Montreal, Canada

“Montreal, this wonderful town… Pearl of Canada, Pearl of the world” – Mikhail Gorbachev.

From classic French food like poutine to the Montreal International Jazz Festival; the City of Festivals should be a pit stop for anyone visiting Canada. Here’s how you can see Montreal in trois jours ou moins (three days or less).

MONTREAL

Montreal, Canada is the second most populated city in Canada, with over 1.6 million people. Named after what the locals call the mountain, Mount Royal, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris. This city has become a popular destination to host international events such as Cirque de Soleil and even the Montreal Grand Prix.

GETTING AROUND

From Mont-Royal to Old Port to Chinatown, Montrealers love to walk. Not only is it my favourite way to explore, but also it’s the best way to experience the city’s liveliness day and night.

Public transportation is an excellent way to see Montreal, but is quite reliable and easy to use. With two of the four subway lines connecting through downtown and other major tourist attractions, this gives tourists the ability to see everything they want, affordably.

National Geographic Society awarded the “Geotourism” accreditation to Montreal, making it the first urban centre in the world to receive it. Montrealers love biking around, and with over 350 kilometers of bike paths throughout the city, it makes exploring Montreal easier.

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THINGS TO DO

  • Montreal Canadiens Hockey Game
  • Old Port of Montreal
  • Old Montreal
  • Montreal Botanical Gardens
  • Shopping on Rue Ste Catherine
  • Bar-Hopping on Rue Ste Laurent
  • Olympic Park (Parc Olympique)
  • Casino de Montreal
  • Underground City

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FOOD & DRINKS

Montreal is known for its food; in fact Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per capital in Canada, and is second in North America after New York City. Here are my favourite places you can feast at:

It’s morning and you want to be productive right? Start your day off at Olive et Gourmando, the perfect spot for Breakfast or ‘Brunch’. Olive et Gourmando uses only the best ingredients for their customers. Try any of the Panini’s… you won’t be disappointed.

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After your morning meal, stuff yourself at Restaurant Boustan. Since 1986, Boustan has been serving the exotic flavours of Lebanon in Montreal. Satisfy yourself with a Shawarma plate.

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For dinner, Schwartz is a must. Founded in 1928, Schwartz’s has become a Montreal landmark for visitors from all over the world. Try a classic Montreal smoke meat sandwich with a pickle and Cherry Coke.

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After your dinner at Schwartz, make ways down Ste Laurent to Juliette et Chocolate for dessert and fulfill your chocolate dreams. You can’t go wrong but I love the hot chocolate and brownies here.

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EVENTS IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER           

  • M for Montreal
  • Nutcracker Market
  • Luminotherapie at Quartier des Spectacles
  • Merry Montreal
  • The Nutcracker
  • TELUS Fire on Ice

 

TIPS

  • Think of the worst rush hour you’ve ever been stuck in. Montreal is probably worse. Avoid driving during that time, or in general when visiting. Instead take public transportation, or walk.
  • To cut down on cost for accommodation, check out Montreal’s AirBNB listing – there are endless amount of options.
  • Majority of people are bilingual, and if you aren’t sure you can say parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)

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Have you been to Montreal before? Share your experiences here, below!

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