Montreal

At a glance

• Allow: 3–4 days; Quebec City fits as a 3-hour train trip
• Best for: French culture, festivals, bagels, old-world lanes
• Peak season: June–August festivals; winter is cold but magical for snow activities
• Base yourself: Old Montreal for history; Plateau for cafes and nightlife

What to see (if time is short)

1. Old Montreal — Notre-Dame Basilica (book Aura light show), cobblestone lanes
2. Mount Royal Park — city views, Sunday tam-tam drum circles in summer
3. Jean-Talon or Atwater Market — food hall grazing

Biodôme and Olympic Park suit families. Mile End bagel rivalry (Fairmount vs St-Viateur) is a fun lunch quest.

Getting around

Metro is efficient — OPUS card or contactless. BIXI bikes in warm months. Trains to Quebec City and Ottawa from Gare Centrale. Winter sidewalks ice over — boots with grip essential.

Where to stay

Old Montreal — tourist charm, pricier. Plateau — local restaurants, stairs in walk-ups. Downtown — business hotels, underground city access.

Good to know

• French is primary — basic bonjour/merci goes far; English common in centre.
• Winter -20°C possible — plan indoor sights January–February.
• Jazz Fest and Just for Laughs book hotels early.
• Sales tax added at checkout; tipping 15–18%.