If you’re looking for a little slice of Europe in North America, then visiting Montreal is not a bad option. As the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second-largest in all of Canada, this city is diverse international, multifaceted and a joy to explore.
When we were visiting Vermont for a friend’s wedding, Michael and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to drive north to Montreal solely based on the proximity.
And we are so happy that we did! After just an hour or two of exploring, this city quickly became one of our favourites in North America and we found there was so much to do over the three days we found ourselves there.
Perfect for foodies and francophiles alike, make sure to follow this itinerary to ensure that you don’t miss any of the highlights of lovely Montreal!
Table of Contents
How Many Days in Montreal?
Montreal is quite a large city with a lot to see and do (and eat!). Though the historic centre is compact, there are several unique neighbourhoods worth exploring and points of interest worth devoting time to.
With this in mind, we would highly recommend spending at least 3 days in the city itself in order to get a holistic view of Montreal. This will allow you to explore the old town, visit some museums, see a few eclectic neighbourhoods and still get a bit beyond the beaten tourist trail.
If you’re pressed for time, you can still get a good feel for the city should you only have 2 days to spend in Montreal. You won’t, however, have the luxury to dig deeper and really soak up all that the city has to offer.
On the other hand, for those fortunate enough to have 4 days to spend, you can use that extra day to explore some of the incredible nature that surrounds the city or to take a day trip to a nearby city.
Getting To & Around Montreal
Montreal is home to its own international airport and offers connections to countless destinations across Canada, the US and beyond. This is probably the easiest point of entry for a dedicated city break and it makes it much easier to reach, in general, when compared to Quebec City nearby.
There is a bus that links the airport to the city centre or you could also organise a private transfer, take a taxi or use a rideshare app like Uber.
If you are driving to Montreal, the city is located about 1.5 hours from Burlington, VT, 3 hours from Quebec City, and 5 hours from Toronto, ON or Boston, MA.
Once in Montreal, you will find that it is an enormously easy city to navigate and has excellent public transport. We drove to the city and kept the car parked the entire time we were there and simply relied on the bus and metro.
The public transit system is affordable with lots of options for single tickets or multi-day passes – which one you choose depends a lot on where you’re staying and how much you intend to use it. You will need to purchase an Opus card to use both the bus and metro – these are available at ticket machines at the metro stations.
Montreal is also incredibly walkable and it is a joy to explore on foot! So make sure to pack some good walking shoes as you will be on your feet a lot throughout the course of this itinerary.
The only time a car will come in helpful in Montreal is if you plan to go on a day trip. Unless you plan to go on an organised tour, it will be much easier to go independently If you have your own vehicle.
2, 3 or 4-Day Montreal Itinerary
Day 1 – Montreal Old Town, Port & Underground
Spend your first day in Montreal in the historic centre and old town of the city. This is the most “touristy” part of Montreal, but it is still very much worth exploring and learning a bit about.
If you want to see many of the sites listed below with a bit more historical context, we recommend booking a place on the Montreal Free Walking Tour or a paid walking tour.
Bakery Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious pastry in one of Montreal’s many (many) bakeries. The patisserie scene in this city can rival Paris and it is a great way to get started on eating some of the incredible culinary offerings in Montreal.
Because we are starting in the old town for day 1, we can recommend grabbing a croissant and a coffee at La Cave a Manger.
This place is famous for its delicious filled croissant rolls (we had the pistachio one – it was amazing!), but they have a lot of different options available.
Notre Dame De Bon Secours Chapel
Begin your tour of the old town by visiting the Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel, also referred to colloquially as the Sailor’s Chapel. Constructed in the 18th Century, it is one of the oldest churches in the city and is a beautiful building to take in.
Make sure to head inside the chapel, as well as admiring it from the exterior. It is free to enter the church which makes it an appealing option.
Marche Bonsecours
A short walk from the chapel you will find the Marche Bonsecours – a gorgeous Neoclassical building first constructed in the mid-19th Century.
The marketplace was the main market in Montreal for over 100 years and it is still in operation today, however, not as a farmer’s market as it was originally intended. Today, it is more of a shopping mall – however, it is a great place to pick up a locally-made souvenir from your trip to Montreal.
Montreal City Hall
Montreal is no stranger to grand buildings (furthering its similarity to European cities) and the City Hall is no different. Another historic building that dates back to the second half of the 19th Century, it’s another must-see building in the old town of Montreal.
There is a lot of history surrounding this building, but it is perhaps most noteworthy for being the place where then-president of France, Charles de Gaulle, gave a speech in 1967. This is particularly important in modern Quebecois history.
