-Claude. It’s no longer the traditional farmers market that it used to be, but you’ll find lots of boutique and high end shops inside this grandiose building. There are also three restaurants, including a cafe, a brewpub, and a Japanese sushi restaurant.

We didn’t do much shopping inside the Bonsecours Market, but Justin and I definitely took a moment to admire this stately architectural work before continuing on our way. If you’re looking for a public market, head to the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy.

Notre-Dame Basilica / Basilique Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal is one of the most visited monuments in North America with over 11 million visitors annually. This work of Gothic Revival architecture is one of the most brilliant and dramatic, decorated in blue and gold. The stained glass windows depict scenes from Montreal’s religious history rather than biblical scenes. There is a small admission fee to visit Notre-Dame Basilica as a tourist.

By night, you can visit Notre-Dame Basilica for AURA , an illuminating light show experience at the cathedral. It’s a three act multimedia spectacular featuring the architecture, lights, and orchestral music. It’s a fascinating and captivating way to visit the cathedral at night time.

Artist Alley on Rue Saint-Amable

The Arts Court, Artist Alley, or as its officially known, La Cour des Arts du Vieux-Montreal, is a must visit for those looking to purchase a gift or memento from their trip. Its tucked away inside a little alley off Rue Saint-Amable. Once you enter through the doorway, you’ll walk into a partially covered, partially open-air courtyard.

There are many vendors here selling local, handmade wares that are much more lovely than anything you’d find in the souvenir shops. You’ll find handmade jewelry, art, prints, wood carvings, and all sorts of locally produced gems.

Château Ramezay

Château Ramezay is a historic site and museum in Montreal featuring over 500 years of history in its exhibits and gardens. This home was originally built in 1705 as the home of the governor, Claude de Ramezay. Later, it was the first building to be declared as a historical monument in Quebec, and it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1949.

Its permanent collection has over 30,000 objects, and there are also many temporary exhibitions and multimedia displays. There’s also a glorious garden on the property where you can go for a stroll. It’s divided into three sections: an orchard, a kitchen garden, and a pleasure garden. There are plant species that are very close or similar to the ones grown back when Ramezay lived at the property.

Coffee at Cafe Olimpico

When you’re in Old Montreal and Old Port, pop by Cafe Olimpico for a cup of coffee. Cafe Olimpico was founded in 1970 and it remains one of Montreal’s favorite coffee shops. You can get a variety of coffee and espresso beverages. It’s definitely one of the best cups of coffee that I’ve had in Montreal.

When I was walking around the artist alley in Old Montreal, one of the shop owners asked if I was from Montreal. When I replied that I wasn’t, she said that she was surprised to see someone from out of town drinking a coffee from Cafe Olimpico. She said that most tourists go for the bigger chains and they don’t realize that Cafe Olimpico has the best coffee. So, there you have it. When one of the locals can vouch for it, you know that their coffee must be one of the best.

The Old Port of Montreal is a historic 2km stretch along the St. Lawrence River. Old Port dates back to the year 1611 when it was used as a trading post for fur traders. Old Port is right next to Old Montreal, making it easy to combine a visit to both areas. You’ll likely walk from Old Montreal right into the Old Port area without even realizing it.

There are lots of activities and attractions in Old Port, such as the Montreal Clock Tower, La Grande Roue de Montréal (a gigantic ferris wheel), the Montreal Science Centre, zip lines, and paddle boat rentals. There are paved paths for cycling, roller blading, and walking that lead to the Lachine Canal. There’s no shortage of things to do in Old Port to add to your Montreal 3 day itinerary.

I also loved walking along Rue de la Commune to look at the old buildings and architecture that lines the waterfront. There are a few other places of interest in Old Port, such as the Pointe-à-Callière (Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History) and the Scandinave Spa Vieux Montreal . You can also book a craft beer tour in Old Port where you’ll be able to sample nine different craft beers along with some snacks.

Lunch at Le Panthere Verte

La Panthere Verte, or The Green Panther, is an all vegan establishment in Montreal that’s perfect for lunch. They’ve got some of the best falafels in town. La Panthere Verte serves up delicious sandwiches, hummus, bowls, and sweet potato poutine. I also highly recommend that you pair your meal with one of their refreshing fruit smoothies.

La Panthere Verte takes pride in serving meals made with fresh and organic ingredients. They use locally grown food whenever possible. Plus, they emphasize bringing your own container when possible, and they only use compostable takeout containers. It’s great to support a plant-based restaurant that also cares about the environment, too.

While La Panthere Verte has six locations across Montreal, there’s one not too far from Old Port that works perfectly with this Montreal 3 day itinerary. You’ll find it in the Latin Quarter of Montreal at 1735 Rue Saint-Denis. They also offer delivery with Uber Eats.

Gay Village

The two of us visited Montreal’s Gay Village on our last visit, and we suggest going for a walk through this lively and colorful Montreal neighborhood. A few years ago, we walked around an area that was closed down to traffic where we admired lots of outdoor public art. The Gay Village neighborhood is a brilliant place to include on a Montreal 3 day itinerary.

One of the main art installations there was  Les Boules Roses  – pink balls strung across the entire length of the road. It was so cool to see all of the pink balls overhead extending for as far as we could see. There’s always lots of street art on the buildings and public art displays. In addition, there are shops, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Rent a Bike and Go Cycling

Riding bikes around the city was one of our favorite things to do in Montreal during this Montreal 3 day itinerary. There are so many bike paths in Montreal, so there are numerous places to go cycling. We stuck to more of the scenic areas and parks for a pleasure ride between Old Port and Parc Jean-Drapeau.

You have a few options for riding bikes in Montreal. First, if you are looking for a guided tour experience with a local, I recommend booking this Montreal Bike Tour . This tour offers a few different options, such as riding around downtown and Old Montreal, venturing to vibrant neighborhoods like Mile End and Le Plateau, or combining your bike ride with lunch and a trip to the Nordic spa.

How to Rent Bikes in Montreal

For those looking to take shorter bike rides from place to place, there are Bixi Bikes all over Montreal. These are meant more for short distance bike rides from one spot to the next. You can download their app to see where there are bikes available at each station. You can buy day passes with Bixi Bikes. Use the bike for 30 minutes or less (or there will be additional charges). This program is designed more for city dwellers who need to get around from one place to the next rather than visitors looking to explore for a few hours by bike.

The third option is the one that we decided to do, which was rent bikes from a shop. Ça Roule Montréal , or Montreal On Wheels, offers half day or full day bike rentals. We rented our bikes for four hours, which gave us the freedom to ride wherever we liked. This is a slightly more expensive option than using Bixi Bikes. However, if we rented the Bixi Bikes and didn’t return them for many hours, it would be far more expensive. We also found that the bike rentals from Ca Roule Montreal were more comfortable and better quality than the Bixi Bikes.

The employees at the bike shop gave us a map and explained a few routes that we could take. We decided to ride from Old Port along the waterfront to Habitat 67 and Parc Jean-Drapeau. Justin and I wanted to ride our bikes around the neighboring islands to check out the Biosphere and Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, an F1 race track where you can go cycling.

Habitat 67 is a unique housing complex in an architectural style that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Check it out on a bike ride between Old Port and Parc Jean-Drapeau. Designed by Israel-Canadian architect, Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 was built as a pavilion for Expo 67. While it was conceived as a way to revolutionize housing around the world, it never quite stuck. There weren’t any others designed that used this one as a model.

In 2009, Habitat 67 was granted heritage status by the Quebec government. Today, Habitat 67 in Montreal is a popular residence and a community in itself. Many of the cubes that were singular apartments are connected together for sprawling residences with multiple terraces.

The views of the river and the city skyline are beautiful. It’s one of the most sought after properties in the city to call home. It’s also one of the most unique Montreal attractions and a must visit for architecture lovers on this Montreal 3 day itinerary.

The Biosphere

The Montreal Biosphere was built for Expo 67 to house the United States pavilion. Today, it’s a museum devoted to the environment. There are interactive exhibits and activities relating to climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, water, and much more. The goal is to raise awareness about these important issues and encourage visitors to take action in their daily lives.

The Biosphere was closed when we visited, but we rode our bikes to Parc Jean-Drapeau to admire this unique and photogenic structure. There’s also a Metro stop at Parc Jean-Drapeau, so it’s really easy to access by public transportation if you want to visit without riding a bike there.

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a Formula 1 race track that hosts the Grand Prix du Canada (since 1978). It’s 4,361 meters long and wraps around Notre Dame Island, a man-made island built up for Expo 67 (and now part of Parc Jean-Drapeau). When the F1 races aren’t happening, this race track is repurposed as a multi-use track for everyone to enjoy.

You can ride your bike around the F1 circuit track. It’s also possible to go rollerblading, go for a jog, and even drive your car around the F1 track. There’s a separate lane for pedestrians and cyclists, and there’s another lane for cars. Whether navigating the track by bike or car, it’s a pretty exhilarating experience to glide around an actual F1 circuit track (even if you’re traveling way slower than the professionals!).

We returned our bikes after riding around Old Port and Parc Jean-Drapeau for a few hours. If you find yourself with some spare time before dinner, it’s not too far to walk from Old Port to Montreal’s Chinatown neighborhood. Chinatown is essentially one large city block in Montreal, bordered by Rue Saint-Dominique, René-Lévesque Boulevard, Rue Viger, and Rue Jeanne-Mance.

There are four paifang  gates at each of the four entrances to Chinatown, which are intricately decorated archways to demonstrate that you’re entering Chinatown. In fact, Montreal has the most paifang gates out of any city in North America. Go for a stroll around Chinatown to visit shops, restaurants, and even check out some street art and murals.

Dinner at LOV

For dinner, LOV is our first restaurant choice in Montreal for fresh and flavorful meals. Their restaurants are super popular so you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. They’re 100% vegan, and the food leans towards a fine dining experience (but the restaurant is casual enough that you don’t need to get dressed up).

To drink, I ordered the Peach Bum cocktail, which has a little fuzzy peach candy sticking out of it. For food, it was a really tough decision. We decided to split the dumplings (mushroom and vegetable with an almond butter kimchi sauce). For our main courses, Justin and I ordered the LOV tacos (breaded tofu, avocado sauce, chili and red onion pickling) and the Mac n’ cheese LOV.

While we ate delicious food throughout our entire stay in Montreal, our meal at LOV was our favorite of all. The food is skillfully prepared, looks beautiful on the plate, and tastes super yummy.

Day 2: Mont Royal and Mile End

On day two of this Montreal 3 day itinerary, we’ll explore Mont Royal and the Mile End/Le Plateau neighborhoods. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start the day off by climbing to the top of Mont Royal. It isn’t a super far walk from the hotel, but you can also choose to take the Hop On Hop Off Bus to learn a few facts about the city on your way.

Climb Mont Royal

Mont Royal (or Mount Royal) is Montreal’s small mountain or volcanic-related hill, and it’s where Montreal gets its name. Mont Royal is right in the middle of Montreal, not far from the downtown core. At the top of Mont Royal, you’ll be able to savor incredible panoramic scenery of the city. A visit to Mont Royal is an absolute must for your Montreal 3 day itinerary.

There are winding paved paths so you can ride your bike up to the top (these are also accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, although it can get a little steep). Climbing the staircases is the quickest way to reach the top. It’s a little bit of a trek to get to the top, and it might leave you a little winded.

If you’re in a reasonable amount of shape, it isn’t a problem to hike to the top. We managed to see some locals jogging up and down the stairs, as well as a woman dressed in heels and business attire climb to the top (while chatting on the phone, I might add) without breaking a sweat.

The views from the top are absolutely worth the climb. I know that the scenery here must look amazing in all four seasons. I’ve also heard that this is a fantastic place to watch the sunset.

Walk the Trails and Visit Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors)

Mont Royal Park is so much more than that one viewpoint. It’s a beautiful park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the same man who designed Central Park in NYC. It’s a magnificent green space, one of the largest in Montreal, with a small lake and walking trails. When you’re looking for the best things to do in Montreal in 3 days, take the time to appreciate Mont Royal Park.

Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) is a beautiful, man-made lake where visitors can go for a stroll to admire the views. There’s vast open green spaces around the lake that are perfect for a picnic lunch. You can rent rowboats there in the summer and go ice skating there in the winter, making it the ideal all seasons destination. There are also many interesting sculptures to view on your walk between the summit of Mont Royal and Beaver Lake.

Coffee Break at Dispatch Coffee

Dispatch Coffee is one of the top coffee shops in Montreal. I suggest stopping for a coffee after you visit Mont Royal and before you explore Mile End and Le Plateau Mont Royal neighborhoods. It’s a charming little cafe with a funky mural on the side of the building.

They source, roast, and distribute their own coffee, keeping the prices affordable. At the same time, they are responsible in purchasing beans at a fair price directly from the farmers. Dispatch Coffee has a great selection of plant-based milks, including my favorite, oat milk. I ordered an iced Americano with oat milk and it was super refreshing.

Search for Street Art in Mile End

Many areas of Montreal are virtually open air art museums that you can visit for free, any time of the day or night. Mile End likely has the most murals as the art festival, MURAL, happens annually each June on  Saint-Laurent Boulevard. On this Montreal 3 day itinerary, you can’t help but stop to admire the street art because it’s virtually everywhere you look.

Don’t limit yourself to exploring only Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Some of the best works of art are around the corner, whether they’re painted on buildings down side streets, down narrow alleyways, or the backs of buildings facing parking lots. Sometimes we walked down the street only to realize that there were incredible works of street art behind us that we didn’t even notice. It won’t take long for you to stumble into one amazing piece after another.

If you love public art, street art, and murals, you should book this Montreal street art tour . You’ll walk around with a local guide to learn more about the artists and discover the most famous murals in the city.

Even though we saw so much street art throughout our stay, there’s always more to discover. I’m not sure you’ll be able to see all of the Montreal street art in one visit, but you’ll certainly see a lot of it when you walk around Mile End. In addition to soaking up those amazing street art views, I also adore the houses and buildings in this neighborhood, too.

Lunch at Mimi & Jones

Mimi & Jones is a vegan diner featuring delicious comfort food. You can choose from a burger, a cheeseburger, tofu nuggets, raviolis, Caesar salad, or their famous milkshakes. We decided to order some burgers, nuggets, and a chocolate milkshake.

Everything was super yummy! The tofu nuggets were heavenly little bites, especially when you dip them in the maple Dijon dipping sauce. They operate mostly for takeaway during the pandemic, but we dined on a small bench just outside of the restaurant.

Shop at the Boutiques of Mile End and Le Plateau Mont Royal

When you wander around Mile End and Le Plateau Mont Royal, you can pair street art hunting with boutique shopping. There are loads of great stores with unique, one of a kind items. We loved browsing the antique shops and poking our heads into indie record stores. There’s a shop for every taste and style, whether you’re looking for clothes, gifts, or something for your home.

Relax at Square Saint-Louis

Square Saint-Louis is an urban park and square in the Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood. There’s a Victorian fountain in the middle of the park, and the park is surrounded by rows of brightly painted Victorian homes. Throughout this Montreal 3 day itinerary, I’ve tried to build in some moments of relaxation. Square Saint-Louis is a great place to unwind with a cup of coffee, people watch, rest your legs, and collect your thoughts.

It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Montreal, and a great place to rest your legs after all of the walking you’ve been doing all day. Bring your camera as you’ll want to take some photos of the colorful graystone row houses.

Dinner and Drinks at Bowhead Pub

The Bowhead Pub is Montreal’s first vegan pub, and we absolutely adore it! They have a delightful patio just outside of the restaurant where we enjoyed a couple pints of beer along with some delicious appetizers. They have a full menu, but we were really feeling the sharable items that night. Justin and I ordered the Chkn Wings and the Cheese Sticks (vegan feta in a Guinness batter). They also have burgers, comfort main dishes, and desserts.

Day 3: Olympic Park and Museums

I’ve left the third day of your 3 days in Montreal devoted to some of the best museums and attractions in Montreal. You’ll start off your morning by visiting MAC, the contemporary art museum in Montreal. After lunch, you’ll travel a little outside of downtown Montreal to Olympic Park. I suggest taking the Metro there as there’s a subway stop right at Olympic Park.

If you’re only spending 2 days in Montreal, I’d suggest simply doing the first two days of this Montreal itinerary. However, if you’re able to create a Montreal 3 day itinerary, this plan is perfect. If you only have a weekend in Montreal, you can also mix and match your favorite aspects of this travel guide.

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal , also known as MAC, is the modern art museum in Montreal. Their collection includes over 7000 works by more than 1500 artists. They primarily focus on artists from Quebec and across Canada. You’ll find everything from paintings to digital and sound works, installations, sculptures, and more. It’s easy to spend at least a couple of hours wandering around MAC, enjoying the atmosphere and all of the thought-provoking works of art.

Lunch at Lola Rosa

Lola Rosa is a delightful vegan restaurant in Montreal with three locations. There’s one right across the road from the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum, so it’s easy to pop over for a quick bite. They have lots of comforting, hearty dishes that will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Justin and I both couldn’t resist ordering their Cajun Burger (it’s funny when we both decide to order the exact same thing on the menu!). I got mine with a vegan poutine because…when in Montreal, right? They’ve also got a great selection of local beers, as well as pitchers of sangria and cocktails.

Montreal Botanical Garden

To reach Olympic Park , you’ll need to take an Uber or a Metro ride as it’s a little farther outside of town. The Montreal Botanical Gardens is a wonderful and peaceful place to visit, whether you’re roaming the gardens by day or visiting a special exhibit by night. I recommend adding the Botanical Gardens to your Montreal 3 day itinerary, whether you are admiring the gardens by day or attending the lantern festival in the fall.

It’s 75 hectares of gardens and greenhouses with a remarkable selection of plants and themed gardens. There are 10 greenhouses and numerous gardens, like the Chinese Garden, the First Nations Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, the Toxic Plants Garden, and more. Depending on the time of year that you visit, different plants and flowers will be in bloom, so your experience can vary from one time to the next.

Montreal’s Lantern Festival at the Botanical Gardens

If you’re visiting Montreal in the fall, I highly recommend that you check out the Gardens of Light Festival ( Jardins de Lumière ). It’s an annual tradition at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Hundreds of lanterns flood the Chinese and Japanese Gardens with light, illuminating the landscape with bursts of bright colors. The lights transport you to another place for the evening. I felt as though I was in China rather than Montreal.

Though Chinese lanterns typically celebrate Chinese New Year, they’re on display here for the fall harvest, or Moon Festival. The lanterns are handmade in Shanghai, and it takes a full year of preparations to organize and display the lights. Every small detail contributes to the magical atmosphere of the festival.

Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

If you’re a fan of outer space, science, or planetariums, you’ve got to pay a visit to the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium at Montreal’s Olympic Park. It’s a must for any Montreal itinerary if you love museums and attractions. There are a number of French and English language shows, although there are fewer English ones. It’s best to plan accordingly ahead of time so you don’t miss out. They have their programming schedule posted online (as well as some virtual programming at the moment, until the planetarium reopens).

Coffee Break at Caffe in Gamba

Want a little pick-me-up before dinner? Venture over to Caffe in Gamba for a delicious cup of coffee or espresso beverage. It’s back in the Mile End neighborhood where you’re invited to do more exploring before dinner. I ordered a simple black coffee here and it hit the spot. I’m all about finding great coffee shops on the go, so be sure to add Caffe in Gamba to your list of Montreal cafes.

Dinner at Aux Vivres

Aux Vivres continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in Montreal, ever since we first traveled to the city together back in 2013. Back then, we actually ate dinner at Aux Vivres and went there for brunch one morning, too! You know the restaurant is good if you choose to dine there twice.

It’s a 100% vegan restaurant and one of the original vegan restaurants in Montreal. They have a huge menu with lots of favorites, from sandwiches and wraps to bowls and burgers. We also adored the blueberry pancakes that they serve for weekend brunch.

Pints at Le Sainte-Elizabeth’s Patio Garden

End your trip to Montreal with a pint or two at Le Sainte-Elizabeth pub. They have a gorgeous back patio that’s the closest thing I could find to a beer garden in Montreal. You’re surrounded by tall, brick walls covered in vines and greenery. There are tall trees in the middle of the patio garden. Plus, there are tons of heat lamps, meaning that this patio is open all year long.

More Than 3 Days in Montreal?

If you find yourself with more time, there are still many more things to do in Montreal. For instance, you could stay within the city and check out some more museums . You can book a relaxing Nordic spa experience just a few minutes away from downtown Montreal. Or if you’re looking for what to do in Montreal and you’re thinking about taking a day or two away from the city, I suggest a trip to nearby Mont Tremblant.

Visiting Mont Tremblant From Montreal

If you have an extra couple of days, I recommend making the short drive from Montreal to Mont Tremblant. Tremblant resort is a fantastic experience any time of the year, whether you’re visiting Tremblant in the summer or partaking in outdoor activities in the winter . In the summer, Mont Tremblant hosts their sensational International Blues Festival , and there are also lots of great vegan restaurants at Tremblant , too.

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Where to Stay in Montreal

Justin and I spent three nights at the Hotel Bonaventure Montreal . It was our second time staying here. We enjoyed our first stay so much that we didn’t hesitate to make it our temporary home again in Montreal. It’s right downtown in the perfect location, right in the middle of all the action. We’re able to walk almost everywhere from this hotel.

The hotel has all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi and we found the speeds were lightning fast. We stayed in one of their newly renovated rooms, which was super comfortable and spacious. There’s a rooftop pool, a terrace garden with ducks, a fitness center, and restaurants on site.

Everything you could possibly want or need is right here at the Hotel Bonaventure. Click here to book your stay  at the Hotel Bonaventure Montreal. There are also many more  reviews of Hotel Bonaventure Montreal  online, and I encourage you to check them out when you’re reviewing hotels in Montreal for your holiday.

Montreal Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about planning a trip to Montreal? You might have a few questions about Montreal that I haven’t answered already. Here’s some basic info about Montreal that you should know before you go.

Of course, yes! I have visited Montreal on multiple occasions. Even though it’s not too far away (about 5 hours by car), I think Montreal is a great city to visit even if you are coming from abroad. There are many things to see and do, and it’s such a vibrant and awesome city.

Yes! Most people in Montreal speak both French and English. While you may be initially greeted in French, don’t worry if you cannot speak French. I’m sure many people would appreciate if you tried. But, if you start speaking in English, pretty much everyone will flip over to English and communicate that way.

Montreal is a very walkable city. You can walk most places, especially if you stay in a centrally located downtown hotel. However, there’s also the fabulous and easy to navigate Montreal Metro if you’d rather travel by the subway or public transportation.

3 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Montreal. You’ll be able to see many attractions and places of interest. Of course, you can visit for 2 days or 4 days (or even longer), but you should be able to tackle most of the best things to do in Montreal in 3 days.

Please use Canadian currency in Montreal. We do not use US dollars here. I am sure many places will accept US dollars, but they won’t do any currency exchange for you. As the US dollar is valued much higher than the Canadian dollar, it makes more sense to convert your money into Canadian dollars.

Montreal is a great city to visit all year long. However, it does get quite cold and snowy in the winter, so you’ll need to dress appropriately. I love the spring and the fall the most in Montreal. September is a great time of year (after Labour Day weekend) because there are fewer crowds and the weather is still warm. The prices for hotels are more affordable during the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November).

Map of Montreal

Navigate your way around the city with this handy map. See everything that I mentioned for this Montreal 3 day itinerary visually represented on a map.

Do you want to save this map for future reference? If you click the star beside the map title, it will be saved to your Google Maps account. Then, you can access it while hiking from your own Google Maps app (it will be listed under “your places” and then “maps”).

More Things to Do in Quebec

For more Quebec travel guides and itineraries, please check out these popular travel blog posts:

• 20 Best Things to Do in Laval
• Mont Tremblant in Summer
• Mont Tremblant in Winter
• Montreal 3 Day Itinerary
• Terrebonne and Ile-des-Moulins, Quebec
• Quebec City 3 Day Itinerary
• Quebec City in Winter
• Quebec Winter Carnival
• Snow Tubing in Quebec at the Ultimate Winter Playground
• Quebec City Christmas Market
• Ice Hotel Quebec: A Survival Guide to Staying Overnight
• Le Monastere des Augustines: Quebec Monastery Turned Wellness Centre
• 7 Day Itinerary for a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip
• Whale Watching in Tadoussac
• 3 Days In Lanaudière Mauricie Itinerary

Is there anything else that you’d add to your Montreal itinerary?

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

2 Days in Montreal Itinerary: How To Spend the Perfect Weekend

Embarking on a Canadian adventure? Dive into my comprehensive 2 day Montreal itinerary.

This captivating city is ideal for a weekend escape, boasting a vibrant French-Canadian charm. As one of the globe’s largest French-speaking cities after Paris , Montreal offers a unique cultural experience that’s sure to enchant you.

The city has a decidedly European vibe, with quaint cobbled lanes and yesteryear architecture. Montreal is renowned for its captivating fusion of outdoor beauty, creative street artists, and world renowned chefs.

I’ve assembled an efficient two day itinerary for Montreal. But there are so many amazing things to do in Montreal, you could easily stay much longer.

On my last visit, I was there five days, never ran out of things to do, and spent countless hours feasting on Montreal’s delicious and varied cuisine.

My 48 hours in Montreal itinerary covers Montreal’s top must visit attractions and historic landmarks. It gives you preview of Montreal’s unique neighborhoods, wonderful museums, and outdoor venues.

I also give you essential tips on everything you need to know about visiting Montreal, including what to see/do/eat/stay.

Montreal is a unique combination of old and new.

You can stroll the cobbled streets in Old Montreal and Old Port. And then be transferred to modernity in the stylish and sophisticated downtown.

To keep you on track and help you make the most of your time in Montreal, I offer up this action packed 2 days in Montreal itinerary.

2 Days in Montreal Itinerary

Day 1 morning: vieux montreal.

Start your day in the prettiest part of the city, Vieux Montreal or Old Montreal. Dating from the 17th century, this area oozes old world charm.

You’ll feel like you’ve been power beamed to medieval France.

You may want to kick off your day with a quick guided walking tour to get oriented. Or book this 2.5 hour guided walking tour . You can also book a private walking tour . These tours are popular and tend to sell out fast.

Looking out on the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal is populated with well preserved Colonial homes, tony boutiques, art galleries, top tier restaurants, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica.

If you want to kick start your day with some breakfast, there are plenty of great cafes from casual to snooty. My personal favorites were Crew Collective & Cafe and Olive et Gourmando .

1. St-Paul Street

Begin with a stroll on winding St-Paul Street.

For years, St-Paul Street was Montreal’s main boulevard. It’s a beautiful street with renovated 19th century warehouses.

They serve as boutiques, artists’ studios, art galleries, and brick residences. The street is paved with cobblestones and lined with flags, French art, and impressive stone and brick facades.

2. Basilica Notre-Dame

The Basilica Notre-Dame is one of Montreal’s most popular destinations and its most famous landmark. Building began in 1672.

The interior was completed in the late 18th century. This was where Celine Dion was married in an over the top affair in 1994.

The basilica is the oldest place of worship in North America. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the basilica’s azure blue interior is a revelation.

You might feel like you’re admiring a rather gaudy classical painting, not standing inside a church.

Because Note-Dame is dedicated to Our Lady Mary, it’s a florid blue inside. Blue was meant to reflect calm and tranquility.

To heighten the drama, the azure ceiling is studded with tens of thousands of 24 karat gold stars. Stained glass and gold leaf decoration complete the ensemble.

The basilica’s pulpit is incredibly intricate. And the eye popping altar has a Last Supper painting based on Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in Milan Italy .

There’s also a massive organ with 7,000 pipes. Plan to spend 30-90 minutes inside, depending on your interest level. Click here for the mass schedule and here for the concert schedule.

3. Place d’Armes

Right opposite Notre-Dame Basilica is Place d’Armes, one of three main squares in Montreal.

In the center is the Maisonneuve Monument, a staff wielding statue of Paul de Chomedey, the founder of Montreal. Its commemorates Chomedey’s defense of the young French settlement against the Iroquois.

