I feel so blessed every time I get to write a travel guide, because it means I got the opportunity to travel and explore another beautiful piece of our planet! I had the opportunity to pop into Montreal for a French trip in high school, and then a chance to run a Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon there with a group of hockey ladies to support charity, and this past year I got to go back as a mom of 3 and see the space from a whole different lens. It’s such a gem of a spot. Canada is so vast and every province is so completely different from the next, but Quebec really does have a little taste of Europe in it. The whole time I was there, I kept forgetting I was in Canada, which is partly because of French being the primary language, but also just the place itself. So, here are some of my tips from my last trip, and of course, more on the list that I need extra chances to go back and do more of!
Activities
Accommodations
If you are planning on going to a hockey game while you are there, the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain could not be a dreamier location, as it’s a 2-minute walk, if that…!
Activities
- Head to the Old Port of Montreal to walk by the water, ride the Ferris Wheel La Grande Roue de Montreal, eat at the food trucks, and so much more!
- La Fontaine Park is a great city park
- The Botanical Gardens are probably the most beautiful in the Spring and Summer, but even in the other seasons, they set up for Halloween and Christmas, plus you’re right by the Olympic Velodrome, as another check off the list
- Mont Royal Park is a must-do in my books; absolutely beautiful – the landscape architect who designed this park, also designed Central Park in New York, if that gives you any indication of what the space might feel like
- Visit the Notre Dame Basilica – this one costs money to enter, but even the outside is lovely to see and hopefully you get some live music in the square
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mont Royal is free and quite the sight to see
- Go see your favourite hockey team take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre
Other activities that I didn’t get a chance to do, but were recommended and/or researched:
- Aura at Notre Dome Basilica – requires tickets and is an immersive light experience
- Do an archeology dig at Pointe-a-Calliere
- Insectarium – natural history museum with a whole lot of insects
- Laval Nature Centre – has animal farm, green house, and lots of outdoor adventuring options
- Quinn Farms – a bit more of a drive, but has all the seasonal goodness, like apple picking, pumpkin patch, etc.
- Biodome – a museum for ecosystems – the penguin exhibit was highly recommended
Now to the Food…
Restaurants
Coffee Shops
Something I had to wrap my head around here is that you likely won’t be finding a true egg breakfast at any coffee shop. They are all adorable little spaces with great drinks and pastries, so very European-style on the cafe-front.
- Melk – such a cute and delicious little coffee shop, and their matcha latte with macadamia nut milk is something I still dream about
- Cafe Neve – another wonderful matcha in Mont-Royal area
Lunch Spots
- Mandy’s – a favourite lunch for me with beautiful salads and bowls
- La Banquise – this was suggested as the spot for poutine and it did not disappoint
- St. Viateur Bagel – and while we are talking about the spot, this was the one for Montreal Bagels! Apparently, the Mont Royal location is the one to go to if you want Montreal Bagel Sandwiches. Again, it did not disappoint!!
Dinner
- Fiorellino – delicious Italian
- Da Emma – another great Italian spot, this one is in Old Montreal
- Sushi Hidden Fish – fantastic sushi and a very lovely atmosphere
- Pizzeria Moretti – not a must-do, but we enjoyed our pizza here and it was a nice loud environment that was perfect with the kiddos!
Other Restaurants that I didn’t get a chance to try, but were recommended and/or researched:
Coffee Shops & Sweets
- Le Cartet – French bistro
- Cafe Olimpico – Italian cafe
- Mollo – the one on Wellington has homemade ice cream and a little bakery a few doors down
- Homers – has a bunch of locations for fun donuts
- Arthurs Nosh Bar – turns out this is the only breakfast or brunch spot I have to recommend to you!
Lunch Spots
- Venice – great poke bowls
- Orange Julep – famous fast food joint
- Clarke or Marchigiani– chicken cutlet and sandwiches
- Pizzeria 900 – this might be the pizza place to write home about
- Lulu’s Pasta Bar – super quick pasta
- Burger de Ville – family-run business with a great burger!
- Uniburger – unreal smash burgers in tiny locations
Dinner
- Stellina – the pasta on their Instagram has me drooling
- Gibby’s – a must-do steakhouse
- Zento – sushi restaurant not downton, so more affordable
- Vargas – steakhouse
- Lucille’s – seafood; one location was right by the arena and packed!
- La Perle – Chinese food in the West Island
Au revoir et profitez-en!!