How to make the most of a city break in: Montreal

With limited vacation time, an abundance of natural beauty, and some of the world’s most unique cities, right on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that, according to Expedia, 77% of Canadian vacationers decided to holiday in the homeland.  With no borders to cross and only travel insurance to worry about, travelling to a new province could be the easy, breezy vacation you’ve been looking for.

If you’re hoping for a short stay jam-packed with things to do then look no further. We’ve put together a ten-part series guiding you on how to make the most of your weekend break in some of Canada’s coolest metropolises.

This week we look at the second largest French-speaking city in the world: Montreal.

Montreal is the most populated city in Quebec and is the second-largest city in Canada. It is well known for its distinct neighbourhoods, hectic traffic, urban green spaces, and for being one of the most bilingual cities in Quebec and Canada, with over 59% of the population able to speak both English and French. It can be a little difficult for an out-of-towner to navigate the gritty streets of this cultural hub, but there is plenty of treasure to be found.

Montreal has been a popular destination for weekend getaways since the 1920s, when the prohibition era drove desperate New Yorkers in their droves to the Canadian city, thanks to its convenient proximity to the big apple.

These days, while visitors can still enjoy buzzing nightlife, they can also enjoy the melting pot of arts and culture that Montreal has become.

Old Montreal

A romantic collision of Québécois architecture from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, as you might have guessed, Old Montreal is the most historical part of the city. Scattered throughout its quaint streets are some iconic landmarks, including Montreal’s oldest church, the Notre-Dame Basilica, built in 1656. Other landmarks of note are the revitalized Old Port and the outdoor gathering spot, Place Jacques-Cartier.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal is the triple-peaked set in the heart of the city, and you can’t miss it. Perfect for hikes and breathtaking views of the city, the mountain is also home to Parc du Mont-Royal, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted-one of the co-designers of New York’s Central Park. Whether you’re heading for a picnic on a summer’s afternoon or wrapping up for a cosy winter walk, there is plenty to see in the park. Head to the very top and take a snap next to the Mount Royal Cross-a fibre-optic lit cross which stands at 31.4 metres high.

Mile-End

Mile-End is probably one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Montreal, offering a wealth of art and culture. From cosy cafes and bars offering delicious drinks and live music, to local artisans selling their own produce and some unique houses, you can fill an entire day just wandering the streets of Mile-End.

St-Viateur sums up Mile End in one street, offering vintage clothing stores, memorable eateries, coffee shops and even some artsy, handmade benches.

Mile End is a neighbourhood fuelled by community spirit, and you can expect to find creative entrepreneurs at every turn. From unique bookstores to hole in the wall art stores, there is always an opportunity to check out the talent of locals and offer some support.

Locals in the area also maintain the cute, outdoor space le Marché des Possibles. Having undergone a major revamp the space is now home to cultural events throughout the summer including shows, BBQs and markets.

The area is filled with amazing bars and restaurants, so it is hard to pick just one, however, if you’re after something a little different try Ping Pong Club. Just as you would expect, this hip little bar houses a bunch of ping pong tables, as well as a fully stocked bar with some speciality slush cocktails and a menu filled with home comforts.

Nightlife

Montreal is famous for its nightlife and party atmosphere and does not disappoint. Whether you want quiet drinks with friends or a wild night of dancing until the sunrise, the city offers something for everyone.

If you’re after somewhere to stomp your feet all night, nightclubs such as New City gas or Les Foufounes Électriques offer weekly DJ nights, covering a variety of music. For something a little different try the original hipster hangout Apartment 300, which started life in Montreal before opening a sister bar in Toronto.

If you want to get active, while you sip on your beer, head to the punk-rock watering hole TRH bar- complete with its own skateboard bowl!

Thanks to the world famous Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, the city is also home to a selection of cosy jazz bars. Go and listen to the tinkling of some keys while enjoying a full-bodied glass of vino at Stash Cafe or House of Jazz.

If you find yourself in the city in summer, enjoy a late night chill out sat on one of the city’s gorgeous terraces, which you can find attached to almost any bar.

Parc Maisonneuve

Whether you’re visiting Montreal in winter or summer, you should check out Maisonneuve Park- a lush, green urban park which offers a sweet taste of nature amidst the concrete jungle. In summer, ride your bike, rollerblade, go for a jog or gather with friends for a picnic. In winter, don your ice skates and go for a spin on the park’s open-air ice rink, or take in the size of the park with some cross-country skiing.  

The park is also adjoined to the Botanical Garden, home to 22,000 plant species and 10 exhibition greenhouses, and the Montreal Olympic Park, built in honour of the 1976 summer Olympics.

Shopping

From streets lined with shops spanning eight blocks and malls filled with all your favourite name brands, to underground cities and local speciality retailers, Montreal has everything you could possibly want when it comes to shopping. Head to Rue St-Catherine for a mix of high-end and more affordable fashionista havens. Or head to Le Centre Eaton de Montreal to find all of your fashion favourites. Other notable shopping destinations include Place Ville Marie, a large office and retail space which could well be classed as a city within a city, or L’avenue du Mont-Royal which is perfect for picking up some offbeat, unique Montreal threads.

Île Sainte-Hélène

Île Sainte-Hélène, or Saint Helen’s Island, is an island park in the Saint Lawrence River. It was used as the site for Expo ‘67, and although many of the expo buildings were removed, the Biosphere still remains and is one of the key spots for tourism on the island. It is now home to a museum about water and the river it sits upon.
The island is a must-see spot for summer days, featuring LA Ronde, a theme-park owned by six flags, the Stewart Museum, and also hosts various festivals and concerts throughout the warmer months such as the annual Osheaga Festival.

Local delicacies

One thing Montreal is famous for it its food, and with thousands of top rated eateries to choose from it’s hard to fit everything into just a few days. If you're heading to the city, then you cannot miss the city’s mouthwatering take on Canadian favourite-poutine. The dish, said to have first came to life in Quebec, takes on a whole new range of flavours and ingredients and Montreal’s La Banquise. Offering over 30 different takes on the traditional dish, and a choice of cheeses, make sure you arrive hungry.

Another foodie favourite in the city is the good old bagel. Head to St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel and pick your favourite from two of Montreal’s bagel kings.

When it comes to restaurants, Au Pied de Cochon has managed to earn itself the title of one of the city’s top choices for dinner plans- offering a twist on classic Quebec cooking. Or, if you’re after a vegetarian option, head to Lola Rosa- which describes itself as a “vegetarian restaurant for non-vegetarians”.

Whether it's a romantic weekend or a trip to let your hair down with friends, make sure your weekend is all about fun by protecting yourself with a fail-safe travel insurance policy.