How to spend the weekend in Montreal


Short stay weekends away are the perfect way to break up our hard-working seasons in between longer vacations – so what destination should you book next?

Well, if you want a fantastic city break, we suggest you spend the weekend in Canada’s second-largest city – the beautiful Montreal. Why? Well, it’s often described as a destination like no other in the whole of North America, with some visitors likening it to Europe, with its unique charm and sophistication.

Here, you’ll find a city of both old and new – with a special dominance of spoken French language and culture. So, if you can’t afford to hop on a long-haul flight to Europe, come to Montreal instead. Here’s a guide to how you can easily get the most of your Montreal trip in just two days.

Photo: Getty Images

Day One (Morning and afternoon)

Montreal has a super easy and accessible public transport system, so start your day by heading to Pie-IX station via the metro. Here you can enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local cafe – best served alfresco watching the busy street-walkers go by. Of course, a lot of French cuisine is on the menu, so we suggest pancakes with maple syrup.

From here, you can head to the Montreal Botanical Gardens, where you can either enjoy strolling around the beautiful nature gardens, visit the largest insectarium in North America, or even climb up the 165m Montreal Tower Observatory with 360º views. Top off your afternoon with a cold, iced beverage at a local pub nearby.

Day One (Evening and night time)

As the day turns into dusk, make your way to Place Jacques-Cartier, which is one of the busiest and most popular squares in Montreal full of amazing bars, exquisite restaurants, handmade gift stores, and lots and lots of people. You can spend all night here relaxing, drinking, eating, and watching street performers.

Day Two (Morning and afternoon)

The next day can be spent in the Old Port area, which is another location full of fun things to do and fascinating things to see. It’s one of the biggest waterways in North America, so it’s especially lovely to visit during the warmer months. Here, you can find a whole host of attractions including a ride on the Montreal Observation Wheel, a lay-down on Clock Tower Beach, pedal boats for you to enjoy some family fun, or, if you’re feeling super brave, take a trip on Canada’s first urban zipline that zooms across the Montreal skyline.

Photo: Getty Images

Day Two (Evening and night time)

As your day comes to a close, make sure you head over to see the magnificent building that is Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal – one of Canada’s largest churches that features a breathtaking architectural dome for you to marvel at.

Your last evening can then be spent in the delightful Westmount neighborhood, where you can even enjoy a spot of shopping amongst its boutiques and designer shops. Here, you can also choose from a wide range of restaurants that has the best Montreal offers in terms of fancy dining to celebrate the end of your weekend away. One last stop – take yourself for a magical walk along the parks of Mount Royal, where you can gaze from a higher view of Montreal’s cityscape. This is best enjoyed at sunset!

You have to visit Montreal for yourself to get a proper feel for just how sublime the city really is. It’s perfect for a fun family weekend, a short getaway with friends, or even a romantic trip for two – put Montreal at the top of your bucket list now!


More about Jael Josevich

“I’m an amateur baker with a passion for writing, scary movies, coffee and anything Kristen Bell related. Also secretly a huge Taylor Swift fan.”

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