The Place d’Armes is where you’ll find Montreal’s vintage buildings — Saint-Sulpice Seminary, the New York Life Building (Montreal’s first high rise), the Bank of Montreal (Canada’s first bank), the Art Deco Aldred Building (Montreal’s first skyscraper), and the International style 500 Place d’Armes.

The square also has some whimsical public art. Be sure to check out the sculptures of the man and woman with an English bulldog and poodle.

4. City Hall

A national historic site, Montreal City Hall is also located in Old Montreal. It’s a majestic five story structure that’s the seat of local government in Montreal.

Free guided tours are usually available in summer. But right now the structure is closed, undergoing a heritage restoration since 2019.

The stunning Second Empire City Hall has a storied history. It survived a fire.

Its balcony was where French President General de Gaulle’s cried “Vive le Québec libre!” (Long live free Quebec).

This speech escalated tensions in the debate over whether the Francophile province should seek independence from Canada.

5. Chateau Ramezay

Opposite the City Hall is the Chateauz Ramezay . If you’re a history buff, this museum is definitely worth a visit. In 2008, it was named as one of the 1001 Historic Sites “you must see before you die.”

Built in 1705, the historic chateau is an architectural gem of the ancien regime. It was the home of Claude de Ramezay, governor of Montreal. Benjamin Franklin even stayed there during the Revolutionary War.

The museum tells the story of major events in 500 years of French history. There are 15 rooms and a well curated collection of 30,000 objects, displayed as they were in the 1700s.

Click here for my visitor’s guide to this intimate museum.

Then stroll 2 minutes to the Place Jacques-Quartier to soak in the vibe. (Though ignore the kitschy tee shirt shops.) It’s one of Old Montreal’s main public squares, where people wile away time at flower drenched sidewalk cafes. You may even see street performers.

6. Old Port

Jacques Cartier lies at the entrance to Montreal’s Old Port. It stretches for over a mile along the St. Lawrence River.

French fur traders used this port as a trading post as early as 1611. In 2005, the Old Port of Montreal changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal.

The main landmark in the Old Port is the heritage building of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (Our Lady of Good Help). It’s one of the oldest churches in Montreal. It was built in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier chapel.

Bon Secours houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, dedicated to the life of the woman who’s called the “Mother of the Colony.”

She was a teacher, fervent Catholic, and has even been officially sainted. Bon Secours is topped with the Lady of the Harbour statue. You can climb the clock tower for a nice river view.

Nearby you’ll find the Bonsecours Market. It’s housed in a historic Palladian style building with a distinctive Neoclassical silver dome. Today, it’s completely restored. Inside are high end boutiques, galleries, and several restaurants.

Now, it’s lunch time. Since you’re in the Old Port, try out the offerings there. I recommend Stash Cafe , Tommy’s , Modavie , or Mechant Beofe . On to the afternoon!

Before you leave, though, you may want to take a spin on La Grande Roue de Montreal. It’s a massive Ferris wheel with gondola-like pods. You’ll have stunning views. Click here to purchase a ticket.

Day 1 Afternoon: Mount Royal

Want a bird’s eye view of Montreal? Mount Royal (or Mont-Royal) is Montreal’s best green space, receiving 5 million visitors a year.

Mount Royal is located atop three peaks. It was once a volcanic mountain, but is now dormant. Montreal’s name derives from this hill — “mont real” or “mount royal.”

In 1535, the first European, Jacques Cartier, arrived in Mount Royal. In honor of his patron, Francis I, he christened the hill Mount Royal. In 1643, Paul de Chomedey made a pilgrimage to the top of the mountain, planting a wooden cross.

The cross is now one of Montreal’s iconic landmarks. The current iteration is a 26 ton steel version lit with LED lights.

Mount Royal is located to the west side of Downtown. It takes about 9 minutes to reach Mount Royal from Downtown Montreal by car. Or, you can hike up the hill via several walking paths.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. I hiked up Peel Street and took the meandering path known as the “serpentine.” It’s a good way to burn off calories and get ready to indulge later.

Designed in 1874 by landscape architect Frederick Law Oldmstead, Mont Royal is a haven for runners, hikers, and dogs. Just off the summit is the main viewing terrace, Mount Royal Chalet.

From there, you have breathtaking views of Montreal. In the summer months, you can partake in a free drum circle called Tamtam s .

Slightly further afield is the St. Joseph’s Oratory, with another stunning view of northwest Montreal from its rooftop terrace.

The oratory is almost as tall as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and is Canada’s largest church. It’s one of the world’s most visited shrines, with a basilica, chapel, and crypt.

Day 1 Evening:

At night, return to Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal to watch the spectacular sound and light multimedia spectacle called “Aura.”

With 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm showings, Aura highlights the basilica’s features and exquisite details. It’s a rather expensive show, but I really enjoyed it.

>>> Click here to book an Aura ticket

After the show, have a cocktail at one of Montreal’s rooftop terraces. I’d recommend the Terrasse William Gray, Terrasse Bonsecours, or Terrasse Place d’Armes. They’re only open in spring and summer.

Then, dine in Old Montreal. My favorite restaurants were Le Serpent , Garder Manger , and Foxy . Click here to read my reviews of them. Even closer, on Rue Notre-Dame, you can try Joe Beef or Restaurant Grinder .

Day 2 Morning:

If you’re staying in old town, start day 2 in Montreal with a stroll through Chinatown. Then, take either a food tour or street art mural tour in Montreal’s funky and vibrant Mile End neighborhood. I did both and really enjoyed the tours.

You can get to Mile End by walking down the colorful Saint-Laurent Boulevard, nicknamed “The Main.” It’s a north-south stretch, with a buzzy vibe and lots of nightlife.

It’s also Montreal’s main street art corridor. This is where you’ll begin your street art tour.

Montreal is renowned for its street art, both raw and recognized. It’s become one of Montreal’s core visual identities.

Two street art festivals keep new art work coming, the Mural Festival and Under Pressure . Some of Mile End’s most iconic graffiti images are Graffiti Granny , Jackie Robinson , and Mona Lisa . There’s also a street art gallery, Station 16, right on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.

If you opt for the Mile’s End food tour, you’ll sample all Montreal’s specialities — bagels, poutine, smoked meat, etc. It’s a great way to try the local food while seeing the sites, including the lovely St. Michael Church.

You can also weigh in on the enduring battle of whether St-Viateur Bagel Shop or Fairmount serves up the city’s best bagels. You can even sign up for a bagel making workshop .

If you sampled murals instead of bagels, it’s time for lunch. There are plenty of wonderful spots in Miles End. I liked Le Butterblume (sandwiches and salads), Mais (tasty tacos), and Juliet & Chocolate (crepes).

The latter is in the tony Outremont neighborhood, where you’ll also find beautiful brick buildings, fashionable boutiques, and even more cafes.

Day 2 Afternoon Options

After lunch, you have three options, depending on your personal inclination.

You can: (1) walk down tony Sherbrooke Street to the Museum of Fine Arts to get your cultural fix; (2) head to the Biosphere , an environmental museum and nature center; or (3) get outside on Lachine Canal.

If you have time, end your afternoon at the beautiful Botanical Garden .

1. Sherbrooke Street

If you choose an arty afternoon, head to the fetching Golden Square Mile on Sherbrooke Street. Sherbrooke is one of the city’s longest and most exclusive streets.

And it’s a must visit destination in Montreal for art and architecture fans. Sherbrooke is chock full of Victorian buildings, galleries, designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and trendy eateries.

Sherbrooke is the entrance to McGill, Montreal’s university situated at the foot of Mount Royal. If you want to explore McGill, the Redpath Museum is a must do. It’s a wonderful natural history museum. And it’s not just dinosaur bones. The museum has beautiful Victorian interiors.

2. Museum of Fine Arts

Sherbrooke Street also stars Montreal’s premiere museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (“MFA”). You’ll be greeted by a massive Dale Chihuly chandelier tower at one entrance and Jim Dine’s Hearts at another.

The Museum of Fine Arts is the oldest museum in Canada and the cultural heart of Montreal, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. It’s an extraordinary art complex, unexpectedly avant garde for a fine arts museum.

The expansive museum is housed in five separate pavilions, connected by underground passageways. And it boasts an exquisite permanent collection of works from old masters to contemporary art.

You’ll fine European heavyweights like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet. But the museum really shines when it comes to native Canadian artists.

3. Biosphere Environmental Museum

If you’re not an art person, you could head instead to the Biosphere . It’s a museum and nature center dedicated to the environment.

It’s located on Sainte-Helene Island in Parc Jean-Drapeau and is a symbol of 1960s avant garde architecture. You can get there via Metro line 4 to Station Jean-Drapeau.

The Biosphere is housed in a geodesic dome, which creates its own geothermal energy. It’s the only one of its kind in the world. Exhibits teach visitors about urban ecosystems and the latest eco-technologies.

You can visit the Tropical Forest or visit puffins on the Labrador Coast. Don’t forget to head upstairs for a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence River.

4. Lachine Canal

If you want to escape from the hurly burly of the city and experience Montreal’s outdoor life, head to Lachine Canal.

It’s a scenic urban park with a walkable 9 mile canal path winding through southwest part of the city. The trail attracts runner, bikers, walkers, and even swimmers.

There are several locations along the canal where you can pick up some wheels. If you need a snack, head into Atwater Market for some cheese and fruit. It’s housed in a beautiful Art deco building with a clock tower.

5. Botanical Garden

In the late afternoon, taxi or Uber to Montreal’s Botanical Garden . It’s off center, so walking isn’t a great option. You can also get there on the metro’s green line, hopping off at the Pie-IX stop.

The garden is a cherished attraction in Montreal. It’s the second largest botanical garden in the world.

There are 10 indoor greenhouses and Chinese, Japanese, lily, and rose gardens. They are pretty darn magical, a lovely place to stroll and relax. In the fall, there’s a spectacular light show at night.

Day 2 Evening

End you 2 days in Montreal itinerary in Le Plateau Mont-Royal. It’s a bohemian neighborhood that includes Mile End. Start with a cocktail or pint of IPA at Bar Darling, Buvette Chez Simone, or Le Blanc.

For eats, head to Damas (Syrian food), Maison Publique (gastropub), Chez Victoire (nouvelle bistro food), or Le Quartier General (fancy foie gras like fare).

Perhaps the most famous restaurant is Martin Picard’s Au Pied De Cochon , beloved by Anthony Bourdain. It’s a notoriously difficult place to get reservations, so plan ahead.

Alternatively, seek out one of Montreal’s newer and trendy neighborhoods beyond the touristy precincts — Little Italy, Mile-End, Verdun, Rosemont, La Petite-Patrie, and Villeray. These areas are emerging as cutting edge foodie destinations.

Or you could reserve ahead and try Montreal’s newest entrant onto the foodie scene — Hiatus . It’s one the roof top of Place Vill Marie and offers up stunning views and a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine.

Little Italy

If you opt for Little Italy, I can recommend Vin Mon Lapin , whose owner also runs the uber popular Joe Beef . Little Italy isn’t just Italian comfort food either. You can find vegetarian options and contemporary cuisine at Manitoba .

Little Italy is also home to one of Montreal’s best markets, Jean Talon Market . Established in 1933, Jean Talon is dubbed “Montreal’s stomach.” It’s a foodie’s best friend.

From May to October, the open air arcades are filled with the stalls of local farmers, fishmongers, cheesemongers, butchers, and bakers. If you want to eat here, you can grab a meal at El Rey Del Taco or Le Petit Alee.

Tips For 2 Days In Montreal

Now let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Montreal.

1. Where is Montreal?

Montreal is in the Canadian province of Quebec. It’s the second largest city in Canada.

2. Getting There

Montreal is very well connected to the world’s major cities. The city is served by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. You can hop in a taxi to get to your accommodation or click here to book a private transfer.

You can also drive to Montreal from Toronto, Ottawa, Boston , and Buffalo. It’s just a short drive from the states of New York and Vermont .

3 . Travel Documents

Travelers with a US/EU passport are eligible to come to Canada, without a tourist visa.

4. Currency In Montreal

Canadian Dollars (CAD) are the mode of exchange in Montreal, Canada. Credit cards are widely used as well. Debit or ABM machines can be easily found in the city to withdraw cash.

5. Montreal Attraction Pass

The Montreal Pas s is a pre-paid sightseeing card. You get free entry to 5 of the city’s top attractions, as well as free unlimited public transport. You can purchase it for a duration of 48 to 72 hours.

6. Language In Montreal

Both French and English are spoken in Montreal. Most street or road signs will be in French.

This is also true for cafe and restaurant menus. Brush up on some French terms in advance or bring a small French phrase book.

7. Food Specialties In Montreal

Montreal boasts award winning restaurants and delicious food.

Its specialties are bagels, poutine (an unappetizing sounding dish of French fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy that also comes in gourmet varieties), smoked meat, maple syrup, and seafood.

8. When To Visit Montreal

The best time to visit Montreal is shoulder season, spring or fall. The weather will be good and it will be less crowded than summer.

I last visited in mid September and the weather was fantastic. Winter is bitterly cold and snowy.

But, if you’re dressed right, Christmas is a magical time in Montreal, with Christmas lights and fireworks. If you’re visiting then, you can take a special Christmas walking tour . Or check out this “winter charms” walking tour .

9. Festivals In Montreal

Montreal is know for its festivals. The summer is particularly busy with jazz, film, fireworks, comedy, beer, winter, and Shakespeare festivals. Click here for the festival schedule.

10. Driving In Montreal

You shouldn’t drive in the city, if you can avoid it. With public transport, you don’t really need a car and it’s not worth the headache. Parking is extremely difficult and expensive.

The one way streets and speed demons will make you batty. But, if you have a car, please note that you can’t turn right on a red light. As in the US, Canadians drive on the right side of the road.

11. Where To Stay In Montreal

Try to stay in Vieux Montreal, especially if it’s your first visit. It will make it easier to sightsee, with just 2 days in Montreal. And you can soak up the old world charm.

There are loads of boutique hotels and great restaurants there.

Last time I was there, I stayed in the rather glamorous Hotel William Gray . It’s a unique luxury hotel in a historic building right near Place Jacques Cartier. If you want views, the hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace.

I can also recommend Hotel Nelligan . It’s a stunning boutique hotel with exposed brick in a historic building. Hotel Birks is a relatively new hotel with old world opulence and charm.

If you want to stay downtown, check out the Hotel Sofitel Golden Mil e (modern and artsy), the Vogue Hotel Montreal (chic and luxurious), or Le Mount Stephen (Neoclassical architecture in a heritage building)

12. How To Get Around Montreal

Driving can be tricky. I wouldn’t advise it.

Montreal is designed for walking and that’s how I got around. If you need to get somewhere fast, you can hail a taxi or Uber almost anywhere (though they’re not cheap).

There’s also a bus and subway system and loads of Bixi Bikes rental stands around town. You can also take the hop op hop off bus .

There are plenty of other fun ways to get around Montreal. You can take a:

• guided scooter tour
• 3 hour guided electric bike tour
• half day city bike tour
• bike tour through Mile’s End and Little Italy
• bateaux mouche cruise
• nighttime walking tour
• 3.5 hour bus tour

You can even book a half hour helicopter tour .

13. Day Trips from Montreal

Do you have more than 2 days in Montreal? You can turn this 2 day itinerary into a more relaxed 3-4 day itinerary.

There are also some wonderful day trip options. The most popular day trip is to quaint Quebec City, only an hour away. This 12 hour guided day tour takes you to the city and to Montmorency Falls .

Mont Tremblant is only 1.5 hours away. You can book an 8 hour guided day tour . You can also book a tour to the Eastern Townships , to see some beautiful small villages.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 days in Montreal itinerary. You may enjoy these other North America travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for New Hampshire
• Berkshires Road Trip
• Hidden Gem Towns on the East Coast
• 10 day itinerary for coastal Maine
• 7-10 day itinerary for Vermont
• One week itinerary for southern New England
• Fall foliage road trip in New England
• 2 week itinerary for the American Southwest
• 10 day itinerary for southern California
• 25 most beautiful towns in New England 
• 45 amazing destinations in the United States
• Best places to visit in Massachusetts

If you’d like to spend 2 days in Montreal, pin it for later.

15 thoughts on “2 Days in Montreal Itinerary: How To Spend the Perfect Weekend”

There are too many ads on the site, tbh. They are very distracting. While it’s a lot of great information, the ads can be overwhelming.

Appreciate the comment Mary Ann. I am looking into my site speed on desktop to see if I can improve things. Unfortunately, ads are the main way bloggers make a living so you’ll find that other sites have them too.

Do you have a hotel location recommendation for an elderly couple arriving via train from Quebec and leaving from the airport in walkable area of Montreal?

You should stay in the Old Town. Check out the William Gray, Auberge due Vieux Port, Le Mount Stephen. The best budget hotel is Hotel Epic Montreal.

Fantastic post, thanks a lot for sharing this as it comes with a lot of details and has been very helpful

Thank you so much Bob!

excellent review looking forward to our trip…I know the time will fly by too quickly

Enjoy! You will love the city.

Thank you for sharing this itinerary. It’s very comprehensive and covers many of the must-sees as a first-timer in Canada. I will be following this itinerary on my trip to Canada.

Thank! Have a fantastic time Priya!

Fantastic post. Very detailed and straightforward. I’m going to Montreal for 2 days this month and this post helped me narrow down the many many options of things to do and see there. Thank you!

Thank you Thanny! Enjoy Montreal.

I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout of your blog. And also this article is really useful and informative.

Hi. Thank you for this informative post. Do you think it would be uncomfortably cold to visit Montreal in October?

That depends on how sensitive you are to cold. For me, it would be fine if it’s in the mid 50s and I was doing a lot of walking.

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Last Updated on August 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

How to spend a perfect weekend in Montréal

Aug 6, 2019 • 5 min read

On the right, the Bonsecours Market (opened in 1847) is one of the highlights of the Old Port area of Montreal © benedek / Getty Images

‘Bonjour-hi!’ Montréal ’s breezy, unofficial greeting is a fitting welcome to a city where French and English mingle in covered markets, cobblestone streets and postage-stamp cafes. Montréal may be Québec ’s metropolis, but it’s snipped into bite-sized neighborhoods, rewarding block-by-block discovery. It’s an explorer’s playground (and a gourmet jackpot). From the historic streets of the Old Port to Little Burgundy’s simmering restaurant scene, Montréal offers a trove of riverside paths, hipster bars and street art worth craning your neck for. Here’s our guide to the perfect weekend in Montréal.

Afternoon/evening

Historic buildings and cobblestone streets wrap through Montréal’s Old Port , along with a jumble of touristy souvenir shops, galleries, and polished cafes. For help easing into the weekend spirit, head to Bota Bota , a floating spa moored in the St. Lawrence River (the upper-deck hot tubs have great views of the city skyline). If you prefer your relaxation served chilled, try open-air Riva , where bartenders sling lighthearted Prosecco cocktails from a converted van by the water.

Next, stroll into the Old Port’s historic core: Pass neoclassical Marché Bonsecours , check out Inuit artwork in the Images Boréales gallery, and then duck into Crew Collective and Café , an ornate former bank reincarnated as a cafe. Make dinner plans over a house-made yuzu lemonade, choosing from the neighborhood’s buzzy options. If you can score a table, the fancy Quebecois menus at Toqué! are among the city’s most renowned, but the waterfront Un Po’ di Più is a stylish new favorite whose small plates invite sharing. Cap the night with an immersive sound and light show at Basilique Notre-Dame , whose vaulted nave is sprigged with Québec’s emblematic fleurs-de-lis.

Amble from the port to the excellent Musée d’Art Contemporain , following Saint Lawrence Boulevard through the compact and energetic Chinatown neighborhood. Turn left down pedestrian-only Rue de la Gauchtière to browse Hong Kong–style bakeries and pass a morning Tai Chi crowd at Place Sun-Yat-Sen . An anchor of the neighboring Quartier des Spectacles, the Musée d’art Contemporain is a juggernaut of modern Canadian and international artwork, but the draws are temporary exhibitions – they range from ground-breaking pieces by Indigenous artists to refreshingly odd head scratchers.

After you’ve had your fill of art, head to the Place-des-Arts metro station and hop a train for Lionel-Groulx in the cool-kid Little Burgundy neighborhood. Make your lunchtime destination the covered Marché Atwater : Choose between homey Réunion cooking at Marmite S’ul Feu , or head for the market outpost of Satay Brothers , whose papaya salads and meaty rendang deliver big Singaporean flavors.

Right next door is the 14-km Canal de Lachine , a national historic site that shortcuts a bend in the Saint Lawrence River. Rent a bicycle at Ma Biciclette to follow the flat, canal-side bike path through a series of waterside parks, locks, and residential areas. If you’d rather not pedal, Canal de Lachine boat cruises depart Marché Atwater and navigate the historic locks before looping back to the Old Port.

When you return your bicycle to the rental station, you’ll be just across from the floating Canal Lounge , a seasonal boat cafe whose top deck is the perfect place for a canal sunset. When you’re ready for dinner, continue to nearby Rue Notre-Dame West; it’s packed with some of the city’s best restaurants, and plenty of walk-in options mean you can skip reservations. Small plates and natural wine draw crowds to Le Vin Papillon , Foiegwa brings quirky humor to old-guard French cooking, and Middle Eastern Sumac has sharing plates with light, bright flavor. Make a night of it in one of Little Burgundy and neighboring Saint Henri’s ultra-hip bars, from speakeasy-inspired Atwater Cocktail Club to the rum-fueled Broken Coconut .

Hop the Montreal Metro to the Mount Royal stop, steps away from one of the city’s most beloved pastry shops. There’s plenty to choose from at Patisserie au Kouign Amann, but go for one of the buttery, salty, caramelized kouign amann pastries the place is named for. Skip the shop’s crammed seating and take your pastry to the Frederick Law Olmstead–designed Parc du Mont-Royal , a tangle of paths and ponds that covers Montreal’s eponymous mountain. Every Sunday from spring to fall, a shaggy crew gathers at the Georges-Etienne Cartier Monument for the Tam-Tams, a gregarious drumming and dancing session that’s open to all. (Even if you don’t want to join in, it’s a great spot to eat a pastry and watch.)

With your final hours in Montréal, visit the covered food market Marché Jean Talon in Little Italy to fill any spare corners in your bags with Québecois treats. Graze your way across the market, then stop into Le Marché des Saveurs du Québec , which has a fine selection of Quebecois ice cider – it’s the apple-growing region’s answer to traditional ice wine. A can of maple syrup is also a must-buy, while meat-lovers can pick up locally cured meats at Les Cochons Tout Ronds .

Where to Stay

Claiming a walkable location in the Old Port, Le Petit Hôtel is a pitch-perfect match for the neighborhood’s glammed-up history. Stone walls offer a chic backdrop for contemporary design in compact guest rooms, and guests can bring loaner bikes to the nearby path. A flashpacker vibe at M Montreal makes it a good base for a city weekend, with good-value dorms (mixed- and single-gender) and private rooms. Set between Rue St. Denis and the Gay Village, the hostel is walking distance from the Quartier des Spectacles’ festival-fueled action. It's the perfect low-cost lodgings for a weekend in Montréal.

How to Get There

Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport (a 20- or 30-minute drive from the city center) is a hub for domestic and international flights; a 24-hour bus links the airport with downtown. Two train lines merge in Montréal: US-based Amtrak links Montréal to Albany and New York City , while Canadian Viarail connects to Québec City , Ottawa , and Toronto .

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Montreal Weekend Trip: An Itinerary With Restaurants To Try

Last Updated February 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Montreal Weekend Trip: An Itinerary With Restaurants To Try

Home to the world-famous Cirque du Soleil, Montreal is North America’s top host city for international events, going as far as to host the Olympics in 1976, the first ever held in Canada.

Highlighting the arts, culture, and history, Montreal is full of opportunity. Founded in 1642 by French settlers, the city is predominantly shaped by English and French influences. Whether exploring the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal and its stunning architecture or strolling through the vibrant Montreal Botanical Garden, there are plenty of fun attractions to head out on a Montreal weekend trip! Below are the top attractions, restaurants, and activities for the ultimate three-day weekend trip to Montreal! 

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• Our full Canada travel guide

Want more Montreal activities?

• Montreal offers such a wide range of attractions and Get Your Guide has great deals on some of the best. Here are just a few of our top picks: 3.5 Hour Guided Bus Tour , St. Lawrence River Sightseeing Cruise , Hop-On Hop-Off Double Decker Bus Tour , and Private Day Tour to Parc Omega & Montebello Lodge . Can’t wait for you to check them out!

In This Article

Day 1 Of The Ultimate Montreal Weekend Trip 

Day 2 of the ultimate montreal weekend trip , day 3 of the ultimate montreal weekend trip , how to get around montreal, the david hotel, hôtel château de l’argoat, final thoughts, travel resources for your next trip, montreal weekend trip 3 day itinerary.

Below, we’ve combined a variety of things to do in Montreal to get a taste of the city’s rich historical, artistic, and cultural scene that are a little more off-the-beaten path from the standard Montreal itinerary.

From Parisian-style pastries at Duc de Lorraine to shopping in Montreal’s Underground City below the heart of Montreal, make sure to bring your camera and your appetite for this ultimate Montreal weekend itinerary full of fun and adventure! 

Be sure to check out The Passeports MTL as some of these attractions are featured on this city pass!

Breakfast At Eggspectation

We’re starting our Montreal weekend itinerary the best way. With a full spread of delicious food choices for breakfast!

At Eggspectation , there are plenty of options, including Belgian waffles, French crepes, omelets, flatbreads, and of course, the restaurant’s famous Eggs Benedict. The restaurant’s reputation and polarity have soared since its founding 25 years ago. The restaurant’s popularity grew so much that it opened 30 locations worldwide!

And you can get a taste of this beautiful breakfast spot yourself on your Montreal weekend trip to get a glimpse into its excellent reputation, dedication to guest satisfaction, and passionate reverence for all things “breakfasty.” 

Tour The Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal

For day one of the ultimate three-day weekend trip to Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is the best attraction, to begin with, encompassing Montreal’s outstanding beauty, history, and architecture.

Montreal’s mother church and the first Gothic Revival-style church in Canada, the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, is a National Historic Site of Canada. Full of religious, historical, and artistic importance, this treasure of Quebec is one of the most visited sites in Montreal and one of the things to do in Montreal. The link between Catholic roots and art, the Basilica style, was a turning point in religious architectural tradition. Adorned with intricate status, tranquil chapels, and masterful paintings, a trip to the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is stunning and worthwhile. 

And to get more of an in-person taste of Montreal with a knowledgeable guide to answer all your questions, consider this private walking tour of Old Montreal. Your guide will take you to the city’s heart to learn more about its history dating from the 17th century to today!

Montreal Underground City

Head to the famed Underground City for food and shopping in the afternoon!

Commonly called le RÉSO, the Underground City was built during the 1960s and, through a network of tunnels, corridors, and plazas, connects restaurants and retailers for a unique shopping experience. Right under the heart of Montreal, this underground network stretches about 20.5 miles away from the woes of the hot sun or freezing snow. 

There are signs throughout the Underground City to act as a guide traveling around the expansive network. Complexe Desjardins is a famous mall that sits across from Place des Festivals. For souvenirs to give to family and friends or to remember the trip, there are more than a few shops in the Underground City with locally-made treats and goodies to buy to take home with you. Renaud-Bray features books by local authors, Squish sells gourmet artisanal local candies, and L’Art des artisans du Québec features striking finery, blown glass, and woodwork to check out. 

On this private wal k ing tour of Montreal’s famous Underground City, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide for a local insight into the history of this famed sanctuary, along with its public art and other well-hidden secrets. 

Dinner At Monarque

End day one in Montreal at Monarque for the best luxurious night out to eat. 

Setting a new standard for elegance, this restaurant, set in a three-room Montreal building that dates back to 1845, is considered restaurant royalty inspired by New York City’s Gramercy Tavern. 

Each room features a different menu. The bar area offers a bar and banquette seating area and a specialty drink menu. The second room is in a more traditional space where a brasserie menu is served. This room’s focal point is the fishbowl window that overlooks the stainless-steel kitchen. Finally, the glamorous dining room has tables and banquettes, serving a four-section dinner menu with two appetizers, the main course, and dessert. 

