Arrive at Montréal-Trudeau and make your way to Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal to drop off luggage and freshen up; if you have time, grab a Montréal-style coffee and a croissant at Café Olimpico or Café Myriade to kick off your first morning. Take a relaxed walk along Sainte-Catherine Street to orient yourself — pop into the Ogilvy department store and window-shop along the lively retail corridor while soaking in the city’s winter bustle and distinctive architecture.
Stroll toward Phillips Square and explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ temporary exhibits or the smaller, nearby Phi Centre for contemporary art and immersive installations. For lunch, warm up with a classic Montreal smoked-meat sandwich at nearby Schwartz’s Delicatessen or try cozy bistro fare at Club Chasse et Pêche, then browse the underground shopping arcades of the Underground City (RÉSO) if the weather turns harsh.
As daylight fades, enjoy an early dinner on Sainte-Catherine — consider Le Robin Square for comfort food or Nora Gray for a memorable Mediterranean-Italian meal (reserve ahead). After dinner, take a short walk to Crescent Street and Rue Saint-Alexandre for lively bars and a taste of Montreal nightlife, or return to the hotel for a relaxed drink and map out plans for tomorrow’s Old Montreal exploration.
Start the day with a short metro or tram ride to Place-d'Armes and step into Vieux-Montréal’s cobbled streets; visit the imposing Notre-Dame Basilica for a guided tour or the immersive light show (Résonance) if available, then warm up with a chocolat chaud and a pâtisserie at Maison Christian Faure. Continue with a slow wander along Rue Saint-Paul to browse galleries and boutiques, pausing at the Pointe-à-Callière museum to trace Montreal’s archaeological origins and early French colonial history.
Cross toward the Old Port for fresh air and panoramic river views — take a scenic ride on the Grande Roue de Montréal for elevated perspectives, or explore the interactive exhibits at the Montreal Science Centre if you're traveling with family. For lunch, savor rustic French-Canadian fare at Olive et Gourmando or try seafood at Grosse Mignonne; afterwards, stroll along the waterfront to the Clock Tower and, weather permitting, join a short horse-drawn carriage tour or a guided walking tour focusing on the neighborhood’s architecture and maritime past.
As daylight fades, settle into a cozy dinner at moderne bistro Le Garde-Manger or the historic Terrasse William Gray for a prix-fixe menu and skyline views, then take a leisurely post-dinner walk through the illuminated square by Bonsecours Market. Cap the night with a nightcap at a nearby cocktail bar like Le 4e Mur or head back toward downtown along Rue Saint-Paul to enjoy the softly lit facades — a peaceful, atmospheric end that leads naturally to tomorrow’s museum and Plateau explorations.
Begin with a short metro ride to the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal to browse its Canadian and international collections and any rotating special exhibits, then duck into the Musée d'art contemporain nearby for cutting-edge contemporary works. Recharge with a late-morning coffee and a light bite at Caféothèque or Crew Collective & Café in the historic Banque du Canada building before heading out toward the Plateau.
Spend the afternoon wandering the Plateau-Mont-Royal’s colourful streets — stroll along Avenue du Mont-Royal and Rue Saint-Denis, pop into independent galleries and vintage shops, and sample iconic Montreal bagels at St-Viateur or Fairmount for a casual lunch. If time allows, visit the small but fascinating McCord Museum (for social history) or the Canadian Centre for Architecture for a different cultural angle before exploring the mural-filled lanes around Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
As evening falls, settle into a cozy bistro in Mile End or the Plateau — try Lawrence or Le Vin Papillon for seasonal small plates — then take a post-dinner stroll past illuminated row houses and colourful street murals to soak up the neighbourhood’s creative energy. Finish with a drink at a neighbourhood bar like Le Saint-Sulpice’s courtyard terrace (weather permitting) or the intimate Bar Le Lab, setting the tone for tomorrow’s Mount Royal vistas and bistro discoveries.
Head up to Mount Royal early to catch the city waking up under winter light — ascend via the well-marked Olmsted Path from Park Avenue or take the shorter walk from the Chalet du Mont-Royal for sweeping panoramic views over downtown and the St. Lawrence River. After soaking in the vista, warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee at the chalet café or nearby Café Olimpico before strolling through Beaver Lake and the wooded trails to admire snow-dusted conifers and picturesque lookout points.
