Montreal

Montreal is a wonderful blend of history, culture and modernity with a stellar food and cocktail/mocktail scene. It is great for a trip with friends or a solo trip and is safe and very walkable.

We think Montreal is completely underrated and deserves a spot on your girls trip, family weekend away or romantic escape list! The city is bursting with undeniable European influence and culture, amazing food, colorful art, cafe culture, unique architecture, natural beauty and so much more. If you're wondering how to experience Montreal in an authentic way (we’ve got you, we lived in Canada for many years!) Here are six Canada travel tips for discovering the best food and culture in Montreal.

Montreal is the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec, beautifully located on the Saint Lawerence River and named after Mount Royal, a mountain in the center of the city. It's a wonderful way to feel like you have travelled to Europe without having to travel far if you live on the East Coast, and easy to fly into if you live elsewhere. Montreal is rich with food, wine, culture and the outdoors. It's a perfect place for a couple's getaway, girlfriends' weekend or fantastic for a family. It is the home of the Cirque Du Soleil and is broken up into different districts all having a unique vibe and flavor to them. The best times to visit is April to November, unless you are traveling to up ski at Mont Tremblant or love the beautiful cold weather.

The Canada Grand Prix in Montreal is an exciting and accessible way for North American families to experience the thrill of Formula 1. While race weekend can be pricey, spending just two days in the city is the perfect way to enjoy the highlights without breaking the bank. Montreal’s excellent public transit makes getting to the track easy, even with little ones, and staying in the Old Port maximizes your time with walkable access to great food, green spaces, and the race itself. It’s just the right amount of time to take in the action, explore the charm of the city, and head home with unforgettable memories (and your sanity intact).

In October of 2022, my husband and I cycled from Northeast Vermont to the Province of Quebec. While taking in the beautiful fall colors of the region, we rode through quaint towns, river valleys, charming rural neighborhoods and along serene roads with beautiful views. We spent two nights at Manoir Havoy in North Hatley Canada, where the colors and lake side views were unforgettable.

A vibrant metropolis situated along the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is welcoming. It is rich in diversity and a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary, European and Western, city and nature. As a nod to this city with dual personalities, you’ll hear both French and English spoken here.

Montreal's allure is truly special and worth exploring. The city's cultural diversity and vibrant atmosphere create a welcoming environment where you can experience a unique blend of French and English culture. From savoring delicious food like bagels and poutine (my favorites!) to immersing oneself in a thriving arts and music scene, Montreal offers a wealth of experiences. Its historic architecture, lush parks, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination that seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern innovation.

When the sweltering Southern summer descends upon us, enjoying the mild weather along the Lachine Canal in Montreal is where I want to be. This active, cosmopolitan city should be on anyone’s list who loves music, art and culture, killer food, a beautiful urban setting full of history, character and friendly people. With French Quebecois filtering through cafes and bars, being in Montreal feels a lot like being in Europe, without the jet lag. It's easy enough to get to from the East Coast for a weekend, but offers plenty to do on an extended trip. While most everyone speaks English, Montrealers take a lot of pride in their language and learning a few key words and phrases will be much appreciated.