Eating at this luxurious restaurant in Montreal is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and wanting more! 

Breakfast At Canard Café

Start day two in Montreal at this low-key coffeehouse featuring drinks with latte art, brick walls, baked goods, and casual eats. 

Canard Café is a warm and inviting place that makes it easy to savor comfort, good food, and great coffee. And even if you aren’t the biggest coffee drinker, the food, drinks, comfortable atmosphere, and friendly staff will make breakfast at Canard Café an excellent start to your day. 

Stroll Through The Vibrant Montreal Botanical Garden

Comprising 75 hectares of thematic greenhouses and gardens, the Montreal Botanical Garden is an urban oasis you shouldn’t miss out on visiting!

One of the city’s jewels, the garden is recognized as one of the world’s greatest, acting as a living museum that gathers plants from four corners of the globe. The garden hosts various colorful, vibrant, magical events, activities, and exhibitions throughout the year. Homing over 10,000 plant species and 20,000 taxa, this refreshing attraction is full of the natural and rich beauty of some of nature’s outstanding and colorful inhabitants. 

The Montreal Botanical Garden is near more than a few other top Montreal attractions. Only minutes from downtown Montreal, the garden is near the Biodome and Olympic Park, other notable attractions to visit if you have time. 

Make sure to wear good walking shoes to bask in all the grandeur of the Montreal Botanical Garden, as it requires a bit of walking. 

Lunch At Poutine Centrale

A casual, industrial-style venue, Poutine Centrale is a hot spot for poutines, burgers, and desserts. Nearby to the Montreal Botanical Garden and Olympic Park, stopping by for lunch here is easy and on the way. 

The rustic, warm, and inviting atmosphere makes it a wonderfully cozy place to enjoy a comforting meal before heading to your next activity for day two in Montreal. The food is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and taste buds, with varying flavors, toppings, and options available to pick your favorite poutine combo! 

Stop By The Biodome 

Part of the largest natural science museum complex in Canada, called Montreal Space for Life, the Biodome allows visitors to walk through replicas of all five of America’s ecosystems. 

Located at Olympic Park, the Biodome is full of wonder, learning, and commitment to the environment to teach all generations the importance of our ecosystem. A must-see attraction of Montreal, the Biodome is also considered to be one of Canada’s top attractions to boot, according to Forbes . 

The top of the Biodome now has a viewing platform that allows panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Laurentian Maple Forest, and the Tropical Rainforest. When visiting the Biodome, download the high-tech app to thoroughly step into an immersive experience of this top attraction. You should not miss out on your Montreal weekend trip! 

Dinner At Bagatelle Bistro Apportez votre vin

End day two at Bagatelle Bistro Apportez votre vin for a satisfying dinner and relaxing wind-down of a full day of adventure. This serene restaurant serves local and seasonal French-Mediterranean plates with summer patio seating. 

Wrap up your day as you try your hand at curling! This private curling class with one-on-one instruction will sure to get you immersed in this favorite Canadian sport!

Breakfast At Brulerie Urbaine

Begin the morning with Arabica coffee from countries and regions worldwide at Brulerie Urbaine !

Dedicated to serving fresh and top-choice coffees, this local favorite has built a committed loyalty with locals and tourists alike. The roast house constantly offers a rotating menu of new and unique choices. The warm atmosphere makes it effortless to sit back and relax while sipping on tasty coffee and savoring fresh pastries before heading out for a day of adventure in Montreal. 

Tour Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

A Roman-Catholic minor basilica and national shrine, the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal holds more than one hundred years of history, development, culture, and architecture.

The largest shrine in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph, this landmark and jewel of Montreal offers a glimpse into Quebec and Canadian heritage. Receiving more than two million pilgrims and visitors from around the world each year, there is much to take in at this stunning Montreal attraction, like the Le Jardin du Chemin de la Croix or “the garden of the way of the cross.” This remarkable section of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal should not be glossed over or missed out on. 

The way of the cross was marked out on the mountain, allowing any to come and meditate upon the Passion of Christ. A beautiful stepping stone that leads to the Oratory, the short garden walk ends in a waterfall fountain with benches speckled about to read or bask in the beauty and atmosphere of Le Jardin du Chemin de la Croix. 

Stop by for one of the listening services, celebrations, pilgrimages, sacraments, and tours to reflect, explore, and learn more about Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal on your Montreal weekend trip.

While you’re here, walk around Mount Royal Park which has the best views of the city.

To switch up times, consider this small group night sightseeing tour ! For a memorable experience in Montreal, this tour will guide you to see Mount Royale at night with Saint Joseph’s Oratory illuminated by colorful lights and Old Port by the sun for an unrivaled experience of Montreal’s spectacular glory. 

Lunch At Sainte-Fringale

Located inside Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the Sainte-Fringale cafeteria serves a wide range of delicious dishes to Oratory visitors, along with outstanding views of the City’s Northside. 

From light pick-me-ups and desserts to paninis and daily specials, stopping by Sainte-Fringale in between or after touring Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is an efficient yet delicious lunch stop to save time for more adventure!

Visit The Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal

The Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal , or Montreal Holocaust Museum, dedicates its space to educating people of all ages on the Holocaust. 

Presenting the history of the Holocaust told by survivors through unique artifacts, the museum was founded by Holocaust survivors and members of the Montreal Jewish community. The longest-standing memorial and the only Holocaust museum in Canada, the Musée de l’Holocauste Montréal raises awareness of human rights through education on the Holocaust to prevent future genocide by helping the public reach forward to the future. 

Dinner At Duc de Lorraine

A longtime Parisian-style pastry shop and cafe, Duc de Lorraine offers ample patio seating to bask in the Montreal atmosphere. 

Using only the finest natural ingredients, one bite of Duc de Lorraine’s macarons and pastries will transport you to France. Each bite is worth savoring. Pair with espresso and snag items on the menu for savory and scrumptious items to end your last day in Montreal! 

The best way to get around on your Montreal weekend trip is by foot or public transportation. Thankfully, Montreal is a walkable city. However, if you find your feet tired, your destinations are a bit too far apart, or if you’re interested in day trips from Montreal, consider taking the Montreal Metro or the bus for cost-efficient transportation. 

Montreal offers Uber to get around too. Always choose Uber over a taxi to save more money!

Explore Montreal from above on a helicopter tour as you check out Olympic Stadium, Mount Royal, and more!

Where To Stay 

Presenting a contemporary living space exuding an air of infinite possibilities, The David Hotel combines the refined history of a legacy establishment with an interior upgrade to evoke and inspire. Step up to the on-site bar, arouse mystery at the Speakeasy, or sit back and relax in a soothing space inspired by the Japanese art of “Kanzo.”

For your Montreal weekend trip, The David Hotel is one of the top destinations for luxury and relaxation. 

Eco-certified, Boxotel is an eco-friendly boutique hotel masterfully located in the perfect location in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. This hotel is with the times, offering local and environmentally-friendly products and committing daily practices to reduce energy consumption and waste. 

The rooms at Boxotel are adapted to the traveler, not the other way around! As a guest at Boxotel, you can recreate your space to fit your desires for optimal comfort during your stay. 

On the border of the Latin Quarter and the Plateau Mont-Royal, Hôtel Château de l’Argoat is close to Montreal’s many vibrant shops and restaurants, including Saint-Denis. This hotel offers incomparable charm and a location near the stunning social features and architecture that draws in people from all over the world to stay in Montreal.

Montreal is full of invigoration attractions and vibrant restaurants waiting to be explored. This Montreal weekend trip itinerary combines the best in Montreal, from delicious food to impressive museums and colorful botanical gardens. 

Prepare yourself for a world of excitement as you make cherished memories with family and friends in Montreal, “The City of Saints”!

Most Montrealers are fluent in English and are typically very accommodating when they sense an English accent. You should have no problem traveling through the city if you don’t know any French.

As you may assume, winters are pretty rough in Montreal. If you are not from the region, you may be up for a rude awakening. Unless you are traveling for winter sports in the area, we suggest looking at June and July where day time temps are in the mid-seventies and rain chances are usually lower.

Old Montreal is historical and touristy. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is stylish and a place to test out your French. Mile End for great eats and culture. The Village for vibrant nightlife.

What you should read next

Finding The Perfect Cottage In Ontario This Summer 5 Weekend Getaways From Ottawa You Won’t Want To Miss 9 Getaway-Worthy Northern Ontario Resorts in the Summer

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Feel rich living within your means

Weekend in Montreal: Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

By Eden Ashley To cover the cost of my website and the time I spend writing these posts, sometimes I link to affiliate products. If you choose to buy through these links (at no additional cost to you), thank you so much! It makes it possible for me to keep doing this. Disclosure Policy

Planning a weeking in Montreal? This Montreal itinerary is perfect for first-timers. It includes where to stay in the city, where to eat, and the best things to do in Montreal.

Montreal is the perfect weekend destination. Even though I’m Canadian, whenever I travel to Montreal, I feel like I’m in a completely different country.

From the predominance of the French language, to the cobblestone street of Old Montreal, there’s no other city like it in North America!

Some visitors say that Montreal reminds of them Europe and others say that it feels like a beautiful combination of both the old and new world. I think you’ll just have to visit and experience the charm of Montreal for yourself!

If you’re traveling to Montreal for the first time, I recommend spending at least 2 days in Montreal. This will give you plenty of time to see the main landmarks and highlights of the city.

If you have more time to spare, that’s awesome! You may also want to check out Quebec City as well, which is another lovely city in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Montreal is a very accessible city. There is really no reason to rent a car since their underground Metro and bus system makes it easy to get around.

This Montreal itinerary is also budget-friendly. It includes tips for how to see the city’s top attractions, how to save money on Montreal accommodations, and affordable restaurant recommendations.

Related Posts:

• Visiting Montreal for the First Time (16 Tips & Tricks)
• The ultimate guide to visiting Quebec City on a budget
• 10 romantic things to do in Quebec City

Table of Contents

What do I need to know about traveling to Montreal?

Best time to go : The best time to visit Montreal is the beginning of summer (June and July) and fall (September and October). This is when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

Best area to stay : Old Montreal is the best area to stay if you’re visiting Montreal for the first time. Other areas you’ll love include Downtown Montreal , Le Plateau Mont-Royal , The Village , and Mile End .

Best way to get around : The best way to get around Montreal is on foot. The city is very walkable. The Montreal metro and bus is also a quick and easy way to explore the city.

If you want to give your feet a break, consider riding the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour . This a fun way to get familiar with the different neighborhoods in Montreal.

Top 5 things to do in Montreal : La Grande Roue of Montreal , Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal , Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal , and exploring Old Montreal .

What’s Montreal known for? Montreal is famous for its bagels and poutine. It’s also known for being the first city to hold the Olympics in Canada in 1976, Mount Park Royal, and being the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil.

Helpful tips for first-timers in Montreal

Montreal is Canada’s second largest city (Toronto is #1).

The Port of Montreal is one of the largest waterways in the world.

Montreal is set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and named after Mt. Royal.

French is the city’s official spoken language, but most people speak both English and French.

A “Dep” is a convenience store. Short for “Dépanneur”.

Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada.

The legal drinking age is 18 (the legal drinking age is 19 in the rest of Canada).

If you’re driving, you can’t turn right on a red light.

What part of Montreal is best to stay in?

When visiting Montreal for the first time, the best neighborhoods to book your accommodations are:

• Old Montreal – The BEST location for first-time visitors.
• Downtown Montreal – This is ideal for luxury travellers.
• Le Plateau Mont-Royal – This area is ideal for families.
• The Village – A small neighborhood home to Montreal’s LGBTQ community.
• Mile End – The perfect neighborhood for foodies and art lovers.

Best hotels in Montreal for every budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, these are the best affordable hotels in Montreal:

• Epik Hotel Montreal – Located in Old Montreal.
• Maison Des Jardins B&B – Located in the Gay Village of Montreal.
• Hotel Alt Montreal – Located in Griffintown. 0.6 miles from Montreal’s Old Port.

If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, these are the best mid-range hotels in Montreal:

• Le Petit Hotel – Located in Old Montreal.
• Hotel Place D’Armes – Located in Old Montreal.
• Hotel Le Germain Montreal – Located in downtown Montreal.

If you want to splurge, these are the best luxury hotels in Montreal:

• Hotel Nelligan – One of the best locations in Old Montreal.
• Ritz-Carlton Hotel – Located in downtown Montreal.
• Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth – Located in downtown Montreal.

My go-to site for finding deals on hotels is Booking.com . Below you can find local hotel deals in Montreal.

Top 10 things to do in Montreal

Below are the top 10 things to do in Montreal according to GetYourGuide:

• La Grande Roue of Montreal
• Explore Old Montreal
• Check out downtown Montreal
• Visit Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
• Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
• Old Port of Montreal
• Mount Royal Park
• Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
• Montreal Olympic Park
• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

What should you not miss in Montreal?

Wander around Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal).

Visit Montreal’s Old Port (Vieux Port).

Eat Montreal bagels – St-Viateur Bagel is the best!

Visit the Marche Jean Talon (Jean-Talon Market) – Great for fresh fruits & vegetables.

Eat Poutine – This is french fries, gravy and cheese curds. It sounds like a strange combination, but it’s the ultimate Canadian comfort food.

Have a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli.

Visit Mount Royal Park.

Check out the Botonical Gardens.

Check out Quartier Des Spectacles – Located in the arts & entertainment district of downtown Montreal.

Visit the Olympic Stadium.

Explore Mile-End – This is one of Canada’s hippest neighborhoods.

What’s the best way to get around Montreal?

The best way to get around Montreal is by taking public transport. It’s fast, safe, and reliable.

Montreal is also a very walkable city, so if you’re staying in a central location such as Downtown Montreal or Old Port, then you can easily walk or bike to all the major attractions.

If you want to give your feet a rest and experience a fun way to get to know the city, consider riding the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or doing this popular scooter sightseeing tour.

This is an excellent way to see the top sights and learn more about Montreal with an engaging commentary.

Avoid renting a car since parking is quiet expensive at hotels and some streets are narrow. The metro is faster and much easier to use than driving.

You can also rent a bike and cycle around the city. There are tons of bike paths and it’s been named one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America.

H ow to save money on food in Montreal

Avoid eating at traditional French restaurants since these can be quite expensive.

Instead, consider eating at Montreal’s delicious vegetarian or ethnic restaurants, which are very affordable.

One of my favorite hotels in Montreal is Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites . The rooms are huge (and affordable), plus they offer a free continental breakfast. This helps us to save money when eating out.

Short on time? Consider taking this popular 3.5-hour guided bus tour . See over 200 sites and enjoy incredible views as you explore Mont Royal Park, Place Ville Marie shopping mall, Chinatown and Old Montreal.

You can check availability and book this tour below with GetYourGuide. This is the company I use to book all my travel tours because they offer free cancellation, just in case your travel plans change.

Montreal Itinerary: Day One

Start your morning by taking the Metro to Pie-IX station. We stayed at the Intercontinental in Old Montreal, so we bought a 2-trip ticket.

A 2-trip ticket saves you money and you’ll avoid waiting in line again to purchase another ticket.

For breakfast, head to Bistro Le Valois , about a 14-minute walk from the Pie-IX metro station. During the warmer months, you can enjoy a beautiful breakfast on the patio. The portions are generous and affordable.

I ordered the French crepes with maple syrup and my boyfriend ordered the French crepes with Nutella.

After breakfast, head to the Montreal Botanical Gardens . Here you’ll find one of the most beautiful gardens in Canada. Great for garden lovers or botany buffs!

My favorite area is the Chinese Gardens. It’s so pretty there that you’ll want to stop for awhile to take it all in.

When is the best time to visit the Montreal Botanical Gardens?

While anytime is good to visit the Botanical Gardens, my favorite time of year is during September and October .

This is also when the weather is more mild and the summer crowds have gone home.

Included in your admission ticket is access to Montreal’s Insectarium . It’s one of the largest insect museums in North America and fun for kids and adults alike.

Plan to spend 2 hours exploring the Montreal Botanical Gardens and Insectarium.

After enjoying the gardens, you can enjoy an incredible view of Montreal from the top of the Montreal Tower Observatory .

At 165 meters high with a 45-degree angle, this is the tallest inclined tower in the world. At the top of the tower, you can experience 360º panorama views.

Alternatively, if it’s raining or you’re visiting Montreal in the winter, I recommend spending the morning touring the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts .

This is the oldest and largest art museum in Canada and it’s located in the Golden Square Mile stretch of Sherbrooke Street.

The most famous paitings to see the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts include:

• Auguste Renoir – Young Girl with a Hat
• James Tissot – October
• Auguste Rodin – Sirens
• Gerrit van Honthorst
• Edgar Degas – At the Theatre: Woman Seated in the Balcony

More fun things to do in Montreal:

• 20 or 30-minte Helicopter tour of Montreal
• Montreal: 3.5-Hour Guided Bus Tour

Head to Old Montreal and grab a delicious lunch at Pub Saint Pierre . Exit at Square-Victoria–OACI metro station and walk about 9 minutes to your destination.

Their Veggie Pad Thai is super yummy and goes great with one of the local beers they have on tap.

Montreal Restaurant Etiquette:

While most people are bilingual in Montreal, knowing how to say a few phrases in French can be helpful.

• Bonjour – Hello (Say this in the morning and afternoon)
• Salut – Hello (This is another popular way to say ‘Hello’)
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• S’il vous plait – Please (It’s always polite to say “please” and “thank you”)
• Merci – Thank you (You can also say “Merci beaucoup” which means “Thank you very much”)
• Bonne Journée – Have a good day (Your waiter may say this when you leave the restaurant. You can smile and reply with “Merci”)
• La facture – The bill (If you want to ask for the bill, say “La facture s’il vous plait”)

After lunch, this is the perfect time to check out this Old Montreal itinerary. Don’t be afraid to get lost as you wonder the cobblestone streets.

Throughout the center of Old Montreal runs the city’s oldest street, Rue St-Paul (Saint Paul Street). The path was first paved back in 1672. Here you’ll find unique boutiques, galleries, and cute cafes.

If you’re still hungry, grab a sweet treat from Le Petit Dep or Mlle Catherine .

Make your way to Notre-Dame Basilica . This is one of the oldest examples of Gothic Revival religious architecture in Canada.

You can explore the church yourself, take a guided tour, or do the Aura Experience. This is an impressive light show in the evening. No Montreal itinerary would be complete without a visit to Notre-Dame Basilica.

After visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica, make your way over to Place Jacques-Cartier . This is one of the most popular squares in Montreal and a great place to people watch.

Here you’ll find Parisian-style “terraces”, stalls selling handmade goods, cute shops, and street artists.

For dinner, I recommend LOV Restaurant . My boyfriend and I agree that this was one of the best dinners he had during our trip.

Their hand-crafted cocktails are amazing and I really enjoyed the Big LOV Burger. You’ll want to make a reservation as this restaurant is popular on the weekends.

Montreal Itinerary:  Day Two

Start your morning by enjoying a yummy breakfast at Olive et Gourmando . This is a popular breakfast and brunch restaurant in Old Montreal. Call ahead and put your name on the list to avoid waiting in line for a table.

After breakfast, make your way down to the Old Port in this Montreal itinerary. This is one of the largest waterways in North American and a fun spot to visit during the warmer months.

Check out the national historic site Lachine Canal , which is a 13.5-kilometre path that runs between the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis.

Popular things to do in Old Port Montreal :

Montreal Observation Wheel Enjoy a spectacular view 60 meters high on the La Grande Roue de Montréal. This ferris wheel is iconic.

Rent a pedal boat This is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy a view of Montreal from the water.

Le Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise Make the most of the beautiful summer months by taking a cruise on Le Bateau-Mouche. This is a must when visiting Old Montreal.

Zipline Check out the first urban zipline circuit in Canada and experience Montreal from a bird’s eye view.

Clock Tower Beach Relax in a comfy chair on this beautiful sandy beach.

Bota Bota If you feeling like splurging, consider a visit to Bota Bota. This enchanting spa is popular with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a massage or check out their relaxing water circuit.

If you want to do something memorable in Montreal, consider taking this exciting helicopter tour . Here you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Montreal on a 20 or 30-minute helicopter flight above the city. This is the perfect photo opportunity.

Grab lunch at Pizzeria NO.900. This is the best spot in Montreal to get pizza and prices are affordable too.

After lunch, check out the Mile End neighborhood. This is a hip, laid-back area with tons of vintage shops, old-school bagel shops, cute cafes, and brunch spots.

Then head to Mount Royal Park .

If you’re visiting in the summer, check out Les Tam-tams du mont Royal , which is a free festival that takes place on Sundays near the monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier.

In Mount Royal Park’s surrounding green spaces you can check out drummers, dancers, and other vendors.

This is a small mountain you can climb that offers some of the best views of the city. It’s free to visit and takes approximately 30-45 minutes to walk up (depending on where you start).

Alternatively, if you don’t have time to explore Mount Royal Park, check out Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal instead.

This one of Canada’s largest churches and has one of the largest domes in the world. You definitely want to include this in your Montreal itinerary.

Enjoy dinner at Aux Vivres . This is a cute spot in the Westmount neighborhood of Montreal. Rue Sherbooke offers some nice shopping if you’re interested in browsing the stores.

Head to the Mount Royal lookout to enjoy a beautiful view of the city. This is a nice spot to see the sunset (or sunrise if you’re up early).

Alternatively, if it’s raining, you can spend the afternoon checking out the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and the Montreal Science Centre .

The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is the largest and most popular history museum in the city.

It’s also the largest archaeology museum in Canada where you can learn about how Montreal was founded.

• From Montreal: Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip
• Montreal: Electric Fat Tire Bike Ride on Mount Royal
• Walking Tour in Old Montreal’s West Side

Staying longer than a weekend in Montreal?

Here are some more fun places to visit near Montreal. These would make for a great day trip.

Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip

Discover the magic of Quebec City on a guided day trip by bus from Montreal. Be charmed by narrow streets, steep hills and historic treasures, and see a waterfall 1.5 times bigger than Niagara.

Jean-Talon Market 

This is a favorite market for locals and chefs alike. Here you can see a variety of fresh products. Pick up a few essentials and have a delicious picnic at a nearby park.

Old Montreal City Walking Tour

You can visit Montreal’s historic sights on this guided walking tour including Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market, Montreal City Hall and Champ de Mars (to name a few).

Old Montreal Ghost Tour

Explore Montreal in an unique way and meet the spirits and ghosts that still haunt its historic streets. I love going on ghost tours in old cities.

Atwater Market

Another popular market to buy gourmet olive oils, spices, vinegars, and dried fruits is Atwater Market (Marché Atwater).

As you make your way to Atwater Market, check out Little Little Burgundy, which is a fun neighborhood along the Lachine Canal. There is a lively path along the water, which leads to the market.

Biodome de Montreal

Walk through replicas of four ecosystems found in the Americas. This is fun for both kids and adults alike.

Ready to plan your Montreal vacation? See what hotel deals are available in the area thanks to Booking.com

Weekend in Montreal FAQs

When is the best time to visit montreal.

The best time to visit Montreal is in the fall ( September to November ) when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Another good time to visit is in the spring ( March to May ).

If you’re planning a trip to Montreal, I encourage you to check out Quebec City too. The best time to visit Quebec City is in the summer (June through September) and the winter (December through February) for its winter festivals.

Is April a good time to visit Montreal?

Yes, April can be a bit chilly, but this is a great time to visit Montreal when the crowds are small and hotel rooms are affordable.

Is 2 days enough in Montreal?

I recommend staying at least 2 full days in Montreal, especially for first-time visitors. This will give you enough time to see the historic center in Old Montreal, relax at the city’s cute cafes, and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

What is Montreal famous for?

Montreal is known for being the largest French-speaking city in Canada and North America. It’s home to Cirque de Soleil and hosted the Summer Olympics in 1976. 85% of the world’s maple syrup also comes from Quebec.

Is 3 days enough in Montreal?

Yes, you can easily see the best of what Montreal has to offer in just 3 days. This gives you enough time to explore the major landmarks, eat the best food in the city, and experience the local neighborhoods.

How many days do you need in Montreal?

Plan to spend at least 2 full days to exploring the main attractions in Montreal. If you have more time, consider visiting Quebec City, which is 3-hour drive from Montreal.

Can I get by speaking English in Montreal?

Quebec is a French speaking province, however most people in Montreal are bilingual and can speak both English and French. If you travel outside of Montreal in Quebec, you’ll find that English is rarely used.

Is Montreal worth visiting?

Yes, Montreal is definitely worth visiting. It’s the second largest city in Canada. It’s beautiful in both the summer and winter time. Visitors love the mix of European charm and modern North American style.

What food is Montreal known for?

Montreal has some of the most delicious food in Canada. Below are some popular food items that you must try when visiting Montreal:

• Poutine – Crispy fries with gravy and cheese curds. La Banquise is the most popular place to try this Canadian staple.
• Bagels – Head to St. Viateur and Fairmont for the best bagels in Montreal. These bagels are thinner, smaller and sweeter than New York bagels.
• Smoked meat sandwich – Schwartz’s Deli is the most popular spot for this iconic sandwich.

Is Montreal expensive to visit?

You should plan to spend around $226 per person (per day) for your vacation. Based on the expenses of other visitors, this is the average daily price. (Price are in Canadian Dollars).

As you can see, a vacation to Montreal for one week will cost an average of $1,583 per person. ( Source )

Is Montreal or Quebec City better to visit?

If you have time, I recommend visiting both cities, as there is so much to see and explore. For those who are looking to visit a large, ubran city, with lots of amazing restaurants, then check out Montreal. If you prefer to visit a smaller city with a romantic old town experience, then visit Quebec City.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

2 Days in Montreal Itinerary: How to Spend 48 Hours in Montreal

Have you been looking for the best 2 days in montreal itinerary you’ve come to the right place..

A center for food, culture, language, and education, Montreal has activities for every type of traveller.

But with only a few days to explore, it can be overwhelming to choose what to do in Montreal. Luckily, I’ve got you.

One of my favourite Canadian cities, I’ve visited here many times.

Let’s get right into this Montreal itinerary, perfect to use for a weekend in Montreal or for any time when you will spend two days in Montreal.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on qualifying purchases so we can continue to create helpful content. Thank you, and we appreciate it. See our disclosure policy for more information.

🚁 Want the best view of the city? Book the Helicopter Tour Over Montreal

Fun Fact: Montreal gets its name from the three-peak hill in the heart of the city, Mont-Royal. 

Table of Contents

Are 2 Days Enough in Montreal?

While 2 days is not enough for Montreal, it will give you a good taste of what the city has to offer.

There is no shortage of things to do or places to eat in Montreal . Since 2013, I have returned three times since, once in every season by winter, yet.

I recommend you spend a minimum of 2 days in Montreal.

How many days in Montreal will depend on what you like to do and the pace you prefer to travel at, however, every time I visit, I spend two to four days.

It takes time to travel between neighbourhoods, so spending at least two days in Montreal will give you the time to not miss must-visit attractions and restaurants. 

48 Hours in Montreal Itinerary :

Need to know how to spend 48 hours in Montreal? This itinerary focuses on Montreal’s main attractions and foodie spots. Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Montreal, Quebec.

Day 1 in Montreal – Mount Royal, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Old Port

Today will take you through the Mount Royal, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Old Port neighbourhoods of Montreal. 

Day One is jam-packed, so you will want to start your day early. If you only have one day in Montreal, you will want to use this day 1. This Montreal itinerary is designed to be adjustable to your needs. 

Mount Royal Park 

Mount Royal Park is a large green space park on top of a large hill directly beside downtown Montreal. Spanning 4 km by 2.5 km, Mount Royal Park features an artificial lake, trails, a lookout, and a sculpture garden. Standing 233 m at the top, Mount Royal provides a scenic view over Montreal , best viewed from the Mount Royal Lookout. 

In the winter, Mount Royal Park offers skating on Beaver Lake, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, along with snow tubing and toboggan hills. The park can be enjoyed year-round.

