When my parents announced they were tacking a couple of vacation days onto my mother’s conference in Montreal, I did what any good kid does: let them have a mini-vacation for themselves invited myself along. I’ve made a couple of trips up to this beautiful city and fall more in love with the cobblestones, electric dining options and massive public art collection each time. Plus, they are obsessed with bagels so really it’s paradise. I hope you enjoy this quick guide to a weekend trip in Montreal.
Overview
If Amsterdam is a city of canals then Montreal is the city of food. I read somewhere (and am now to lazy to google) that the number of restaurants per capita is greater than New York City. So spend your time gawking at public art and then fill up on tasty delictables from across the globe.
Best for: Solo Travelers, Best Friends, interrupting your parent’s vacation time together
Avoid if: You dislike the cold. But also you can visit during the spring and fall to avoid that problem.
Travel Hacks:
- Make your Joe Beef reservations early (3-5 months) or the week you arrive and cross your fingers for cancellations
- Have a sesame bagel, preferably at St-Viateur Bagel
- Grab the Passeport MTL for free museum admission and unlimited subway/bus travel
Getting To:
Montreal is a hop and a skip from NYC. Seriously, it takes me longer to drive home than fly across to Canada. Plus you get a cool extra passport stamp and use $1 CAD coins called “loonies.”
Getting Around
Upon Arrival: Grab the 747 Bus ($10 CAD) or grab a cab ($40 CAD) to the City Center. Tip: If you take the bus, buy your ticket from one of the baby blue kiosks post customs. The bus only accept coins.
Moving Around: For the first time, I used a travel pass called “Passeport MTL.” This is 100% because my dad is responsible and does things like research things before hand, sometimes infamously. Now I know what you’re thinking, how touristy of you. But hear me out, museums in Montreal can be quite pricy ($30CAD +). If you are planning on visiting at least two tourist spots– ahem Biodome and Botanical Gardens- than the pass will pay for itself. Plus, you get unlimited bus or subway travel.
WEEKEND GUIDE: 72 HOURS IN MONTREAL
*******
Leave a Reply