Chateau Ramezay
Just across the street from the City Hall you will find the Chateau Ramezay. If you want to learn about the early colonial history of Montreal, then this is a great place to do that. The chateau was built in 1705 and was once home to Claude de Ramezay who was the mayor of the city at the time.
These days, the house is a living history museum that is very interesting to visit. And even if you don’t visit the museum itself, there are lovely gardens behind the house that are free to enter and accessible to the public.
Notre Dame Basilica
From Chateau Ramezay, walk through the Old Town, past Place Jacques-Cartier and onward to the next destination.
Like any European city, a major focal point in Old Montreal is the Notre Dame Basilica. This grand church is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and is an important monument not only in Montreal but in all of Canada.
Built in a gorgeous Gothic Revival style in the mid-19th Century, this church has helped countless important events throughout its tenure – from the wedding of Celine Dion to the funeral of Pierre Trudeau.
Unlike other churches in the city, you do have to pay to enter the basilica but it is a beautifully ornate building that’s worth it to take in.
Vieux Port
A short walk away from the basilica you will find the Vieux Port (Old Port) – a thriving area on the banks of the mighty St Lawrence River. A newly revitalized district, this is a great place to explore and unwind and there are lots of activities available that are fun for the whole family.
In this area, you can find food trucks and even some artisan stalls where you can pick up a unique souvenir. There is also a “beach” area where you can lounge in a sun bed (weather permitting), ride La Grande Roue de Montréal (a large Ferris wheel) and it’s the jumping-off point for many river cruises.
This area is also home to the Montreal Science Centre, which can be a great place to visit with children.
Chinatown
Walking away from the Vieux Port and past the old town onto St Lawrence Boulevard, you will find Montreal’s Chinatown. Montreal is an incredibly diverse and multicultural city, and this is a great area to enjoy some of that diversity in culture.
There are lots of great restaurants and shopfronts where you can get a bite to eat such as Hoang Oanh Sandwich where we had an affordable lunch, or it’s simply a great place to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Those looking for a bit to eat away from Chinatown may also enjoy the nearby Le Central Market which has a lot of food stalls and great international fare to enjoy.
Montreal Underground City
A unique aspect of Montreal is that it actually has an entire “underground city” that connects both metro stations and shopping centres almost entirely underground – and it spans a total of 33 kilometres.
The underground city – or RESO, as you may see it marked at entrances above ground – exists mostly to help locals get around the city when the outdoor conditions are less than ideal.
Winter temperatures are, on average, well below freezing (though it is hard to imagine that with the warm August weather we enjoyed) and having a network to avoid the inclement weather is incredibly helpful for locals during the colder months.
There is a lot to explore throughout the underground city and it can be worth joining an underground walking tour if you want to explore in depth.
However, at the very least, make sure to take in the piece of the Berlin Wall that is on display. You can also head to the Eaton Centre shopping mall, where you can find Time Out Market. No doubt that spending a bit of time here is one of the more unique things to do in Montreal.
Musee de Beaux Artes
A great place to end your first day in Montreal is at one of the city’s museums – and the Fine Arts Museum (or Musee de Beaux Artes in French) is a great choice.
This is a massive museum in Downtown Montreal with all kinds of lovely artworks on display across several buildings. Nearby the museum, you can also see the mural of Leonard Cohen – who was from Montreal.
After visiting the museum, take the time to stroll down Sherbrooke Street, which is quite lively and home to some high-end shopping (and great for people-watching).
Day 2 – Little Italy, Mile End & Mount Royal Park
Your second day sees you venturing a bit away from the city centre and taking in the highlights of multicultural Montreal. Make sure to bring your appetite, as this route has a lot of delicious stops. This day covers a lot of ground, so be ready to hop on a bus on occasion to save some time!
Grab a Coffee
Begin your day in the Little Italy neighbourhood of Montreal, which is a few kilometres up St Lawrence Boulevard (where you visited Chinatown yesterday). Little Italy is, unsurprisingly, home to a good portion of Italian immigrants to the city and it is filled with excellent restaurants, cafes, shops and delis.
If you want to enjoy a little slice of Italy in Canada to yourself, then start your day with a coffee at a cafe like Cafe Italia. This cafe really feels like you could be in Rome or Florence (minus the French being spoken all around).
If the weather is fine, grab a table outside and enjoy the lovely streetside energy before you get to exploring.
Jean-Talon Market
If you’re a foodie, then you absolutely cannot miss a visit to the massive and lively Jean-Talon Market. This massive market hall has tons of fresh produce stalls and other stands selling local fruits and veggies and other delicacies from all over the world.
The entire marketplace is absolutely massive, so it can take well over an hour to browse through it in its entirety.