During my visit, I looked out over Montreal at the lookout and walked along one of the trails to reach the summit. Mount Royal lookout is especially beautiful in the fall with the fall foliage . We spent about an hour at Mount Royal Park.

Hours of Operation: Daily 24 hours Address: 1576 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC H2W 1S8

🤩 Visit Mount Royal and Old Montreal on this Montreal tour!

Saint Laurent Boulevard

Saint Laurent Boulevard is one of the main streets in Montreal, stretching through multiple neighbourhoods for more than 11 km. Featuring an abundance of shops, street art, and restaurants, Saint Laurent Boulevard is a must-visit on your trip to Montreal.

Every time I visit Montreal, I stop somewhere on Saint Laurent Boulevard. A few of my favourite places to visit in Saint Laurent include Slice+Soda, the famous Schwartz Deli, and touring the street art of the neighbourhood. 

Along Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal hosts a summer street-art festival called Mural Festival . During Mural Festival, Saint Laurent Boulevard is taken over by artists performing their street art live and live music, and traffic becomes pedestrian-only for everyone to enjoy the festival.

New art pieces are added each year, and some old art pieces get new looks, so the experience is unique every time. 

One of the most well-known street art pieces near Saint Laurent Boulevard is the Leonard Cohen murals. There are two murals of Leonard Cohen, the famous Canadian singer, in Montreal: one is at the corner of Rue Saint-Dominique and Rue Napoleon, and the other one is downtown at 1420 Crescent Street. 

We spent about 1-2 hours exploring Saint Laurent Boulevard and eating lunch. 

Saint Laurent Boulevard 

Hours of Operation: Daily 24 hours 

Address: 3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X9 (used Schwartz’s address to start you off)

🎨 Add this Mural Walking Tour to your Montreal Itinerary and discover the area’s best murals!

Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal

Notre Dame Basilica is a beautiful and historic early 19th-century Catholic church in the Old Port, Montreal. The interior of Notre Dame is one of the most dramatic interiors in the world. Inside the basilica features rich colours and stained glass showcasing Montreal’s religious history.

This famous landmark is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Visited by millions each year, Notre Dame Montreal is visited almost as much as Notre Dame in Paris. 

You will want to visit the interior for the best experience . Plan your visit to Notre Dame ahead. The interior is open to the public only on certain days and times each week, and a ticket is required . 

Notre Dame offers two different entry options: a self-guided tour and the Aura experience . For the self-guided tour, you are free to wander around the interior of the church at your own pace within the allotted time frame. For the Aura experience, you are immersed in a multimedia experience of orchestral sounds and dynamic lighting to add to the beautiful architecture. 

During my most recent Montreal trip, I finally visited the inside of Notre Dame. Previously I had only admired the exterior of the church. I spent about 30 minutes inside Notre Dame, but tickets allow for an hour.

Whether you choose to visit the interior or the exterior of Notre Dame, it is worth adding to your Montreal itinerary. 

Hours of Operation: Changes as needed, check the website for details

Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T1

Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only available online or as part of a tour. 

🤩 Visit the Interior of Notre Dame and more on this Montreal Walking tour!

Old Port Montreal

Old Port is a historic neighbourhood in Montreal, located along a 2 km stretch of the Saint Lawrence River. A former early 17th-century fur trading post, Old Port was redeveloped in the 1990s and is currently used for recreation purposes.

This historic neighbourhood includes many restaurants, cafes, shops and attractions: including the Montreal Science Center, a Ferris Wheel, an urban beach, and an IMAX theatre.

Millions of people visit Old Montreal each year, especially in the summer or on holiday weekends. Old Port is a great place to go for a walking tour , grab something to eat, and admire the architecture; the neighbourhood is unlike the rest of Montreal. 

One street in Old Port to not skip is Rue Saint Paul. Rue Saint Paul is a cobblestone road filled with restaurants and shops, along with musical performers. Each time I visit Montreal, I stop by Rue Saint Paul.  

Hours of Operation: Daily 24 hours

Address: Rue Saint-Paul, Montreal, QC

🤩 Discover the best of Old Montreal on this walking tour!

St Lawrence River  

The St.Lawrence River runs from Lake Ontario for thousands of kilometres, passing through Montreal and onwards until it reaches the Gulf of St.Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.

Running along Montreal’s eastern border, there are many spots to admire the St Lawrence River. The piers in Old Port Montreal provide a good place to walk along the river.

Another way to experience St Lawrence is by river cruise. During my visit to Montreal, I walked along St Lawrence in Old Port, at King Edward Pier near the Science Centre. 

St Lawrence River 

🛥️ Discover Montreal from the water on this St.Lawrence River Cruise!

If you are looking for an activity to do while at the riverfront in Old Port, try the Montreal Science Centre. If time is tight or you aren’t interested in a museum for today, skip to the next activity. 

Montreal Science Centre

Montreal Science Centre is a science museum located in the Old Port neighbourhood of Montreal. Featuring a variety of permanent and travelling interactive science and technology exhibits and an IMAX theatre, Montreal Science Centre is a fun experience for all ages. During my visit to the Science Centre, there was a temporary shark exhibit, and I enjoyed it. 

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 9 am – 4 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am – 5 pm 

Address: 2 de la Commune St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 4B2

Note: Tickets must be purchased online from their website

La Grande Roue de Montréal – Montreal Ferris Wheel 

La Grande Roue de Montréal is a Ferris Wheel located in the Old Port neighbourhood. Standing 60 m tall, La Grande Roue de Montréal is the largest Ferris Wheel in Canada.

Built to celebrate Montréal’s 375th birthday, the Ferris Wheel has been open to the public since late 2017. Providing panoramic views of the city along with temperature-controlled cabins, the Ferris Wheel is ready to be enjoyed year-round and is one of the most fun summer activities in Montreal . 

During my visit, it was raining so I did not ride. I visited the Ferris Wheel area and enjoyed some cotton candy from Mary’s Gourmet Popcorn in Old Port nearby. I plan to ride La Grande Roue de Montréal on my next trip to Montréal.

Hours of Operation: Daily 10 am – 11 pm, Area open 6 am-midnight

Address: 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4

🤩 Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel for great views of Old Montreal!

After the Ferris Wheel, this 1-day Montreal itinerary is done. Head back to your accommodations and rest for tomorrow. 

Day 2 i n Montreal – Little Italy and Mile End

Today will take you through Little Italy, Mile End, and the downtown neighbourhoods of Montreal. If you haven’t figured it out yet, there is a lot of delicious food to eat in Montreal, so we will continue eating our way through the city.

Jean-Talon Market – Jean Talon March é

Jean-Talon Market is a farmer’s market in the Little Italy neighbourhood of Montreal. Located on Jean-Talon Street, the market spans a whole city block and is the largest market in Montreal.

Open to the public since 1933, Jean-Talon is one of the oldest markets in Montreal. The market features an indoor and open-air outdoor section, housing more than 300 vendors, with most vendors coming from the farms surrounding Montreal.

The indoor section of the market is open year-round, while the outdoor alleys close in October for winter. During weekends, the outdoor market alleys are for pedestrian traffic only. 

You will find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants at Jean-Talon carrying high-quality and mostly local products. During my trip to the market, I purchased many items, including local cheeses and meats, pastries, fruits, maple syrup, and local chocolate milk.

I spent about 2 hours at the market, wandering slowly through all the vendors and snacking along the way.

Jean-Talon Market – Jean Talon Marché

Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 8 am – 6 pm, Sun 8 am – 5 pm

Address: 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3

🍴 Add this Jean Talon Market and Little Italy Food tour to your Montreal Itinerary to indulge in the best food of the area!

Mile End 

Mile End is a trendy and unique neighbourhood in Montreal. Featuring art galleries, cafes and boutiques, Mile End is home to well-known places such as St.Viateur Bagels and Cafe Olimpico. Great to explore on a bike tour or by walking.

Rain or shine, Mile End is beautiful to visit and wind down. Don’t forget to pick up some Montreal-style bagels and try the local cafes. 

Address: 263 Rue Saint- Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2V 1Y1 (used St.Viateur Bagel’s address for you to start at)

🍴 Visit the best spots on this Mile End Food tour!

Bonus Activity: 

Barbie Expo

Barbie Expo in downtown Montreal is home to the largest permanent Barbie exhibit in the world. The Barbie collection features more than 1000 unique Barbie dolls, including dolls inspired by celebrities, artists, fashion designers, and pop culture.

Barbie Expo is a fun and unique experience for both children and adults. My favourite Barbies in the expo included dolls inspired by Van Gogh and Star Trek. 

Hours of Operation: Mon-Wed 10 am – 6 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am – 9 pm, Sat 10 am – 6p m, Sun 12 pm -5 pm

Address: 1455 Rue Peel suite 206, Montréal, QC H3A 1T5, Floor 1

You can see more information on the Barbie Expo website

Once finished, you have completed this 2 Day Montreal itinerary.

Are you looking for more ideas on what to see in Montreal in 2 days? Try these activities. 

• Montreal Botanical Garden
• Lachine Canal
• Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
• La Fontaine Park

Note: Observatoire Place Ville Marie is closed. The lookout is no longer accessible and has closed down. 

Where to Stay in Montreal

Fairmont Queen Elizabeth – a luxury hotel with a UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge

Hotel Bonaventure – a boutique hotel with an outdoor pool

Hotel Omni Mont-Royal – an aparthotel near Mont-Royal with a full spa

Getting Around Montreal

There are multiple options for getting around in Montreal, including walking, bus, metro and driving.

Public transportation is pretty clean and reliable in Montreal, especially the metro. The metro (STM) connects downtown along with all attractions. Plan your routes and purchase a day pass whenever it makes sense with your travel plans. 

Here is the metro map for your convenience.

How to Get Downtown from the Airport

Montreal has two airports, Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau (YUL) and Montreal-Mirabel (YMX), the most popular being YUL.

To get to downtown Montreal, from the airport (YUL) the best option is to take the 747 bus or a private transfer .

The 747 bus runs daily, 24 hours and will take you downtown to the Berri-UQAM Station. The ride lasts between 45-70 minutes and costs around $10, paid in coins. The fare includes unlimited rides on buses and the metro for 24 consecutive hours. 

What Language Do They Speak in Montreal?

While French is the primary language spoken in Quebec, Montreal is bilingual, speaking both English and French .

Montreal has the most french speaking people in the world, second to visiting Paris, France .

Immerse yourself in the culture, and you will hear both French and English spoken everywhere you go in Montreal.

You do not need to speak French to visit Montreal, but it is always good to practice. 

Helpful Tips for Visiting Montreal 

• Weekdays are less busy to visit Montreal than weekends and long weekends.
• Summer and Fall are the best times of the year to visit Montreal for the best weather.
• The currency of Montreal is the same as Canada, Canadian dollars.
• The drinking age in Quebec is 18 years old.

FAQs about Planning a Trip to Montreal

How many days do you need for montreal .

While it depends on what you say, plan to spend a minimum of 2 days in Montreal. For a fuller and slower experience, spend 3-4 days.

Is Montreal a Good Weekend Trip?

Montreal makes a great weekend trip destination. In fact, all three times I’ve visited so far have been on weekends or long weekends. Just be aware that Montreal tends to be a popular holiday weekend destination, so plan for crowds.

What is the Best Month to Visit Montreal?

Picking the best month is difficult, but the best time to visit Montreal would be summer. Weather is at its peak, the city is alive, and festivals are abundant. But Montreal is a great year-round destination, so you can truly enjoy it in any month.

What Should I Not Miss in Montreal?

A few things that you should not miss in Montreal include: visiting Old Montreal, eating at Schwartz, and seeing the city from above at Mont Royal Park.

Is it Easy to Get Around Montreal Without a Car?

The public transportation system in Montreal makes it easy to get around Montreal without a car. While it will take longer than driving, it’s still very doable to get to most destinations in the city. 

What is the Most Beautiful Part of Montreal?

The most beautiful part of Montreal is the neighbourhood of Old Port, known as Old Montreal. This historic neighbourhood contains the iconic Notre Dame, shopping, restaurants, and cobblestone streets and is a must-visit on your trip to Montreal.

Is Montreal or Quebec City Better to Visit?

To visit Montreal vs Quebec City is a tough question! Montreal is modern, with a pretty historic waterfront area, and Quebec City is a historic city with European charm and some of the most beautiful streets in Quebec . Both are great, and I recommend visiting both on the same trip if possible. If you must choose, I’d go to Montreal as a first-time visitor.

🤩 Discover the highlights of Montreal on this Full-Day Tour!

Final Thoughts: Montreal 2 Day Itinerary

When planning a trip to Montreal, be flexible with your itinerary if possible. While you can see a lot of Montreal in 2 days, you will most likely find you want to spend more time here.

On my most recent trip, I ended up changing my travel plans and cancelled another destination to have an additional two days in Montreal and extra time visiting Quebec City .

Happy travelling!

Related Posts – Canada

• Where to Eat in Montreal
• 15 Top Montreal Walking Tours
• Hike at Pink Lake
• Visit Montmorency Falls, Quebec City
• A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Quebec
• Rue du Petit Champlain: Old Quebec City
• Winter Things to Do in Niagara
• Finding Bathtub Island
• Hike Edmund Fitzgerald Trail
• What to Do in Quebec City for 3 Days
• Enderby Cliffs
• Tours of Jasper National Park
• Food Tour of Downtown Jasper
• Hopewell Rocks Tides, New Brunswick
• Cape Spear Newfoundland Sunrise
• How Long to Drive the Irish Loop Newfoundland
• La Manche Bridge Hike
• What to See in Newfoundland

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant Included

Here's where to eat, stay, and explore in Montreal, according to a local.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Places to Eat

Best nightlife, best shopping, best neighborhoods to visit, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais , are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of their favorite cities in Canada in 2023 .

The sophisticated, French-speaking (yet very bilingual), culturally diverse city lays claim to world-class restaurants, lovely parks, superb art galleries and museums, a dynamic music scene, inspiring 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

It can also be a lot of fun in the winter , when locals like to get out and celebrate the cold and snow, even extending the revelry at outdoor festivals and concerts at night.

R.M. Nunes/Getty Images

Thom Seivewright, a Montreal expert and former hotel concierge, launched his small-group tour company, Tours Montreal , in the Canadian city in 2016. “Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size,” he says. “There’s obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.”

There’s a big emphasis on food , too. Montrealers love their bagels, cheeses, poutine, and maple syrup, and they’re loyal to their chef-owned restaurants. “It’s a little gem of a city that has world-class dining — and world-class junk food,” says Seivewright. 

Long known for its exuberant after-dark scene, Montreal has it all, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, jazz bars to pulsating dance clubs. The city is even planning to create a 24-hour nightlife district .

Here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The fashionable, Parisian-style brasserie and rooftop terrace at Hôtel Le Place d’Armes, a boutique luxury property overlooking Place d’Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also responsible for New York City’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal is an oasis of greenery in the city center.
• Mon Lapin, a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy serving natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small plates, was voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 . 
• Bar Furco’s lovely terrace becomes lively in the summer during Montreal’s ritual cinq à sept (happy hour).
• Saint Laurent Boulevard, a.k.a. the Main, is a good place to get a glimpse of Montreal’s 19th- and 20th-century immigrant history. It's also the historical dividing line between French and English in the city.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan , located in the heart of Old Montreal, was T+L readers' favorite city hotel in Canada in 2023 . Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront. Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Another T+L reader favorite, Hôtel Place d’Armes is housed in four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica. The property is highly rated for its tasteful rooms featuring hardwood floors and brick walls, swanky French brasserie , and popular rooftop terrace. 

Hôtel Uville

One of the city’s newer hotels, opened in 2020, Hôtel Uville got its name thanks to its location in Old Montreal’s Place d’Youville. Uville is part design hotel, part museum — a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and '70s. This was transformative period, a time when francophone Quebecers were turning away from the Catholic church and leading the charge in North America vis-à-vis cuisine, style, and design — the culmination of which were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics.

“This hotel is very cool,” says Seivewright. “They did a great job. The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing. They’ve got archival photos and artifacts from the '60s and '70s in each of the rooms, and documentary films from the National Film Board that you can watch on your room’s TV.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Montreal’s grande-dame hotel, the Ritz-Carlton , opened in 1912 in the city's Golden Square Mile. In addition to housing chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud , the refined property offers afternoon tea in the ornate Palm Court and seasonal garden terrace, Spa St. James, and an indoor saltwater pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Located in Golden Square Mile since 2019, the posh  Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is connected via a third-floor walkway to the luxury department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy . The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator. What more could you want from a world-class Montreal hotel ?

Best Things to Do 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Parc du Mont-Royal

What Central Park is to New Yorkers and Hyde Park to Londoners, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Mount Royal Park, is to Montrealers. At 764 feet high, Mount Royal may not be much of a mountain, but the park is, as Seivewritght says, “the heart and soul of the city.” He adds, “The fact that Montreal is a four-season city and Mount Royal is a four-season park makes it even better because you’ve got skiing, skating, and tobogganing in the wintertime. And in the summer, you can go biking and walking.” You can also go for a picnic and rent a rowboat or Mölkky or spikeball equipment at Beaver Lake. 

Old Montreal

With its graystone buildings and narrow streets, Old Montreal can sometimes feel like a slice of Europe in North America. Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here. Not only will you find the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica , the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel , the Second Empire-style City Hall, and the neoclassic Marché Bonsecours , but it’s also home to pretty boutique hotels, haute-couture shops, and chef-owned restaurants.

Pointe-à-Callière

A national archaeological site, Pointe-à-Callière , now an impressive archaeology and history museum, sits above the ruins of the birthplace of Montreal. “The Pointe-à-Callière museum is amazing,” says Seivewright. “They’ll take you underground to see the ruins of the original fortifications of Montreal, the original city the French built here in the 1600s.” Visitors can also see Indigenous artifacts uncovered during a dig and part of North America’s first collector sewer, built between 1832 and 1838.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Gallery

Opened in Montreal in an 80,000-square-foot building in 2011, Arsenal Contemporary Art has since expanded to include locations in Toronto and New York City. “Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town. These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal. It has an amazing [selection] in its permanent collection, but it also puts on temporary exhibits that are just mind-blowing,” says Seivewright.

Montreal is a city of festivals, with everything from jazz (the city hosts the world’s largest jazz festival) to Pride to circus arts celebrated here. There’s even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called the Quartier des Spectacles . While there are festivals year-round , May to September is the city’s busiest period.

eyedias/Getty Images

La Banquise

One of Quebec's most beloved foods is poutine, traditionally a mess (translation of "poutine") of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But poutine continues to get more upscale. A veritable institution since 1968, La Banquise doesn’t claim to be high-end, but the casual eatery serves 35 kinds of poutine and it’s open 24 hours. “La Banquise is a classic. I’m [vegetarian], and in my opinion, the veggie gravies are even more delicious,” says Seivewright. “A lot of people knock La Banquise because it’s popular, but I stand by it.”

Montreal Plaza

The design at Montreal Plaza is elegant and stylish, yet also notable for its eccentric touches like a dollhouse hanging upside down from the ceiling and Elmo sitting on the bar. Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs. Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crête and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way. “This is my favorite place,” says Seivewright. “It’s not the just the way the food is prepared or what it is, but the whimsical, creative way it’s presented.”

Sushi Momo , from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreal’s best vegan sushi restaurant. The sleek, dimly lit, botanically adorned space in the Plateau area is inviting, while the artfully plated confections are a feast for the eyes and the fusion of flavors a song for the taste buds.

Nora Gray , a lively, casual restaurant in Griffintown, is known for its southern Italian cuisine, updated cucina povera , and privately imported natural and organic wines. The dark wood, banquettes, long bar, and warm candlelight lend the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and club-like feel. 

Dominique Lafond

Voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 , Mon Lapin is a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy. It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.

Henryk Sadura/Getty Images

Cloakroom Bar

The 25-seat Cloakroom Bar , with a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere, was named Canada’s second-best bar in 2023 . “It’s one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world,” says Seivewright. “It’s hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler. It’s very exclusive feeling. You tell them, 'I like gin, I like citrus,' and they’ll create something for you. If you’re three people and you all like the same thing, they’ll create three different drinks.”

Situated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Diese Onze is an intimate jazz bar that also serves tapas and mains. “I’m a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze,” says Seivewright. “It’s a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.”

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

A Montreal institution since 1995, Upstairs is, funnily enough, located in a basement. It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 

Established in 1997, this European-style pub between the Quartier des Spectacles and student-heavy Quartier Latin is quite cozy inside, but it’s the enclosed, leafy terrace at the back that draws people here come summer. The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Élisabeth is about the ambience. 

The minimalist redesign of the Canadian Fur Company building (hence Furco ), located on a downtown back street, is a big draw for wine lovers and the happy hour crowd. It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.

Maison Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre 's Montreal-made, ready-to-wear pieces marry timeless feminine styles with contemporary flair and function.

Entering this handsome Crescent Street atelier-cum-boutique near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is like stepping into an old-school European tailor shop. Started by their father, Arthur Der Shahinian, sons Tavit and John carry on the tradition of crafting impeccably fitted and designed bespoke men’s suits and shirts, with damask silk lining and hand-sewn button holes, never compromising on quality or friendly, professional service.

Simons is originally from Quebec City, but it’s popular in cities across Canada. The small, mid-range department store downtown carries popular fashion brands as well as its own collections, in addition to homewares. “I’m a big fan of Simons,” says Seivewright. “I buy half my clothes there. The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that it’s a local brand.”

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

Montreal’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a one-stop shop for all things luxury, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Clients can also enjoy a personal shopping experience in one of the five fifth-floor suites or the glamorous art-deco Café Holt, with its remarkable solar-like orb set above the central bar.

Saint Laurent Boulevard

“Saint Laurent [Boulevard], between Saint Joseph Boulevard and up to Van Horne Avenue, has the best boutique design shopping nowadays,” says Seivewright. “You could go all the way up to Little Italy and it’s still amazing. I was walking there the other day and every single window I walked by made me want to go in. There are furniture shops, clothing shops, and jewelry shops — some of it is new, some of it is vintage, and it’s all local.”

Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri, once a francophone working-class neighborhood, is now gentrified, replete with popular, chef-owned wine bars and restaurants, antiques shops, cafes, and boutiques. Still, it retains pockets of its former self. “I love it because it has parts that haven’t changed in a hundred years and others that make it the most modern neighborhood in Montreal,” says Seivewright. “It’s got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll have a multimillion-dollar home next to a really rundown place, and you see that contrast. Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English. You've got old people, young people — it’s a neighborhood where everything mixes.”

Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End

Once relegated to working-class European immigrants, the Plateau/Mile End area is the epicenter of Montreal’s creativity and bohemian joie de vivre. Leafy streets lined with triplexes fronted by balconies and steep, often-winding, wrought-iron staircases invite visitors to explore this neighborhood bursting with convivial cafes, top-drawer restaurants , funky vintage shops, and trendy boutiques.

For a glimpse into how the upper crust of Montreal lived until the 1970s and '80s, head to the neighborhood of Outremont. Its two main shopping and dining strips are Bernard Ouest and Laurier Ouest avenues — part of the former turns into a pedestrian-only area come summer, with restaurant terraces sitting directly on the street.

Montreal is a four-season city. Late April to mid-May tends to be best for blooming trees, while October to early November is usually prime for leaf peeping. The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare. For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal. Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May. Visit in May, June, or late August through September and October to avoid the worst of the summer temperatures and crowds.

Chris Jongkind/Getty Images

Montreal can be reached via regular flights with Air Canada, Delta, American, and United. Flying from New York’s LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, better known as Dorval (YUL), takes about 90 minutes gate to gate. Driving may be cheaper, but it takes about seven hours, and unless you’re planning to pay for hotel parking, parking in Montreal can be a hassle. For travelers living in New York or Vermont, a more scenic and leisurely option (10 hours) is Amtrak’s Adirondack train from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station).

Patrick Donovan/Getty Images

In summer, the best way to get around is on foot or by Bixi, the city-wide bicycle rental system. In 2023, Bixi decided to end the storage of their bicycles during the winter, so they are now available year-round. However, there are not as many stations as in summer. The metro (subway) is fairly reliable and frequent during rush hour — and often the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not. An Opus card can be purchased with several fares added, if you’re planning on using the metro and/or buses often. Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.

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Home » North America » Montreal

WEEKEND in Montreal – 48 Hour Guide (2024)

Montreal is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new. It boasts the forward-facing modernity of North America as well as the quaint charm of an antiquated European city. The neighborhood of Old Montreal is one of the oldest urban areas in North America.

With the largest population in the whole of Canada, this multifaceted metropolis is a vibrant and bustling city, filled with friendly locals. It’s a city where 21st-century skyscrapers meet 17th and 18th-century traditional buildings. It’s also where you’ll find the largest population of French speakers outside of Paris.

Montreal is the 2nd largest city in Canada, and offers plenty for visitors to see and do! It’s home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture and sits atop the largest underground complex on earth.

Montreal’s food is world-renowned for being incredible and its arts and culture scene is top-notch. The nightlife is lively and welcoming, and the city is a Canadian sporting hub!

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Insider Tips for an AMAZING Weekend in Montreal

Montreal nightlife guide, montreal food guide, sporting events in montreal, weekend cultural entertainment in montreal – music/concerts/theatre, montreal weekend travel faqs.

Weekend trips to Montreal are a great way to explore the city, but we know it can be tricky planning a trip to a new city. That’s why we’ve put together this Montreal travel guide. It’s packed full of tips, advice, and information to make your Montreal weekend trip as easy and enjoyable as possible!

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Know Where to Stay in Montreal

There are many awesome neighborhoods in Montreal, each offering their own character and charm. The heart of the city is Old Montreal, the oldest part of town, where Montreal’s roots are firmly planted. Old Montreal is home to most of the city’s major tourist attractions.

Le Plateau is a cool neighborhood with a great vibe, and one of the best-known parts of the city, while Downtown Montreal is the central business district and has an uptempo nightlife. Griffintown is great if you’re traveling Montreal on a budget , and Le Village is a vibrant neighborhood with a thriving LGBTQ community.

Seeing as you’ll only be spending a weekend or two days in Montreal, it’s best to find accommodation that is centrally located in a neighborhood that suits you! All of the neighborhoods we’ve mentioned are in great locations and well connected. Check out our Montreal neighborhood guide for more information.

Our Favorite Hostel – M Montreal

• Second place award for ‘Best extra large hostel in the world’ in the 2019 Hoscars
• Plenty of happy travelers and an absolutely awesome atmosphere
• Perfectly located in the heart of the city, just a 10-minute walk from several of the most popular neighborhoods

Montreal has many great hostels , but there is one clear winner. A modern and spacious hostel set in an old building, the multi-award winning M Montreal is unarguably the best hostel in Montreal. The decor is stylish, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the amenities are amazing. The hostel features an incredibly large rooftop terrace with a hot tub swimming pool!

Our Favorite Budget Hotel – Hotel Y de Montreal

• Excellent location, well-connected by public transport, and a pleasant atmosphere
• Each room comes with cable TV and ironing facilities
• Free WiFi, communal kitchen, coffee shop, and computer room on site

Hotel Y de Monreal offers great, comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price. The hotel is in a great location in Downtown Montreal, within walking distance of many bars, restaurants, and museums. The rooms are clean and comfortable and come with all of the usual amenities.

Our Favorite Splurge Hotel – The Ritz-Carlton Montreal

• Stunning garden surrounds with dense greenery, cobbled paths, a pool, and twinkling lights
• Delicious contemporary French cuisine available at the onsite Maison Boulud
• There is a 24-hour concierge service and in-room massages are available

With a location about as central as possible, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal is an incredibly luxurious hotel with opulent design and impressive architecture. Each of the incredibly spacious rooms features multiple TVs, digitally controlled lights and curtains, and a marble bathroom with heated floors. This hotel offers the ultimate luxurious experience.

Best Airbnb in Montreal: The Rustic Chic

Spacious and stylish, this three-bedroom apartment in the Le Plateau neighbourhood is the best Airbnb in Montreal.

Great for a small family or a group of friends, this conveniently located apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, unlimited wifi, and a large private balcony. Enjoy a clean and comfortable home just minutes from the action.

