A Weekend in Montreal
- Takeabreak
- Jun 23
- 9 min read
General Info:
Why visit Montreal?
Nestled along the St. Lawrence River, the island of Montreal boasts a unique blend of European charm and modern Canadian style. The city offers a diverse selection of cuisine, art, science, and nature. There is something for everyone in this iconic city.
When to visit?
Montreal is wonderful to visit year-round. This northern city boasts truly stunning seasons.
Spring (April-May) - Spring is wonderful in Montreal as the weather is beginning to get more mild, yet the summer crowds and pricing hasn't begun yet. Be on the watch for wet weather though as that is typical for springtime in Montreal. If you visit in early Spring, you may experience some late snow showers and slushy sidewalks.
Summer (June-August) - Looking for an escape from intense heat? Montreal is the place to go! The average high in the summer here is 78F, can't get more perfect than that. Though summer typically brings in more crowds, I have visited twice in the summer and I haven't seen it as an issue.
Autumn (September-November) - Want to experience gorgeous foliage, crisp weather, and cozy cafe patios? Visit Montreal in the Fall. Similar to the Spring season, the Autumn in Montreal is less crowded than the Summer, but still provides beautiful weather.
Winter (December-March) - Some may forget about visiting the cold north during the winter, but actually Montreal has a lot going for it. Montreal hosts winter festivals during the colder months, and the snow provides a beautiful backdrop for the historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Just be sure to dress warmly! It is common for the temperature to drop to the single digits (Fahrenheit) at nighttime.
What language is spoken in Montreal?
French is the official and primary language in Montreal. In fact, Montreal is second largest French speaking city in the world, after Paris. Most of the street signs and restaurant menus are in French. Though knowing some basic French is helpful here, many people are bilingual and speak English as well. A few restaurants we visited had secondary menus that were printed in English.
How to get there?
Plane - Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (20 minute drive from downtown - depending on traffic)
Train - VIA Rail Systems (travels throughout Canada), AMTRAK (travels between the US and Canada)
Boat - Many cruise lines stop in Montreal.
Bus - Routes within Canada, and from the US.
Car - It is easy to drive into the city, you just have to account for finding parking. Keep in mind that Canada uses the metric system, so gas is sold in liters and speeds are posted in kilometers/hour. Other traffic rules to remember are there are no right turns on red in Montreal, and you cannot use a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle.
Traveling between countries - As always with international travel, be sure to pack the proper identification documents and be aware of the local laws.
Where to stay?
It is important to note that Montreal has very strict laws around short term vacation rentals such as AirBNB. Between the window of June 10th to September 10th, rental properties can be rented out for a period of 31 days or less if it is the owners primary residence. Beyond this window, or if it is not the owner's primary residence it is ILLEGAL. This is a big issue in Montreal currently, so please be aware of where and what you are booking.
Both times I stayed in Montreal I stayed in a hotel. I am not against vacation rentals, and have used them many times in other locations worldwide. However, in cities where housing for locals is being jeopardized by foreign investors, I prefer to support the hotels.
The most central neighborhood to stay in is Old Montreal. This area is along the waterfront, easy to navigate and walk around, close to the metro and bus stops, and has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars to pick from. We stayed in Old Montreal on our most recent trip, and enjoyed how easy it was to access everything. There are many hotels to chose from in this area, and they accommodate many different budgets.
If you're looking to stay in an area that is a little less touristy but still has good food options and is walkable, take a look at the Plateu neighborhood.
How to get around?
Montreal is considered a very walkable city, especially if you are visiting during the warmer months and don't have to trek through snow.
Other ways to get around the city include their metro system, bus system, bike rentals (called BIXI), or taxi/Uber. You certainly can drive your own car around as well, though as in any city, it can be expensive to park.
What currency is used in Montreal?
The Canadian Dollar is the currency used in Montreal. We found that the majority of the restaurants, attractions, and transport systems take credit cards though.
Tipping Etiquette?
Tipping is customary in Montreal at restaurants, bars, and other tourism services.
A Weekend in Montreal: Itinerary
Day 1: Old Montreal and Boat Spa
Strolling around Old Montreal is like stepping into a picturesque European city. The cobblestone streets are lined with quaint little cafes and shops. Some top stops to checkout are the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and the Bonsecours Market. If you are interested in a more formal tour, check out some of the many walking/bus tours. These are a great way to explore the area and hear about some of the history and culture of Montreal.
I would suggest strolling around Old Montreal in the morning and grabbing some lunch at one of the local cafes. Then in the afternoon head over to the Bota Bota Spa for an afternoon of relaxation.
A great lunch/brunch spot in the area is Dandy (http://dandymtl.com/). We tried the fired chicken sandwich and the ricotta pancakes, and were not disappointed!
In the afternoon, head over to the Bota Bota Spa. The facility is mostly situated on a boat docked in the harbor of the St. Lawrence River. The spa features various water circuits (hot tubs, cold plunge, lounging pool), saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms, a restaurant, and a poolside bar. The outdoor pools are open year-round, so you can enjoy lounging in a steamy hot tub with a view of the city even during the frosty Montreal winter. As a bonus, you get a cozy robe to bundle up in between activities.
I chose to get a prenatal massage and lounge in the semi heated pool during my visit (as I was pregnant during my trip). Though they do allow pregnant women to partake in the saunas and hot tubs, I preferred not to.
