Essential Details for Your Journey
What Makes Now the Perfect Time?
Whilst Montreal may be noted for its harsh winters, come summertime, the city truly comes into its own. It's then that Canada's second-biggest urban hub transforms into a bustling, lively haven, offering a multitude of outdoor activities amidst its charming harbour and inviting a festive spirit across the quaint, cobblestoned lanes in its historical districts.
But if you want to extend your exploration beyond Montreal's borders, the beautiful Quebec City is just a few hours drive away. And to make your journey even more exciting, you can take advantage of the great hotel deals in Quebec City on www.quebechotels.info. On the other hand, if you prefer staying within Montreal, you can easily find top-quality accommodations through tophotels.com, with options to suit every budget and preference.
During this time, Montreal plays host to a plethora of cultural events that fill the city's event calendar to its maximum. Among these much-awaited spectacles is the world's largest comedy event, "Just For Laughs". Featuring 1,700 entertainers, this laughter extravaganza will commence on the 9th of July and will light up the city for two weeks. Right on its heels, the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (osheaga.com) takes off on the 1st of August, a three-day fiesta showcasing talents from different artistic realms. One of the highly anticipated acts of this year's festival includes the Arctic Monkeys!
Landing in the city
Your journey to the charming city of Montreal can begin with either British Airways or Air Canada, both of which provide a daily flight from Heathrow to the Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport located 21km on the west side of the city. Alternatively, you have the option to fly weekly from Gatwick with Air Transat (airtransat.co.uk). We chose Travelbag (travelbag.co.uk) for our travel, they offer flight packages from Heathrow including a four-night stay starting from £839pp.
Upon landing, the 747 airport bus is readily available outside the terminal and departs every 15 minutes to transport visitors to the Berri-Uqam station (1) on Rue Berri. A one-way trip costs C$10 (£5.70) and lasts between 45-60 minutes, but also includes free public transport for the next 24 hours. You can also opt for a 48-hour ticket for C$13 (£7). You can easily purchase the tickets onboard or from the machines stationed in the arrivals hall. If you prefer a faster travel, taxis to Old Montreal are available with an average travel time of 30 minutes and a cost of approximately C$40 (£23).
Understanding Montreal
Resting on the cradle of the St Lawrence River, Montreal is the crown jewel of Quebec, the French-speaking province of Canada. Inhabited since 1642, thanks to the French settlers, Montreal is a brimming metropolis that effortlessly combines the charm of the old with the buzz of the new. As a testament to its rich history, you can visit the cobblestoned quarter of Vieux-Montreal, located south, boasting grandeur of yesteryears.
Towards the northwestern parts, beyond the contemporary Downtown district, the city fans out under the imposing silhouette of Mont Royal, a majestic 233-meter peak that is intrinsic to the city's identity. For tourists wanting to explore the city, the main information booth is conveniently situated at 1255 Peel Street, operating daily from 10am till 6pm. If you prefer to plan ahead, you can find comprehensive guidance by reaching out to 0800 051 7055 in the UK or clicking: quebecoriginal.com online.
Accommodation Choices
United by a design-centric concept, Hotel St Paul (4) at 355 Rue McGill (001 514 380 2222; hotelstpaul.com) is a remarkable accommodation with 120 suites reflecting the elements of sky and earth, located within a building of historical significance. Prices for double rooms begin at C$219 (£125), not including meals.
Situated in the heart of Vieux Montreal, the Le Place d'Armes Hotel (5) at 55 St-Jacques West (001 514 842 1887; hotelplacedarmes.com) offers a prime location just opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica (6). With a spa and a rooftop terrace, this accommodation features elegantly designed rooms complete with exposed bricks and plush leather chairs. Double rooms are priced from C$169 (£97), excluding meals.
Reserve Here
For those seeking budget options, the Kutuma Hotel (7) situated at 3708 Rue St-Denis (001 514 844 0111; kutuma.com) is an excellent choice. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms inclusive of kitchenettes. Double rooms are available from C$99 (£57).
One of the interesting facts about the Hotel St Paul is that it's housed in a historic Beaux Arts Building. While the Kutuma Hotel is notable for its African-inspired rooms, giving your getaway an exotic touch.
Beginning of the Adventure
The First View
Set against the highest point of the city, Mont Royal (2), resides the divine dome of St Joseph's (8) located at 3800 Chemin Queen Mary (001 514 733 8211; saint-joseph.org; 6am-9.30pm; free). The vantage point offers a visual feast of the city's old-world architecture with whimsical turrets, juxtaposed against the sleek skyscrapers and the idyllic St Lawrence River. It is a place of great spiritual significance as many believers ascend the 101 stairs on their knees, hoping their prayers will be answered. However, for those who prefer comfort, a shuttle service is also available.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
From the high peak of Mont Royal, make your way back to the base. The landscape dominated by majestic oak, maple, and poplar trees was conceptualized in the 1840s by Frederick Law Olmsted, the genius maker of New York's Central Park. Traverse the winding trail until you reach the Avenue des Pins (9), and steer southwards along Rue Peel (10). Let the sight of the striking 1850s mansions captivate you. End your exploration near the corner of Rue Sherbrooke, in proximity to the McGill University campus (11).
