Thinking about a short spring, summer or fall trip that doesn’t involve the beach?A trip to Montreal may be just the thing.The largest populated city in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec,
Montreal is a beautiful and unique blend of European and North American cultures.It’s a city, as described by the travel guide, Lonely Planet, “that’s in love with festivals, the arts, good food, living well and enjoying life to the hilt.”
The best way to experience the oldworld atmosphere that makes Montreal so unique is to stroll the streets of Old Montreal. With its picturesque streets, Old European architecture, stunning views, and lively food scene, you can easily spend a day or two exploring here. Some not-to-be-missed highlights of Old Montreal include (in no special order):
Place D’Armes – a most beautiful public square with prime views of the Basilique Notre-Dame as well as other notable buildings. Inside the famous Basilica, you can see the unusual stainedglass depictions of the religious history of Montreal and a magnificent ceiling. (No wonder Celine Dion chose to be married here in 1994!)
Saint Paul Street – one of the city’s most charming cobblestoned streets,filled with eclectic (and sometimes touristy) shops, cafes and restaurants.
Place Jacques Cartier – you will feel like you are in France on this quaint street lined with restaurants, ice cream shops and boutiques. Enjoy a glass of sangria while watching street performers and portrait artists.
Montreal Town Hall – its French architecture (modeled after the Tours Town Hall) and nearby 18th century Chateau Ramezay will give you a sense of this Province’s history.
Bonsecours Market – just down Saint-Claude Street is Montreal’s oldest and largest public market, which now houses upscale cafes and boutiques. Head over to Little Italy’s Marche Jean-Talon for a real food market experience reminiscent of Parisian outdoor markets.This is one of the best and a big part of the city culture.
Mount Royal (The Lookout) –designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (the landscape architect of NYC’s Central Park). Walk up the stairs or take a guided tour and enjoy the views at the top. Stay to dine at one of the terraced cafes. Not too far from here is the renowned and beautiful McGill University campus which has a fine natural history museum.
Old Port – take a stroll, a bike ride or a boat tour along the St. Lawrence River. Climb the imposing white clock tower for commanding views.
Catherine Street – if retail therapy is part of your plan, this is a virtual outdoor mall, but also has some uniquely Canadian retailers that are fun to peruse.
If you are staying a few days, don’t miss Montreal’s eastside neighborhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, home to the 1976 Olympic Stadium. Take the elevator to the top of the stadium’s tower for unobstructed city views. This neighborhood is also home to the Montreal Botanic Gardens, including the Insectarium and the Biodome, which has over 250 species of animals, and Habitat 67 (from the Expo 67 World’s Fair.) Obviously, this is a great area to take younger children to.
To get a taste for upscale city living in Montreal, check out the Le Plateau neighborhood. With its spiral staircases and unique architectural details this quarter is a mix of artists and young professionals who speak mostly French, lending it an authentic and artsy French flair. Be sure to walk up and down Mount Royal Avenue where you will want to linger in its stylish shops and eateries.
Hotel accommodations in Montreal are varied and plentiful. Do some research and choose the price level and location that is best suited for your needs. If you are planning to attend the Festival
International de Jazz de Montreal or any other festival throughout the warm weather season, it’s best to book in advance to guarantee a room. The metro system is safe, clean and efficient. As for
the food scene, Montreal has evolved into a real foodie town. Some of the must-try delicacies include: smoked meats from Schwartz’s deli, wood-fired Montreal bagels (they are dipped in honey water) from the bakeries on Fairmont or St. Viateur, poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy) at resto La Banquise, or imbibe some locally produced Rise kombucha or 1642 Cola.
What are you waiting for? Start practicing your high school French and get excited to travel to beautiful old-world Montreal for a fun, bon vivant vacation. Au Revoir!