Know How to Get Around in Montreal

Montreal is a great city for walking. Not only is it highly walkable, but strolling through its streets is a great way to see the many points of interest. You’ll get to soak up the atmosphere and see the sights of the city while you move between destinations.

Another great way to move around Montreal, and the best way to travel between neighborhoods, is the public transit system. The city has an amazing public transport network, made up of a subway system and busses. The system is convenient, efficient, and highly affordable.

A three-day transit pass is a great option if you’re spending two or three days in Montreal and the weekly transit pass is great for longer trips. Passes are available at any STM terminal.

Driving in Montreal can be tricky, and is generally best avoided. Parking and gas prices are both particularly high, and all of the road signs are in French. This makes driving in Montreal expensive and stressful, so we recommend you make use of public transport and your own two feet instead!

Another great way to get around is by making use of BIXI, Montreal’s bike sharing system. It’s an affordable and easy way to get around the city, and it can also be a great way to explore! Cycling around Montreal is not only a lovely way to get a feel for the city, but it’s also an awesome holiday workout, too!

The Montreal nightlife is as varied as it is exciting, with plenty of evening venues spread across its numerous vibrant neighborhoods! From stylish nightclubs to vintage vinyl bars, Montreal’s nightlife is not to be missed. Weekends in Montreal are particularly great for nightlife!

Boulevard St. Laurent – The Plateau

• Plenty of clubs, bars, restaurants, and more nightlife venues to choose from!
• The street (and neighborhood in which it’s housed) is known for its nightlife and has a vibrant atmosphere
• Particularly good area for a young professional club scene

Boulevard St. Laurent is one of the main nightlife hubs of Montreal. It runs through the heart of Le Plateau, one of Montreal’s hippest and most artistic neighborhoods, and is home to a myriad of nightlife venues. Wander down for a night of clubbing at Commission des Liqueurs, or a tasty craft brew at Reservoir!

• Central location just east of Downtown Montreal
• Between May and September, a main section of road is made pedestrian only and comes to life with thousands of sparkling lights
• A lively atmosphere with an open and accepting vibe throughout

Also known as The Gay Village, this colorful neighborhood in Montreal has a vibrant nightlife famous for its LGBTQ friendly clubs and bars. The streets are lined with a fantastic selection of drinking establishments and restaurants, and the atmosphere is intoxicating. It’s a great place to enjoy Montreal’s thriving nightlife, whether or not you identify as part of the LGBTQ community.

Old Montreal

• Experience the Montreal of the past and enjoy a classy evening out
• Food trucks in summer make for great late night eating
• The stone-walled Velvet Speakeasy is a fantastic evening venue with a great atmosphere

Old Montreal is the historic site of the original city and a cultural hub of modern-day Montreal. During the evenings, the cobblestone streets and old buildings host a classy nightlife. Here, you’ll find a plethora of trendy and upscale eating establishments, clubs, and bars.

Montreal is famous for its incredible food. From traditional local cuisine to a creative and innovative modern culinary scene, this city is a foodie fantasy. And don’t worry, it’s not all poutine. You can eat vegan in Montreal too!

Jean-Talon Market

• One of North America’s largest public markets
• Incredible range of culinary delights from the obscure to international favorites
• Weekends are the market’s busiest time, and the atmosphere is wonderfully vibrant

Located in Montreal’s Little Italy district, Jean-Talon Market is an open-air food market that is open all year round! The majority of the produce is locally grown, and the food on offer is truly sensational. Hundreds of vendors offer an incredible variety of flavors, from fresh produce to wonderfully prepared culinary creations.

Local Food Tour

• Delve into a journey of taste and culture as you walk through a thriving neighborhood
• Six stops each offering a unique and authentic flavor experience
• A three-hour tour covering around 1.4 miles (it’s a walking tour, so come prepared)

This Montreal food tour takes you through Mile End, Montreal’s top cultural and culinary destination. It’s a thriving community of young creatives and entrepreneurs, and you’ll learn all about it on this tour. You’ll stop by at several foodie destinations, tasting the incredible flavors of Montreal along the way.

Bistro L’entrepont

• Big portions of delicious food and good value for money
• The restaurant allows you to bring your own alcohol and doesn’t charge a corkage fee
• Great atmosphere with a relaxed and friendly vibe

If you’re after an impressive local cuisine dining experience during your weekend in Montreal, it doesn’t get much better than Bistro L’entrepont. This quaint restaurant has a top-notch menu and serves some of the best local food in the city. The restaurant offers great service, a nice atmosphere, and tasty food.

Montreal is a fantastic sporting city, whether you’re a team sports fan or prefer adventure activities. Despite sport being highly seasonal due to dramatic weather variations, there is always something sporty to do in Montreal!

Catch a Hockey Match

• Enjoy the thrilling excitement of watching Canada’s favorite sport with dedicated fans
• Montreal’s famous NHL team is the Montreal Canadiens
• You can find fixture dates for the Montreal Canadiens on the NHL website

Hockey is by far Canada’s most popular sport. This isn’t field hockey; it’s hardcore, fast-paced ice hockey, and it’s incredibly exciting to watch. If you’re a sports fan visiting Montreal in season (October – May/June), you have to catch a game of hockey. If there aren’t any NHL games scheduled for when you’re visiting, you could check out a minor league hockey game.

SUP, Surf, and Kayak

• Admire the scenery as you Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) or Kayak along the beautiful Lawrence river
• You can even catch one of Montreal’s famous river surf waves that travel right through the city
• Each offers a great workout and awesome experience

The majority of Montreal is on an island, with a river flowing by it on either side. This makes it a great city for water sports (in summer, that is). KSF is an adventure tourism specialist in Montreal that offers a range of awesome water-based activities. Surf, SUP, or Kayak surrounded by the beautiful natural and man-made scenery of Montreal and one of the coolest things to do in Montreal!

Go Ice Skating

• Montreal has plenty of awesome ice skating rinks and destinations, both indoor and outdoor
• Parc La Fontaine is free, great for nature lovers, and located near the city center
• Ice skating is a great form of exercise, and a whole lot of fun!

Montreal can get really cold in winter, but the icy temperatures don’t come without benefits. Winter in Montreal means awesome ice skating opportunities. Parc La Fontaine is a large outdoor skating destination in Montreal, and one of the best places to ice skating in the city. Its rinks and ice paths are surrounded by trees and wildlife, yet it’s located in the heart of the city.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Montreal is renowned around the world for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Here are some of the highlights!

House of Jazz

• Delicious food and drinks are served to your table
• The music is great, and the atmosphere is warm, soft, and welcoming
• Open from the afternoon till late evening every day

A bar, restaurant, and landmark jazz music venue, House of Jazz in Montreal has welcomed many big-name jazz artists over the past half-decade. Each evening, the venue vibrates with the sounds of local up-and-coming jazz artists and experienced jazz masters.

Montreal Theatre

• Centaur Theatre Company and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts consistently stage world-class theatre productions in English
• There are many theatres in Montreal, hosting everything from big-budget international productions to local indie theatre
• Watching theatre is a great way to spend an evening in Montreal, whatever the weather

Montreal is a prominent host of world-class theatre. Its theatre scene is divided into French and English language theatre production companies, and each of these communities frequently stages top-notch theatre productions. The two main English language production companies in Montreal are Centaur Theatre Company and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts.

Catch a Montreal Festival

• Montreal hosts around 100 festivals each year
• The majority of our favorite festivals occur in the summer months, but winter has them too!
• A great range of festivals that cater to all types of interests

Montreal is known for hosting a vast array of music, culture, food and art festivals each year. During the summer months, barely a day goes by without another amazing festival hitting the streets of Montreal!

Osheaga and Jazz Fest are amongst the city’s most popular music festivals, occurring around early August and late June each year respectively. But the range of festivals in Montreal is vast, from the colorful Montreal Pride and Fringe Fest to Comicon and comedy festivals, there’s never a dull moment in the Montreal summer.

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10 Other Awesome Things to do in Montreal This Weekend

That’s not all Montreal has to offer; the city is packed with awesome sights and activities. We’ve put together 10 of our favorites below! If you decide Montreal is so lovely that you’d like to stay past the weekend, check out our Montreal itinerary for our recommendations on a longer stay.

#1 – Mount Royal

More of a large hill than a mountain, Mount Royal is located in the city just west of Downtown Montreal and stands 764 ft tall. It is Montreal’s crown jewel and most beloved landmark. In fact, if it wasn’t already clear, the lofty Mount Royal is where the city got its name.

Hiking up Mount Royal is a must do and a must add to your Montreal itinerary. The locals love it, it’s a great bit of exercise, takes around 45-minutes, and the views from the top are truly spectacular.

Insider Tip: Mount Royal offers the best views in the city, thanks to a law that states that the buildings in Montreal may not exceed the height of the mountain!

#2 – Montreal Botanical Gardens

A popular place to visit in Montreal , Jardin Botanique Montreal is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. With thousands of plant species and hundreds of bird species spread out across the 75-hectare grounds, the gardens offer a beautiful refuge from life in the city.

With several themed gardens, from the teleporting Chinese and Japanese gardens to the tranquil Water and Shade gardens, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique, peaceful, and varied floristic journey.

#3 – Old Montreal

We mentioned Old Montreal earlier and suggested that you pay the area a visit for an evening out. But exploring Old Montreal in the day time is an even more popular tourist activity! Cobblestone streets weave between the old buildings, transporting visitors back in time.

Originally founded in 1642, this traditional part of the city comprises buildings dating back to the 17th-century. Wandering around and appreciating some of the oldest buildings in North America is a great way to spend an afternoon. There are also several museums in the area and plenty of restaurants where you can stop for a break!

#4 – Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Much like the city in which it stands, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is a convergence of history and modernity. Founded in 1860, MMFA houses a range of local and international contemporary art as well as historic pieces from some world-famous artists, including Rembrandt and Picasso.

Seeing around 1.3 million visitors each year, the museum is spread across five pavilions in different architectural styles. It is the largest museum in Montreal, and amongst the most notable in the country.

Montreal has many great hostels, but there is one clear winner. A modern and spacious hostel set in an old building, the multi-award winning M Montreal is unarguably the best hostel in Montreal.

• Free Breakfast

#5 – The Underground City (RESO)

There is more to Montreal than what appears on the surface. An entire network of offices, shopping centers, hotels, residential and commercial complexes, universities, and venues makes up what is referred to as The Underground City.

Whilst some of it is located at ground level but covered, this sprawling interconnected metropolis of RESO lies mostly underground.

The largest of its kind in the world, RESO proves to be particularly useful in winter. While temperatures in the city above plummet, RESO remains a comfortable temperature due to being climate controlled. Visiting the underground city is an otherworldly and unique experience. You should definitely check it out.

#6 – Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Nicknamed ‘the city of 1,000 bell towers’, Montreal is known for its myriad of stunning churches, but none are as well known or breathtaking as Notre-Dame Basilica. World-renowned as a wonder of Gothic revival architecture, the multicolored, opulent interior of the church is amongst the most beautiful and dramatic on Earth.

Entering the church transports you into an otherworldly space, filled with bright colors, sweeping pillars, and thousands of ornate wooden carvings.

One of the best ways to experience the church is at an unmissable AURA event. Taking place each night except Sundays, AURA is a spectacular show of light and sound that uses 3D projection to completely transform the inside of the church.

#7 – Montreal Biodome

Housed in a building originally constructed as a velodrome for the 1976 Olympics, the Montreal Biodome now replicates four stunning ecosystems from across the Americas. Across these four ecosystems live 4,800 animals and 1,500 plants.

Visitors are teleported from the Tropical South American Rainforest to the North American Wilderness, before being plunged into an estuary resembling the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Lastly, the Subpolar region immerses guests in an icy habitat divided into Antarctic and Arctic replications.

#8 – Musèe d’art contemporain

Montreal’s museum of contemporary art (MAC) showcases a stunning collection of contemporary art, housing over 7,000 works from more than 1,500 artists. It is also devoted to hosting contemporary performing art.

On select Friday nights, Montreal’s museum of contemporary art opens its doors late into the night for a unique confluence of art, music, and live performance. Aptly named Nocturne at the MAC, the event sees DJs flood the exhibitions with tasteful tunes while patrons wander around admiring the stunning contemporary artworks and performances.

#9 – La Ronde

La Ronde in Montreal is the 2nd largest amusement park in Canada, with a wide range of awesome rides and attractions. The park is open each year from mid-May to late October and is a fantastic activity for families.

The rides range from tame rides for children to vigorously thrilling rides for adrenaline hunters. The park has some of the tallest, fastest, and wildest rides in Canada, and even has a few record-breakers!

#10 – Old Port

Originally the main port of Montreal, the Old Port has since been redeveloped and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada, with over 6 million visitors each year. It’s not easy to sum up the Old Port in a few paragraphs; the area is vast and there is simply so much to do there!

From the Montreal Science Centre and the historic Clock Tower to playgrounds, pirate ships, ziplining adventures, and ferris wheel fun, the area is packed with sights and activities. Ice skating is popular in the winter and walking around, enjoying the atmosphere is awesome in summer.

By now, you’re probably excited and ready for your Montreal travel experience, but you may have a few questions that you want to be answered before you depart. Don’t worry, our Montreal travel guide has you covered!

What should I pack for a weekend in Montreal?

If you’re wondering what to pack for your Montreal trip (other than the classic  backpacking essentials ), we’ve got you covered! – Weather-appropriate Clothing  – Montreal winters can get bitterly cold, so it’s important you prepare adequately. If you’re heading to Montreal in winter, bring layers. Jackets, boots, scarves, gloves, trousers, and sweaters. You’ll want it all! Summer weather is pleasant, so bring light clothes, but also be prepared for occasional chilly evenings. – A French Phrasebook  – Whilst most Montreal residents speak English at a decent level, the city’s primary language is French. We recommend bringing a phrasebook and  learning a couple of basics  to help you in your daily activities and avoid misunderstandings. The locals will appreciate that you’ve made the effort to communicate in their home language, even if your vocabulary is limited. – Comfortable walking shoes  – As mentioned before, Montreal is a great city to explore on foot. In order to do so, you’ll want some shoes that you’re comfortable walking long distances in. You may want to bring a fancier pair for classy evening activities, and keep in mind that in winter you may need warm boots!

Can I get an apartment in Montreal for the weekend?

Absolutely! Montreal is full of awesome apartments up for rent, and staying in one is a great way to enjoy an authentic Montreal experience. It allows you to feel a little more at home and can be more affordable if you’re traveling in a larger group. We’ve found that the best way to find an apartment in Montreal is to use Airbnb. The process is quick and easy, and you can choose whether you’d like to rent out an entire place or stay in an apartment with a Montrealer who can give you the inside scoop on the city. Our favorite Airbnb in Montreal has to be this  rustic chic apartment . It’s a well-located 3rd-floor property with rustic, urban interior design and two private balconies!

Is Montreal safe for a weekend trip?

You’ll be pleased to know that Montreal is an incredibly safe city; probably amongst the safest in the world. However, as with any city on Earth, there are certain dangers to be aware of. Violent crime is practically unheard of in Montreal, but petty theft and fraud do occasionally occur. Pickpocketing is pretty rare in Montreal, but it does occur occasionally, primarily in cafes and restaurants. It’s best to keep your personal belongings close,  hide your money when you’re out,  and be mindful of them when out and about. Also, be mindful when entering your pin number in public to avoid debit card fraud. The cold and the snow can also present some hazards, especially if you come underprepared. Slipping on ice can cause injuries, and wearing inadequate clothing in midwinter could cause physical damage. Only drive in the snow if you’re a confident driver and know how to handle the snow and ice.

Don’t Forget Your Montreal Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on a Great Weekend in Montreal

Montreal is an incredible city, with so much to offer its residents and visitors. It’s a city at the confluence of America and Europe and the junction of antiquity and modernity. It’s a fusion across time and location, with a vibrant culture and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere.

It’s an awesome city to visit for any type of traveler, from food fanatics and artistic souls to music fans and sports enthusiasts. There are beautiful sights and exceptional views, family fun, and festivals galore. You’ll find a nightlife spot for any mood, plenty of sporting adventures, and a host of delicious delicacies along the way. Montreal has it all!

However you choose to spend your time there, we hope our Montreal itinerary has prepared you for an incredible weekend trip to Montreal!

Sheridan Cahoon

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Colu Henry’s Long Weekend of French Brasseries and Wine Bars in Montreal

Plus calder exhibits, park walks, and pet-friendly hotels..

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating  A Beautiful Mind– style spreadsheets to come up with the best  vacations and itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find the people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

Food writer and recipe developer Colu Henry makes the four-hour drive to Montreal from her Hudson Valley home three or four times a year. Her husband, Chad, is Canadian (he’s from Ontario originally), and that’s what first lured her to the city. “For a long time he was like, ‘I really think you’re going to love Montreal,’ and we finally went, and he was right,” admits Henry. “I’m really crazy about Montreal now. If I can’t get to Europe, I feel like I can go to Montreal and get a fix.” Besides affording her the opportunity to practice what she says is her terrible French — “You can definitely get by with English, but I always love to commit!” — Henry is particularly fond of the city’s vibrant food scene and, specifically, its top-notch hospitality. “The hospitality there is incredible; everyone really cares,” she adds.

High praise coming from Henry, someone who knows a thing or two about hospitality; she is a consummate and constant entertainer (and, it should be added, always dresses incredibly for it, red lipstick included), and much of her excellent new cookbook , Colu Cooks: Easy Fancy Food — with chapters such as “Seven Fish, No Feast” and “To Feed a Crowd” — is devoted to making us all into more well-equipped cooks and hosts. On her most recent trip to Montreal, Henry and her husband brought along friends Helen and Dan plus their constant travel companion, their rescue dog, Josh. Here, the details of a trip measured in meals.

2 p.m.: Choose the best pet-friendly lodging on HotelTonight.

Montreal is only a four-hour drive from Hudson, where we live, so we can pretty much pick up and go with little notice. We have a 19-year-old rescue dog named Josh who comes with us pretty much everywhere. If you drive, there isn’t much street parking, so most people use the underground parking garages, but they can be a maze, and you will have no cell service down there; we’ve gotten lost in them twice. Montreal is a very accessible city with easy public transport and a great subway, if you’re not driving. I’m nearly at level 19 on HotelTonight — that’s pretty high up there, if I do say so myself — so we’re likely to grab a room at whatever pet-friendly hotel looks the nicest.

Le Saint-Sulpice, Hotel Monville, and Hotel Gault, where we stayed on this visit, are all lovely. The Hotel Gault is industrial and lofty and, most important, pet friendly and in Old Montreal. I like staying in Old Montreal because of the charm factor. It’s fun to wander the cobblestone streets and take in the architecture. Our best friends, Helen and Dan, came with us this trip. Helen had never been before, so I was excited to show her all my favorite spots.

4 p.m.: Get to the wine bar early.

We dropped our bags and headed directly to Vin Papillon ( 2519 Notre-Dame St. W. ) to be there right when it opened at five. It gets crazy there, and I need to make sure I get my fix in! It’s a wine bar from the Joe Beef team, and it is so very good. For a long time, you couldn’t make reservations, and while you can now, we usually go on the early side so we can eat more than we ought to. The menu changes frequently, but it always has the smoked ham with Parmesan and butter, and you must start with that and then order many, many things. We had these insane scallops from New Brunswick, which has these beautiful medium-size scallops that are supersweet and delicate in flavor. They also have really pretty shells. We then let the servers pick all our wines by the glass. In Canada, every province has its own liquor council, and the one for Quebec has the best wine selection. The people working at Vin Papillon are the most friendly, and it’s always so fun to let them do their thing and go with the flow.

8 p.m.: Uber to another wine spot — or back to the hotel.

Depending on how tired we are, we might Uber across town to Vin Mon Lapin (150 Rue St.-Zotique E. ) or any number of the amazing wine bars near it for more drinks and more nibbles. But on this trip, we went straight back to the hotel because we were so full. Then — I have no idea why — I ordered a terrible pizza to the hotel room. I wasn’t even hungry, but we ate it!

9 a.m.: Pick up flat whites and walk to the park.

When we stay at the Hotel Gault, I immediately run to Structure Roasters — Structure Torréfacteurs ( 460 McGill St. ) for a flat white to start off the day. We took our coffees over to Mount Royal Park for a quick morning walk. It overlooks the city, and it’s so beautiful any time of the year but especially in the fall.

Noon: Settle in for a long Parisian-style lunch.

Then we headed to my favorite restaurant in the world: L’Express ( 3927 St. Denis St. )! This place is just so magical, and I had the foresight to make a reservation because it gets pretty crazy otherwise. It is the best place to feel as though you’re transported to Paris. And I love a long, boozy lunch. When it’s just Chad and me, we sit at the bar — I could sit at that bar all day (a mention of it even made it into the introduction of my new book) — but since there are four of us, we get a table. Helen and I love a shrimp cocktail, and it happened to be a special, so we started with that. I always order the steak frites. Pre-pandemic, they kept these epic jars of cornichons and jars of mustard on the table, and they just returned!

We drank a few bottles of wine, and a server in training spilled wine on Chad. We didn’t care and tried to cover for her because we’ve all been there, but the server in charge would not have it, and it turned into a hilarious back-and-forth that ended with a gratis dessert of île flottante with caramel. There is no messing around with that service! I also had a Spanish coffee, which, for the uninitiated, is coffee with whipped cream and Tía Maria.

3 p.m.: Get a blowout then sip some bubbles.

Helen convinced me to get a blowout post lunch, so we ran to Salon Le Tube ( 444 Ste. Hélène St. ) across from the hotel. The owner, Pal, was incredibly funny and wouldn’t give me a blowout unless I agreed to a trim, so I also had an impromptu haircut. He was amazing, and I would go back to see him in a heartbeat. While we primped, the boys got a bottle of Champagne, so we had a glass in our room before heading back out on the town.

6 p.m. Overorder pizza and pasta and wine.

Because we head to Montreal so often, I’ve become pals with Lawrence Fiset (Larry), who runs the wine program at Elena and recently opened Gia Vin & Grill ( 1025 Rue Lenoir ), which I haven’t been to yet but am dying to go to. Elena is a must-stop for us every visit, so I wanted Dan and Helen to experience it. The pizzas and pastas are just amazing. We certainly overordered, but some standouts were the passion patate with comtomme cheese, garlic and rosemary, the Diavoli 2.0 pizza, which had salami, pepperoni, and buffalo-milk mozzarella, and the mafalda ragu, a beef and pork sugo. Wine-wise, you cannot go wrong. I like to share a price range and put the server in charge of picking what they think is best. It’s more fun that way, and you get to try lots of different things. It always feels like coming home here.

10 a.m.: Start at the pub then get in some shopping.

Helen is English, and there was a pub near the hotel, so we started the day off at Pub Saint Pierre ( 410 Rue Saint-Pierre) , watching some football. We all had a few beers, and by 11 a.m., it was packed. The weather was pretty rainy, so we spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around town and popping into shops to stay dry. Swell and Ginger ( 231 Notre-Dame St. W. ) has some beautiful items. I had my eye on a few bags in the store (they have a great selection) but, in the end, didn’t purchase anything. Helen picked up a very chic Schnayderman’s toque, though.

1 p.m.: See a Calder.

We did a short pop into the the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts ( 1380 Sherbrooke St. W. ). There was an incredible Alexander Calder exhibition happening. Then, on the way home, we popped into Pullman ( 3424 Park Ave. ) for a quick glass of afternoon wine and a snack.

6 p.m. Share a seafood tower and pork filet.

After yesterday’s extravaganza, we wanted to stay pretty close to home, and luckily Place Carmin ( 740 William St . ) was a short walk away. It’s a newish French brasserie from Mélanie Blanchette and chef François Nadon, the owners of the Quartier des Spectacles stalwarts Bouillon Bilk ( 1595 St. Laurent Blvd. ), and Cadet ( 1431 St. Laurent Blvd. ). It was in this industrial building with superhigh ceilings and was so sleek and beautiful. Helen and I had to order the seafood tower, and we shared the ​​pork filet with rösti, red cabbage, and the cavatelli with pancetta, mushrooms, and Parmesan. Everything was lovely.

10 a.m.: Grab one last Bloody Mary before hitting the road.

Sadly, we have to head back to Hudson — but not without a stop at Beauty’s Luncheonette ( 93 Mont-Royal Ave. W. ) for a bite before we hit the highway. This old-school diner has been around since 1942! It’s amazing. I had a tuna melt and a Bloody Mary, which came with all the accoutrements to make it the way you like it. I like mine with a little bit of horseradish, hot sauce, a good few splashes of tomato juice, and always a squeeze of lemon. Limes are not for me when drinking a Bloody Mary.

Noon: And pick up bagels for back home.

And one last stop! A short drive from Beauty’s is St-Viateur Bagel (1127 Mont-Royal Ave. E.) , so we pick up wood-oven bagels — everything bagels always — to freeze until our next trip. Montreal-style bagels are crunchier and crispier and not as doughy as a regular bagel, with a better texture and deeper color. They are truly the best bagels in the world.

Colu’s Montreal packing list

I have so many different shades and brands in my bag. Putting on a red lip immediately perks me up. Right now, I’m especially into Ilia’s True Red.

Most moisturizers are too big and clunky to pack — this oil is the perfect size. I put it on my face after a shower. It makes my skin silky and dewy, which is always needed after traveling.

They are incredibly elegant and don’t wrinkle when packed, and they’re perfect for dressing up or dressing down. Bonus is their insanely long inseam, which I need!

I feel glamorous every time I put them on. And we’ve been through a lot together. They have been lost and found so many times I can’t even count. I’m grateful we’re still together.

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20 Best Things to Do in Montreal

Montreal is one of Canada's most exciting cities, but it's also an incredibly historic place. When French explorer Jacques Cartier visited what is now known as Montreal in 1535, he found a thriving community of St. Lawrence Iroquois, whom are now believed to have inhabited the area for at least 3,000 years. Flash forward to today, and there are centuries of history weaving their way through each and every neighborhood, and a plethora of museums, tours, and architecture that all speak to that. But Montreal hums a modern tune as well, with music and nightlife, and world-class design and technology community, and some of the best food in the world . From Plateau to Verdun, our editor's picks of what to do in Montreal will have you leaving the city enlightened, full, and probably a little bit tired—all marks of a trip well spent.

Read our full Montreal travel guide here .

Mount Royal Arrow

Mount Royal Park, Montreal's unofficial playground north of downtown, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) and inaugurated in 1876. The park sprawls more than 692 acres and is a favorite destination of Montrealers, who make use of the park year-round, from jogging and enjoying family picnics in summertime, to skiing and tobogganing in winter. Attractions include the Mount Royal Cross (first erected in 1643), Mount Royal Chalet, Beaver Lake, and Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument.

La Grande Roue de Montréal Arrow

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River just steps from Old Montreal, the largest observation wheel in Canada, brings guests nearly 200 feet into the sky, offering panoramic views over the city, tee river, and Mount Royal. It’s touristy, but it’s worth it for those of us who love seeing cities from above. Bringing you high above Old Montréal, each ride is long enough for you to appreciate the sights and start to understand the city’s topography, but not so long that you’re wishing it would be over. For added thrills, upgrade to the “VIP Package” aboard gondola number 42: It’s the only one on the wheel that has a glass floor and Italian leather seats.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Arrow

The MMFA was founded in 1860 and has since grown into one of the most visited museums in North America; visitors flock from all corners of the globe to view the outstanding permanent collection: some 43,000 works from antiquity to today, much of it on display throughout five pavilions. The enormous institution also hosts seasonal blockbuster exhibitions. Be sure to visit the breathtaking Napoleon collection.

McGill University Arrow

Canada's leading research university occupies a prime piece of picture perfect real estate in central Montreal, nestled between Mount Royal and the skyscrapers of downtown. Whether you're dropping in for a lecture or just passing through on your points elsewhere, spend a little time getting lost amid the buildings here and you'll be rewarded with some serious Hogwarts vibes. Walking up the main entrance from the front gates, you'll be greeted by the inspiring, iconic tableau of the Arts Building cupola framed by Mount Royal; museums and libraries are to your left, and imposing gothic revival classroom buildings to your right. Guided tours are available and depart from the Welcome Center on rue McTavish, just make sure to sign up online as group sizes are limited.

