3 Nights in Montreal
Only 3 nights in Montreal? No problem! Check out how we spent our time and stay tuned for some food and drink reviews.
THURSDAY PM
After a slight hiccup in our plans we checked in to Hotel Bonaventure Montreal around 6ish on Thursday. From there we went to Bishop St. for some beers and ramen and then we walked around without much of a game plan but stumbled across Jardins Gamelin and wandered around the block, drinking canned sangria (don’t judge us, it was our first night of vacation). Then we went through Chinatown on the way to Old Port where we stopped for “one last drink” at one of the many tourist spots with outdoor seating. Grabbed an Uber back to the hotel where two of us decided we weren’t tired yet and ended up heading to a speakeasy with a local friend.
Block party comedy fest at Jardins Gamelin.
FRIDAY
Everyone got a little of a late start Friday morning…it might have something to do with ending the night around 3:30am but whatever. We went over to Depanneur Le Pick Up for a quick brunch bite and then to the Jean-Talon Market to walk around (and sample fruit). I also purchased a mango, without a knife to cut it or a plan for what to do with it, but we’ll come back to that later. After Jean-Talon Market we went to Rue St-Hubert to explore the sidewalk setups. If you’re looking for some *ahem* totally legal Canadian products this store front was considerably less busy than the one closer to the hotel.
By mid-afternoon it was pretty hot and we were cranky (4 hours of sleep does not make for a happy Mo) so we meandered back to Hotel Bonaventure and that rooftop pool, grabbing some drinks and cat naps in the sun.
Early evening our fourth lady arrives, checks in and from there we’re ready to head out. We go to The Village to walk around and grab some food. Magipe (unfortunately their Village location is closing this month but they still have one at Mile End) was great for pizza and beer. We spend another hour or so wandering around, checking out shops and street art. So. Much. ART! Don’t forget to climb the bridge to take a picture of the rainbow baubles from above before you go.
After The Village we walked back towards Old Port, stopping again in Chinatown and also to grab beers at an outdoor French hip-hop show…..did I mention how fun Montreal is? Once in Old Port we were drawn into Unibar by the Destiny’s Child and stayed for the Mai Tais and French fries. Past midnight we Uber back to the hotel but myself and my late night MVP weren’t ready to call it quits. Up the hill from the hotel is Gokudo, a Japanese bar that looks like a tiny izikaya when you walk in. After being led through the thick curtains into the dark bar we were able to order from an inventive drink list and a pretty extensive Japanese whiskey selection.
SATURDAY
fruits @ Atwater Market, picture courtesy of A. B.
We decided to start the day off at Atwater Market and picked up some pastries, fruit and smoothies that we brought with us to Mount Royal. After taking some selfies and taking in the scene (all of Montreal!) we walked down to the main entrance and headed over to the Mile End neighborhood. Once there we grabbed brunch at Lola Rosa and then walked around. Instead of doing a culinary tour we decided to just wing it, however we did eavesdrop on a few tours we passed along the way.
view from Mount Royal
After one of the squad threw up the safe word to signal she’d had enough walking around in the hot sun we went back to the hotel. We grabbed some wine and fruit and hung out on the terrace by the duck pond (which was empty except for us). Bonus – they had ducklings! Also, pro tip: you can totally cut a mango with a hotel room wine key, just make sure you wash it real good first.
Leonard Cohen
Early evening led us to Parc du Portugal and the Leonard Cohen mural (this was up on my list so I was glad to see it!). Le Darling is where we stopped for early dinner/small bites and drinks but to be honest we should have stayed! The food and drinks are delicious and it’s *ahem* darling, so there’s that.
We walk to Old Port to put our names in for a table at Terrasse Nelligan and then wait it out…..which takes a while. We were able to catch sunset and some decent drinks on the terrace and then we walked to Le Grande Roue de Montreal. After that we then split off into two groups – two ladies back to the hotel, myself & the other MVP for the ferris wheel ride and subsequent photo op. Is it touristy? Yup. Is it pretty and you get a nice view of the city? Also yup. We were lucky that we also caught some fireworks while we were up on the ferris wheel so that added to it for sure.
SUNDAY AKA IT’S OVER
Pretty sure that everyone was sad to go but we all had an amazing trip. We walked to grab a plant based brunch at LOV before checking out and heading our separate ways back over the border.
I need to dedicate this to my gals who were, without a doubt, the major force in how much fun we had. Get yourself a group of women to travel with that will listen to you, uplift you, make you laugh and encourage you to find a way to slice a mango with limited tools and no kitchenette.
We did miss out on a few things (Bota Bota spa, Botanical Gardens, etc.) but overall we checked a ton off our list, all while eating, drinking and having a great time! Guess we’ll just have to head back again soon……….
Want to know more about essentials for traveling with your ladies? Check out my post here. If Montreal isn’t your style Santo Domingo would be a great place for a girls getaway (you can read more here). Where’s the last place you and your girls took a trip? Let me know!
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Jordyn
August 13, 2019 at 4:08 pmI’ve never been to Montreal before but it seems like such a cool, vibrant and beautiful city. I would LOVE to visit one day!