Quick Bite
A delightful culinary stop during your 48 hours in Montreal could be at Dunns (12), located at 1249 Metcalfe Street (001 514 395 1927; dunnsfamous.com; operates 24/7). Treat yourself with a retro sandwich stuffed with fine slices of smoked beef, a specialty here since its inception by Myer Dunn in 1927. Dunn's traditional family recipes quickly garnered a loyal clientele. Prices start from C$14 (£8) for a sandwich served with fries and coleslaw.
Retail Exploration
Find yourself lost amidst top-notch brands on Rue Ste-Catherine (13), a major shopping artery in Montreal. But, the real exciting retail voyage awaits you underground. A humongous subterranean maze, the largest of its kind globally, houses innumerable shops and tunnels spanning over 32km across downtown and can be reached via buildings on Rue Ste-Catherine.
Moving on, the indoor market at Bonsecours (14) located at 350 St-Paul St East (001 514 872 7730; marchebonsecours.qc.ca; open daily from 10am-9pm) warrants a visit. It is a trendy spot to scout for artisanal crafts and chic attires from local fashion influencers. Do check out Ricchi at spot 220 for exquisite Inuit rock art from Baffin Island. The street is also dotted with an array of affordable souvenir shops further down.
Begin With a Beverage
Establishing its individual style with a selection of over 800 different beers, Saint Bock (15), located at 1749 Rue St-Denis (001 514 680 8052; www.saintbock.com; open from 11.30am-3am daily), serves a plethora of options from local microbreweries. Their Mackroken Flower, with its sweet blend of wildflowers and honey, is a crowd favorite. Price ranges start from C$7
Experience Local Cuisine
Communion (16), 351 Place Royale's newest trendy hot-spot (001 514 937 6555; restaurantcommunion.com; open daily from 10am-10pm), draws attention with its chic interior of exposed bricks and contemporary decor. Menu highlights include the enticing bison bresaola garnished with pickled mustard seeds. Main courses start from C$12
If you're craving some comfort food, head to Garde Manger (17) at 408 St-François Xavier (001 514 678 5044; crownsalts.com; open from 5.30pm-11pm, closed on Mondays). Here, the enticing menu, doodled on blackboards, features dishes like the creamy lobster risotto. Main dishes range from C$32 and above.
Second day adventures
Morning Praise: A visit to the Divine
One could partake in the sacred Sunday service (options at 8am, 9.30am, or 11am) at the renowned Notre-Dame Basilica (6), located at 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest (dial 001 514 842 2925; visit basiliquenddm.org). Tourists can explore it between 12.30-4pm on Sundays, and from 9am-4pm on other days, for a moderate fee of C$5/£2.85. The basilica, known for its grandiose dual towers, was established in the 1820s, resurrecting from a place where a chapel from the 17th century previously stood.
Brunch the Montreal Style
Embrace the enticing aroma of oven-fresh cupcakes at Maison Christian Faure (18), located at 355 Place Royal (for inquiries, call 001 514 508 6453; visit maisonchristianfaure.ca operating between 8am-7pm daily). Here, you'll find artful pastries that are almost a shame to devour. A hearty brunch is priced at a reasonable C$14 (£8).
Refreshing Stroll
Experience Montreal's rustic charm by taking a leisurely walk through the verdant expanse of Promenade du Vieux-Port (19), which swathes along the port's length. Here, enjoy the delightful array of ships harbored amidst timeworn warehouses and picturesque river views. Afterward, unwind at the Bota Spa (20), an old 1967 transport vessel repurposed into a holistic retreat at McGill and De La Commune West's intersection. Don't miss out on their outdoor hot tubs and massage rooms (Contact: 001 514 284 0333; botabota.ca; Operational hours: 10.30am-10pm daily; Starts at C$35/£20).
Immerse in History
For history buffs, a visit to Pointe-à-Callière (21) at 350 Place Royale shouldn't be missed; it houses Montreal's archaeological history, complete with remnants of the city's first cemetery from the 17th century, uncovered in 1989. (Phone number: 001 514 872 9150; pacmusee.qc.ca; Hours: 11am-5pm except Mondays; Admission: C$20/£11). Continue your discovery at Château Ramezay Museum (22) located at 280 Notre-Dame Street, which explores the lives of early settlers (Call: 001 514 861 3709; chateauramezay.qc.ca; Open: 10am-4.30pm except Mondays; Tickets: C$10/£5.70).
A Delightful Finish
Wrap up your day with a freshly baked bagel from the iconic St Viateur Café (23) at 263 Rue St-Viateur Ouest, a beloved locale started in 1957. It's open round the clock – perfect for late-night snack cravings (Dial for info: 001 514 276 8044; viateurbagel.com).