Marché Jean-Talon Arrow

In the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America, is an unmissable Montreal experience for food lovers. The space, which is full of small shopkeepers, bustles with activity year-round; you'll find local fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, grocers, and restaurateurs. It's hugely popular with locals and tourists, and if you're looking for old-world charm, there's nothing better.

OASIS Immersion Arrow

There's a deep history of and passion for design and technology in Montreal, and this immersive exhibit held at the Palais des Congres is the largest of its kind in Canada. The show itself is a stunning display of natural landscapes, videos of artists performing and creating, poetry that floats across the screen, and psychedelic designs that transport the audience; the substance of the show itself appeals to adults and children alike. Because you need to book tickets in advance the exhibit never gets too crowded, so you'll be able to keep your distance from others and experience the magic without feeling cramped. Expect to hear lots of "oohs" and "ahs."

Space for Life Arrow

The Montréal Space for Life, home to the Biodôme, Insectarium, Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, and Botanical Garden, is the largest natural sciences museum complex in Canada. This is a great place to explore and embrace the natural world; don't miss the “Gardens of Light” lantern festival and the dazzling “Butterflies Go Free” event, both held annually at the Botanical Garden.

Cafe Olimpico Arrow

Founded in 1970, Café Olimpico is a European-style café that serves a wonderful selection of coffee, espresso drinks, and Italian pastries. The Mile End landmark is a favorite among hipsters and artists, including Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau Arrow

There are two volumes of conversation allowed at Bota Bota, a floating spa docked in Montreal's Old Port: “quiet” and "silence." Since opening in 2010, it has become an attraction for locals and tourists drawn to its spa treatments and hydrotherapy circuit. You can soak in a mineral-rich hot tub—and perhaps conquer that jet lag—while gazing upon the Downtown core, Mount Royal, and the historic Old Port, all from the river. While admission is typically limited to guests over the age of 18, the spa recently brought back its popular “Pirates Layover,” where children between 12 and 17 can visit on select dates to learn about and experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.

MURAL Festival Arrow

From Mile-End to Griffintown, Montreal is covered with murals. Public art is a huge part of the city’s cultural landscape, and each summer for about ten days, the annual MURAL Festival offers live painting sessions, workshops, and music performances in celebration of the street artists who keep this city (which can be oppressively grey and cold for much of the year) so colorful. Luckily for those of us who can’t make the trip up north during the festival itself, many of the murals are left up year-round. Boulevard Saint-Laurent is now the largest street art corridor in Canada, with works ranging from figurative representations of historic Montrealers to more abstract designs: The MURAL Festival website has a wonderful dynamic map to help you navigate them all.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill Arrow

Upstairs, located downtown, is home to many Montreal-based acts, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and jazz legend Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at the club too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival; it has also been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, so you know there'll always be something good on.

Pointe-à-Callière - Museum of Archaeology and History Arrow

Pointe-à-Callière, the largest archaeology museum in Canada, is built atop the historic Old Montreal sites where the city was founded in 1642. There is lots of drama here, from the excavated remains of the original settlement to interactive video installations. Pointe-à-Callière also presents three to four temporary exhibitions every year.

Saint Joseph's Oratory Arrow

The majestic Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the world’s great Catholic basilicas, was founded by Saint Brother André, who is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. More than 2 million people visit the pilgrimage site each year (both religious and non-religious), and its dome is the third-largest of its kind in the world after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire and Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome . It's without question one of Montreal's most impressive architectural jewels.

Beyond the Bagel Tour – Museum of Jewish Montreal Arrow

Jewish food historian Kat Romanow knows her bagels, bialys, and rugelachs. Her Beyond the Bagel walking food tour, offered through the Museum of Jewish Montreal, is a highly informative, well-organized romp. The Plateau and Mile End might be known today for their posh hipsters and nightlife hotspots, but this tour pulls back the curtain on the layers of history found in this part of the city. It's a much more fulfilling dive into Montreal cuisine than just grabbing a bagel or smoked meat sandwich on your own. As much of the excursion is outdoors, just note that this one is not generally offered between November and March.

Lachine Canal Arrow

The Lachine Canal flows from the historic buildings of Old Montreal, past the gentrified glass condo buildings of Griffintown, and through the hipster neighborhood of St. Henri before flowing into the industrial areas of Angrignon and Lasalle. Because it cuts through so many residential neighborhoods, you'll get a real glimpse of how Montrealers spend their downtime. On warm summer days, there isn't a better place to go for a jog or walk in the city.

Guidatour's Old Montréal Walking Tour Arrow

Guidatour's professional guides have earned their excellent reputations, and the company's Old Montréal East and Old Montréal West itineraries both stop off at the must-see Notre-Dame Basilica , including an interior visit at no additional charge. Both tours last 90 minutes, and they're best for those looking for a crash course in the history of Montreal. You'll be amazed at how many hidden treasures you stumble upon in such a short time span. As much of Guidatour’s offerings are held outdoors, scheduled tours are generally on hold for the colder months. If you can brave the cold, however, feel free to reach out directly through their website to inquire about setting up a private tour.

Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal Arrow

Since the mid 1960s, the informal, yet institutionalized, phenomenon known as Tam Tams has been one of the city's quirkiest and most beloved traditions, coming to Mont Royal Park every Sunday during the warmer months. At the base of the George-Étienne Cartier Monument obelisk, groups of friends, strangers, and percussionists from all walks of life gather to form communal drum circles, artisans and craftspeople sell their wares and LARPers (that's, Live Action Role Players) have lightsaber fights and medieval jousting matches.

Cité Mémoire Arrow

Cité Mémoire, the largest outdoor video-projection installation in the world, features 25 tableaux composed of images projected on alley walls, trees and the ground throughout Old Montréal accompanied by narration, and music. The work as a whole tells stories of famous and not-so-famous Montrealers; and they put forward themes and values central to the city's identity. You'll learn about Marguerite Bourgeoys, the French founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, as well as sports icons Jackie Robinson (whose season with the Montreal Royals was important in his breaking of baseball's color barrier) and Maurice Richard. There are also tableaux about The Jewish Children’s Transport train (the orphans who survived Nazi concentration camps and were adopted by Montrealers); the burning of the Parliament in Montreal in 1849; Montreal’s fabled Sin City era (set to the rhythm of Montrealer and jazz icon Oscar Peterson’s piano).

La Banquise Arrow

If you go to just one poutine joint in Montréal, make it la Banquise in the Plateau district a 1968 institution that's known far and wide for its classic and comprehensive poutine menu. You'll find something for everybody here, from meat gravy to vegan sauce. Late night, be prepared for long queues of hungry club-goers.

Cabaret Mado Arrow

Like much of Montreal's Gay Village, Cabaret Mado, a cabaret drag bar, is a little gritty, a little sparkly, and utterly fabulous. Mado, an icon in Quebec's vibrant gay scene who has performed for more than 30 years, often oversees the nightly festivities herself by hosting live drag shows most nights of the week. It's a pretty intimate space, so there isn't a bad seat in the house. Just be warned: Those seated in the front row are most vulnerable to be corralled into the show (willingly or unwillingly).

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A Perfect Weekend in Montreal Is All About Historic Architecture and Modern Cuisine

A weekend is all you need to fall in love with this city’s historic neighborhoods, thriving art venues, and seriously good food..

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Montreal mixes North American modernity and old-school European charm with a one-of-a-kind French vibe.

Photo by Firefighter Montreal/Shutterstock

A trip to Montreal can be a little disorienting at first: Am I in Europe? Canada? Should I speak in French or English—or both? The short answer: Yes. Montreal feels like a little bit of everything, especially as you explore its distinctive neighborhoods.

A visit to Canada’s second-largest city is about living in the urban space, meeting the locals, and sharing a moment. Visit Old Montreal, where you can admire the city’s historic side with architecture dating back to its 1642 founding. Or spend some time in the bohemian Plateau Mont-Royal, which attracts young artists and students in part thanks to nearby McGill University .

And Montreal is also about eating. With one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, the city has in recent decades moved away from classic French and Italian fare to let its creative spirits soar. Most chefs are happy to champion local farmers and products on their menus, allowing for a taste of the entire province, land to sea. (Though you’d be remiss if you didn’t try the smoked meats.) Independent bakeries, cafés, specialized food boutiques, and restaurants thrive in every neighborhood—you’ll want to pack your stretchy pants.

Where to stay in Montreal

Hotel Le Germain’s colorful facade stands out among the skyscrapers that surround it.

Courtesy of Hotel Le Germain

Hôtel Le Germain

Book now: Hôtel Le Germain

Inspired by the 1960s midcentury-modern aesthetic, Hôtel Le Germain’s 2019 renovations transformed this downtown property into an elegant space with outstanding service. Visitors are welcomed to the 100-room hotel by the rainbow-hued facade created by artist Michelle Hoogveld as part of the Mural festival, a yearly summer event that champions urban art. The rooms give prime views of Mount Royal or the skyscrapers along the street and, depending on the room, accents range from round beds to hanging bubble chairs.

Fairmont Le Queen Elizabeth

Old World charm and modern amenities reign at this grand downtown hotel that’s been welcoming royalty and celebrities since 1958. Suite 1742 is where John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged a famous weeklong bed-in. The hotel underwent a renovation in 2017; the result is a new Fairmont Or (Gold) hotel-within-a-hotel, with a dedicated 21st-floor lounge for guests and separate concierge services, and rooms (there are 950) with modernist details like geometric-patterned floors and bold, retro colors. The hotel also has a Cirque Eloize cabaret show that’s a wild affair.

Hôtel Gault

On a quiet, cobblestone street in Old Montreal, this historic 19th-century building is adorned with intricate molding and cast-iron columns in stark contrast to the 30 minimalist-style lofts and suites it houses, with memorable views of the city.

With only 10 rooms and suites, É pik preserves architectural details that date back to the 1700s, such as wooden beams and stone walls, offset by slick modern design elements like LED lights and rain showers. The Old Montreal hotel is close to sites like the Notre-Dame Basilica, eclectic shops, and plenty of restaurants, so you won’t have to travel far to experience the city’s vibrant offerings.

Where to eat and drink in Montreal

Larrys is one of many restaurants vying for your brunch reservation.

Photo by Rachel Cheng

Unsurprisingly, Montreal offers enough food and drink options from dawn to dusk to keep you busy for weeks.

Where to go for brunch

Montrealers love brunch, and the city has many outstanding options. Old Montreal’s Olive et Gourmando is an absolute must for its flaky pastries and “Egg on your face” breakfast sandwich. For a more British take, Larrys is the place to go. Don’t skip the scones! Other excellent brunch choices include modern Lebanese cuisine at Shay , deli classics (and the best pancakes) at Arthurs , and French brasserie dishes at Leméac . For a classic Montreal-style brunch, make your way to Beautys . The deli has been serving Montreal bagels and lox platters since 1942.

Where to go for lunch

For lunch, you’ll have to indulge in some of Montreal’s most iconic foods: piping hot bagels (sweeter, crunchier, and dare I say, better than NYC bagels), poutine, or a mile-high smoked meat sandwich. These Montreal specialties are the best of their kind.

For a sweet snack, try Hof Kelsten ’s chocolate babka or Pâtisserie Rhubarbe ’s lemon tart.

Where to go for dinner

If you’re in town for a few days, head to Candide , a restaurant inside the presbytery of a converted church, for regional cuisine. You’re almost guaranteed to try some unique ingredients from Quebec’s wild terroir. Its wine list is one of the best in town. If the weather is nice, try to snag a table on the lovely terrace located on a quiet alley. Otherwise, the bar with a view of the kitchen action is the best seat.

For for fine French cuisine, La Chronique and its light-filled dining room is a top place to spend an evening. Its foie gras specialties and service are always irreproachable.

Vin Mon Lapin is a neighborhood restaurant in Little Italy with an attractive dining room, a fun and knowledgeable staff, an outstanding collection of bottles (some of which you won’t find anywhere else), and the best inventive and seasonal food served in small dishes to share. It’s a must.

Things to do in Montreal

Old Montreal is a small piece of Europe on this side of the Atlantic.

Photo by ProDesign studio

Explore Old Montreal

With its cobblestone pathways and centuries-old buildings, Old Montreal arguably has some of the most European streets this side of the Eiffel Tower. Locals and tourists alike wander its charming narrow streets to enjoy some of the city’s major attractions. Charismatic Saint-Paul Street, Montreal’s former main artery, is flanked by historic 19th-century buildings now housing art galleries, kitschy tourist stores, and glam restaurants.

One of Old Montreal’s main landmarks is the Notre-Dame Basilica, built in the Gothic revival style between 1824 and 1829 (the bell towers were finished in 1843). Get tickets for Aura , an immersive sound-and-light show that emphasizes the intricately carved wood details and stained-glass windows of the basilica. For other memorable experiences, head to PHI Centre , a multidisciplinary art gallery featuring immersive exhibits using virtual reality.

You can enjoy scenic views of Old Montreal and the river from several spots, including the Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris wheel, the iconic Clock Tower that hovers over Old Montreal’s beach, or the spectacular 300-year-old Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.

For a relaxing afternoon, book a massage at Bota Bota , an award-winning floating thermal spa housed inside a repurposed ferryboat with views of the famous Habitat 67.

Read more about Bota Bota .

Go downtown

From Old Montreal, it’s a short walk through Chinatown to Quartier des Spectacles, an area of downtown Montreal that is the city’s “cultural heart.” Some of Montreal’s most prominent festivals take place here, especially during the summer, when you might catch a Montreal Jazz Festival concert, a Just for Laughs show, or one of many free outdoor activities.

Head west on Saint-Catherine Street toward McGill Avenue and beyond for some world-class shopping above and below ground in Montreal’s underground city. The pedestrian network that connects shopping malls, metro stations, and dozens of downtown buildings runs for 20 miles under the city center and is a good way to enjoy a day out away from Mother Nature’s tantrums.

Check out Mile-End

The Mile-End has the well-earned reputation of being Montreal’s hippest neighborhood; its vibrant art and music scene is the home of many independent music shops, boutiques, and bookstores. Mimic the locals by perusing the piles of books at Drawn & Quarterly then heading to Café Olimpico for a latte and people-watching on its terrace.

Hike or drive up the Mount Royal Park to Beaver Lake for a panoramic view of the city. If you happen to be in the area on a Sunday, head to the George-Étienne Cartier Monument and les tam-tams du Mont Royal , where you can find a spontaneous gathering of drummers and percussionists—the epitome of Montreal’s quirkiness.

The Jean-Talon Market is a must-visit while in Montreal.

Tourisme Montréal

Stop by Little Italy

From Mile-End it’s a short walk to Little Italy. Stop by an Italian café before heading to Jean-Talon Market , one of North America’s largest open-air farmers’ markets and a good place to eat lunch and stock up on edible souvenirs (like Quebec maple syrup).

Read more about Jean-Talon Market.

Visit Space for Life

Space for Life is Canada’s largest science museum complex and combines several experiences under one roof—or rather, in the same vicinity. You can stare up at the stars at the cutting-edge planetarium, meet the smallest creatures at the insectarium, observe animals in the immersive ecosystems of the biodome, or stroll around the botanical gardens. Montreal’s famous Olympic Stadium, home of the 1976 Olympics, is nearby.

Bike the city

Montreal has over 430 miles of bike paths and has been named one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. Rent a bike or grab a BIXI (short-term rental) and ride along the Lachine Canal or around the Parc Jean Drapeau for two scenic routes.

Visit Strøm Spa

East of Montreal, on the Ile de Soeurs (Nuns’ island), is a sprawling, Nordic-style day spa called Strøm Spa . On site, guests can enjoy a steam bath or a dry sauna overlooking the nearby woods or lounge on an outdoor patio by the river. However, the main attraction is the property’s multiple outdoor thermal baths and full menu of spa services like massages, facials, and manicures.

It also has a restaurant featuring healthy, Nordic-inspired dishes like a mushroom smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) and fish and seafood soup. Thanks to all of the options, you easily can (and should!) spend half a day here.

Although the peaceful property is worth a visit at any time of the year, it’s especially appealing during the winter, when cold winds and snow make other outdoor activities less accessible or pleasant.

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was most recently updated on October 9, 2023, to include current information.

Montreal   Travel Guide

Courtesy of © Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal |

14 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montréal's many museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, legendary shopping districts and trendy nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for visitors. For a taste of historic Montréal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) free

As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.

The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica , Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal) Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)

Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.

Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.

Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) free

This 761-foot hill from which Montréal got its name is the highest point in the city. Towering over central Montréal, Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year, and it's one of Montréal's largest green spaces. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who's also the credited architect of NYC's Central Park ).

During the warmer months, you can rent rowboats on the park's Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. You can also take a stroll through one of the park's three cemeteries (one English, one Jewish and one French).

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Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal) Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a free electric shuttle to take you around the garden grounds during the summer months. – Debra Smith

Thanks to 10 large greenhouses – each tailored to a specific theme – this 190-acre botanical garden offers a scenic year-round respite from the metropolis' downtown core and a seasonal home to more than 20,000 species of flora.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

Montréal's most prestigious museum has been building its collection of fine arts for more than 150 years. Visitors will find its more than 45,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects divided among six sections and spread across the museum's five pavilions.

In addition to an impressive collection by Canadian and Quebec artists, there are four floors containing works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The museum's noteworthy decorative art collection includes pieces from 1400 to 1900, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, and textiles by international artists as well as several pieces of furniture designed by Frank Gehry. The state-of-the-art Cinéma du Musée presents independent and international films with English subtitles, and lectures and performances are presented regularly at Bourgie Hall.

St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) free

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal is St. Joseph's Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and Canada’s patron saint. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, past visitors said it's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of the oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts. The Crypt Church below the basilica is decorated with intricately-carved murals, and thousands of candles Illuminate the art deco-style Votive Chapel.

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Always greet a shopkeeper with a cheery hello or "bonjour" upon entering a shop or store. It’s appreciated and considered good manners. – Debra Smith

In a world dominated by overly refrigerated, fluorescently lit supermarkets, the Jean-Talon Market brings a breath of fresh air to your shopping experience. It’s one of the largest public markets in North America and one of the oldest, (established in 1933) with a flavor all its own.

Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal) Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you purchased a Montréal Museums Card , you can use it at all five of the Espace pour la vie Montreal locations. – Debra Smith

Not to be confused with the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Biodôme is located in the Olympic District and is part of a complex that includes the insectarium, planetarium, and Montreal Botanical Garden . A favorite for families, the Biodôme features five distinct ecosystems that house plants and animals. With the way each of the ecosystems are set up, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience with the animals compared to a conventional zoo.

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Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum) Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum)

Many say that this museum is the best place to go to begin exploring Montréal. While the modern architecture may not be typical of a history museum, the real reason to come here is to hop in the elevator and head underground. Here, visitors can look through a glass floor that sits on top of the remains of Fort Ville-Marie unearthed during archaeological digs overseen by the museum from 2002 to 2015. 

You can also follow the development of Montréal from its days as a fledgling colony and on up through the present day with a 17-minute multimedia program called "Generations MTL" that’s projected onto the archeological site and narrated by six historical characters .

Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) free

Two islands in the St. Lawrence River make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, a sports, culture and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike. Located just five minutes from downtown Montréal via the Jean-Drapeau metro stop (Yellow line), the former site of Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics now boasts several attractions that are sure to appeal to a variety of different interests.

Culture hounds will appreciate the collection of public art that's sprinkled throughout the park as well as the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to the environment housed in the iconic Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome. There are also miles of hiking trails and the Floralies Gardens for outdoors lovers. Meanwhile, families will be delighted by La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Aquatic Complex – specifically the outdoor pool, which has a cushioned rubber bottom – and Jean-Doré Beach. Though the park's outdoor pursuits are most popular in the summer, it’s a wonderful place to visit in early spring too, when the park’s bistro converts to an urban sugar shack.

Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) free

Montréal’s largest park, Parc-nature du Cap Saint-Jacques sprawls across more than 800 acres and sits between Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies on the southwest tip of the island of Montréal. It offers year-round activities, sandy beaches and water views.

In the winter, make use of snowshoe paths, cross-country ski trails and a sliding hill, and in the summer, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails before cooling off at the beaches that line the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. There’s also a small organic farm, two welcome centers and free all-terrain wheelchairs and sit-skis that can be reserved in advance.

St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel

A Montréal institution for more than 65 years, St.-Viateur Bagel is flourishing under the watchful eye of Joe Morena and his three sons. There are now four bagel cafes under the St.-Viateur banner, but for the original experience you must visit "La Maison du Bagel," or "Home of the Bagel," at 263 Rue Saint Viateur in Mile End.

Follow the delicious aroma of bagels simmered in honey water and baked on a hardwood plank in a wood-burning oven and join the line that forms day or night. Hand-rolled bagels come in classic sesame or poppy seed, all dressed with onion and garlic, or on the sweet side with cinnamon raisin or blueberry. While you’re waiting, check out the photographs of famous customers, from hockey greats to prime ministers, that line the walls.

La Grande Roue de Montréal La Grande Roue de Montréal

Enjoy a thrilling view of Old Montréal , the city center and the St. Lawrence River on the highest Ferris wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Forty-two climate-controlled cabins gently lift riders up nearly 200 feet and go through three revolutions on this 20-minute ride. Choose from cabins that seat up to eight, or splurge on a spacious VIP cabin, which is equipped with a glass floor and Italian leather seating for four riders. The view through the tempered glass windows is perfect for photographs during the day. At night, the wheel lights up as well as the giant cross on the top of Mount Royal and the Jacques Cartier Bridge bringing additional romance to the ride.  

Visitors recommend a ride at sunset and consider it a must-do while in Montréal that’s worth the splurge. They report that wait times are usually short and the ride is long enough to enjoy all the sights.

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Lachine Canal National Historic Site Lachine Canal National Historic Site free

A watery wonderland in the heart of Montréal, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site runs for nearly 9 miles from the entrance at Lock No. 1 in the Old Port to Lock No. 5 at Lake Saint Louis in Lachine. The canal originally opened in 1824 to provide a source of hydraulic power and contributed to Montréal's industrial and commercial development as a major trade port. Today, it's a popular spot for a stroll and a picnic (stop at the nearby Atwater Market to pick up provisions before your visit to the canal).

From mid-May to mid-October, rentals of all kinds are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats to swan-shaped pedal boats. Fishers can toss a line to catch six different fish species including perch, pike and carp, which cyclists can ride from one end of the well-maintained canal trail to the other in about an hour.

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2 Days in Montreal Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend in Montreal

By: Author Caroline Ikeji

Categories Canada , Canada , North America , Travel Guides

With its old world charm and unique French-Canadian culture, Montreal is one of the most fascinating cities in Canada . Spending 2 days in Montreal will allow you just enough time to experience all of its highlights to see why this city is so special – and be charmed by it.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the city’s European vibe, with its fairytale architecture and quaint cobblestoned streets. But at the same time, Montreal is a bustling urban metropolis, with world-class museums, a thriving foodie scene, and hip neighborhoods with vibrant street art. It also offers stunning natural beauty.

In short, Montreal is a city that has it all and this Montreal 2 day itinerary will help you experience the best of it (and leave you wanting to come back for more!)

I visited Montreal (along with Quebec City) on a little winter getaway , and while it was cold, I LOVED getting a little taste of Europe (without the transatlantic flight + expensive plane ticket). While I’d always been intrigued by the unique French-Canadian culture in both Montreal and Quebec City , I found that the city had sooo much more to offer!

You’ll find yourself never running out of things to do in Montreal, as there is so much to see and do (and especially eat – I’m already dying to spend another weekend in Montreal to eat more of that food)/ While you can easily spend a week here, I get it – you’re short on time and find out how to maximize it, and well, I’m here to help you do exactly that!

Keep on reading for the perfect 2 day Montreal itinerary, to help you make the most of your short time in the city.

Things to know before your weekend in Montreal

How many days in Montreal – is 2 days enough?

Short answer: yes, this 2 day Montreal itinerary will give you just enough time to see all of the city’s highlights and top attractions. 

While you certainly won’t see all of Montreal in 2 days, it is enough time to get a feel for a city and experience the best of what it has to offer, from the charming Old Town, the beautiful green space of Mount Royal, and to indulge in some delicious French Canadian cuisine – among other things.

Montreal is a relatively large city that is somewhat spread out, so I don’t think you’ll be able to fully experience it in one single day. Spending (at least) two days will give you a good introduction to the city.

If you can, I’d devote at least 3 days in Montreal – while my weekend in Montreal gave me a good overview, there was so much more I wanted to see and do, that I’m already planning my return visit!

When to visit Montreal

Montreal experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, each offering a special experience for visiting the city. Therefore, there really is no bad time to visit!

Here is what to expect when visiting during each of the seasons:

Winter : I spent my 2 days in Montreal in winter (along with Quebec City ), and while yes, it was COLD, it was still a beautiful time to visit and a magical experience!  

Highs during the winter months range from 24º to 30ºF (-1º to -4ºC), with the coldest month being January. Lows range from 11º to 18ºF (-7º to -11ºC) – yes, I found that to be pretty cold coming from California, but found it to be bearable with the right layers!

While it’s definitely cold during the winter months, there’s plenty that Montreal has to offer during those months, making a winter visit worthwhile. In December, the city becomes extra festive with Christmas Markets, lights, decorations, and other holiday events. There are plenty of winter recreation opportunities, both within the city at Mount Royal, and just outside of it as well.

Spring : Spring is a beautiful time to visit Montreal! Visiting during the spring months, you will see the city blooming with an array of colorful floral displays, making it a beautiful time to spend a weekend in Montreal. 

Average temperatures in Montreal during the spring months can range anywhere from 35º to 63ºF (2º to 17º C). Visiting earlier in the spring season (March-early April) means that the temperatures will still be relatively cold and still with a slight chance for snowstorms. Visiting later in the season (late April through May), you will have a better chance of enjoying warmer temperatures before all the crowds show up for the summer.

Summer : Summer is the city’s peak tourist season and the most popular time to visit Montreal. As such, you will find the most crowds and the highest flight and hotel prices during this time. 

That is no surprise as summer in Montreal brings the best weather – the temperatures stay pretty much perfect in June, July, and August, staying around 75º to 80ºF (24º to 26ºC). You’ll find everyone spending as much time outside as they can, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying outdoor events and festivals.

Do note that the city can sometimes get humid in the summer, thanks to its location on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. Be sure to pack a light jacket as well, as evenings tend to get breezy.

Fall : The fall months are some of the most beautiful to visit Montreal. The Quebec region is considered one of the best places to experience fall foliage in North America, and the trees in and around the city become transformed into stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow. Peak foliage usually occurs late September into early October.

It also offers a reprieve from the busy summer tourist season, making it the perfect time to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer, with far fewer crowds. It’s an excellent season to enjoy cultural festivals, seasonal foods, and outdoor activities.

Getting to Montreal

Montreal’s main international airport is Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), located roughly 20 kilometers (~12 miles) from the city center. You’ll find many direct connections to many other domestic and international destinations.

From here, you have several options for getting into the city center:

• Public transportation : The cheapest way to get into the city, and relatively efficient as well. The 747 bus stops right outside the airport terminal and offers service to the Berri-UQAM station, with stops near several points of interest in downtown Montreal, including where many hotels are located. The trip takes roughly 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and service is offered 24 hours a day. A one-way fare is $11 CAD, and includes unlimited transportation on the city’s STM and metro lines for the remainder of the day. You can purchase your ticket at one of the vending machines outside the airport terminal, at a metro station, the tourist office in Old Town, and at other participating retailers.
• Uber : Uber service is offered in Montreal, and is a convenient way to get to and from the airport On average, the fare hovers around $30-40 CAD, but be aware that this depends on demand so be prepared to pay more during certain times. My flight to Montreal ended up being delayed and when I finally got in around 1:30am, I ended up having to pay a whopping $80 CAD to get to my hotel in Old Montreal!
• Taxi : Traditional taxi service is also available, and you will find cabs lined up outside the terminal. Service to downtown Montreal costs roughly $40.
•   Rental Car : YUL airport is served by most major car rental agencies, including Enterprise, Avid, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz and more. Do note that you do not need a car in this Montreal 2 day itinerary, unless you are planning to take day trips in the surrounding regions.

