Share
Experience a taste of Europe just across the Canadian border.
I’ve wanted to see Montreal for a dozen years, since my best friend visited for a few days before meeting up with me in Maine. She reported back on the city’s architecture, energy, and spice! It is cosmopolitan while also showcasing history. It is hip and vibrant while also an homage to the French Canadian culture that reverberates throughout the city.
The US dollar is doing very well in Canada right now, which makes it a perfect time to travel there.
It’s commonplace for the locals to talk about the “island of Montreal.” That is because there are waterways that surround the city, separating it from other parts of the province of Quebec. Visitors will find festivals all throughout the year such as jazz fest and lasso festival featuring country music.
For a Good Lie In
Hotel Monville is an ideal place to stay, geographically centered, close to most of the areas that you will want to explore in this very walkable metropolis. It’s considered modern with its hip lobby, a robot who will deliver warm slippers to your room, and its modular type rooms. We found the space perfectly sized, extremely comfortable, and right in the heart of the action.
Take the elevator downstairs to enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast in the sunlit lobby restaurant. Enjoy something as light as a tray of croissants and other breakfast breads, or the very large avocado toast entrée that comes with a side salad, a fried soft boiled egg, yogurt and granola, and a bowl of fresh fruit.
The restaurant features the lobby bar that opens for craft beer, local wines and beautiful cocktails at 5 p.m. (most bars around town don’t open until 5 p.m.)
My Top 2 Activities You Must Experience:
- Bota Bota floating spa on the river
Since 2010, this former riverboat has been transformed into a decadent spa. Sitting on the St. Lawrence River, treat yourself to the hydrotherapy circuit. You’ll be allowed three hours so use it wisely and be strategic. I recommend starting on the second floor to enjoy the outdoor “garden” which features a little bit of all the great stuff: heated pools with a waterfall massage, a cold plunge, dry sauna (176 degrees F!), a steam room, a cozy room with fur coated adirondack chairs, and a “bunk room” with beds ideally suited for a nap. Hydrotherapy circuit prices range from $44-$52 depending on time of day and year.
Another strategy starts at the top, on the fourth floor, with a dry sauna, then the quick cold plunge, followed by the outdoor hot tub, then relaxation in one of the many relaxation areas such as a hammock on the third floor (as you make your way down).
Extend your visit to enjoy lunch in their cafe with a glass of wine. The lunch menu features small, healthy plates, or you can choose the heartier cheese-covered creste di galli pasta, which hit the spot after a morning of relaxation.
When you leave, you’ll be down on the riverbank, and you can enjoy Old Montreal in this very walkable city. Do not miss Saint Paul Street, the oldest street in Montreal, which is home to many art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. The store fronts are decorated and make it a nice stroll.
- The AURA Experience at Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica
Montreal is known as “the city of 100 steeples” due to their early Catholic influence. Today, some of the most beautiful structures in the city are Catholic churches, such as St. Patrick’s, and of course, the famous Notre Dame Basilica. Since 2017, the Aura light show has been dazzling guests in the Basilica. Do not miss this. It is one of the most beautiful displays I have ever seen. A local Montreal company called Moment Factory created this stunning display of light in the gorgeous cathedral. It’s hard to put into words. The show lasts approximately 25 minutes and is well worth the fee. Adult tickets are $35, however they offer group, family, children and youth discounts. Buy tickets here.
Foodie Finds
A short walk from the hotel, enjoy this food court featuring a variety of different cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, sushi, or an elevated lobster poutine, this is a great option for everyone to be able to get the food of their choice. Don’t miss Kaviar wine bar at the front, which overlooks the bustling street and nearby square. Here, you’ll find some of the best wines from all over the world in a vibrant setting.
Only about a 25-minute walk from the hotel, this weekend brunch in a restored mansion is not to be missed. From the cozy seating to the beautiful vintage china plates and the exceptional customer service, this was a stand-out meal. Be impressed by their lobster omelet, cooked to absolute perfection, or venture off the typical avocado toast, and try their Matane shrimp toast, which resembles a shrimp and egg salad on top of a brioche bread with the thickness of a pound cake. The avocado purée and fresh cucumber really accentuate this dish. The ambiance features stained glass from Austria, depicting scenes from Shakespeare plays.
Also, an easy walk from the hotel, Rosélys is actually inside the Fairmont hotel downtown. I absolutely enjoyed the dimmed lighting and quiet atmosphere with a music overlay. The seasonal truffle cream soup was the ideal prelude to the ricotta ravioli with pan fried porcini mushroom. On a cold night, this was absolutely perfect paired with a lovely red wine. Top it off with the caramel trilogy.
A steakhouse that’s been around Montreal for over 80 years is an example of historic preservation in the culinary sense. Started by a Jewish immigrant, and still featuring some of the original offerings, such as dill pickles and slaw served with the bread before the meal, the new restaurant, which is only about a five minute walk from the hotel, is the epitome of cultured steakhouse.
From the Hotel Monville, walk just one block to the Place D’Armes metro stop and take the orange line to the Jean Talon Market. Here is where local farmers will bring their seasonal veggies, dried meats, spices, and flowers. Make plans to have lunch at Patati Patata (so fun to say!) and indulge in classic poutine with a cold local Pilsner.
Strategically designed to happen during the more quiet winter months, this festival of lights celebrates 25 years. In winter, it serves to bring tourists and locals downtown to the restaurants, concert halls and outdoor spaces to enjoy culinary, music, and outdoors. It highlights a wide display of cuisines found in Montreal at all different price points. 53 restaurants participate in this year‘s festival that runs from February 22 to March 10.
Fun Facts:
- Low season runs January through March.
- Ice-skating is a popular activity for locals and can be enjoyed November through April in the downtown rink.
- Montreal receives 11 million visitors per year.
- It is named the second safest city in the world.
- Due to its affordability, food and festivals, it is a popular bucket list destination.
- 80% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Quebec, with 20% coming from Vermont.
- Montreal was the location of the Olympics in 1976 and the World’s Fair in 1967.
- Texans will enjoy direct flights from Houston and Dallas.
- Montreal is home to the contemporary circus, including Cirque du Soleil and they have a circus school.
- Cultures that founded Montreal include Irish, French, British, Scottish and the Indigenous peoples.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Photo courtesy Michael Descharles on Unsplash
Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. She enjoyed practicing her limited French in MTL: bonjour, bonsoir, merci, si vous plaît.