Descend toward the Plateau and make a leisurely lunch stop in Mile End, sampling Montreal staples like St-Viateur or Fairmount bagels paired with a bowl at Cafe Santropol or a seasonal salad at Lawrence; wander Saint-Viateur and Bernard Avenue to explore indie bookstores, vinyl shops and colourful murals. Fit in a visit to the Marché des Possibles pop-up (if running) or the charming little boutiques on Laurier Avenue, and warm up with a pâtisserie from Hof Kelsten or a craft coffee at Café Myriade as you wander neighbourhood lanes.
As evening approaches, linger over a memorable dinner at a Plateau bistro — consider Le Vin Papillon for vegetable-forward small plates, Nora Gray for refined Mediterranean-Italian, or Joe Beef’s cosy sibling spots if you’re up for a splurge (reserve ahead). Finish the night with a relaxed drink at Bar Le Lab or a local brew at Dieu du Ciel! in Mile End, soaking in the neighbourhood’s convivial atmosphere before returning to downtown to rest up for tomorrow’s day-trip possibilities.
If you choose the Laurentians, depart early for a 1-1.5 hour drive to picturesque villages like Saint-Sauveur or Mont-Tremblant — start with a warming café and pastry at Le Saint-Sauveur or La Sandwicherie and take a gentle snowshoe or gondola ride for alpine views. For Quebec City, catch an early VIA Rail or drive 2.5-3 hours to arrive mid-morning and stroll the Terrasse Dufferin and Place Royale before ducking into a café such as Café-Boulangerie Paillard for chocolat chaud and a pastry. If staying in Montreal, ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast at Beauty’s or Olive et Gourmando, then explore neighborhoods you missed — perhaps the Lachine Canal promenade or the boutiques along Notre-Dame Ouest.
In the Laurentians, follow the morning with a cozy lunch at a bistro like La Maison du Smoked Meat in Saint-Sauveur or indulge in mountain-town comfort food in Mont-Tremblant, then try tubing, a chairlift panorama, or browse local artisan shops. In Quebec City, enjoy a long lunch of hearty Québécois fare at Le Lapin Sauté or Bistro Sous le Fort, visit the Citadelle or Musée de la civilisation, and wander the fortified streets of Old Quebec. Back in Montreal, spend the afternoon visiting Jean-Talon Market for seasonal produce and charcuterie, or dive deeper into Mile-End’s record shops and bakeries, topping off with bagels from St-Viateur or Fairmount.
If back from a day trip, unwind with a relaxed dinner near your hotel — try rustic comfort at Garde-Manger (if arriving early enough) or a comforting bowl at Stash for Polish cuisine in Old Montreal; otherwise enjoy a late-night bistro meal at Joe Beef-adjacent spots in the Plateau. In Quebec City, linger over a candlelit dinner in Vieux-Québec at Restaurant Initiale or Légende for a memorable regional meal before catching an evening train or drive back to Montreal. If you stayed in Montreal, cap the night with drinks at a cozy speakeasy like Le 4e Mur or a craft brew at Dieu du Ciel!, reflecting on the day’s contrasts and saving energy for tomorrow’s market-and-spa relaxation.
Start the day with a short metro ride to Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, weaving between stalls of maple products, local cheeses, charcuterie and seasonal produce — grab a steaming pea soup or a fresh crepe from a vendor and a coffee at Café Ferreira to people-watch like a local. Pop into nearby shops on Via Italia for imported pastas and Sicilian pastries, then stroll across to Mile End for a mid-morning stop at St-Viateur or Fairmount to taste Montreal’s famous bagels warm from the oven.
Spend the afternoon browsing Mile End’s independent boutiques and record stores along Saint-Laurent and Bernard — drop into Drawn & Quarterly for art books and Boutique Sainte-Catherine for local design finds, and warm up with a lunch of inventive small plates at Lawrence or a comforting bowl at Café Santropol. For a slower pace, book a late-afternoon spa session at Bota Bota, the spa on a boat in the Old Port, or opt for a nordic-style soak and massage at Scandinave Spa (if open for winter hours) to melt away city-walking fatigue.