You can travel to Montreal via train to and from several other major Canadian cities, including Quebec City and Ottawa. There is even Amtrak train service that goes all the way to New York City! 

Most trains will arrive to Gare Central station in downtown Montreal, however there are two other stations in the city. From here, it is super easy to connect to many points of interest like Old Montreal on foot, or by metro or bus.

Do note that fares fluctuate based on demand, and it is in your best interest to book as early as you can! When traveling to Quebec City from Montreal, tickets cost $30 CAD when I first started looking – by the time I was ready to book, it went up to $70 CAD!

Traveling by coach bus is an easy way to get to and from other cities in the Quebec province, including Quebec City. Buses depart from Gare d’autocars de Montreal in downtown, which is easily accessible by bus or Uber.

Much like the train, fares fluctuate based on demand so book as early as possible!

Montreal is also a popular road trip destination for those coming from the Northeastern US, other Canadian cities, or around the Quebec province. While it is not necessary to have a car in Montreal itself, it can be handy if you are planning day trips or to travel around the region.

Here are driving distances to Quebec City from other major cities in the US and Canada:

• Quebec City : 255 kilometers (158 miles), 3 hours
• Ottawa : 200 kilometers (124 miles), 2.5 hours
• Toronto : 542 kilometers (336 miles), 6 hours, 15 minutes
• Portland, ME : 256 kilometers (159 miles), 5 hours, 15 minutes
• Boston : 300 kilometers (186 miles), 5.5 hours
• New York City : 370 kilometers (229 miles), 6 hours, 45 minutes

Getting around in Montreal

While Montreal is relatively spread out and it would be impossible to entirely explore it on foot, it has extremely walkable neighborhoods. I recommend setting aside some time to explore these on foot to truly get to know the city!

On super cold or hot days, you can even walk around the city in the Underground City, a series of underground tunnels that connect many points of interest downtown. There’s also restaurants, shops, and cafes located in the network, making it fun to explore as well.

Public transportation

Montreal has a relatively efficient and easy-to-use public transportation system that can get you to almost anywhere you need to go in the city. The city’s public transportation network is operated by STM (Societe de Transport de Montreal), which operates over 200 bus lines and four metro lines, which serve 68 stations.

A one-way bus/metro fare costs $3.50 CAD. If you find yourself using public transportation frequently during this 2 day Montreal itinerary, consider purchasing a 1-day pass for $11 CAD, or a 3-day pass for $21.25 CAD.

For information, routes, and schedules, visit STM .

Taxi + Uber

Montreal is served by both traditional taxis and Uber. I took Uber a few times during my two days in Montreal (mostly because I was tired of dealing with the icy sidewalks) and found it to be relatively affordable – around $7-10 to get around the downtown area. 

You do not need a car when visiting Montreal. In fact, a car may be a hassle as there is traffic in the city. Parking can also be a challenge.

That said, if you plan on visiting surrounding areas or making day trips, then you may consider renting a car.

More Montreal travel tips

French is the official language in the Quebec province, and the native language of 80% of its inhabitants. It’s also the largest French speaking city outside of Paris. So, you may be asking yourself – “how much French do I need to know during my 2 days in Montreal?”

I know a common misconception about visiting Montreal is that if you don’t speak French then people will be rude to you, however, I found this not to be the case at all. While I did brush up on some basic French phrases on Duolingo, I found that most people in the main tourist areas speak English and I hardly needed to use it at all (which probably is a good thing, considering that my pronunciation is atrocious).

That said, it is always helpful to know a few basic French phrases. And, it’s a fun place to practice!

Canada’s official currency is the Canadian dollar. The exchange rate works out to around $1.25 USD to $1 CAD (it ends up being like an automatic 25% discount if coming from the United States, yay!).

Most places take credit cards, so you probably won’t need a lot of cash. That said, I like to have a little bit of cash on hand (especially as I was planning to visit Christmas Markets), and took out some Canadian dollars at an airport ATM. Also keep in mind that some of the most iconic eateries in Montreal (specifically Fairmount Bagel, St. Viateur Bagels, and Schwartz’s Deli) are cash only.

Do note that Canada has a tipping system similar to the United States – expect to tip 15-20% when dining out. Tips are also expected for taxis, hotel housekeeping, and bag service.

Traveling to/from Canada

Please note that entry + health requirements into Canada are constantly evolving and changing – be sure to keep updated on the latest guidelines here .

Do note that if you are flying back to the United States, YUL airport participates in pre-departure clearance. This means that you will clear US immigration and customs before departing Canada. Be sure to allot extra time for this when arriving at the airport.

Where to stay in Montreal

There is no shortage of accommodation options for your Montreal 2 day itinerary to suit your budget and tastes, whether you’re on a budget, looking for luxury, unique boutique hotels, or anything in between.

I recommend staying in downtown Montreal, specifically Old Town Montreal, to be central to all of the best things to do in this Montreal itinerary. Old Montreal also tends to be the most picturesque and the most walkable, and I really enjoyed staying there!

It is also very convenient to public transportation to help you get anywhere else in the city.

Here are some recommended places to stay in Montreal:

• Hotel Uville : This is where I stayed, and I loved it! This cool boutique hotel is themed after 1960s Montreal, and along with the retro decor (I basically booked it after seeing photos of that fun wallpaper), they have mini-exhibits about the city during this era. The rooms also have fun details, such as a record player and a mini library of vinyls that you can play on it! They also offer free breakfast with a “breakfast in bed” concept – they bring it to your room every morning. The breakfasts include a selection of local specialties, such as a Montreal bagel.  You also can’t beat the location – just next to Old Montreal, and within minutes of Notre Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes, Rue Saint-Paul, the Old Port, Place Jacques Cartier, and more.
• Fairmont Queen Elizabeth : If you are looking for a luxury option, then you can’t do much better than the Fairmont. You also really can’t beat the location, especially if you are traveling to and from Montreal via train – the hotel is located right about the central train station, and is minutes from many of the city’s top attractions! The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth also has a unique history and “for Montrealers, by Montrealers” concept, with a restaurant, cafe, bar, and urban market featuring local products and talents. I also love that this Fairmont has a bit more of a modern, contemporary vibe. You also still get the unparalleled luxury and attentive service that the Fairmont brand is known for.
• M Montreal : This is a great option for those traveling on a budget, and I’ve seen it highly recommended. You’ll find both dorm-style and private rooms here that are super clean and modern. You also can’t beat the location –  it’s just a 15 minute walk to the heart of Old Montreal. There are also lots of lively common spaces, including a retro bar and a patio with hot tubs, where you can meet other travelers – and they put on tons of fun events!

The Perfect 2 Days in Montreal Itinerary

Montreal Itinerary Day 1 (Old Montreal + Surroundings)

Morning: explore old montreal.

Kick off your 2 day Montreal itinerary by exploring one of the city’s most charming areas – Old Montreal. Dating back to the 1600s, Old Montreal is known as one of the best and most well-preserved historic districts in North America.

One fantastic way to get acquainted with Old Montreal is to sign up for a walking tour, which will help you get acquainted with the neighborhood’s unique history, heritage, and architecture. Two highly recommended tours are the Old Montreal VIP Walking Tour and the Old Montreal History Tour .

I loved wandering through the quaint cobblestone streets here, admiring the fairytale architecture, and feeling like I took a step back in time. I also LOVED the distinctly European vibe here – at times I swore I’d transported myself to France!

You can easily spend the entire day in the Old Town, but as you only have 2 days in Montreal, I suggest at least spending an entire morning here. Below are some of the points of interests that you should not miss:

Rue Saint-Paul

The oldest street in the city, Rue Saint-Paul is also the main drag of Old Montreal. The street stretches about one mile, and is lined with tons of restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, galleries, and much more. 

It’s also one of the most picturesque streets in the city – you really get those fairytale vibes that Old Montreal is famous for when walking through Rue Saint-Paul!

I suggest centering your exploration of Old Montreal and starting off your Montreal 2 day itinerary here, and walking from one end to the other, seeing what gems you can find. You’ll definitely snap tons of photos along the way (I certainly did!)!

Place d’Armes

Place d’Armes dates back to the 17th century, and is one of the most notable public squares in the city. You’ll find a collection of statues and public arts pieces here, as well as a number of historically significant buildings that surround the square.

The centerpiece of Place d’Armes is Paul de Chomedy, the founder of Montreal. Some of the notable buildings that surround the square include Vieux Séminaire (the oldest building in the city), the New York Life Building (the first skyscraper in Montreal), and the Bank of Montréal building (the oldest banking institution in Canada).

Notre Dame Basilica

Also surrounding Place d’Armes is the Notre Dame Basilica, one of the most famous churches in the city and one of the most significant landmarks in the city. 

Dating back to the 19th century, the Notre Dame Basilica dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest place of worship in North America. Throughout its history, many significant events have taken place here, including the wedding of Celine Dion and the funeral of Pierre Trudeau, the former prime minister of Canada who was also the father of the current one, Justin Trudeau.

The inside of the church is stunning, with richly painted vaulted ceilings (adorned with 24 karat gold stars to resemble the night sky), ornate details, intricately carved decorations, and breathtaking stained glass windows.

You can go inside to tour the church and learn more about its history, but I suggest coming back in the evening, as they put on a beautiful light and sound spectacular (more on that later)!

Bonsecours Market

With its distinctive silver dome and Neoclassical facade, the Bonsecours Market building is one of the most iconic in Old Montreal, and recognized as one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Canada. 

The Bonsecours Market has a unique and storied history, and was once the largest agricultural market in the city for over a century. It also once housed a concert hall and once served as the City Hall.

These days, the Bonsecours Market is a bustling marketplace that houses 15 boutiques, showcasing local artisans from Quebec, along with cafes serving local products. It also serves as an event space and exhibition space.

The five-story Montreal City Hall was built in the 1870s and is the seat of the local government. It is a National Historic Site and one of the city’s architectural jewels. 

It has a storied but turbulent history. It survived a fire in 1922. It was also the balcony here from which French President Charles de Gaulle uttered “Vive le Québec libre!” (Long live free Québec) in 1967, escalating a debate over whether the French-speaking Quebec should seek independence from Canada.

While you currently cannot tour the inside of City Hall because of renovations, it is worth a stop to admire from the outside. It’s also one of the few places in the city where you can still see signs of the fortified town of the past.

Place Jacques-Cartier

Connecting City Hall to the Old Port, the lively Place Jacques-Cartier is always teeming with activity. The square is surrounded by historical buildings and cobblestoned streets, retaining its European charm. It is considered to be the heart of Old Montreal, and you’ll always find something going on here, with plenty of people hanging out.

During the warmer months, you’ll find plenty of street performers and people hanging out in outdoor cafes. Place Jacques-Cartier also offers a special kind of magic in the winter months, and the square is decorated with twinkling lights during the holiday season (I loved walking through here at night when visiting in December).

Place Jacques-Cartier is steeped in heritage, and has been a central meeting place in the city for centuries, and was the home of a public market until the 20th century. You’ll find historical monuments placed within the square, most notably the Nelson Column, a towering monument erected in 1809.

The Old Port of Montreal stretches over a mile along the Saint Lawrence River and once served as a trading post for French fur traders as early as the 17th century. Today, it is a recreational and historical venue that draws over six million visitors a year.

You’ll find that there are tons of attractions and activities here, to suit everyone’s interests and travel styles! Many events and festivals take place here as well.

Some of the attractions you’ll find at the Old Port are the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, the Montreal Science Center and IMAX Theatre, the Bota Bota spa (housed in a floating boat!), a beautiful Clock Tower, zip lining, shops, cafes, and much more.

You’ll also find Canada’s tallest Observation Wheel (but we’ll come back to that later), which you can skate in front of in the winter, when there is an ice skating rink located here. 

At the very least, you should go for a stroll across the riverfront promenade and take in views of the city’s unique architecture and the Saint Lawrence river! 

Options for Afternoon Activities

For the afternoon for the first day of your Montreal 2 day itinerary, I am giving you a few options and then you can choose what interests you the most – it’s a choose your own adventure kinda afternoon!

Being that you’re trying to see Montreal in 2 days, you aren’t going to see it all. Here are some well-known and highly recommended attractions, but you won’t have time to do them all – so pick one that interests you the most!

Atwater Market

This is where I ended up because I was hungry (and because I heard there was a Christmas market here). It’s the perfect spot for foodies!

Housed in a beautiful Art Deco building, Atwater Market is the gourmet paradise in the city – you’ll find tons of local specialties and hard-to-find specialty food products. They also have a selection of eateries offering a diverse array of foods (it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch).

They also put on seasonal food events as well, from food and beverage tastings to cocktail hours.

Montreal is home to several world-renowned museums – if you are a museum lover, be sure to visit at least one of them during your weekend in Montreal. 

If you’re visiting during the winter, they’re a fantastic place to learn something new while escaping the cold.

Here are some of the best museums to visit in Montreal:

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts : One of the largest and most visited museums in Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and fashion.
• Biodome : Housed in the former Velodome (which was built for the 1976 Olympics), the Biodome is one of the city’s most unique museums, focusing on ecosystems and housing over 2500 animals from 200 different species, along with 800 plant species.
• Pointe-a-Calliere : Canada’s largest archaeological museum, showcasing the history of Montreal from the indigenous First Nations tribes to present.

Botanical Gardens

Montreal’s Botanical Gardens is known as one of the largest and most beautiful in the world, with over 22,000 plant species, 10 exhibition greenhouses, and 30 thematic gardens.

The gardens showcase the botanic traditions of the Japanese, Chinese, and the First Nations, and showcase individual flowers such as roses and lilies. The main exhibition greenhouse has seasonal displays and events – it even has an indoor waterfall!

I’ve heard that the gardens are magical, but I didn’t go because it was winter and I didn’t think there would be much to see – however, I heard that the gardens are still well worth visiting in the winter, so I really wish I went! Oh well, just have to make a return visit.

The Botanical Gardens are a little ways off from the city center, but you can get there via a 20 minute Uber ride, or take public transportation.

Aura Light Show at the Notre Dame Basilica

After your afternoon adventure, head back to Old Montreal where you will spend the rest of your evening. First, head back over to the Notre Dame Basilica – I know I pointed it out when you were exploring the area in the morning, but you’re coming back for something special.

This is the time to check out Aura, a spectacular display of lights and music. You’ll see dynamic lights synchronized with orchestral music, using the cathedral’s stunning architecture as the perfect backdrop. It is truly a stunning sight!

Aura takes place nightly at 6pm and 8pm – you can find more details and tickets here .

Dinner in Old Montreal

Time for dinner! You’ll find plenty of choices in Old Montreal, no matter what you’re craving.

I was in the mood for some French cuisine (this is French Canada after all) – particularly French onion soup – so I stopped into Modavie and highly recommend it! You’ll find a varied menu that serves up plenty of traditional French bistro classics, and it is delicious! Aside from the soup, I also had the moules frites and really enjoyed that as well. 

They also have an extensive wine list, particularly of French wines.

I loved the cozy atmosphere here – they also have live jazz every night, which is a treat! It’s the perfect place to spend your evening and enjoy a leisurely dinner.

La Grande Roue

After dinner, I suggest taking a ride on the Le Grande Roue – the tallest ferris wheel in Canada! 

This is such a relaxing (and romantic – although I was in Montreal on a solo trip lol) after dinner activity. If you happen to catch the sunset, it’s the perfect place to see it from – on a clear day, you can see up to 17 miles!

If visiting in the winter like me, it’s an ideal place to cozy up, since all the cabins are heated. It was beautiful to see all of the lights of the city from up high! 

There’s an ice skating rink here as well, although I was a few days early for it.

Montreal Itinerary Day 2 (Mount Royal + Neighborhoods)

Have a montreal bagel for breakfast.

Start your day off with one of the local specialties – a Montreal bagel!

What makes it so special you ask? Montreal bagels are thinner and less doughy than a traditional bagel, and are boiled in honey water. The result is a perfect texture with a perfect amount of crunch – and they’re not so dense. Even if you aren’t usually a fan of bagels, I highly recommend trying one!

It makes the perfect light breakfast before you start this busy second day of your 2 day Montreal itinerary! 

Head to St. Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel to find the best in the city – they’re pretty close to each other, so you can even try both (they are also open 24 hours). Be sure to bring cash though!

Mount Royal

A sprawling green space located right in the center of the city, Mount Royal is home to a variety of trails and recreational opportunities, no matter what the season. You’ll also find plenty of people walking, jogging, and cycling throughout the park (yes, even in the winter). It’s also home to some of the city’s best views!

Mount Royal is actually how Montreal got its name, after Jacques Cartier climbed atop the 233 meter (764 feet) tall mountain in 1535. It’s like the Central Park of Montreal – in fact, the park shares the same designer as the iconic NYC park. 

You can easily spend all day in Mount Royal, but at the very least, I suggest checking out some of the viewpoints in the park. I stopped at the Mount Royal lookout (Camilien-Houde Belvedere), from where you can see the entire city – in fact, there’s an ordinance in place that states that buildings can’t be higher than Mount Royal, so you really feel like you’re standing on top of the city! And, on a clear day, you can even see all the way out to the United States!

Another popular viewpoint is Kondiaronk Belvedere, which is said to have arguably the best view of Montreal. It requires you to climb up a bunch of stairs to get there. Unfortunately, the ground was pretty slick when I was in the park, so I decided to skip this one. I need to come back in the summer to make it here though!

There are plenty of trails throughout the park which lead you up to the viewpoints, but as I mentioned earlier, I was there in the winter and it was icy everywhere! I had grand intentions of walking throughout the park, but gave up after slipping and almost eating it. Luckily, there is a bus (line 11) which drops you off at some of the main points, so that saved me from slipping and sliding all throughout the park.

St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

One of the most iconic landmarks in Montreal, the beautiful St. Joseph’s Oratory is Canada’s largest church and one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing over two million visitors annually.

It is one of the most impressive buildings in the city, featuring a stunning dome, which is the third largest in the world. You can actually go up to the top of the dome, which is the highest point in Montreal and from where you will find one of the best views of the city!

Unfortunately, they were doing quite a bit of construction on the grounds when I went, but it was still a stunning church and worth a stop!

Little Italy + Jean-Talon Market

Once a hub for Italian immigrants in the 20th century, the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood is known as a foodie neighborhood, filled with world-class markets, acclaimed restaurants, cafes,  bakeries, bars, and much more.

Obviously, the Italian roots run deep here and you’ll find plenty of traditional Italian businesses, but today it’s also a diverse neighborhood, featuring a diverse mix of cultures, as well as contemporary eateries and hip bars.

The highlight of Little Italy is the Jean-Talon Market , known as one of the best and largest open-air markets in all of North America. The market is often referred to as “the stomach of Montreal” and is truly a foodie paradise!

The Jean-Talon Market is a feast for both the eyes and stomach, and is a must on your 2 day Montreal itinerary. I always love wandering through markets like this ( Pike Place Market in Seattle and La Boqueria in Barcelona are other favorites) because the sights, smells, and tastes are always so inspiring! Taking a guided tour will help you discover all the best that the market has to offer.

This is the perfect place to stop for lunch, as there are a diverse array of vendors and eateries here – you can find everything from crepes, sushi, tacos, Middle Eastern food, and much more.

In addition, you’ll find a dizzying array of vendors selling anything and everything from fresh produce, specialty cheese, maple syrup, fresh flowers, charcuterie, local products, and much more.

Saint Louis Square

I originally came across a photo of Saint Louis Square on Instagram and knew I’d have to make a stop, and it did not disappoint. This was one of my favorite spots during my 2 days in Montreal as it was just so darn pretty! 

Saint Louis Square is located just off Sherbrooke Street, which is the longest street in the city and filled with exclusive boutiques, luxury hotels, high-end galleries, and elegant Victorian buildings.

I loved the rows of colorful homes that line the streets surrounding the square. And, a fun fact – two famous Quebecois poets, Émile Nelligan and Gaston Miron, once lived in these homes, so it is a place of significance in the city’s literary history!

It was especially beautiful seeing the houses covered in a layer of snow, and it started to snow when I was there, and it was magical – I felt like I was living inside a snowglobe! But outside of winter, this is a place to take in the beauty of Montreal’s seasons – flowers bloom in the spring, and the foliage transforms into vibrant colors in the autumn.

Explore Mile End 

The artsy Mile End neighborhood is one of the coolest areas in Montreal. You’ll find trendy shops, hipster cafes, lively bars, and some of the most popular restaurants in the city.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied for an afternoon in Mile End – I loved browsing through the shops here and hanging out in some cafes. 

One of the highlights of Mile End is seeing all of the colorful murals that adorn the walls here. I love cities with a vibrant street art scene (some favorites include Nashville , San Francisco , and Austin), and I loved seeing that Montreal had so many murals!

A fun way to spend your afternoon is to go on a guided mural walk , which will allow you to see the best street art in the neighborhood, as well as get the social and cultural context behind them. 

Dinner in Mile End or Plateau Mont Royal

After your afternoon exploring Mile End, I recommend either staying in there or visiting the neighboring Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood for dinner. This is where you will find some of the best and most iconic eateries in the city!

A few suggestions below:

• Schwartz’s Deli : You’re coming here for one thing and one thing only – the smoked meat sandwiches. Schwartz’s Deli has been around since the 1920s and is famous for their smoked meat sandwiches, which is a Quebecois specialty. The meat is smoked and spiced over a week, and the result is perfection! Be sure to wash it down with a cherry cola.
• La Banquise : This is your best bet if you are in the mood for poutine. They have over 28 varieties of poutine, with something to suit everyone’s taste, from the traditional to outrageous toppings. There’s always a line out the door here, and for good reason!
• Au Pied de Cochon : One of Montreal’s most popular restaurants, Au Pied de Cochon gained its fame when it was featured by Anthony Bourdain. They are known for their foie gras poutine here. Reservations are a must!

Have you been to Montreal? What would you add to your Montreal 2 day itinerary?

You might also like: Montreal in Winter Montreal vs. Quebec City: Which Should You Visit? 2 Days in Quebec City Quebec City in Winter 2 Days in Vancouver Itinerary

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Caroline is a Southern California based traveler, writer, and photographer. She travels all around California, the US, and the world in search of the most colorful places, the most delicious food, and bucket-list adventures. Her aim is to inspire other travelers discover how to add more adventure and joy to their lives. On Pictures & Words, you’ll find detailed guides + itineraries, along with vibrant photos to help you plan the the most epic trips. When she’s not traveling, Caroline also runs half marathons.

Home » North America » Canada » 22 Fun Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

22 Fun Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 27, 2023

From exploring the boutiques and brunch spots of Mile End to taking in the panorama at the top of Mount Royal, there are so many fun things to do in Montreal, Canada. A little bit European and a little bit Canadian, Montreal is a city that loves good food, good art, and getting outside at every opportunity, no matter the weather. In the spirit of its French settlers, Montreal teems with joie de vivre .

Montreal—just an hour north of the New York state border—is so close to us that we find ourselves being drawn back over and over again (bonus that we get to stop in our beloved Saratoga Springs along the way). There is outstanding architecture, lively markets, and even a great group of speakeasies to try. Montreal is basically our perfect city, and we love every moment of our long weekends seeing what it has to offer.

Head to the top of Mount Royal

Visit notre-dame basilica, try poutine, rent a boat in the lachine canal, see the city’s unique architecture, swim at verdun beach, try montreal bagels, visit the markets, relax at bota bota, enjoy the view at terrasse nelligan, visit the gay village, indulge in a smoked meat sandwich, see the street art, have a drink at a speakeasy, enjoy the seasonal pop-ups, visit the old port, stroll around old montreal, see the city by bicycle, hang out at the parks, try the famous maple syrup, go shopping around town, visit cidrerie du minot.

Just west of downtown, a small mountain breaks up the city landscape. Mount Royal—for which Montreal is named—is a beacon to locals and tourists year-round for hiking, biking, and even snow tubing.

The real draw of Mount Royal is the view from the top. The moment we stepped into the wide plaza at the Kondiaronk Belvedere, the panoramic view of the skyline was astounding. If you look carefully, you can see all the way to the St. Lawrence River.

The Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most impressive churches we’ve ever seen and is undoubtedly one of the top things to see in Montreal. On the outside, the Gothic Revival-style building looks more like it belongs in France or Germany than Canada thanks to its two towers and decorated façade. But it’s the inside that really sets the Basilica apart from other churches.

The interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica is a festival of purples, deep blues, reds, and golds. The star-laced ceiling and altar have a unique glow, almost as if they’re lit from within. The front and sides are filled with hundreds of wooden carvings, artwork, and stained glass (much of which depicts the city’s history rather than biblical scenes). In the evenings, a spectacular, immersive light and sound show takes over the cathedral, making the colors even more remarkable.

Lance is obsessed with poutine, so it’s a given that we eat our share of this Canadian specialty on every trip. Although the concoction—fries, gravy, and cheese curds—may not be the prettiest looking dish, it’s quite delicious, especially after a night out.

Poutine is everywhere in Montreal, but we head to the restaurant consistently named the best in the city for our indulgence— La Banquise . Their famous poutines are available 24 hours a day with all kinds of toppings. The classic poutine didn’t move us, but The Savoyarde, which comes with bacon, onion, Swiss cheese, and sour cream, was unbelievable.

Just steps from the Atwater Market is one of the nicest places in the city to enjoy the outdoors—the Lachine Canal . The 9-mile canal runs from the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis, providing a great place to have fun on a sunny day during a Montreal summer.

From mid-May to mid-October, you can rent a giant swan paddle boat or learn to kayak just a few minutes from downtown. There’s also the option to canoe or even rent an electric boat to cruise the canal at a faster pace.

We’ve never thought of ourselves as being particularly into architecture, but from Rotterdam to Riga , we’ve found ourselves drawn to interesting buildings. Montreal is the perfect place to find a wide variety of styles and buildings that just make you go “hmmm.”

For twisted staircases and brightly-colored Victorians, Plateau Mont-Royal is the place. One of the coolest neighborhoods in the city, it has lots of Instagram-worthy homes and cafés.

Not far from Plateau Mont-Royal, the Notre-Dame Basilica built in the Gothic Revival style will have you feeling like you’re in France. Also not to be missed is the Montreal Biosphere, which looks like a transparent Epcot center. If you head to the Old Port or spend time at Bota Bota, you’ll see Habitat 67 , a unique hosing development that looks like a game of Tetris gone awry.

When it gets hot in the summer, there are few better things to do in Montreal than go to the beach. Verdun Beach , on the shores of the Saint-Lawrence River, is one of the ideal places in the city for cooling off.

The accessible beach has a sandy area and lots of grass for lounging. A nearby dike means the (frigid) water is as calm as can be, but life jackets are available for people who want them. Getting to the beach is easy—it’s behind the Verdun Auditorium so there are lots of public transportation options.

When we first heard about bagels here, we were more than a little dubious. After living in New York, it was hard to believe that anywhere else could really have a bagel worth writing home about. But the ones at Fairmount and St-Viateur are worth a stop for your carb fix.

Montreal bagels are a touch sweeter and denser than what most people are used to. Boiled in honey-infused water before being baked in a wood-fired oven, they are still shaped by hand while customers look on. Pick up a couple to munch on while you walk around Mile End.

There’s just something about markets. There are so many bright colors, enticing smells, and appealing displays. The energy and atmosphere of a local market always guarantees a good time, and the markets here deliver on that in spades. They’re some of the most lively places to go in Montreal.

The two biggest and most tourist-friendly markets in Montreal are Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market . Both have a wide variety of fresh produce, prepared foods, and restaurant stands offering everything from Turkish specialties to lobster rolls to pulled pork.

In Little Italy, Jean-Talon, which has a multi-cultural feel, stretches for several blocks and includes food, flowers, and an array of handmade goods. Atwater, along the Lachine Canal, teems with plants, local and imported produce, and fabulous specialty stores. Either (or both!) is worth a stop depending on where your Montreal itinerary takes you.

