Arrive at Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) and take a taxi or the 747 airport bus to the Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal on Rue Sainte-Catherine; check in and drop off luggage to freshen up. Stretch your legs with a short walk east along Sainte-Catherine Street to absorb the downtown energy — pop into the Montreal Eaton Centre for a quick coffee at a local café like Crew Collective & Café if you prefer a grand heritage interior.
After lunch at a nearby bistro (try Le Pois Penché or Dunn’s Famous for a classic smoked-meat sandwich), take a relaxed orientation walk toward Place des Arts and the Bell Centre to get a feel for the neighbourhood and public transit routes you’ll use all week. If time and energy permit, visit the nearby McGill campus Green Space or browse local shops on Saint-Urbain to begin acquainting yourself with Montreal’s French-English character and culinary scene.
For dinner, choose a nearby restaurant on Crescent or Sainte-Catherine — consider Garde Manger for lively Québécois fare or Impasto for Italian-inspired comfort food — then return to the hotel for a restful night after your long journey. If you still have energy, step outside for a short stroll along Sainte-Catherine to see the city lights and plan tomorrow’s Old Montreal exploration, setting the tone for the rest of your stay.
Start the day with a short metro ride or 20-25 minute walk from your hotel to the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal; grab a café au lait and a pastry at Olive et Gourmando before wandering past the Notre-Dame Basilica to admire its ornate interior and stained glass. Continue exploring Rue Saint-Paul’s galleries and boutiques, pausing at Place Jacques-Cartier to watch street performers and take in the atmospheric 18th-19th century architecture.
Walk down to the Old Port for a scenic riverside lunch at Terrasse William Gray or Le Bremner (reservations recommended) and then stroll along the waterfront — consider a visit to the Montréal Science Centre or a short cruise on the St. Lawrence if schedules allow. Don’t miss the Clock Tower and the Bonsecours Market for local crafts and souvenirs, and warm up with a hot chocolate from a nearby café if it’s chilly.
Return toward Old Montreal for dinner at a classic bistro such as Jardin Nelson (try to snag a table under the courtyard lights) or at the refined European-style Vieux-Port Steakhouse, then enjoy a leisurely post-dinner walk along Rue de la Commune to see the lit-up skyline across the river. If you’re in the mood for nightlife, stop at a cozy wine bar like Le Mal Nécessaire or catch live music at one of the intimate venues in the neighbourhood before heading back to the Best Western Plus to rest for tomorrow’s Mount Royal adventure.
After two days of Old Montreal’s historic streets, head up to Mount Royal for fresh air and panoramic city views — take the 15-20 minute bus or a brisk 25-30 minute walk from your hotel to the park. Begin at the Kondiaronk Belvedere to photograph the skyline, then follow the walking paths past Beaver Lake and the Chalet du Mont-Royal, pausing for a coffee and a pastry from the chalet kiosk if it’s chilly.
Descend toward downtown and enjoy lunch in the McGill / Peel Street area — try a hearty bowl at Café Santropol or a sandwich at Fairmount Bagel if you want a local classic on the way back. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby highlights: wander through the McGill campus green spaces, visit the contemporary exhibits at the Stewart Museum (or the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts if you prefer — it’s a short metro ride), and browse boutiques along Sainte-Catherine Street to reconnect with the neighborhood where you’re staying.
For dinner, sample Québecois comfort food at L’Express or opt for modern cuisine at Le Filet downtown, then catch an evening performance at Place des Arts or a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre if the schedule fits. Finish the night with a relaxed walk along Sainte-Catherine illuminated by city lights and a nightcap at a nearby wine bar before returning to the Best Western Plus to recharge for tomorrow’s museum day.
Start the day with a short walk or metro ride to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal) and spend the morning exploring its encyclopedic collections — don’t miss the contemporary design wing and the decorative arts galleries, then pause at the museum’s café for a coffee and a light pastry. The museum district’s elegant streets invite a brief stroll afterward past McGill College Avenue toward Sherbrooke, keeping the pace relaxed before lunch.
Take the metro or a 15-20 minute walk back down to Old Montreal for a late-afternoon visit to Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s archaeology and history museum, where immersive exhibits and the onsite archaeological site bring the city’s origins to life; allow time for the multimedia show about Montreal’s founding. Afterward, warm up with a leisurely riverside lunch or late snack at a nearby spot like Olive et Gourmando or Terrasse William Gray, then browse Bonsecours Market for artisanal gifts and local crafts.