There are lots of little bakeries and other places where you can get a snack or something to eat, as well, but make sure not to overdo it – our next stop is also food-related! Consider taking a market tour if you want to explore with a guide.
Montreal-Style Bagel
Though maybe not as well-known as the New York counterpart, there is, indeed, a Montreal-style Bagel and there is no better place to try one than in the Mile End neighbourhood just a bit south of Little Italy.
You can get bagels all over the city, but if you want to head to a classic bagel shop, then make sure to visit either Fairmount Bagels or St Viateur Bagels. Both shops can get very popular, but the line moves quickly and they all churn out countless varieties of hot, wood-fired bagels.
If you don’t want to visit both shops (though you should!), we recommend St Viateur Bagel as this was our favourite.
Don’t expect to get a prepared bagel sandwich here, however! You are going to need to purchase your own spread (be it cream cheese or something else) and apply it yourself. The bagels themselves are so delicious, however, that it’s worth it for the little extra effort. You can also join a bagel-making workshop if you want to learn the craft behind this iconic bagel style.
Explore Mile End
After filling up on a delicious bagel, take the time to explore the hip Mile End neighbourhood. Home to Montreal’s Orthodox Jewish community, there is a lot of Jewish culture here to learn about (you can take a walking tour to learn more), but there are also tons of great eateries and a cool, artsy vibe that makes it a wonderfully eclectic place to kill a few hours.
The highlight of Mile End for us, however, was the food – so I suggest you try to stay hungry as you hop from delicious stop to delicious stop! If, for instance, you’re up for a light lunch, then make sure to pay a visit to Wilensky’s Light Lunch!
This is an old-school soda fountain and Jewish deli that serves up classics like bologna sandwiches and hot dogs along with mixed sodas and egg creams.
Other great places to visit include Drogheria Fine where you can get take-away homemade gnocchi served with chopsticks in a Chinese take-out container.
Or if you’re after something sweet, visit Brioche a Tete for a gorgeous French-style pastry or, for something particularly unique, head to Carlota Boulangerie Mexicaine where you can get Mexican-style pastries like conchas or, my recommendation, the guava and cheese Danish!
If you prefer to eat your way through the neighbourhood with a guide, then you can join a food tour of the area.
St Joseph’s Oratory
From Mile End, it’s a good idea to hop on a bus (or take a taxi if it suits you) and head to St Joseph’s Oratory. This incredible church sits atop Mount Royal (after which Montreal is named) and is a top place to visit in the city.
The church itself is breathtaking and it is also very accessible – there are lots of escalators that can easily take you to the top so you don’t have to huff and puff up thousands of stairs! The church itself is also free to enter, making it even more worth the visit!
Mount Royal Park
From the Oratory, take the time to wander through the beautiful, green expanse that is Mount Royal Park. You can either take the bus to a more central area of the park and wander around there or, if you’d like, you can simply walk through it from the church itself.
If you want to get incredible views of the Montreal Skyline from above, make sure to head over to the Kondiaronk Belvedere at the Mount Royal Chalet – this is also a good place to kick back and relax for a little bit (as you’re sure to be tired out from all of that sightseeing!).
Mount Royal Cemetery
As you make your way out of the park, wind your way through Mount Royal Cemetery – a massive cemetery with elaborate graves. Many notable people are buried here, but it is also a tranquil and peaceful place to wander through – especially in the warmer months.
It’s a gentle downhill walk through the area if you follow the route from Mount Royal Chalet but there are also plenty of benches where you can stop, rest and contemplate.
Brasserie Dieu du Ciel
End your day with an ice-cold beer at Brasserie Dieu du Ciel – a great craft brewery back in the Mile End neighbourhood. There are lots of great places to grab a beer in Montreal, but this place was one of the favourites that we tried.
They have an extensive tap list and also some great nibbles and larger dishes if you’re hungry. There is also a fantastic outdoor seating area that’s great if the weather permits.
Day 3 – Botanical Garden, Olympic Park & St Lawrence Blvd
For those fortunate enough to have 3 days in Montreal, plan to spend your third day digging deeper in the city and enjoying more of what it has to offer.
Montreal Botanical Garden
Begin your day at the Montreal Botanical Garden, which is located a bit outside the city centre near the Pie-IX metro station.
Though it is great to visit in the cooler months (there are several greenhouses to explore where you can escape the cold), it is particularly delightful in the summertime when the outdoor gardens are in full bloom.
There are ponds, a gorgeous Japanese garden, a garden with native plants, a Chinese garden and much more. You can also opt to visit the Insectarium, located within the botanical gardens, which is one of the largest insect museums in North America.
