Montreal Canada 2 Day Itinerary

Montreal 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Café Olimpico (multiple locations) or Beauty’s Luncheonette (93 Ave du Mont-Royal E). Try a classic Montreal-style bagel with cream cheese or lox.
  • 10:00 am: Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica (110 Notre-Dame St W), a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Walk to Place Jacques-Cartier, a historic public square in Old Montreal. Admire the street performers and artists.
  • 1:30 pm: Grab lunch at Chez Ashton (multiple locations), a popular spot for poutine, or try some traditional Quebecois cuisine at L’Assommoir (414 Rue Saint-Sulpice).
  • 3:00 pm: Explore the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its street art, boutiques, and cafes.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Toqué! (900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle), a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine.
  • 8:30 pm: Take a stroll along the Old Port (Vieux-Port) and enjoy the views of the city skyline.

Day 2

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Jean-Talon Market (7070 Ave Henri Bourassa), a bustling marketplace offering local produce, meats, and specialty items.
  • 11:30 am: Head to Mount Royal Park (1260 Remembrance Rd) for a hike with breathtaking views of the city.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 pm: Grab lunch at Smoked Meat Pete’s (3961 Saint-Laurent Blvd), a classic deli serving up Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the McCord Museum (690 Sherbrooke St W), featuring exhibits on Canadian history and culture.

Evening

  • 6:30 pm: Enjoy dinner at Liverpool House (2501 Rue Notre-Dame O), a cozy bistro serving up seasonal dishes.
  • 9:00 pm: End the night with a visit to Crescent Street, known for its lively atmosphere, bars, and clubs.

Accommodations

  • Hotel Le Germain Montreal (2050 Mansfield St): A luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of downtown.
  • Auberge du Vieux-Port (97 Rue de la Commune E): A charming inn located in Old Montreal.

Transportation

  • Metro: An efficient and affordable way to get around the city. Buy an OPUS card for convenient travel.
  • Bus: Another option for getting around, with many routes covering the city.
  • Bixi Bike: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be prepared for higher prices.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: While many Montrealers speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak some French.
  • Currency: The Canadian dollar is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Weather: Pack layers for unpredictable Montreal weather, with warm winters and mild summers.
  • Safety: As with any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Other Interests

  • Festivals: Montreal hosts many festivals throughout the year, including Osheaga (music), Just for Laughs (comedy), and Francofolies (French music).
  • Sports: Catch a hockey game at the Bell Centre (home of the Montreal Canadiens) or a soccer match at Saputo Stadium (home of CF Montréal).
  • Day Trips: Visit the nearby cities of Quebec City, Ottawa, or take a scenic drive to the Laurentian Mountains.

Enjoy your time in Montreal!