Montreal, Canada-5-day-itinerary

Montreal, Canada: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Montreal

  • Morning: Start your day at Café Olimpico (124 Rue Saint-Viateur E) for a delicious breakfast.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica (110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest), a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
  • 11:00 AM: Walk along the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and explore the historic district, including Place Jacques-Cartier and Rue Saint-Paul.
  • Lunch: Head to L’Assommoir (414 Rue Saint-Sulpice) for a taste of traditional Quebecois cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum (350 Place Royale) to learn about Montreal’s history and archaeology.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Toqué! (900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle), a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Le Saint-James (355 Rue McGill) or similar, located in the heart of Old Montreal.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June to August).
  • Don’t forget to try some of Montreal’s famous bagels!

Day 2: Mont Royal and the Plateau

  • Morning: Hike up Mont Royal, a scenic park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, for breathtaking views of the city.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Café Dépôt (6575 Rue de l’Esplanade) in the trendy Plateau neighborhood.
  • Afternoon: Explore the street art and eclectic shops along Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Liverpool House (2501 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest), a cozy restaurant serving seasonal cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Le Germain Montreal (2050 Rue Mansfield) or similar, located in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking Mont Royal.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Day 3: Museums and Gardens

  • Morning: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (1380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest), featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
  • Lunch: Head to Café Souvenir (1601 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest) for a quick bite.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden (4101 Rue Sherbrooke Est), home to over 22,000 plant species.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Au Pied de Cochon (536 Duluth Avenue East), a renowned restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Le Cantlie Suites (1110 Rue Ste-Élisabeth) or similar, located in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Tips:

  • Consider purchasing a museum pass for discounted admission to multiple attractions.
  • Be prepared for crowds at popular museums and gardens.

Day 4: Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Jean-Talon Market (7070 Henri Bourassa Boulevard East), featuring fresh produce, meats, and specialty goods.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Café Italia (6842 Rue Saint-Denis) in the heart of Little Italy.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming streets and shops of Little Italy.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Impasto (5365 Rue de la Roche) for delicious Italian cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Le Germain Montreal (2050 Rue Mansfield) or similar, located in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Jean-Talon Market.
  • Don’t miss the beautiful murals and street art in Little Italy.

Day 5: Olympic Park and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

  • Morning: Visit the Olympic Stadium (4141 Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin), a historic landmark built for the 1976 Summer Olympics.
  • Lunch: Head to Café Le 5ème (4524 Rue Ontario Est) in the trendy Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood.
  • Afternoon: Explore the scenic Promenade Fleuve-Montagne, offering stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and Mont Royal.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant L’Gros Luxe (4516 Rue Saint-Denis), serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Le Germain Montreal (2050 Rue Mansfield) or similar, located in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Tips:

  • Consider purchasing a guided tour for Olympic Stadium.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Transportation:

  • Montreal has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and metro lines.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.
  • Consider purchasing an OPUS card for convenient travel on public transit.

Things to Know:

  • French is the predominant language in Quebec, but many Montrealers speak English as well.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, including cold winters and humid summers.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Montreal’s famous smoked meat sandwiches!