Curator’s statement
I planned this trip myself, stayed in both cities, and came home already thinking about when I could go back. Montreal and Quebec City together make one of the most underrated getaways in North America, and I say that as someone who spends a lot of time researching destinations for families and couples. The food alone is worth the flight. Quebec City feels like a European city without leaving Canada. And as an advisor, I can tell you firsthand that the preferred partner and Reserve inclusions at the hotels I stayed in made a real, tangible difference to how the trip felt.
The Fora Difference
Book with Wonder With Pat to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Montreal and Quebec City
Unlock perks by contacting Wonder With Pat to book your trip.
Things to do in Montreal and Quebec City
Old Quebec is unlike anywhere else in North America. It genuinely feels like you have landed somewhere in Europe.
Notre-Dame Basilica: One of those places where photos genuinely don’t prepare you for the real thing. Budget at least 45 minutes and go without rushing.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: The largest fine art collection in Canada across five buildings, and you will need more time than you think. Clear your afternoon, ideally your whole day.
Schwartz’s Deli: A Montreal institution since 1928, and the smoked meat sandwich is still the real deal. Expect a line, go anyway.
Chef Potier: A quick stop for one of the best croissants I’ve had, flaky, buttery, and exactly what it should be. Walk past at your own risk.
Le Petite Dép: A cozy local coffee shop with locations in both Montreal and Quebec City that quickly became our go-to morning stop in each city.
Biodôme: Four ecosystems under one roof, from tropical to sub-Antarctic, and a genuinely easy, interesting way to ease into Montreal on arrival day.
Old Quebec on Foot: Cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and the Château Frontenac anchoring the skyline. It feels unlike anywhere else in North America.
Quartier Petit-Champlain and Place Royale: A relaxed afternoon wander through Quebec City’s most atmospheric streets, no plan needed.
The Fortification Walls, Quebec City: Walk the walls for views over the St. Lawrence River that will stop you in your tracks.
La Buche, Quebec City: Quebec comfort food done really well, warm atmosphere, and one of the best meals of the whole trip. Book a reservation.
Places to eat & drink in Montreal and Quebec City
The charming storefront of Le Petit Dép.
Schwartz’s Deli (Montreal): A Montreal institution since 1928, and the smoked meat sandwich is still the real deal. Come hungry, be patient with the line. It’s worth every minute.
Chef Potier (Montreal): The croissant stop in Montreal that you will think about long after you leave. Flaky, buttery, and exactly what a croissant should be.
Le Petite Dép (Montreal & Quebec): A cozy local coffee shop with locations in both Montreal and Quebec City that became our reliable morning anchor in each city. Simple, welcoming, and consistently good.
La Buche: Quebec City comfort food done really well, with a warm atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Book a reservation. This one is worth planning around.
Boutique Mary’s Popcorn Shop (Quebec City): We smelled it before we saw it, and that should tell you everything. A wall of flavors and a completely unplanned stop that turned into one of the most fun moments of the trip.
Need to know
If you are flying from Western Canada, Porter Airlines is worth looking into. No middle seats, a smooth check-in experience, and complimentary Wi-Fi for the whole flight when you sign up for their free VIP Porter loyalty program before you book. It set a great tone for the trip.
Pack for real winter if you are visiting in early spring. We went in early April from Vancouver and genuinely underestimated it. Snow, cold wind, cobblestone streets. A warm wool scarf and gloves are not optional, trust me on this one.
Give the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts more time than you think you need. We blocked two hours and walked out wishing we had cleared the whole day. Five buildings, the largest fine art collection in Canada. Plan accordingly.
At La Buche in Quebec City, book a reservation in advance. We got lucky walking in, but I would not count on that twice.
And if you are booking through an advisor, the preferred partner and Reserve property inclusions at hotels like the Warwick Le Crystal are real and meaningful. The breakfast, the credits, the late checkout. Those are not available when you book on your own, and they genuinely change how a trip feels.
Travel Advisor
Wonder With Pat
Patricio Martinez
Get in touch with Wonder With Pat
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Montreal page.