My husband signed up for the full water circuit package, which included access to the various saunas, steam rooms, hot tub, cold plunge, and pool. Once you are done with your water circuits, you are welcome to lounge by the main pool and have access to the pool bar.
Though the spa has a restaurant, I would suggest eating before you arrive. I found the menu to be limited to small light plates and pretty expensive. Nothing is worse than paying for a four hour spa session and getting hungry halfway through! Also keep in mind that they do not allow cellphones in the facilities. You are provided with a locker and key to stow away your belongings. Book your spa afternoon here: https://botabota.ca/en/
In the evening, grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Old Montreal area. Modavie is a great option if you are in the mood for French style cuisine. They offer live music on certain nights as well (https://modavie.com/en/).
Another great option is Pub Wolf & Workman. We tried their pot pie, and it was INCREDIBLE. They offer three types on their menu - Traditional chicken pot pie, beef stroganoff pot pie, and le fisherman pie. (https://www.wolfandworkman.com/en/menus)
After dinner, stop by the old port area. The ferris wheel lights up the sky and gives you a gorgeous view of the city. Depending on the time of year, there are also vendors along the river and pop-up shops.
If you're in the mood for a night cap, there are many great bars in this area to chose from. One memorable bar we visited was a speakeasy called The Coldroom. It's a challenge to find, but thats all part of the fun. Look for an unmarked black door on the side of the building. There is a button next to the door, press this. A staff member will come meet you at the door (keep in mind you may wait a few minutes). You are led down a mysterious dark stairwell, but don't worry, the bar is near! Suddenly you emerge into a cozy softly-lit cocktail bar. The space has a fun and friendly vibe, and the drink offerings match. (https://www.thecoldroommtl.com/)
Day 2: Brunch and Botanical Gardens (and/or Biodome)
Spend the morning on Day 2 enjoying a leisurely brunch at one of Montreal's many delicious brunch restaurants. One of our favorites was Arthurs in the southwestern Saint-Henri neighborhood. Arthurs offers authentic Jewish delicacies, all fresh, and many with local ingredients. I tried the cottage cheese pancakes with wild blueberries - called "Syrniki". They were light and fluffy and oh so amazing. My husband had the breakfast sandwich - scrambled eggs, salami, cheese and sauce all on fresh challah bread. (https://arthursmtl.com/)
Another great brunch option is Régine Cafe in the Parc Molson neighborhood. Régine's is VERY hot spot, so if you are there on a weekend you may have to wait for a table. Régine Cafe is a bit more formal than some of the other brunch spots in town, so keep that in mind for what you are in the mood for. (https://reginecafe.ca/)
After you are satisfied from your hearty brunch, head over to the Montreal Botanical Garden or Jardin Botanique de Montréal. This botanical garden is absolutely beautiful, especially if you are able to visit during the warmer months and see all of the outdoor gardens. The Montreal Botanical Garden boasts plants from across the world, that are curated with exceptional care. I loved these gardens so much that I visited them twice (during separate visits to Montreal). There is a shuttle bus that circles around the gardens, so you can hop on and off as you please and dont have to trek across the large property.
If visiting botanical gardens isn't at the top of your list, or you have extra time in your afternoon, stop by the Montreal Biodome. The Biodome is right down the street from the botanical gardens, so it is easy to see both if you would like. The Biodome is wonderful year-round. You can enjoy viewing animals and plants from many different ecosystems. This is also. agreat stop if you are visiting with children. (https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden)
For dinner, we went to Restaurant Grinder. This is a more expensive option, but it is great for a special occasion. There was a special that evening for a tomahawk steak plate. The plate was served with two side options and we went with the roasted potatoes and the mushrooms. It was all absolutely delicious! I was even able to get a refreshing mocktail dressed with fresh herbs.
Day 3: Bagels (or Donuts) and Mount Royal Park
Before you leave the city, I would highly recommend trying one of Montreal's authentic breakfast treats - bagels or donuts.
Montreal has a distinct bagel type - they are thinner and more crispy than other bagel types such as a classic New York style bagel. They also have a larger hole and are sweeter due to being boiled in honey water then baked in a wood-fired oven. My heart will always lie with fluffy New York style bagels, but it was fun to try something different.
One of the well-known bagel places in the city is St-Viateur Bagel. They have multiple locations within Montreal, and are the oldest bagel bakery in the city. As you walk up to the store you can smell freshly baked dough in the air. It is such a heavenly smell! (https://stviateurbagel.com/)
If you're in the mood for something a little bit sweeter, head over to Bernie Beigne for a fresh donut. These donuts are DECADENT. We ended up taking two boxes of them home with us. One for us (really to devour on the car ride home), and one for our friends who were dog-sitting for us. (https://berniebeigne.shop/menu)
If you have the time, a great spot to stop before you leave Montreal is Mount Royal Park. Fun Fact - Mount Royal Park was designed by the same person who designed Central Park in New York City, Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is gorgeous no matter what season you are visiting in. There are lots of walking trails, lawns to picnic on, and an iconic overlook of the city. The path from the parking lot to the overlook is not too strenuous (I was able to walk the small incline at 7 months pregnant). There is also a public bus that can take you to the top.
And there you have it - a weekend getaway in beautiful Montreal, filled with relaxation, good food, and great sites. I hope you enjoy your trip!
Here is a map of all the spots mentioned in this itinerary: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1fCmH79L3r4WaPhL6AuXCQrjpvIM8uPI&usp=sharing
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