Itching to get out of town, Bostonians? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Montreal, Canada instead. From strolling the historic Old Port to eating poutine at one of these 19 locations — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the largest city in the Quebec province.
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~5.5 hours
Year city was established: 1642
Est. population: 4.3 million
🎟️ Experience
Biodome and Olympic Park
Grab tickets to explore the five ecosystems of the world, located inside the Olympic Park where the 1976 Olympics took place.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Founded in 1860, this museum features over 45,000 artworks and hosts seasonal exhibits like “A History of Women in Design.” Bonus: Don’t miss the Napoleon collection.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Take in the architecture and history on a sightseeing tour or try the AURA experience, which is an immersive multimedia show presented on the Basilica’s nave.
Mount Royal Park
This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and inaugurated in 1876. The green space spans over 692 acres and features trails and a beautiful overlook of the city at the top of the mountain.
The Underground City
This is a huge network of tunnels that runs throughout the downtown area and offers easy access to the metro system. The climate controlled space totals over 30 kilometers (aka ~18.5 miles) so there is something for everyone to explore. Pro tip: check out the year-round indoor ice rink and catch a glimpse of a piece of the Berlin Wall at the World Trade Centre.
Jean-Talon Market
Calling all foodies — this open air market is one of the largest in North America. The space is located in the heart of Little Italy and is full of small shops, local fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and restaurateurs.
🍔 Eat
St-Viateur Bagel
These are no average bagels — they are hand-rolled, simmered in honey water that gives them a distinctive taste and texture, and baked in wood-burning ovens until golden brown.
Olive + Gourmando
This cafe is a cozy and delicious foodie destination, with breakfast available all day. No reservations are accepted, so get there early to snag a table and try the Sweet Ricotta, Cuban sandwich, and fresh pastries.
Le Vin Papillon
This wine bar, named one of the world’s 50 best restaurants, has an outdoor patio and serves up fresh, local dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients.
3 Brasseurs
This local brewery has multiple locations across the city and serves up local brews with pub eats. Pro tip: try the Peach and Love with a Flammekueche (aka a housemade pub pizza).
Drogheria Fine
Stop by this hole-in-the-wall Italian eatery for the popular $5 gnocchi served in take-out boxes. It’s the only thing on the menu, so you know it’s good.
🏨 Stay
Maison Sainte-Thérèse
Stay at one of the two properties surrounded by history in a locally designed room. Amenities include self check-in, parking + high speed internet.
Hôtel William Gray
This luxury stay features restaurants, a rooftop terrace, and a spa in Old Montreal. Located near the Old Port and Notre-Dame, this property’s location is perfect for exploring.
Tray Boutique Apartment Airbnb
This one bedroom, one bathroom apartment is located between Mount-Royal and Laurier Street and surrounded by local boutiques, cute cafes, and restaurants.
Wait a minute, Bostonians. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Boston Public Market. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Montreal.
