The Ultimate 5 Day Getaway to Montreal & Quebec City

Arrive in Montreal and check into your hotel. From there, grab sandwiches at Olive et Gourmando and walk around the Old Montreal area. If you’d like to grab a drink, stop at El Pequeno Bar, a Cuban inspired cocktail bar, or at Maggie Oakes, a modern steakhouse with the kindest bartenders. Get tickets for the AURA Experience at the Notre Dame Basilica, one of Montreal’s top attractions. This immersive multimedia show will capture your attention. Finally, end your first night with a lovely dinner at Modavie, a fabulous French bistro with live jazz music. For a quick overview of day one, see below:

• Check into your hotel and grab sandwiches at Olive et Gourmando.

• Drinks at El Pequeno or Maggie Oakes.

• Notre Dame Aura Experience.

• Dinner at Modavie

You’ll start your day getting bagels at Fairmount or St Viateur, two legendary bagel shops. Get your coffee kick and try a latte freddo at Cafe Olimpico, with a pastry on the side. Explore Mile’s End, a hip and laid-back neighborhood before heading to the Kondiaronk Belvedere, a stunning viewpoint upon Mont Royal. You’ll work up an appetite from the walk and head to Schwartz’s Deli for their world-famous smoked meat sandwich and I recommend a side of the spicy fries. Head back down to Old Port Montreal and walk around Place Jacques Cartier and near the Ferris Wheel. You’ll end your night with an incredible Polish meal and pianist at Stash Cafe and drinks at The Coldroom, a stylish and sophisticated speakeasy. For an overview of day two, see below:

• Bagels at Fairmount or St Viateur

• Latte Freddos at Cafe Olimpico

• Walk to Kondarondiak Belvedere ViewPoint

• Grab lunch to go at Schwartz’s Deli

• Walk around Place Jacques Cartier, near Ferris Wheel area

• Dinner at Stash Cafe

• Drinks at Cold Room

Because we don’t need an excuse to brunch, head over to Tommy Cafe or Dandy for a bite. You’ll make your way to the Gare Centrale, where you’ll take a three-hour train to Quebec City. Get checked into your hotel and make your way over to Rue Saint-Jean, a bustling commercial street. Check out the shops, grab a drink at the pub before heading over to Bistro St Malo, for traditional French cuisine. A recap of day three is found below:

• Breakfast at Tommy Cafe or Dandy

• Train to Quebec City (three hours)

• Walk down Rue Saint-Jean

• Dinner at Bistro St Malo

Time to experience the magic of Quebec City. Grab breakfast at your hotel and head down Rue Saint-Jean towards Rue Couillard, a picturesque fairy tale street. Stop at La Boutique de Noel, an all-year round Christmas shop with stunning decor, ornaments, and more. You’ll continue your journey to Place Royale, a beautiful square that will remind you of Beauty and the Beast (just trust me!). Stop for a coffee at Cafe La Maison Smith Notre-Dame. Head to Rue du Petit Champlain, a notable street lined with restaurants and boutiques. From there, onward to the Chateau Frontenac for a stroll and pictures along Dufferin Terrace. Umbrella Alley for a show-stopping view and onward to the Chateau Frontenac for a stroll along Dufferin Terrace. If you’re there in winter, head down the Toboggan Slide! For a late lunch, walk over to Umbrella Alley and stop for French onion soup at Q De Sac Resto Pub. For the rest of the day, continue your walk around Quebec City, while stopping for coffee, drinks, or a bite to eat. Check out a recap of day four below:

• Walk down Rue Saint-Jean and Rue Couillard

• Go to La Boutique de Noel

• Walk to Place Royale

• Coffee at Cafe La Maison Smith

• Shop along Rue du Petit Champlain

• Walk to Chateau Frontenac and walk down Dufferin Terrace

• Take pictures at Umbrella Alley

• Eat at Q de sac Resto Pub

As you’re most likely flying out of Montreal, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before fitting in one last walk in Quebec City. Grab sandwiches and pastries at Paillard for the train ride back. If you were able to get back earlier, relax and unwind on your last day at Bota Bota Spa, a river ferry turned upscale floating spa with a variety of treatments to close out your trip. There’s no shortage of good food in Montreal so enjoy the last night with an excellent meal. For an overview of your final full day, see below:

• Sandwiches/Pastries at Paillard

• Train back to Montreal

• Relax and unwind at Bota Bota Spa

• Dinner