French influence can be found throughout the Canadian city of Montreal, from the French-language street signs of this bilingual city to the decidedly Parisian feel of the streets. Montreal’s French roots have given birth to a rather cosmopolitan city, where the art and culinary scenes can easily justify trips of their own.
While this city could keep you entertained for weeks, a long weekend will give you just enough time to get a taste of Montreal.
STAY
If you’re looking for an adult escape to this Canadian metropolis, book a room at the boutique Auberge Bonaparte. The back-facing rooms have enviable views of Notre-Dame Basilica, and the wrought-iron furnishings and marble baths add to the luxury.
At Le Square Phillips, you and the family can stretch your legs and enjoy a comfortable stay with a full kitchen and living room.
EAT
Montreal’s impressive restaurant scene leaves you with no shortage of dining options for your weekend getaway. To start your day, head to St-Viateur Bagel for your breakfast or brunch and indulge in Montreal’s best bagel. Another Montreal staple? Schwartz’s, a kosher-style deli known for its smoked meats, cured for a minimum of 10 days.
If you’ve never tried poutine, Canada’s signature dish of french fries, gravy and cheese curds, be sure to stop at La Banquise, where you can enjoy a heaping plate of this hearty dish. In the evening, enjoy a more classy and intimate dinner by making reservations at Joe Beef, one of Montreal’s top restaurants. The menu includes seafood and steaks, but the must-trys are undoubtedly the lobster spaghetti and fresh oysters.
At the end of the day, head to the Plateau district for your choice of late-night watering holes.
DO
Enjoy an authentic public market experience at Jean-Talon Market, where you can find everything from fresh cheese to brightly colored macaroons. Even if you’re not in the market for fresh produce, stop by for a chance to mingle with the locals. While at Jean-Talon Market, you can grab some picnic fare before heading to Mount Royal Park, one of the top outdoor spaces in Montreal. You can spend a few hours hiking to the viewpoints or enjoying the monuments, sculpture garden and lake in the park.
Another top attraction in the city is Old Montreal, where you can spend an afternoon strolling through the historic streets and taking in sights like the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Montreal Botanical Gardens, which showcase plants from around the world in a greenhouse and several gardens. Next door, you’ll find the Montreal Biodome. This structure is home to four replica ecosystems, including a rain forest and polar habitat.
(Main image: RLHyde used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