As daylight fades, return toward the museum district or head to Place Jacques-Cartier for dinner at a charming Old Montreal bistro such as Jardin Nelson or Le Club Chasse et Pêche for a refined meal, keeping the evening unhurried to reflect on the day’s discoveries. Finish with a gentle post-dinner walk along the cobblestones and the Old Port waterfront to see the lit-up cityscape before heading back to the Best Western Plus to rest up for Plateau exploration tomorrow.
Start with a short metro ride or a 20-30 minute walk from your hotel to the lively Plateau: grab a flaky pastry and café au lait at Café Olimpico in Mile End or try the legendary bagels at St-Viateur Bagel (fresh from the oven). Wander down Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Avenue du Mont-Royal to admire colourful murals, independent boutiques like Boutique 1861 and Drawn & Quarterly’s bookstore, and pop into little design shops to pick up unique souvenirs.
For lunch, settle into a neighbourhood bistro such as L’Express (for a classic Parisian vibe) or Joe Beef’s more casual offshoots if you’re craving robust Québécois flavours; alternatively, assemble a picnic from Mile End delis and enjoy it in Lafontaine Park when the weather allows. Spend the afternoon exploring Mile End’s creative corners — visit boutique record stores, browse local galleries, and sample artisanal coffee at Café Névé while people-watching from a sidewalk seat.
As dusk falls, dine at a cozy Plateau restaurant — try Lawrence or Le Majestique for inventive seasonal menus, or head to La Banquise if you’re in the mood for poutine in a lively setting. Finish the night with a craft cocktail at a speakeasy-style bar like Le Saint-Sulpice’s courtyard lounge or a relaxed pint at Dieu du Ciel! microbrewery in nearby Outremont before strolling back toward Sainte-Catherine to your Best Western Plus, energized by the neighbourhood’s bohemian spirit.
Take the metro to Jean-Talon Station and arrive early to beat the crowds at Marché Jean-Talon — sample seasonal produce, Quebec cheeses from Première Moisson, and freshly baked focaccia or croissants from Les Délices du Marché while strolling the colourful stalls. Pause for an espresso at Le Cagibi or a cinnamon bun from Boulangerie Guillaume, then chat with vendors about local specialties and pick up picnic items for later exploration in Little Italy.
Wander east into Little Italy for a leisurely lunch at Pizzeria Napoletana or Impasto, savoring wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas that reflect the neighbourhood’s strong Italian roots; follow with a visit to Alépa for imported Italian groceries or to the charming Basilica of St. Joseph’s Oratory (a short bus ride) if you’d like a cultural detour. Continue roaming the neighbourhood’s independent cafés and gelato spots—try Café Fiorentina or Gelato & Co.—and browse specialty shops for olives, olive oil and biscotti to bring home.
Return toward Jean-Talon for a relaxed dinner at Bottega or a family-style meal at Via Italia’s trattoria restaurants, then enjoy an after-dinner passeggiata along Saint-Laurent Boulevard to soak up the neighbourhood atmosphere. Finish with a digestif or coffee at a local wine bar like Le Vin Papillon (back toward the Plateau if you wish) before heading to the Best Western Plus to rest up for your day-trip options tomorrow.
Choose your adventure and set out early: for Quebec City, catch the VIA Rail or an early coach to arrive by mid-morning and begin with a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec, taking in the Château Frontenac façade, the fortified Dufferin Terrace and a guided peek inside the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré if time allows. If you prefer the Laurentians, drive or join a small-group tour north to enjoy crisp mountain air and a scenic winter landscape—start with a short snowshoe or cross-country session at Parc régional Val-David-Val-Morin or a chairlift ride at Mont-Tremblant for panoramic views.
In Quebec City, linger over a leisurely bistro lunch in Petit Champlain (try Le Lapin Sauté for comforting local fare) then visit the Musée de la civilisation or stroll along the St. Lawrence waterfront before grabbing a chocolat chaud at a cosy café for warmth. In the Laurentians, warm up with a hearty après-activity lunch at a chalet-style restaurant (such as Le Shack in Val-David or La Forge Bistro-Bar in Mont-Tremblant), then browse local artisan shops or opt for a guided winter-activity like dog-sledding or fat-tire biking to round out the afternoon.
Return to Montreal in the early evening with time to freshen up at the Best Western Plus, then choose a relaxed downtown dinner—perhaps comfort food at L'Express or Italian at Impasto—to unwind after your day trip. If you’re still energized, take a short post-dinner stroll along Sainte-Catherine or through Place des Arts to reflect on the day’s scenery and culture before turning in for your final full days in Montreal.
