Settle into your hotel or apartment in the Plateau–Mont‑Royal and walk the colourful streets (Saint‑Laurent, Saint‑Denis) to get a feel for the neighbourhood. Great for light exploration and orienting yourself before dinner; typical shops open until early evening. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Plateau+Montreal
Dine at one of these Plateau classics: L'Express (classic French bistro), La Prunelle (refined neighbourhood cuisine), Le Quartier Général (casual comfort), ChuChai (excellent Thai), or Au Pied de Cochon (rich Québécois specialties). Many open for dinner from ~17:00–18:00; reservations recommended. Example map: L'Express https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=L%27Express+Montreal
Head to a neighbourhood bar for cocktails or craft beer: Dieu du Ciel! (microbrewery), Le Réservoir (cocktails), Le Majestique (lively), Rouge Gorge (wine) or Taverne Saint‑Sacrement. Most bars open evenings from ~17:00–18:00; peak nights can be busy. Map (Dieu du Ciel!): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Dieu+du+Ciel+Montreal
Finish your first night with a dessert or classic late‑night snack: Automne Boulangerie, Café Névé (coffee & pastries), La Banquise (poutine, open late), Kem CoBa (crepes/ice cream), or St‑Viateur Bagel (bagel fresh). Then enjoy a gentle stroll under Plateau streetlights. Confirm bakery/café hours — many bakeries close earlier than poutine shops. Map (St‑Viateur Bagel): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=St-Viateur+Bagel+Montreal
Start with coffee and pastries at Café Névé, Automne Boulangerie, Café Replika, Hof Kelsten, or the iconic Café Olimpico — all great for artisanal coffee and breakfast bites. Most cafés open from ~08:00–09:00; check exact opening times on the day. Map (Café Névé): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cafe+Neve+Montreal
Take the metro or an Uber to Old Montréal; pop into Tommy Café or MELK for a light sandwich or coffee while browsing boutique shops along Rue Saint‑Paul. Shops and cafés generally open by 10:00–11:00. Map (Tommy Café): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Tommy+Café+Montreal
Enjoy the immersive, photogenic experience at Musée Imaginarium — a hands‑on, sensory installation perfect for striking photos and creative exploration. Your booking is at 13:00; arrive 10–15 minutes early. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mus%C3%A9e+Imaginarium+Montreal
Stroll Old Montréal's design & gallery spots: SSENSE Montréal (window inspirations), Galerie LeRoyer and boutiques along Rue Saint‑Paul Ouest for local designers and art objects. Galleries are typically open 11:00–17:00; hours vary. Map (Rue Saint‑Paul): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Rue+Saint-Paul+Montreal
Take the guided tour of the stunning Notre‑Dame Basilica — a must‑see for its ornate interior and historic significance. Tours generally run through the afternoon; adult admission is typically charged. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Notre-Dame+Basilica+Montreal
Attend AURA, the multimedia light experience inside Notre‑Dame — a theatrical, immersive light and sound show. Your reservation confirms entry; shows often sell out so arrive on time. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=AURA+Notre-Dame+Montreal
Enjoy a twilight wander from Rue Saint‑Sulpice to Place Jacques‑Cartier and along the Old Port boardwalk — great for evening photos and to feel the space around the basilica. Open 24/7 but outdoor comfort depends on weather. Map (Old Port): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Vieux+Port+de+Montreal
Dinner at Gaspar Brasserie Française, a refined French brasserie near Notre‑Dame — pre‑booked; expect French classics with Québec ingredients. Typical dinner hours ~17:30–22:00. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Gaspar+Montreal
End the evening with a cocktail or low‑key drink at Bar Pamplemousse, Sans Soleil Vinyl Bar, Bar Renard, or Cabaret Mado; openings vary but many stay open late. Map (Bar Pamplemousse): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Bar+Pamplemousse+Montreal
Celebrate with a leisurely brunch at Larry’s (all‑day brunch), Bagel Etc., L'Express (if open for earlier service), Fabergé, or La Prunelle; typical brunch service starts 09:00–10:00. Map (Larry's): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Larry%27s+Montreal
Visit major contemporary art spaces in Griffintown like Arsenal Contemporary or the Fonderie Darling for large-scale works and exhibitions; galleries generally open 11:00–17:00. Map (Fonderie Darling): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Fonderie+Darling+Montreal
