Montreal, Quebec, knows how to turn on the charm with centuries-old stone buildings, memorable arts and culture, and endless opportunities to sit and savor the surroundings from a waterfront café.
The festival-loving city also features a jam-packed calendar with events celebrating music, dance, art, and cuisine. Nature lovers will also appreciate the city’s verdant pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly green spaces.
With international influences and an undeniable joie de vivre, Montreal’s neighborhoods provide countless entertainment options as well as access to palate-pleasing dining experiences. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable weekend in Montreal.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Stroll Sainte-Catherine Street
Start the day with a café au lait and a fresh croissant at La Finca Café, before strolling Sainte-Catherine Street to peek into downtown shops like Simons department store, which carries designer homeware and men’s and women’s clothing, including work from homegrown Quebec designers collaborating with the store.
Spend a few hours in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, browsing an art collection almost 47,000 works strong spanning eras and nations, with ancient artifacts, Impressionist masterpieces, and an array of indigenous and European Canadian art. Don’t forget to stroll through the fanciful gift shop stocked with art and housewares.
After a morning of retail therapy, consider a baguette or focaccia sandwich from MONO, with its globally inspired, expansive menu.
Then get another dose of culture at Oasis Immersion, Canada’s first permanent immersive multimedia exhibition, located within the city’s Palais des Congrès. This hourlong video and sound experience is divided among three galleries and shows rotating exhibits featuring famed artworks.
Kick off your evening with a chilled glass of champagne at the Palm Court, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s elegant bar. Then head to Maison Boulud (you’ll need to reserve a table well in advance), the first restaurant opened by celebrated chef Daniel Boulud in Canda, for lovely French fare. For something a bit more lowkey but still celebratory, visit Stem Bar, a walk-in-only, locally-sourced small plates eatery and wine bar with Italian and French inspiration.
Saturday: Visit Vieux-Montréal for Fine Dining and Science
Start your Saturday off with an excellent pour-over and a buttery croissant, frittata, or French toast at the cozy Olive et Gourmando in charming Old Montreal.
Stroll to the district’s stunning Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, located on Place d’Armes, where street performers and temporary art exhibitions are often on view, and the people watching is lovely. The cathedral is open daily for self-guided tours for a deeper understanding of the history, art, and architecture behind the 19th-century building.
If you’re interested, you can plan to come back after dark when the structure plays host to AURA, an immersive light and sound experience showcasing the church’s historic interior design and art.
Head down the hill to the Old Port, home to the Montréal Science Centre on King Edward Pier, with interactive activities, 3D wildlife films and several permanent exhibits on the earth and the cosmos that kids and adults alike will love.
Head inside the historic Bonsecours Market for an afternoon of exploring. Inside this grand hall, established in 1843, stroll through 15 “made in Quebec” boutiques for crafts, clothing, jewelry and home decor, and grab a bite for lunch at one of the market’s lovely restaurants or food stalls. The side-streets by the market are also well worth it for popping in and out of shops with Quebec-made products.
For some fresh air in the neighborhood, stroll along the shady paths in Mount Royal Park, Montreal’s beautiful 495-acre green space, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame. It’s spectacular at every season, with flowering blooms in the spring and summer, snowy trails (with snowshoeing galore) in the winter, and amber trees in the autumn.
Unwind at GaZette with a lovely bottle from an extensive Canadian and international list before strolling the romantic historic streets towards dinner. Options abound at Stash Café, a longstanding Polish staple with music every night and excellent pierogi, or Monarque, where you can enjoy delightful charcuterie, oysters, and French entrees in the brasserie and a fine-dining French menu in the cozy dining room.
Sunday: Bike Along the City’s Canals
Rent a bicycle from BIXI Montreal, a bike rental system with 700 stations across the city, and head into Les Quartiers du Canal, made up of three areas: Little Burgundy, Griffintown and Saint-Henri. At the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, explore more than 8.5 miles of flat trails great for a smooth ride.
During warmer months, H20 Adventures in Little Burgundy provides on-the-water options like kayaking, canoeing and electric boats.
Pick up a snack from one of the food trucks parked along the canal’s banks. You can also spin by Atwater Market for specialty artisanal foods, fresh-squeezed juices, or breakfast sandwiches from the weekend vendors.
For something more substantial, follow the locals to a late brunch at Le Trou in Griffintown, with wild bagel sandwiches you won’t find at the city’s classic bagel spots, or visit Miette Boulangerie in Little Burgundy for to-go sandwiches to eat while you stroll. You can also grab a foodie souvenir from their array of standout pastries and sourdough breads.
After you’ve filled up on treats, stroll Saint-Henri and peruse the loaded shelves of popular bookstore Librairie Saint-Henri Books, where you can pick up works by local authors. Don’t miss Les Quartiers du Canal’s antique district, located primarily on Notre-Dame Street West, where an array of diverse antique homeware finds await.
To close out the weekend in style, reserve a table in advance for Foxy, a grill-centric bistro with dishes made for sharing. Raise a glass to a memorable weekend in Montreal with a nightcap at Lloyd.
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