Montreal Canada 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Montreal

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Olimpico (462 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest) known for its authentic Italian pastries and coffee.
    • Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (1 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle), admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and intricate stained glass windows.
    • Take a brief walk to Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) for a stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the Bonsecours Market (353 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest) for unique shopping experiences.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Le Vin Papillon (467 Rue Saint-François-Xavier), offering a variety of French dishes with local ingredients.
    • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (1380 Sherbrooke Street West) to explore its extensive collection of artworks from different cultures and periods.
    • Hop on the Montreal Bixi Bike Share System to explore the Saint-Laurent Boulevard known for its vibrant street art and trendy boutiques.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Toqué! (900 Rue Saint-Paul Est), one of Montreal’s top restaurants, offering contemporary French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
    • End your day with a visit to the Olympic Stadium (45 Autoroute Ville-Marie Ouest) or enjoy a casual evening at Le Plateau Mont-Royal, known for its vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Discovering Montreal’s Diverse Neighbourhoods

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at Fairmount Bagel (74 Fairmount Avenue West) in the Mile End neighbourhood, famous for its bagels.
    • Visit the Jean-Talon Market (7070 Avenue Casgrain), one of North America’s largest open-air markets offering a wide variety of fresh produce and local goods.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at L'Avenue (922 Rue Jean-Talon) in Little Italy, known for its classic diner atmosphere and delicious sandwiches.
    • Explore the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood, visit the St. Viateur Street Bagel Bakery (263 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest), take a stroll through Parc La Fontaine, and enjoy street art along Rue Saint-Laurent.
    • If time allows, stop by Mount Royal Park for a panoramic view of the city.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Au Pied de Cochon (536 Duluth Avenue East) in Little Italy, offering a unique take on Quebecois cuisine, especially pork dishes.
    • Spend your evening exploring the nightlife in the Plateau Mont-Royal or Mile End neighbourhoods.

Day 3: Day Trip to Montreal’s Surroundings

  • Morning:

    • Depart early for a day trip to Old Quebec City (Quebec, QC), approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal.
    • Explore the historic district of Old Quebec, visit the Château Frontenac, wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, and enjoy the stunning views overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at a local bistro in Old Quebec City.
    • Visit the Citadelle of Quebec to learn about the city’s military history, and walk around the charming Petit Champlain district.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Montreal and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
    • Reflect on your memorable experiences in this vibrant city known for its rich culture, delicious food, and friendly people.

Things to Know:

  • Montreal is a bilingual city (English and French), so both languages are commonly spoken and understood.
  • The best way to get around the city is by using the Montreal Metro, bicycle, or on foot.
  • Don’t forget to try traditional Montreal dishes such as poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and tourtière.
  • Enjoy your trip!