72 Hours in Montréal

The charming and eminently walkable island city of Montréal is sometimes dubbed “the Paris of North America.” It has plenty of unique attractions to keep visitors busy, entertained and very well fed. Think: spectacular architecture, fashion boutiques, a lively dining and nightlife scene and festivals galore. And un peu de je ne sais quoi. Here’s what to see, eat and do for a day, or two or three. Be sure to set aside some time to wander and let serendipity help you discover something new. In Montréal, around just about every corner, there’s something to make you say “Wow!”

If You Have 24 Hours

Morning

Montréalers take breakfast/brunch seriously, and they enjoy it at a leisurely pace. At Café des Habitudes, a vegan restaurant in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie neighbourhood, owner Joanna Nisenbaum aims to reduce waste as much as possible. The living room-esque dining room, with its vintage furniture and welcoming ambience, invites lingering. For breakfast on the move, pop into Fairmont Bagel. This is one of Montréal’s most famous bagel shops, with 100-plus years of delectable heritage. Grab a half-dozen bagels and a tub of cream cheese to go and wander the Plateau neighbourhood with its quirky shops, cafés, galleries, green spaces and bustling street life.

Afternoon

The 54-hectare Parc Frédéric-Back is one of the biggest parks in the city and is accessible year-round for biking, running and snowshoeing along its paths. A visit to the Insectarium reveals a fascinating multi-sensory immersion into the colourful life of butterflies and other insects. Plan to spend at least an hour or two wandering the open-air Jean-Talon Market with its nearly endless stalls of fresh produce, plants and flowers, and cheeses and meats, alongside snack counters and full-service restaurants. Wildly entertaining and great for people-watching, it’s been attracting shoppers to Little Italy since 1933.

Evening

Check out a show or exhibit at TOHU, a circular performing arts theatre that’s the home of Cirque du Soleil and the National Circus School. TOHU is located within Parc Frédéric-Back and has been garnering kudos for its green architecture since it opened in 2004. Staying overnight? Check in at the intimate Ruby Foo’s Hotel, a Montréal icon (c. 1962) that recently renovated its 22 guest rooms, switching to cork floors, energy-efficient lighting and furnishings crafted from local cherry wood.

TIP: Pick up a Passeport MTL for discounts on attractions and fun things to do. A three-attraction passport is $56; a five-attraction passport is $86 (plus taxes).

If You Have 48 Hours

Morning

Wander the Old Port of Montréal and grab a quick bite at one of the many cafés on your way to Bota Bota. This four-level spa in a converted ferry boat is dedicated to the Nordic tradition of alternating heat and cold treatments (think a sauna followed by a cold plunge). It’s all about deep relaxation. Post-thermotherapy, there’s plenty of space for zoning out, collecting your thoughts and gazing at the St. Lawrence River.

Tip: Book an early bird massage at Bota Bota (pre-10 a.m.) at a discount.

Afternoon

Hop on La Grande Roue de Montréal, a 60-metre Ferris wheel in the Old Port. It’s Canada’s tallest observation wheel, and rides are 18 minutes long. Then enjoy Montréal’s bike-friendly network of dedicated lanes, trails and paths through various neighbourhoods. BIXI Montréal is the public bike-share service — this app-based outfit is great for shorter trips. Several rental and bike tour operators can be found around the city, including Montréal On Wheels in the Old Port; Fitz Montréal Bike Tours in the Plateau; and Allo Vélo near Old Montréal and the Lachine Canal, which specializes in European-style city bikes and cargo bikes. Their electric cargo bikes can seat up to four kids!

Evening

Dine at the city’s first zero-waste pub. Opened in 2019, Le Cale Pub has all the classics (burgers, poutine) along with vegetarian and vegan dishes. Juices and sodas are made in-house, and there is an extensive selection of local beers and ciders. For after-dinner drinks, explore the speakeasy side of Montréal at two of the city’s most celebrated and award-winning cocktail bars, The Coldroom in Old Montréal and Cloakroom Bar in Golden Square Mile. Reservations are recommended, as these are very popular — for good reason.

If You Have 72 Hours

Morning

Visit the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts as soon as it opens at 10 a.m. to avoid the crowds. This remarkable museum was recently renovated and expanded, and its diverse collections span many periods and styles. From there, you’re roughly a three-minute walk to The Ritz-Carlton Montréal, which is a great bet for a snack or lunch in the Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar, or try the romantic Palm Court lobby for cocktails or afternoon tea. Or linger over a decadent lunch at Maison Boulud, the restaurant run by two-Michelin-star New York-based French chef Daniel Boulud.

Afternoon

An afternoon of shopping at Simons, a uniquely Canadian fashion department store, should appeal to everyone in the family. Simons was born in Québec City almost 200 years ago. It carries Canadian and international brands and is fiercely dedicated to eco-initiatives. After that, wandering Saint-Catherine Street for more shopping (and snacking along the way) is a lovely way to spend the balance of your day.

Evening

A downtown arts institution for 60-plus years, the modernistic and sprawling Place des Arts complex has been a hub of dance, ballet, opera, theatre, comedy, song, music and … you name it! The plaza often presents free outdoor concerts and performances. For entertainment that goes into the wee hours, drop in at Foufounes Électrique. Since the early 1980s, Foufounes has defined Montréal’s underground avant-garde and punk performance scenes. Consider it like New York’s CBGB’s back in the 1980s and ‘90s, but with just a little bit more polish. On the dance floor, you can pretend it’s the post-punk and new-wave scene all over again.

Planning a trip to Montréal? Visit caamanitoba.com/travel/search/hotels to get started.