Return to downtown for an easy evening: choose a relaxed dinner at Olive et Gourmando or Le Majestique for seasonal Quebecois cuisine, then cap the night with cocktails at Le 4e Mur or a craft beer at Dieu du Ciel! in Mile End if you’re up for a short trip back — the mix of market-fresh flavors and a restorative spa will leave you refreshed for tomorrow’s winter activities and nightlife finale.
Start the day with classic Montreal winter fun at the Old Port: lace up for skating on the rink by the Clock Tower or glide along the nearby Bonsecours Basin if conditions allow, then warm up with a chocolat chaud and a pastry at nearby Maison Christian Faure or at Olive et Gourmando in Old Montreal. If ice isn’t your thing, stroll the waterfront promenades, visit the Montreal Science Centre for interactive exhibits, or take the Grande Roue for crisp panoramic views of the frozen river and city skyline.
Head back toward downtown and dive into the Underground City (RÉSO) — meander through the warm subterranean arcades for shopping, galleries and lunch at a cozy spot like La Fabrique or Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse, then explore the linked concourses to discover boutiques, bookstores and the occasional pop-up market. Alternatively, visit the nearby Pointe-à-Callière museum for an indoor history fix or warm up with a late-afternoon coffee at Crew Collective & Café before a short rest at the hotel to prepare for the evening.
For a memorable final-night out, begin with dinner in Old Montreal at Terrase William Gray or Garde-Manger for seasonal Québécois flavors, then return downtown for cocktails at a speakeasy such as Le 4e Mur or experimental drinks at Le Lab. If you prefer a livelier scene, head to Crescent Street or Sainte-Catherine for bars and music venues, or cap the night with a craft beer at Dieu du Ciel! — either way, enjoy a festive blend of winter atmosphere and Montreal nightlife before your departure day tomorrow.
Wake with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel or step out for one last Montréal coffee and pastry at Café Olimpico or Crew Collective & Café, then take a final stroll along Sainte-Catherine Street to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or a box of chocolates from Juliette & Chocolat. If the weather’s clear, detour to Phillips Square and snap a last view of Mount Royal from downtown before returning to the Best Western Plus to settle your bill and collect luggage.
If your schedule allows a late departure, leave your bags with reception and enjoy a leisurely lunch in Old Montreal at Olive et Gourmando or a comforting bowl at Stash, finishing with a quick visit to Bonsecours Market to browse local crafts you may have missed. Alternatively, spend a cozy hour in the Underground City (RÉSO) for sheltered shopping or a final cafe stop at La Fabrique before heading back to the hotel to retrieve belongings and make your way to Montréal-Trudeau.
For evening departures, savor a farewell early dinner near the hotel—consider Nora Gray or Le Robin Square for a memorable final meal—then take one last walk under the city lights on Rue Saint-Alexandre or Crescent Street to absorb Montreal’s winter charm. Allow ample time to reach the airport, remembering winter traffic or transit delays, and leave with a few final photos and the warmth of Montreal’s culture, food and friendly streets to carry home.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) — arrival/transfers | CA$15-40 (STM 747 bus CA$11.75 single/approx CA$11.75, taxi CA$40-60, ride-share CA$35-50) |
| Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal — check-in / luggage drop | Included in hotel rate; approx CA$140-250/night (midrange) — taxes & fees extra |
| Café Olimpico or Café Myriade — coffee & croissant | CA$6-12 per person |
| Sainte-Catherine Street (walking / window shopping / Ogilvy) | Free to walk; shopping costs vary (Ogilvy browsing free) |