Everyone knows what it’s like to return from a vacation more worn out than when you left because you’ve tried to fit in every activity under the sun. That’s why–from Steamboat to Sicily and lots of places in between–we always try to take a moment of relaxation at hot springs or a spa, if that’s an option. Bota Bota absolutely fits that need—a unique experience and an indulgent spa all in one.

Bota Bota is a boat-turned-spa that’s permanently anchored in the St. Lawrence River. You can follow their water circuit, which includes a steam bath, cold bath, sauna, and more. They also offer a variety of spa treatments like facials, massages, and pedicures. There’s even a restaurant. Our favorite part was just hanging out in the one of the heated pools watching the sunset over downtown. Without a doubt, a break here is one of our favorite things to do in the city.

Rooftop bars are my happy place, and Terrasse Nelligan at Hotel Nelligan has some of the best views, food, and drinks in the city. It’s an ideal spot for happy hour, sunset, brunch, or anytime.

From the rooftop, there is a great view of the Notre-Dame Basilica to enjoy while you munch on eggs Benedict and lobster rolls washed down with a daiquiri.

The Gay Village is a colorful area literally and figuratively. It’s one of the best places to visit in Montreal for shopping, people watching, wandering, and partying. During the day, you can hang out at an outdoor café, and at night, you can mingle with drag queens at Cabaret Mado or dance to techno until well after the sun comes up at Stereo.

A Montreal smoked meat sandwich is a mountain of salted, spiced cured beef brisket on rye bread with yellow mustard. There are no vegetables, no elaborate condiments. The proportions seem off, and there’s certainly nothing fancy about it.

The idea of the smoked meat sandwich didn’t move us, but we still felt compelled to try one. On our first visit to Montreal, instead of making a special trip to one of the delis that specialize in this treat, we ordered one at a local bar. In one bite, we were hooked. On our next trip, we made a beeline for the classic at Main Deli and devoured every morsel.

Colorful street art just makes a city seem so happy. We seek it out at every opportunity. But, in Montreal, finding murals didn’t take any work at all. All we had to do was walk down the street.

Saint Laurent Boulevard, one of the busiest streets in the city, is a particular hub of street art. In just a few blocks, we saw dozens of murals. One parking lot between the Boulevard and St Dominique St. near Rue Prince Arthur East is practically a gallery.

If you happen to visit in the summer, check out the annual Mural festival . For 11 days, more than 80 urban artists from around the world create new murals. In August, the Under-Pressure festival lets you see even more artists in action.

Since visiting an awesome speakeasy in Nashville a couple of years ago, we always try to include these unique bars when we travel. Though not exactly a secret, they take a little bit of effort to find—like you’re uncovering something that only a few people know about. Without fail, they have a unique atmosphere and serve up killer drinks, often in concoctions you wouldn’t typically think of.

Montreal has about a dozen speakeasies scattered around the city. We had the chance to visit the Cold Room , a basement that housed a 19th century cold room serving merchants in the square above. There’s no sign advertising the place, so you have to know where you’re going. But, once inside, it’s a spirit-lover’s paradise.

Every city has pop-up restaurants and bars these days, but Montreal has several more substantial pop-up experiences that are worth checking out, especially in the summer. One favorite is the annual Village au Pied-du-Courant , a public space that includes everything from street food and live music to markets and dance showcases. If you’re wondering what to do in Montreal that’s fun and creative in the summer, don’t miss this spot.

On our visit, we loved checking out the Clock Tower Beach in the Old Port. It’s a mini vacation in the heart of the city. With sand, beach chairs, umbrellas, and plenty of places to relax, it’s a little oasis right on the St. Lawrence River.

“Vieux Port” in French, the Old Port has a 400-year history dating back to the time when fur trading was the economic engine of the day. Today, its purpose has changed from the exchange of goods to entertainment and enjoying the outdoors.

Each year, more than 6 million people come to the Old Port for attractions like the Ferris wheel, the Montreal Science Centre , river cruises, and the Clock Tower and its summertime beach. We enjoyed grabbing lunch at the food truck and watching the people on the zip line soar high above our heads. In the winter, the Old Port is the place for ice skating and even ice fishing.

The oldest area of the city, Old Montreal is a cobblestoned neighborhood where French settlers made their homes when they first arrived in the 17th century. As a result, it has a high concentration of historic buildings and a very European flair. The restaurants and shops in the area are a bit touristy, but it’s still fun to browse and weave your way around the street performers who inevitably stake their claim to a bit of room on Place Jacques Cartier.

If you have limited time, stroll down Saint Paul Street for the maximum amount of atmosphere. Wander by the storefronts, revel in the flowers or winter decorations, and pause for a moment on the benches, if the weather allows. If being inside is a better option, visit the boutiques and exhibits in Bonsecours Market, the 150-year-old market on Saint Claude Street.

I’ll be honest—there is a lot of construction in Montreal and a distinct lack of parking in a lot of places. That makes driving a bit of a hassle. The good news is that as soon as the ice is gone, there are bicycles everywhere. Make like a local and grab one.

Every April, the city’s fleet of over 6000 Bixi share bikes pops up at over 500 stations throughout the city. For 15 cents a minute, you can grab a bike and go exploring.

One of the things we loved most about Montreal was the amount of green space in the middle of the urban landscape. And it’s not just Mount Royal. It seemed that every few blocks, we encountered a new park and space for people to enjoy outside.

In the middle of the Plateau neighborhood, Parc La Fontaine takes up an amazing 84 acres. Originally a farm, the park has lots of lawn area for picnickers to enjoy around the ponds (hint: you can drink beer and wine in public parks if you’re also eating) and plenty of room to walk and bike. In colder weather, ice skating is popular.

We also enjoyed Saint-Louis Square in Plateau Mont Royal. Sitting by its beautiful fountain and grabbing a drink at the charming café was a perfect opportunity to rest our feet. Finding Parc Lahaie in the midst of Mile End, our favorite neighborhood, was also a treat. There’s also Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, Jarry Park, and well…the list goes on. Montrealers love their parks.

Quebec produces a massive 75% of all the maple syrup, or sirop d’érable in French, on the planet. This isn’t garden variety, manufactured high-fructose corn syrup—this is the delicious stuff that comes right from maple trees. It’s been made this way for centuries, and in the late winter and early spring, you can watch the sap coming right from the trees at sugar shacks around the province.

With the abundance of maple syrup, it makes sense that Montrealers love it and that it’s marketed as a top souvenir for tourists. We found all varieties of maple syrup and related candies, candles, and more at the markets around the city. Right on Saint Paul Street in Old Montreal, you can taste everything from maple vinegar to maple jelly to our favorite maple and sea salt popcorn at Délices Érable et Cie .

There are a seemingly endless number of places to shop in Montreal for everything from souvenirs to vintage clothes to high-end handbags.

The tourist areas in Old Montreal are the best for maple leaf-emblazoned everything to take home with you. When it comes to trendy clothes and boutique furniture stores, look no further than Saint Laurent Boulevard, while nearby Saint Denis Street is great for second-hand clothes, decorations, and record stores. Sherbrooke Street is the high-end shopping street, with art galleries and luxury shops. Department stores and more mid-priced options can be found on St. Catherine Street.

If you’re looking for a quick city break, consider a drive to Cidrerie du Minot . About an hour from Montreal, this family-run business has made cider for over 30 years. Cidrerie du Minot makes about a dozen kinds of cider including sparkling and flat varieties ranging from dry to sweet.

The original offering, Crémant de pomme, was our favorite, and we brought home as many bottles as we could of several different products. When you visit, you can sample multiple ciders and see the small museum that explains the process of cider making a features historic equipment.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Wednesday 29th of June 2022

So helpful.

Ivan Godfrey

Sunday 7th of June 2020

Thank you for the information, we've visited Montreal on numerous ocassions attending the Jazz festival on the 4th of July wknd, but found some interesting places to explore on our next visit. Do you know if the Jazz festival has been cancelled...?

Laura Longwell

Yes, unfortunately, it's been cancelled for this year.

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Montreal Weekend Guide

Related to:.

'French macarons'

Photo by: Rob Lawson

Montreal is Canada's second-largest city and Quebec's cultural capital; it's also a city where two worlds meet. Forty-eight hours in this beautiful city is plenty of time to take in the classic French architecture of downtown Old Montreal and explore the modern, more North American vibe uptown. Where to Stay Absolument Montreal This hip bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Old Montreal, steps away from sightseeing, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The five guestrooms each have their own cinematic theme, featuring vintage posters and memorabilia. Top of the line amenities, a sunny garden with an all-season Jacuzzi and gourmet breakfasts make this cozy bed and breakfast a favorite place to stay for those seeking a reprieve from larger hotels and chains.

Hotel St. Paul The beautiful historic building was reinvented as a hotel with the architectural genius of the Beaux Arts School. Past its elaborate exterior, minimalism prevails inside. A breathtaking floor-to-ceiling alabaster fireplace anchors one end of the understated lobby. The guest rooms are also trim and modest; most face the less touristy western edge of Vieux-Montreal. The hotel's restaurant, Volver, features an all-new, all-appetizing, Mediterranean menu.

Le Petit Prince In downtown Montreal this renovated home, originally built in 1876, offers accommodations awash with charm and character. The exposed stone and brick walls, slate roof and uniquely designed rooms create a distinct aesthetic. Those who book here will love the location; Le Petit Prince is one block south of bustling Crescent Street, lined with nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Where to Eat Le Club Chasse et Peche The name, "Hunting and Fishing Club," reflects this acclaimed restaurant's menu and d��cor. While the menu may seem simple, your server will describe each dish in considerable detail, with ample attention being paid to course selections and wine pairing. Block out at least two hours from your travel itinerary for this decadent dining experience.

L'Express This 25-year old French bistro is a local favorite. The food here is honest and unpretentious French fare, featuring quiche jambon fromage, soupe de poisson and a delicious staple, croque-monsieur. Open for breakfast until 3 a.m., reservations are suggested for tables, but single diners can easily find a seat at the bar.

Titanic Sandwich Shop If you're looking for a simple and satisfying lunch while meandering through Montreal, there's no better lunch stop than Titanic. Freshly baked baguettes are filled with sumptuous combos like coarse country pate and green peppercorns, smoked ham and brie, and roast pork and chutney. Note that Titanic closes daily at 4 p.m., so head here for a late breakfast or lunch.

What to See & Do Shop Old Montreal Old Montreal's winding streets, lined with 19th-century architecture, make it the tourist heart of the city. In the fashionable Rue Saint-Paul, west of Boulevard Saint-Laurent, unique boutiques like Appartement 51 , Reborn and Mona Moore are the perfect spots for some Canadian retail therapy.

La Biosph��re Buckminster Fuller designed the geodesic dome of La Biosph��re to serve as the American Pavilion for the 1967 World's Fair, more commonly known as Expo '67. Today, this interactive environmentally conscious science facility features a theater, amphitheater, multimedia shows and hands-on displays. It's a great place to spend an afternoon if you are exploring Montreal with little ones.

Mount Royal Park Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect behind New York's Central Park, designed the jewel of the Montreal park system in 1876. Full of monuments, lookouts and picnic spots, Mount Royal Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

After Dark Every Saturday evening during the summer, stunning fireworks displays light up the sky over Montreal's Old Port . Held above La Ronde on Ile Ste-Helene, the shows start at 10 p.m. and can best be viewed from the Clock Tower at the east end of the Port. Follow up this spectacular light display with some jazz at Upstairs , a nightclub where great music and great food are served nightly.

Relax with a cold one at La Diable , a low-key microbrasserie serving homemade brews with devilish names like Extr��me Onction, or Last Rites, a Belgian-style brew with 8.5 percent alcohol.

Travel Channel Insider's Tip: Get the most out of your visit with the "You Eat Here" card offering deals on local restaurants and the Montreal Museum Pass for discounted entrance to the city's many museums. Both are available for purchase online and through most Montreal hotels.

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5 Fun things to do this weekend in Montréal! (June 28 – July 1)

Daniel Baylis

One of Montréal’s most celebrated festivals starts this weekend. But that’s not it! See local art, cheer on Olympic hopefuls, celebrate Canada, and more. Happy (long) weekend! 

1. Add some jazz to your life.

Every summer, thousands of music lovers from around the world flock to downtown Montréal for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal . Performers and musicians from over 30 countries treat audiences to a vast number of indoor and outdoor concerts, many of which are free. Until July 6. 

2. Add some art to your life.

Festival Mtl en Arts is a major outdoor art event that invites visitors to meet more than 100 artists from various disciplines through a host of activities: outdoor expo-sale in visual arts and crafts, interactive performances and installations, live painting, and activities for kids. Happening in The Village until June 30. 

3. Celebrate Canada.

At the Old Port of Montréal, Canada Day is a family affair! This year's festivities will be about unifying activities designed to strengthen ties between locals and visitors alike. The Clock Tower Quay will be transformed into a huge block party where families can enjoy fun workshops, games, face painting, street entertainers, inflatables, and more.

4. Celebrate Olympic hopefuls.

Historic Claude-Robillard Sports Complex will be hosting the 2024 Bell Track & Field Trials . A star-studded gathering of World Champions, Olympic and Paralympic medallists, former national champions, and future impact makers will be battling it out to decide who will represent Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Until June 30. 

5. Cheer on the hometown team.

Feeling the excitement of the European Football Championships? Check out Montréal’s own soccer team, CF Montréal , as they face off against Philadelphia. Tickets from $31. Saputo Stadium. Saturday, 7:30 PM. 

Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of June

Things to do in Montréal this June 2024

Discover all our Montréal recommendations for the month of July

Things to do in Montréal this July 2024

Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.   Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Twitter

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The 19 best weekend getaways from Montreal

A 48-hour escape from the city can be a game-changer. Hit the road with our curated guide to the best getaways from Montreal.

Photograph: Alice Triquet

While we all agree that Montreal is an incredible city thanks to all the epic things to do , sometimes you just need to get out of town—especially during the fall as the foliage is peaking (foliage tracker here !). Whether you're looking for  hiking , or something more far flung, here are the best options (ranked by shortest to longest distance from the city) that are all totally doable. If you need a quicker fix, explore a  day trip   or just kick back in one of the city's glorious parks .

RECOMMENDED: 39 best things to do in Montreal right now Best hiking and parks in and around Montreal Best Airbnb cabins near Montreal

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best weekend getaways from Montreal

1.  saint-sauveur, quebec.

1 hour from Montreal

Tucked into the Laurentians, Saint-Sauveur is a solid option for anyone looking to escape to the mountains for the weekend. The charming resort town is popular come wintertime among skiers due to its proximity to the mountains.

Do this: For a bit of romance, spend the weekend at Le Spa du Manoir Saint-Sauveur. The indoor-outdoor nature-inspired spa experience includes a dry sauna, various hot tubs and various yoga and meditation classes that can be followed with massage treatments.

Stay here: After a relaxing Nordic spa experience, retreat back to your room at Manoir Saint-Sauveur,  which includes 250 rustic guestrooms and suites to keep the relaxation going all weekend long .

2.  Montebello, Quebec

1.5 hours from Montreal

Located at the eastern edge of Quebec's Outaouais region, this country escape is but a quick drive from Montreal and offers a forget-your-troubles escape from the city.

Do this: With over 12 kilometres of lakes, meadows and forests, Parc Omega is home to a plethora of local fauna and flora. Expect to see beaver, elk, black bears, bison and more at the drive-through park.

Stay here: Round out the nature-fuelled trip with a relaxing stay at Fairmont Le Château Montebello. The sprawling resort and spa offers 210 rustic rooms (including six deluxe suites), as well as plenty of year-round activities for families, couples, and solo travellers.

3.  Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

Mont-Tremblant has become a destination for local Quebecers and out of province visitors alike—and for good reason. The mountain town offers year-round ski resorts, cycling and hiking  trails, and numerous lakes for canoeing and swimming.

Do this:  During the summer, head to the beach of Lac Tremblant for beach volleyball, tennis and water sports. Come winter, cut your teeth with some cross country skiing. This ski resort in the Laurentian Mountains is open and powdered from November to April. 

Stay here: Lodge de la Montagne straddles Mont Tremblant and the beach of Lac Tremblant in the heart of the charming pedestrian village.

4.  Eastern Townships, Quebec

2 hours from Montreal

The Eastern Townships is known for its spas, wildlife and charming small towns. It has become somewhat of a sanctuary for winemakers and brewers with over a dozen wineries and microbreweries peppered throughout the region.

Do this: Head to Lennoxville, a small town just outside of Sherbrooke, and enjoy a pint at Le Lion d'Or Pub. Established in 1986, it's Quebec’s first ever microbrewery and has since become a mainstay for students and young professionals alike. Enjoy guzzling some history.

Stay here: Hovey Manor, Noth Hatley's charming, country-style Relais & Châteaux property, has attracted everyone from Canadian author Louise Penny to the Clintons. Be sure to stop in at Massawippi Mercantile, a café-boutique on the shores of Lake Massawippi that serves up some of the best coffee and farm-to-table fare in town.

5.  Burlington, Vermont

A weekend in Burlington is really all you need to 1) fall in love with the city and 2) see pretty much everything it has to offer. The largest city in Vermont is surprisingly tiny with less than 50000 residents, but the emphasis on slow living and sustainable cuisine is enough to charm the most hardened of city folk.

Do this: After exploring the charming boutiques and restaurants on Church Street, make your way to Splash at the Boathouse, a floating seafood restaurant and bar positioned right on Burlington Bay. The easygoing patio is an ideal spot to enjoy a few beers while watching the sun sink below the skyline.

Stay here: Lang House on Main Street, just a few blocks from the downtown core, is a true New England countryside retreat right in the middle of the city. The romantic bed and breakfast dates back to 1881, when it was a stately private family home.

6.  Ottawa, Ontario

2.5 hours from Montreal

Ottawa may bring to mind cabinet ministers and parliament buildings, but Canada’s capital city has a lot to offer outside of political intrigue. Expect a strong food and drink scene, bohemian markets and a considerably large Chinatown  with some of the best dim sum  in the country.

Do this: Start the day at the Byward Market, a central hub of farmer’s markets , artisanal goods and eateries like micro pubs and cafés. For dinner, book a table at Beckta Wine Bar, a charming bar and restaurant serving upscale Canadian fare in a 140-year-old heritage house.

Stay here: In a city of big-name hotels and suites, ARC The.Hotel is one of Ottawa’s only boutique hotels. The sophisticated property is located in the heart of downtown, so you won’t have to touch the car all weekend. If you want something more chic, the Fairmont Château Laurier here knocks it out of the park with its central location and superb services.

7.  Montpelier, Vermont

The capital city of Vermont is a nature lover’s dream with endless camping, hiking, and exploring to be had. The population numbers in at just under 8000, and that makes for a perfectly secluded escape from the city.

Do this: Go for a hike along Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s 12th largest mountain. The hiking trail will take you from Montpelier to Duxbury and boasts jaw-dropping views of mountains.

Stay here: After a day well spent in the great outdoors, check into The Stowehof. Although it’s a bit of a drive from Montpelier proper, it’s worth the commute; the hotel and spa is surrounded by 26 acres of mountain vistas and boasts a cozy outdoor fire pit, a huge outdoor pool, and onsite restaurants serving up locally-sourced fare and craft beer.

8.  Wakefield, Quebec

Just north of Ottawa you’ll find Wakefield, one of the many villages of the Municipality La Pêche in the Outaouais region. Thrill seekers flock to the region for two things: bungee jumping and skiing.

Do this: If you’re feeling particularly brave, make your way to Great Canadian Bungee, the highest bungee jump in North America. The 200-foot water dip bungee jump is set over a spring-fed lagoon and is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Stay here: Consider checking into Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa. Built in 1838 on a spot which overlooks the Gatineau River, the property was originally a flour mill but has since been restored as a sophisticated spa and hotel  spot to rest your head and eat extremely well.

9.  Quebec City, Quebec

3 hours from Montreal

Quebec City is steeped with history and things to see. Not only is it the oldest city in Canada, it’s also packed with great terraces and a budding local food scene.

Do this: Take a walk through charming Old Quebec. The popular tourist destination is worth weaving through crowds of out-of-towners for a look at its 17th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and Citadelle de Québec constructed in the 1800s.

Stay here: Fairmont Le Ch â teau Frontenac, originally built in 1893, overlooks Old Quebec's Upper Town. The National Historic Site includes 611 suites, including the Céline Dion Heritage Suite and the Trudeau-Trudeau Suite, named after the two Canadian Prime Ministers.

10.  Île d’Orléans, Quebec

3.5 hours from Montreal

Cycling tours of this island located in the St. Lawrence River just past Quebec City are popular with locals over the warmer months, but Île d’Orléans is also lovely to visit by car. After the ferry ride, you’ll have six tiny villages to choose from, all joined together by the 67-kilometre Chemin Royal.

Do this: Stop into each village to take in its specialties, whether that’s cider in Saint-Pierre or chocolate-making (and chocolate-dipped ice cream cones) in Saint-Pétronille. There are also cheese shops, wineries, a sugar shack, galleries, lots of eateries and a beach.

Stay here: Camping in one of Saint-François campsites is the most common option here, or check out the Airbnb options. For a more luxurious stay, head to Québec City for the night—Hôtel Le Germain Québec is only a 40-minute drive away.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by L'île d'Orléans (@ile.dorleans)

11.  Thousand Islands, Ontario

It ain’t just a salad dressing. In fact, it’s a group of more than 1800 islands grouped together along the United States-Canada border on the St-Lawrence River. While it used to be a fashionable retreat for Canada’s elite, these days it’s a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Do this: Spend the weekend on the water with Gananoque Boat Line. The 2 to 3 hour cruise will take you by the Boldt Castle, mansions, and natural wonders of The Thousand Islands while taking in the history of the river—who doesn’t like stories of shipwrecks and lost marine vessels?

Stay here: Gananoque Inn & Spa, which dates all the way back to 1896, sits on the banks of the St-Lawrence River and is a 4-minute walk from the Gananoque Boat Line. The main property includes just 29 rooms, each of which boasts unique views of the water and surrounding flora.

12.  Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 hours from Montreal

While Montreal is a great city for wine aficionados, a trip to Prince Edward County is a must for anyone who loves to sip and savour red, white, rosé and everything in between. Lake Ontario and the surrounding Sandbanks has become a hub for Ontario winemakers due to its relatively grape-friendly limestone-rich terroir.

Do this: Prince Edward County is home to over 50 wineries and vineyards—many of which offer tours and tastings daily. Bring a bike or rent one from your hotel, and spend the day cycling through  vineyards like the popular Sandbanks Estate and TerraCello . 

Stay here: While the region is swimming with quaint inns, motels, everyone heads to the ultra-hip Drake Devonshire for an upscale lakeside retreat. Fully booked?Consider dropping your bags at the June Motel. The wine-focused property, once a dated roadside motel, feels more like stepping into a Palm Springs retreat, and includes charming activities and amenities like Detox/Retox yoga and well-equipped in-room wine bars.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Drake (@thedrake)

13.  Charlevoix, Quebec

4.5 hours from Montreal

Charlevoix offers the perfect combination of luxury and outdoor adventure. You can spend one day whale watching on the St. Lawrence, river kayaking and hiking rugged lava-rock hillsides—and then the next day, eat and drink yourself silly on the Route des Saveurs.

Do this: Embrace your adventure-sports side with a little help from Canyoning Québec, who’ll guide you to up to 7 waterfalls situated in a canyon in the heart of the Massif de Charlevoix forest. There you can swim, jump, climb or toboggan, depending on the season. 

Stay here: A restful oasis against nature’s backdrop, Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa is where you go aaaah after all that adventuring. The Bercail restaurant is also top notch.

14.  Boston, Massachusetts

5 hours from Montreal

Founded in 1630, Boston  is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and its rich history is apparent in every cobblestoned street and historic landmark building.

Do this: Start the day by making your way through the charming Charles Street shops before strolling over to the Boston Commons. There, you’ll find uncharacteristically friendly squirrels, swans and other local fauna. Then, continue through to Back Bay Fens, home to several great art museums  and galleries.

Stay here: Check into the Liberty Hotel. Built in 1851, the luxury property was once a prison and housed the likes of Malcolm X and the Boston Strangler. If that’s not enough, ask the concierge to point you to where artifacts and quirks from its former prison days are kept throughout its halls and lobby.

15.  Portland, Maine

5.5 hours from Montreal

In search of a seaside escape? Look no further than Portland, Maine. Set on a peninsula in Casco Bay, the charming city is packed with lighthouses, fresh seafood restaurants , beaches , and everything else you’d expect from a coastal town.

Do this: Take advantage of the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and spend the weekend channelling your inner beach bum. Some of the best beaches include Crescent Beach State Park and Willard Beach, both of which are less than half an hour from the downtown core.

Stay here: Set in a former newspaper publishing house, The Press Hotel incorporates many of its former elements into the modern-day design and ethos, from the block-print wooden sculptures to the charming newspaper print wallpaper.

16.  Kennebunkport, Maine

For a small-town taste of New England, Kennebunkport has been the spot of choice for Montrealers for generations. It’s full of character, cute shops, delicious seaside food—including the famous lobster roll from Clam Shack—and it’s surrounded with both beaches and hike-worthy woods.

Do this: Drive off to one of the nearby beaches, whether that’s Ogunquit (the party beach), Mother’s Beach (the family beach) or Goose Rocks Beach (the quiet beach). Have a plastic-bib lobster lunch at Noonan’s, and if you’re hungry enough for dinner, splurge on a meal at 50 Local. To avoid a sunburn, take a shopping break before grabbing an ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.

Stay here: Drive the 15 minutes away to the smaller village of Kennebunkport for a luxury stay at The Tides Beach Club, facing Goose Rocks Beach. The classic cocktails at the lobby restaurant are perfection.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tides Beach Club (@thetidesbeachclub)

17.  Toronto, Ontario

6 hours from Montreal

Aside from the Raptors, Blue Jays, and Maple Leafs that have found a happy home in this city, Toronto is a great spot to indulge in art and multicultural cuisine. Park the car (the city can provide inexpensive permits) and spend the weekend walking or riding trams around the city and getting lost in its side streets while making room for your next meal.

Do this: Toronto is home to a handful of renowned museums and galleries and, thankfully, they’re all within a few blocks of each other. Spend the day getting cultured at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) before continuing on to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), home to world class works of art.

Stay here: The Drake Hotel (no, not that Drake), is conveniently located on Queen Street West, and doubles as one of the best dining options in the city. The property hosts frequent cultural events and has become known as a community hub for foodies and creatives. If Toronto had a Soho House, this’d be it.

18.  New York, New York

6.5 hours from Montreal

Whether you’re team Montreal bagel or New York bagel, it’s impossible not to have a great time during a whirlwind getaway here. Park the car, drop your bags and prepare to pick up your pace—you have a lot of ground to cover.

Do this: There’s so much going on in New York City  that it’s impossible to fit everything into one weekend. We recommend eating your way through it, starting with breakfast at Wyckoff Starr Coffee Shop, lunch at Ivan Ramen, and a late dinner and drinks at Roberta’s or the reservation-free and Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern. Oh, and don't forget to check out the NYC  Time Out Market !

Stay here:  If you’re dead set on staying in Manhattan, consider dropping your bags at POD 39. The suites are extremely small, but they’re clean, well-located and affordable. Be sure to check out the charming rooftop terrasse , which boasts great views of the Manhattan skyline.

19.  Niagara Falls, Ontario

The mistake with Niagara Falls is to try to make your experience boutique. This grandiose attraction courtesy of Mother Nature—a crescent of waterfalls that’s 177 feet high—has been bested by man, who’s made this town an escapist dream full of outsize fun. Embrace the cheesy kid within and go whole-hog carnival sugar high.

Do this: When you’ve had your fun at Casino Niagara, Clifton Hill Street is the place to go for carnival attractions (a mirror maze, a haunted house), not to mention the Niagara Speedway Go Karts. To refuel, the Hershey and Coca Cola stores will provide just the saccharine tourist trip you crave.

Stay here: Get your view of the falls guaranteed with a falls-view room at the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls. It’s a contemporary hotel that’s got an outdoor pool and lots of restaurant choices—plus it’s connected to a mall.

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