Olympic Park
Home to the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, Montreal’s Olympic Park is located right next to the botanical gardens and it’s a great place to explore if you’re in the area.
Not only is there a stadium, but there are plenty of sports complexes that include climbing walls and swimming pools, among other things.
Oftentimes, there are cultural events put on in this area, as well (there was a music festival on when we were there!), so it can be worth it to check if anything is happening when you’re visiting!
St Lawrence Boulevard
After a morning exploring a different end of the city, hop on the metro and head back toward the city centre and plan to have a nice, long walk along St Lawrence Boulevard – for this route, Laurier metro station would be a great place to get off.
The rest of the day will take a few detours from the street, but simply enjoy the cultural diversity of this incredible thoroughfare – and make sure you have an appetite again!
Not only does St Lawrence Boulevard boast a thriving Italian, Jewish and Chinese community, but there is also a massive Portuguese influence here. So make sure to pop into a bakery and grab a pastel de nata!
There are also plenty of beautiful murals and art installations (join a street art tour if you want to see them all!) and lots of bars and cafes to pop into, as well.
Try Poutine
No trip to Montreal would be complete without trying Canada’s national dish (and a Quebecois invention!), poutine! If you’re unfamiliar with poutine, it’s a simple dish of chips/french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.
There are countless places to sample this local favourite and many places have lots of different variations. However, we absolutely loved Patati Patata. This had a divey vibe and even offered a vegan version of poutine that uses tofu instead of cheese curds (perfect for those who can’t/don’t eat dairy).
La Banquise is also a popular option, but there are often incredibly long lines to contend with.
La Fontaine Park
Detour a bit of St Lawrence Boulevard and wander over to La Fontaine Park. This is a great place to unwind and simply relax with some beautiful surroundings.
There is a tranquil pond and plenty of benches to kick back on and watch the world go by.
Duluth Avenue
From the park, make your way down the cool, hip Duluth Avenue. This street has a lot of great cafes and bars to pop into and a cool, lively and artistic energy.
The cobbled street has microbreweries, boutique shops, international eateries and much more. It is the perfect way to wind out your final day exploring the city.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Mont Tremblant, La Maurice National Park or Trois-Rivieres
If you’re fortunate enough to have four days to spend, then use the final day to head out on a day trip. Unless you want to go on an organised tour, having your own vehicle is going to be the easiest.
Mont-Tremblant
One of the most popular day trips from Montreal is to beautiful Mont-Tremblant. In the winter, this is a major ski resort and a popular destination for locals to hit the slopes. But in the summer, there are countless outdoor activities to take advantage of such as walking along the treeline observatory, zip-lining or white-water rafting.
Spend the day enjoying the miles of hiking trails, taking in beautiful mountain vistas or many canoeing or kayaking on one of the many lakes.
Mont-Tremblant is located about 1.5 hours from Montreal and it’s possible to take an organised tour if you don’t have your own transport.
La Mauricie National Park
Another wonderful outdoor destination is La Mauricie National Park. This is an excellent destination for those who love a lakeside getaway, as there are countless lakes and ponds to enjoy here. Find a place to rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy some time out on the lake.
Otherwise, there are also plenty of hiking trails to enjoy and gorgeous scenery to take in.
The national park is located about 2 hours from Montreal.
Trois-Rivières
If you’re looking for a quaint city to explore in Quebec rather than a natural area, then consider heading to Trois-Rivières. Located on the banks of the St Lawrence River, this little city has a compact and easily walkable city centre with lots of cute shops, restaurants and microbreweries to enjoy.
Trois-Rivières is located about a 1.5-hour drive from Montreal.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville – Located in downtown Montreal, this hotel is a great mid-range option. There are an array of chic rooms to choose from, a continental breakfast each morning, and a great location for exploring the city.
Hotel Gault – A high-end option close to the old town, this hotel has countless spacious rooms and suites available, some boasting their own terrace. Amenities include an on-site bar and restaurant, breakfast, a fitness centre, room service and private parking.
L’Appartement Hôtel – Offering suites and studios, this is an excellent choice for those after a bit more space in Montreal. They have a great location close to McGill University in the Plateau neighbourhood and offer breakfast each morning. There is also an indoor swimming pool.
M Montreal – Budget travellers will love this hip hostel. Located in central Montreal, there are plenty of modern dorms available along with a rooftop terrace (with jacuzzis), great common areas, affordable breakfast and female-only dorms.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Montreal hotels!
Planning the perfect Montreal itinerary can be a bit overwhelming when you consider all there is to do in this incredible Canadian city. But if you plan your time properly, you will be able to experience this dynamic and diverse city to its fullest in just a short period of time.
Are you planning to visit Montreal? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