| Phillips Square | Free |
| Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal) temporary exhibits | CA$15-25 (general admission; special exhibits extra) |
| Phi Centre | CA$10-20 (exhibit/show prices vary) |
| Schwartz’s Delicatessen — smoked-meat sandwich (lunch) | CA$15-22 per sandwich |
| Club Chasse et Pêche — bistro lunch/dinner | CA$30-60 per person (mid-high range; excluding drinks) |
| Underground City (RÉSO) — arcades & shopping | Free to enter; shopping/food costs vary |
| Crescent Street / Rue Saint-Alexandre bars | CA$8-15 per drink; CA$20-50 for snacks/dinner depending on venue |
| Place-d'Armes & Notre-Dame Basilica (guided tour / Résonance show) | Tour CA$10-15; Résonance show CA$15-25 |
| Maison Christian Faure — chocolat chaud & pâtisserie | CA$6-12 per person |
| Rue Saint-Paul galleries & boutiques | Free to browse; purchases vary |
| Pointe-à-Callière Museum | CA$15-20 (general admission) |
| Old Port (Grande Roue de Montréal) | CA$25-40 per adult (standard cabin; fast-track higher) |
| Montreal Science Centre | CA$17-25 (exhibits + IMAX optional extra CA$8-12) |
| Olive et Gourmando — lunch | CA$15-30 per person |
| Horse-drawn carriage tour (Old Montreal) | CA$40-80 per carriage (up to ~4 people) |
| Le Garde-Manger / Terrasse William Gray — dinner | CA$35-75 per person (depending on menu & drinks) |
| Musée d'art contemporain | CA$12-18 |
| Crew Collective & Café / Caféothèque — coffee break | CA$4-10 per person |
| Avenue du Mont-Royal / Rue Saint-Denis — Plateau stroll & shopping | Free to stroll; shopping costs vary |
| St-Viateur or Fairmount Bagel — bagels (lunch/snack) | CA$2-4 per bagel (fresh); CA$6-12 for sandwich |
| McCord Museum | CA$12-18 |
| Canadian Centre for Architecture | CA$10-18 |
| Mount Royal (Olmsted Path / Chalet du Mont-Royal / Beaver Lake) | Free |
| Café Olimpico (again) — coffee | CA$3-6 |
| Cafe Santropol / Lawrence / Hof Kelsten — lunch/pastry | CA$12-30 per person |
| Le Vin Papillon / Nora Gray / Joe Beef-style spots — dinner (Plateau/Mile End) | CA$40-100 per person (Joe Beef-style splurge may be higher; drinks extra) |
| Laurentians day-trip (Saint-Sauveur / Mont-Tremblant) — transport | CA$25-80 round-trip (bus CA$25-40; car rental gas & tolls CA$40-80+; guided tour higher) |
| Quebec City day-trip — VIA Rail or drive | VIA Rail CA$50-150 one-way (advance fares lower); car fuel & parking CA$60-120 round-trip |
| Le Saint-Sauveur / Mont-Tremblant activities (gondola / snowshoe / tubing) | CA$15-50 per activity (gondola CA$15-30; rentals/lessons extra) |
| Jean-Talon Market — browsing & snacks | Free to enter; snacks CA$5-15; grocery purchases vary |
| Bota Bota (spa on the Old Port boat) | CA$75-150 (access + treatments extra; packages vary) |
| Scandinave Spa (if open) — nordic spa/massage | CA$60-120 (entry); massages additional CA$90-160 |
| Drawn & Quarterly / Boutique Sainte-Catherine — shopping | Free to browse; books/design goods CA$10-60 |
| Old Port skating rink / Bonsecours Basin skating | CA$5-10 rink admission; skate rental CA$8-12 |
| La Fabrique / Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse — lunch | CA$15-30 per person |
| Le 4e Mur / Bar Le Lab — speakeasy / cocktails | CA$12-18 per cocktail |
| Dieu du Ciel! (brewery/bar) | CA$6-10 per beer |
| Juliette & Chocolat — chocolates / desserts (souvenirs) | CA$10-30 depending on selections |
| Estimated Total (per person) | CA$1,300-2,700 per person (7 nights, excluding flights) - Breakdown (approx, per person): - Accommodation: CA$980-1,750 (CA$140-250/night × 7) - Food & drinks: CA$350-700 (CA$50-100/day) - Local transport & attractions: CA$120-300 (metro, occasional taxi, paid attractions) - Day-trip (optional Quebec City or Laurentians): CA$50-200 (adds if taken) Notes: total range reflects modest midrange spending to comfortable splurge; excludes international airfare, shopping, and high-end dining splurges (Joe Beef-level). |