Montreal, Canada-4-day-itinerary

Montreal, Canada 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Montreal and Waterfront

  • Morning: Start your day at Café Olimpico (124 Rue Saint-Viateur O) for a delicious breakfast. Walk to Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), one of the oldest neighborhoods in North America.
  • Afternoon: Visit Notre-Dame Basilica (110 Rue Notre-Dame O), a beautiful Gothic Revival church with stunning stained-glass windows. Explore the surrounding streets and admire the historic buildings.
  • Evening: Head to the Old Port (Vieux-Port), where you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as Toqué! (900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle). Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the sunset.

Day 2: Culture and History

  • Morning: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) (1380 Rue Sherbrooke O), which features a diverse collection of art from around the world.
  • Afternoon: Head to Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal), designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who designed New York City’s Central Park. Take a leisurely hike and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Au Pied de Cochon (536 Rue Duluth E), a popular restaurant serving Quebecois cuisine.

Day 3: Neighborhoods and Markets

  • Morning: Explore the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its street art, boutiques, and restaurants. Visit the iconic Schwartz’s Deli (3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent) for a classic smoked meat sandwich.
  • Afternoon: Head to Jean-Talon Market (7070 Avenue Henri Bourassa), one of Montreal’s largest public markets, offering a variety of local produce, meats, and specialty products.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Liverpool House (2501 Rue Notre-Dame O), a cozy restaurant serving seasonal Canadian cuisine.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Rent a bike and explore the city’s extensive bike path network. Visit Parc La Fontaine, a beautiful park with lakes, walking trails, and plenty of green space.
  • Afternoon: Head to Olympic Park (Parc Olympique), built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Take a guided tour of the stadium and tower, or visit the adjacent Botanical Garden.
  • Evening: End your trip with dinner at L’Assommoir (414 Rue Saint-Sulpice), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Quebecois cuisine.

Accommodations

  • Budget: Auberge du Carré St-Louis (647 Rue Saint-Hubert) or M Montreal Hostel (3581 Boulevard Saint-Laurent)
  • Mid-range: Hotel Le Germain Montreal (2050 Rue Mansfield) or Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal (1085 Rue de la Commune O)
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Montreal (1440 Rue de la Montagne) or InterContinental Montreal (360 Rue Saint-Antoine O)

Transportation

  • From Airport: Take the 747 Express Bus from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to downtown Montreal.
  • Getting Around: Use the Metro (subway) system, Bus, or rent a bike.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: While many Montrealers speak English, it’s still a predominantly French-speaking city. Learn some basic French phrases to show respect and appreciation for the culture.
  • Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
  • Weather: Pack accordingly, as Montreal can be quite cold in winter and humid in summer.
  • Tipping: 15% is standard in restaurants and bars.

Other Things of Interest

  • Festivals: Montreal hosts many festivals throughout the year, including Osheaga (music), Just for Laughs (comedy), and Montreal Jazz Festival.
  • Day Trips: Consider visiting nearby Quebec City, Ottawa, or The Laurentian Mountains for skiing and outdoor activities.

Enjoy your trip to Montreal!