Montreal 3-Day Itinerary: Must-See Attractions, Foodie Delights, and Hidden Gems

Montreal, the vibrant and diverse city in Quebec, Canada, offers a blend of cultural experiences and culinary delights. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a three-day adventure, exploring must-see attractions and savoring the best of Montreal’s food scene. Growing up, Montreal was probably the first “trip” destination I’ve ever been to since it’s only a 2 hour drive away from Ottawa, but I’m constantly finding new discoveries every time I go!

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of the City

Morning: Mont-Royal for Stunning Views – Begin your Montreal adventure with a visit to Mont-Royal. Hike or take a leisurely walk to the peak to capture breathtaking views of the city. It’s a fantastic way to start your trip and appreciate Montreal’s natural beauty. There are two main ways to get to top of Mont-Royal, you can walk up from Avenue Des Pins and Peel or drive up to Beaver Lake. Beaver Lake in the fall is super nice with the colourful leaves. This is a good spot to chill and check out when you’re at the top. Note: If you are staying south of Mont-Royal you could walk up McTavish (through McGill campus) and see a breathtaking view of the fall colours on Mont-Royal.

Lunch: Smoked Meat Delight at Schwartz’s – After your morning hike, head to Schwartz’s, a Montreal institution known for its legendary smoked meat sandwiches. Don’t miss out on this delicious, hearty meal. There is a take-out restaurant on the left and then a sit down on the right. If you’re tight on time, you can definitely just get the take-out sandwich (and there’s sitting space) – it is exactly the same sandwich.

Afternoon: Shopping on Saint Catherine Boulevard – Spend your afternoon exploring Saint Catherine Boulevard, Montreal’s premier shopping district. It offers a wide range of shops and boutiques for every taste. Notably, there is something called “the Underground City (RESO),” which is the extensive network of underground passages, connecting shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and office buildings on Saint Catherine Boulevard providing a unique way to explore the city if you want to avoid the outdoors especially if it’s raining. Additionally, if you keep walking north east you’ll hit Quartier des Spectacles near the Place Des Arts building which is a stretch of Saint Catherine that’s pedestrian only and usually has events and performers!

Dinner: Option 1: Poutine Heaven at La Banquise – For dinner, I suggest having a Canadian classic, but done proper. Indulge in poutine at La Banquise, a proper sit down restaurant elevating the chip-truck classic. With a variety of toppings and combinations, you’ll experience poutine like never before. You’ll likely see a line here as well as across the street at Ma Poule Mouillée. Both spots are super popular with tourists and locals.

Option 2: Peri-Peri Chicken at La Poule Mouille – The alternative spot is across the street from La Banquise. La Poule Mouille is known for its mouthwatering peri-peri chicken. This is literally one of the juiciest and flavourful peri-peri chickens I’ve ever had (Nando’s got nothing on them). If you’re looking for something else to add on, definitely get their poutine!

Day 2: Exploring Old Port and Biodome

Morning: Old Port Adventure – Start your day at Old Port, a historic district filled with charming cobblestone streets and picturesque views. Explore the Old Port Market and savor the unique atmosphere. There’s lots of cute little coffee shops for you to get ready for the day as well. Be sure to check out the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica to admire its exquisite Gothic Revival architecture and interior beauty (structurally similar to the one in Paris). Another landmark to check out is La Grande Roue, right at the waterfront in Old Port.

Lunch: Bagels at St-Viateur or Fairmont – Something else Montreal is known for is their bagels! Satisfy your taste buds with authentic Montreal bagels from St-Viateur or Fairmont Bagel. These institutions have perfected the art of bagel-making and are constantly known as the 2 biggest bagel spots in Montreal. You may even see these bagels in our grocery stores!

Afternoon: Biodome and Botanical Garden – If you have extra time, don’t miss the Biodome and Montreal Botanical Garden. The Biodome is essentially a “zoo” where you can see all different animals across a variety of different climates. My favourite exhibit is the Arctic where you see the penguins and puffins! The Montreal Botanical Garden is perfect when the season is right to see amazing floral landscapes. Explore diverse ecosystems and immerse yourself in nature and greenery.

Dinner: Option 1: Bar Ganadara – If you’re looking for somewhere that you can savor a delectable array of Asian fusion delights, then this is your spot! Don’t miss out on Bar Ganadara’s next level mouthwatering Korean rice cakes, creamy udon, and delightful sushi creations. This place is ALWAYS full, so make sure you make a reservation in advance.

Option 2: Kazu – The alternative spot is in the same area, but more Japanese inspired food. I personally haven’t been here, but this recommendation is from my friend who has lived in Montreal! Kazu features everything from housemade tofu to shrimp burgers, in a cozy nook with an open kitchen.

Day 3: Chinatown Flavors and Dessert Delights

Morning: Exploring Chinatown – Kick off your last day in Montreal with a visit to Chinatown. It’s the perfect place to explore diverse Asian cuisine and soak in the culture. You can get dragon beard candy, bubble tea, Chinese buns, banh mi’s, basically any Asian food you can think of, but my go to spot would be lunch below:

Lunch: Option 1: Xiaolongbao at Sammi Soup Dumpling – Try the delicious xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Sammi Soup Dumpling, a Chinatown gem. They make their soup dumplings fresh with every order. This restaurant constantly has a line and for good reason.

Option 2: Hand-pulled noodles at Nouilles de Lan Zhou – This is another super popular spot in Chinatown where you’ll constantly see lines as well. This is perfect for a hot warm soup made from fresh noodles you’ll see made as soon as you walk in!

Afternoon: Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth – For dessert, head to Kem Co Ba for an ice cream treat. They offer unique and exotic flavors you won’t want to miss. In the summer, the line goes forever, so if you pass by and there’s no line, you’re lucky!

Dinner (Fast food): Option 1: Classic Dining at Orange Julep Before leaving Montreal, savor one last taste of the city’s iconic food scene with a visit to Orange Julep, known for its famous poutine and giant orange-shaped restaurant. They’re also known for their “orange juice” which tastes similar to a orange creamsicle!

Option 2: Boustan – If you’re tired of poutine or want something different. Head to one of the Boustan locations a Montreal institution since 1986, celebrated for its delectable Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Boustan serves up an array of mouthwatering dishes, from shawarma and kebabs to falafel and traditional Lebanese salads, all bursting with rich flavors and fragrant spices.

Other Places to Consider

Museums in Montreal: Explore the city’s rich history and art by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (if you have more time).
Jean-Talon Market: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this lively market, offering fresh produce and gourmet foods.
Parc La Fontaine: Relax and enjoy the green spaces, walking trails, and ponds in this beautiful urban park.
Lachine Canal: Take a bike ride or walk along the picturesque Lachine Canal for scenic views.
Street Art and Murals: Wander through neighborhoods like the Plateau and the Mile End to admire Montreal’s vibrant street art scene.
La Ronde: Ride some rollercoasters and enjoy carnival games at this iconic Montreal amusement park with many wooden rollercoasters.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal: Engage in your spiritual side with a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine located on Mount Royal’s Westmount Summit.

Montreal offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its cultural heritage to its diverse food scene. With this three-day itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic attractions and indulge in its mouthwatering cuisine, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time in Montreal.

VINTURE WITH ME