Morgan
August 13, 2019 at 8:10 pmI would highly recommend it, however I can only speak for the summer (I typically avoid places that will be negative degrees in the winter). I hear it’s great in the winter, too, if you’re more brave than me 🙂
Stephanie
August 13, 2019 at 8:24 pmI think the first thing I’d do is stop by for those *ahem* totally legal Canadian products – and then head off to do some sightseeing! I love this guide and now I really want to visit Montreal. All the color is just beautiful!
Morgan
August 13, 2019 at 8:48 pmI like your style! I would totally suggest visiting Montreal for all the sightseeing, it’s a beautiful city.
KATHY
August 13, 2019 at 11:27 pmInspires me to visit Montreal. Sounds like a real gem!
Kileen
August 13, 2019 at 11:35 pmSounds like such a fun trip! Definitely makes me want to book a trip out and experience it for myself!!
Kileen
cute & little
Kat&Phil
August 14, 2019 at 12:17 amIt’s funny. We’re Canadian and have yet to spend a weekend in Montreal. Thanks for the inspo!
Beth
August 14, 2019 at 10:38 amI haven’t been to Montreal since I was a little kid. I really need to go there and do some of these things.
Monica
August 14, 2019 at 11:09 amI’d love to visit Montreal over a long weekend! I live in Pennsylvania so it would be a short flight and looks like a great place to visit!
Morgan
August 14, 2019 at 6:58 pmIf you’re that close you totally should go! There’s so much to do and see but a long weekend would be plenty of time to enjoy it.
Leah
August 14, 2019 at 12:11 pmLooks like so much fun!! I need to go for sure 🙂
Marette F
August 14, 2019 at 1:55 pmI have always wanted to visit Montreal. It seems like a wonderful city!
Morgan
August 14, 2019 at 6:58 pmIt was a wonderful city! We had a great time.
Indya | The Small Adventurer
August 14, 2019 at 8:02 pmI’ve always been intrigued by Canada, but I had no idea how citylike Montreal was! I’m not sure why, but I always pictured Canada as similar to Australia, where it’s mostly land and not often large groups of people – but I suppose even we have our city areas too. I love the look of all the art-filled walls and the decorations that hang above you in between buildings! So cool.
Lori Ann Palomares
August 15, 2019 at 11:10 amOk Mo,
So I have never been to nor heard of New England, Montreal.
It has never been an option of places to visit on my list, BUT you have began to teeter that thought for me!
Gah!
All the amazing photos and story line that went with your trip certainly intrigues my interest. I love the markets, speak-ups, food and vibes you’ve shared. I will certainly have to do some research on this place and plan a possible trip in the future. Fun stuff lady! Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
August 15, 2019 at 11:46 amAmazing trip! I’d love to visit Montreal. Or any place in Canada really.
Morgan
August 15, 2019 at 4:31 pmIt was beautiful! I’m hoping to see other parts of Canada soon, too.
Amberly
August 15, 2019 at 1:32 pmWhat a gorgeous place to hang out! It makes me want to plan a trip!
Jenn
August 18, 2019 at 7:01 amI’ve always wanted to visit Montreal and this sealed the deal! Save your post to Pinterest so I can refer back! Thanks!
Morgan
August 19, 2019 at 12:45 pmGlad you enjoyed it, I hope it’s helpful when you go to Montreal!
Clarice
August 23, 2019 at 3:00 pmHappy to know you had a wonderful time at Montreal. I love visiting local markets. I believe this is where the real treasures are. Anyway, the ferris wheel looks beautiful. Lucky that you were able to witness some fireworks. Will consider this place for our future trips.
Wren LaPorte
August 24, 2019 at 12:32 pmI have not been there since I was a kid. It has changed from what I remember but looks like it is still so much fun! I need to travel there again.
Liz Santos
August 25, 2019 at 7:28 amI’ve heard so many good things about Montreal and it never fails to amuse me. Your pictures are awesome and I bet it’s a good time!
Melanie
August 25, 2019 at 5:20 pmNot been here before but this place looks amazing for sure. Montreal looks like the idea weekend break away x
Claudia
August 25, 2019 at 5:32 pm4 hours of sleep? I would not have been a happy person either, that is for sure, lol. But it looks like you had a great time, and I absolutely love the pictures you took! I have never been to Canada, my husband has for business, but could not take me with him, so I am jealous, lol. Blessings!
Marjie Mare
August 25, 2019 at 6:54 pmI love Montreal and I am dreaming of going back. I have so many sweet memories there. Thanks for sharing and making me realize it’s time to go back.
Whitney Kutch
August 25, 2019 at 8:16 pmThat market looks incredible! I love the way they arranged the fruits – I would have bought it all!
pooja Malkani
August 26, 2019 at 1:42 amMontreal is a great place to be! I would love to travel there. After reading your piece i would love to visit Attawar Market and try those tasty pastries.
Lina
August 26, 2019 at 2:02 pmMontreal is such a great city, full of wonderful things!