Montreal, Canada Travel Guide

If you live in New England and want to feel like your in Europe without spending the time or money to get there, look no further than the great white north to Montreal, Canada.

You can drive to Montreal in around six hours from Boston, or fly in about an hour. Bonus if you drive: You can make a pit stop at the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Burlington. We drove, making it convenient to get around the city; although they do have a great subway system as well.

Where to Eat in Montreal

Les Enfants Terribles - Inexpensive, beautiful rooftop dinner spot; great place to go at sunset.

Great bakeries everywhere – Treat yourself to a fresh baguette or croissant.

Bistro-Brasserie Les Soeurs Grises - Microbrewery with great bar food.

Poutine

La Banquise - Amazing poutine with huge selection, note that it is cash only.

Ma Poule Mouille - Simple yet delicious poutine place, next to park La Fontaine, good spot to take out and have a picnic in the park.

Frites Alors - Chain with locations around the city so you can get your poutine wherever, whenever.

Things to Do in Montreal

Montreal is a very walk-able (and bike-able city) and there is so much to see. The Botanical Garden is amazing from spring to fall, close by is the Olympic Stadium, where you can go on an official tour of the stadiums, Mont Royal has scenic views via hike or car. Skip Paris and see Montreal’s Notre Dame, visit Clock Tower beach and lay out if it’s nice, or go up the clock tower for free. Feel like you’re in France as you walk around Rue De Sherbrooke, Prince Arthur Street, and visit the Ville-Marie neighborhood. If you happen to experience bad weather like I did, the Underground City is a great place to spend the day - endless shops and restaurant, all connected under the city, which also makes it a great place to walk from point A to B while staying inside.

If you have the time, a day trip to Quebec City is well worth it, although I did not get the chance to do so myself, all reviews have been great.

Where to Stay in Montreal

Airbnb is the way to go, with plenty of upscale and reasonably priced options. We stayed close to the Ville-Marie section of the city and found it to be the perfect spot to get around mostly by walking.

View a city map with even more of my recommendations here.

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