Montreal Canada 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Montreal

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Fairmount Bagel (74 Ave. Fairmount Ouest), a local institution known for its delicious bagels.
  • Head to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (110 Notre-Dame St W) for a peaceful morning visit.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) with its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the beautiful Place Jacques-Cartier.
  • Take a stroll along the Lachine Canal, enjoy the view, and maybe rent a bike for a leisurely ride.

Evening:

  • Dine at Gibeau Orange Julep (7700 Hutchison St) for some classic Montreal hot dogs before watching the sunset over the city from Mont Royal Park.
  • End your day with a drink at the iconic Crescent Street, home to many bars and clubs.

Day 2: Discovering Montreal’s Quirks

Morning:

  • Begin your day with brunch at La Cornetteria (185 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest), known for its croissants and pastries.
  • Visit the Biodôme, a series of ecosystem pavilions that mimic five different regions from around the world, each home to a variety of plants and animals.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Maisonneuve Park for some relaxation and exploration. You can also visit the nearby McGill University campus and the Redpath Museum.
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, known for its murals, boutiques, and trendy cafes.

Evening:

  • Dine at Au Pied de Cochon (536 Duluth Est), a renowned restaurant serving classic Quebecois cuisine.
  • End your day with a visit to St. Catherine Street, the city’s primary shopping district, or take a walk along the St. Lawrence River.

Things to Know:

  • Montreal is a bilingual city, with both French and English widely spoken.
  • The public transportation system, STM, offers an efficient way to get around the city.
  • tipping in restaurants is customary and usually around 15-20% of the bill.

Where to Stay:

  • For luxury: Ritz-Carlton Montreal (1228 Sherbrooke St W)
  • For mid-range: Hotel Le Crystal (1100 de la Gauchetière St W)
  • For budget: HI-Montréal Centre-Ville Hostel (346 Rue Saint-Jacques)

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Montreal is by using the extensive public transportation network, including buses and the metro. Single tickets can be purchased at any metro station or using the mobile app OPUS.

Tips:

  • Try poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy) and smoked meat sandwich, two classic Montreal dishes!
  • Take a walk along St. Denis Street in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal to discover some of the city’s best street art.
  • Don’t forget to enjoy the local coffee culture at one of Montreal’s many independent cafes!