Montreal Canada 7 Day Itinerary

Montreal 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Morning: Arrive in Montreal and check-in to your accommodation. Recommended area to stay: Plateau Mont-Royal or Downtown.
  • Afternoon: Visit the famous Notre-Dame Basilica (free admission) and explore the nearby Place Jacques-Cartier, a historic public square with street performers and local vendors.
  • Evening: Head to Rue Crescent for dinner and drinks. Try L’Assommoir for traditional Quebecois cuisine or Bistro à Jojo for French-inspired dishes.

Day 2: Mont Royal Park and Trendy Neighborhoods

  • Morning: Hike up Mont Royal, the mountain that gave Montreal its name, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Mile End (known for its street art) and Le Plateau (with its charming cafes and boutiques).
  • Evening: Dine at ** Beautys Luncheonette**, a retro-style diner serving classic comfort food.

Day 3: Museums and Galleries

  • Morning: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (free admission on Wednesdays), which features a diverse collection of art from around the world.
  • Afternoon: Head to the McCord Museum (admission fee) to learn about Canadian history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Toqué!, a restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine.

Day 4: Old Montreal and the Waterfront

  • Morning: Explore Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), a historic district with cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and picturesque buildings.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum (admission fee) to learn about Montreal’s history and archaeology. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the St. Lawrence River.
  • Evening: Dine at Garde-Manger, a seafood restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

Day 5: Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy

  • Morning: Visit the Jean-Talon Market, a bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, meats, and specialty items. Try some Quebecois specialties like sugar pie or maple syrup.
  • Afternoon: Explore Little Italy (Petite-Italie), a charming neighborhood with Italian restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Impasto, an Italian restaurant with homemade pasta.

Day 6: Olympic Park and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

  • Morning: Visit the Olympic Stadium (admission fee), built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Take a guided tour or ride the funicular to the top of the tower for panoramic views.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, known for its street art, indie shops, and cafes.
  • Evening: Dine at L’Gros Luxe, a restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Depart for the airport or your next destination.

Things to Know

  • Montreal is predominantly French-speaking, but many residents also speak English. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions.
  • The city has a vibrant festival scene; check the calendar to catch events like Osheaga, Just for Laughs, or the Montreal Jazz Festival.
  • Tipping: 15% to 20% in restaurants and bars.

Transportation

  • Metro: An efficient and affordable way to get around the city. A single fare costs $3.50 CAD, while a 1-day pass is $10.50 CAD.
  • Bus: Connects to surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs.
  • BIXI: Montreal’s bike-sharing system; a great way to explore the city during warm months.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather; pack layers and waterproof gear.
  • Learn some basic French phrases to show respect for the local culture.
  • Take advantage of free outdoor concerts and events during the summer.

Accommodation

  • Hostels: Options like Sterra Hostel or M Montreal Hostel offer affordable rates and social atmospheres.
  • Hotels: Choose from a range of options, such as Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel in Old Montreal or Hotel Le Germain Montreal in the heart of Downtown.

Enjoy your trip to Montreal!