Montreal Weekend Getaway for 7 Friends

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration (Saturday, August 30)

Morning: Depart Mississauga early in the Dragon‑car and enjoy the scenic 5‑hour drive along Highway 401 and Autoroute 20. Stop for coffee in Kingston to stretch your legs and keep the energy high for the day ahead.

Afternoon: Arrive in Montreal and head straight to Old Montreal, where you can wander cobblestone streets, snap photos at the Notre‑Dame Basilica, and browse boutique shops. Grab a light lunch at a terrace café overlooking the Old Port.

Evening: Dive into the lively atmosphere of Crescent Street for dinner at a bustling steakhouse, then hop between popular bars such as Hurley's Irish Pub and Le Saint‑Sulpice where you’ll have plenty of chances to meet locals and fellow travelers.

Day 2: Culture & Outdoor Fun (Sunday, August 31)

Morning: Take a short drive up to Mount Royal Park and hike to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for panoramic city views – a perfect spot for group photos. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy on the grassy plateau.

Afternoon: Descend to the vibrant Jean‑Talon Market for a tasty street‑food lunch featuring poutine, smoked meat, and fresh fruit smoothies. Afterwards, explore the majestic St. Joseph’s Oratory, where the serene setting offers a calm contrast to the morning’s activity.

Evening: Experience Montreal’s famed nightlife on Rue Saint‑Denis, starting with craft cocktails at Bar Le Lab and moving to the energetic club Stereo. The area’s youthful crowd makes it ideal for socializing and meeting new people.

Day 3: Relaxation & Departure (Monday, September 1)

Morning: Unwind on a floating spa experience at Bota Bota, the spa on a boat, enjoying sauna, hot tubs, and a light brunch while cruising the St. Lawrence River.

Afternoon: Stroll down Saint‑Catherine Street for last‑minute shopping, picking up souvenirs at flagship stores and quirky local boutiques. Grab a quick bite at a famous bagel shop before hitting the road.

Evening: Depart Montreal in the Dragon‑car, aiming to arrive back in Mississauga by nightfall. Play a road‑trip playlist featuring upbeat French‑Canadian hits to keep the party vibe alive until home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Old Montreal (Notre‑Dame Basilica, Old Port) – 3 hours, $20 per person (entrance & snacks)
• Crescent Street bars & restaurants – 4 hours, $60 per person (dinner & drinks)
• Mount Royal Park (Kondiaronk Belvedere) – 2 hours, free (picnic supplies $15 per person)
• Jean‑Talon Market – 2 hours, $25 per person (food & drinks)
• St. Joseph’s Oratory – 1.5 hours, $10 per person (donations & museum)
• Rue Saint‑Denis nightlife (Bar Le Lab, Stereo) – 4 hours, $70 per person (drinks & cover)
• Bota Bota Spa – 2 hours, $55 per person (spa entry & brunch)
• Saint‑Catherine Street shopping – 2 hours, $30 per person (shopping & coffee)
• Fuel & tolls for Dragon‑car (round trip) – 10 hours driving, $120 total (≈ $17 per person)
• Total Estimated Cost: $357 per person

Tips

If you want to extend the trip, add an extra day to explore the trendy Plateau Mont‑Royal neighborhood and its many cafés, street art, and live‑music venues. To shorten the itinerary, skip the spa morning and replace it with a quick brunch in Little Italy, allowing you to head home earlier while still enjoying the city’s highlights.