Refuel at September Surf Café, Griffintown Café, Foiegwa, or Adamo Pizza — casual spots for a coffee and a light bite before heading back to the Plateau to prepare for the evening. Most open midday; check exact hours. Map (September Surf Café): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=September+Surf+Cafe+Montreal
Return to your accommodation in the Plateau to relax, nap, and get ready for the birthday dinner and night out — take 2–3 hours to refresh. No cost unless you factor in grooming services. Map (Plateau): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Plateau+Montreal
Enjoy your booked dinner at Cabaret L'Enfer (Plateau) — lively atmosphere and dinner‑show vibes depending on the night; confirm the start time and seating. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cabaret+L%27Enfer+Montreal
Head to Stereo for after‑hours dancing — note the no‑photos policy; start with drinks at StereoBar beforehand. Doors for afterhours typically open late; follow your booking time. Map (Stereo): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Stereo+Montreal
Recover with a late brunch at Arthurs Nosh Bar, Butterblume, Larry’s, Bagel Etc., or the classic St‑Viateur Bagel. Brunch hours vary but typically run until mid‑afternoon on Sundays. Map (Arthurs Nosh Bar): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Arthurs+Nosh+Bar+Montreal
Choose a mellow afternoon: visit the PHI Centre for film and visual art, then stroll Parc Lafontaine for autumn colours, or enjoy the atmospheric Crew Collective Café for its architecture. PHI and many centres open around 10:00–11:00; parks are open daily. Map (PHI Centre): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=PHI+Centre+Montreal
Have an easy dinner near the comedy venue: Le Nil Bleu (Ethiopian), Lola Rosa Parc (vegetarian), Sushi Momo (vegan sushi), Amelios (Italian), or La Banquise (poutine). Confirm kitchen hours; many dinner spots open from ~17:00–18:00. Map (Sushi Momo): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sushi+Momo+Montreal
Catch a comedy show at The Comedy Nest, Théâtre Sainte‑Catherine, or Diving Bell Social Club — shows typically start around 20:00; book ahead for popular nights. Map (The Comedy Nest): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The+Comedy+Nest+Montreal
Fuel up at Café Myriade (Place Ville Marie area), MELK, Café Olimpico (downtown location), Tommy Peel, or Café Parvis; most open by 08:00–09:00. Map (Café Myriade): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cafe+Myriade+Montreal
Spend the morning browsing major Montreal shopping destinations: Simons for Canadian design, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy for luxury, and SSENSE for curated fashion. Stores open around 10:00–10:30 on weekdays. Map (Simons): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Simons+Montreal
Grab lunch at LOV (plant‑forward), Foodchain, Time Out Market (multiple stalls), Kandy (casual), or the architecturally striking Crew Collective & Café. Market options open midday; some sit‑down places are reservation‑friendly. Map (Time Out Market Montreal): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Time+Out+Market+Montreal
Choose a museum visit: the McCord Museum (social history & costume) or the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) for design‑minded visitors; both are excellent and typically open 10:00–17:00. Map (CCA): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Canadian+Centre+for+Architecture
Enjoy a relaxed evening meal at Knuckles Cantine & Vins (wine & small plates), Taverne Saint‑Sacrement, Le Réservoir, Rouge Gorge, or Ma Poule Mouillée (comfort food); many restaurants open for dinner from ~17:00–18:00. Map (Knuckles): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Knuckles+Montreal
Do a short morning coffee crawl: Pastel Rita, Paquebot, Café Pista, Le Dépanneur Café, or Café Névé — pick two or three near your accommodation. Most cafés open 08:00–09:00; great for last‑minute neighbourhood vibes. Map (Paquebot): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Paquebot+Montreal
Have a final lunch at a favourite spot you missed: September Surf Café, Foiegwa, Larry’s, Butterblume, LOV, or Parvis. Choose something close to your accommodation or transit to the airport. Map (Parvis): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Parvis+Montreal
Return to your accommodation to pack, confirm airport or train timing, and do any last‑minute checkouts. Allow plenty of buffer for Montreal traffic and airport check‑in. Map (Montréal–Trudeau Airport): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Montreal+Trudeau+Airport
Have an early dinner close to your stay or rest and get to bed early to prepare for your Wednesday flight. If needed, order a light meal or visit a nearby bistro; many close early on weeknights. Map (local neighbourhood): https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Montreal+neighbourhood+restaurants