After a week of sightseeing, enjoy a slow morning: walk from the Best Western Plus to the underground RESO or Sainte-Catherine Street for boutique shopping at Holt Renfrew and local shops, or linger over brunch at L'Appartement 400 or Café Parvis. If you prefer relaxation, book a mid-morning treatment at Bota Bota spa on the Old Port or Scandinave Spa (in nearby Old Montreal area) for a restorative soak and massage to reset before the afternoon.
Keep the pace easy—stroll back toward the Museum Quarter to revisit a favourite gallery at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or pop into Centre PHI for contemporary exhibitions; alternatively, explore any missed neighbourhoods like Griffintown for its boutiques and coffee at Café Bloom. If shopping is your focus, return to Mile End for artisanal finds (Drawn & Quarterly, boutique designers) or assemble last-minute gourmet souvenirs at Olive et Gourmando and Jean-Talon vendors you loved earlier in the week.
For a memorable final full night, choose a special dinner at Toqué! or Le Club Chasse et Pêche to celebrate the trip, or keep it casual with a food-hall experience at The Foodlab/Byblos in the Eaton Centre area. Finish with a leisurely nightcap back on Sainte-Catherine or a riverside walk in the Old Port to savor the city lights and reflect on the week before returning to the Best Western Plus to pack for departure.
Pack up after a final leisurely breakfast at a nearby café on Sainte-Catherine — try Crew Collective & Café or Café Parvis for one last Montréal coffee and pastry — then complete checkout at the Best Western Plus and store any luggage at reception if your departure is later in the day. Use the morning to take a short last walk past Place des Arts or pop into the Eaton Centre for any forgotten souvenirs, keeping an eye on travel documents and your Qatar Airways itinerary.
When it's time to head to the airport, allow extra time for winter traffic and choose either a direct taxi/Uber ride or the 747 express bus from downtown to Montréal-Trudeau (YUL); if you have prepaid baggage or prefer curbside convenience, a taxi is fastest. If your flight is later, consider a relaxed final meal in the airport’s food hall or a quick stop in the YUL duty-free for local goodies like maple products and Québec chocolates before clearing security.
Board your Qatar Airways flight home with memories of cobblestone Old Montreal, Mount Royal vistas and lively Plateau cafés — settle in with a warm drink on the plane and review photos from the week as you fly overnight. If you have a late arrival back in Nairobi, use the in-flight time to rest and plan a gentle first day home; if you arrive the same evening, expect a welcome to reflect on a well-paced Montréal escape and start thinking about a return visit.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) → Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal (taxi) | CAD 35-55 |
| Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) → Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal (747 bus) | CAD 11.50 (adult single fare, public transit) |
| Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal — check-in / luggage drop | Free (included with booking) — possible incidental fees CAD 0-20 |
| Walk along Sainte-Catherine Street / Montreal Eaton Centre / Crew Collective & Café coffee | Coffee CAD 3.50-6; pastry CAD 3-6; window-shopping free |
| Le Pois Penché / Dunn’s Famous (lunch) | CAD 15-30 per person |
| Place des Arts / Bell Centre orientation walk | Free to walk around; event/ticket costs vary (Bell Centre concerts/hockey CAD 40-200+) |
| Short visit McGill campus / Saint-Urbain shopping | Free to explore; shopping variable |
| Dinner on Crescent or Sainte-Catherine (Garde Manger / Impasto) | CAD 35-80 per person (Garde Manger higher if tasting menu; Impasto mid-range) |
| Old Montreal — walk to Olive et Gourmando & Notre-Dame Basilica exterior | Coffee/pastry CAD 6-12; Basilica exterior free |
| Notre-Dame Basilica (interior visit) | CAD 10-15 (general admission) |
| Rue Saint-Paul / Place Jacques-Cartier strolling & street performance watching | Free (donations to performers optional) |
| Terrasse William Gray / Le Bremner (Old Port lunch) | CAD 25-60 per person (depending on restaurant and menu) |
| Montréal Science Centre | CAD 20-28 (general admission; exhibits vary) |
| Old Port St. Lawrence cruise (seasonal) | CAD 15-40 per person (short sightseeing cruises) |
| Clock Tower & Bonsecours Market browsing | Free to browse; souvenirs CAD 10-60 |
| Jardin Nelson / Vieux-Port Steakhouse dinner | CAD 30-75 per person |
| Mount Royal — bus or walk to park & Kondiaronk Belvedere | Public transit CAD 3.75 single fare (or preloaded pass); walking free |
| Beaver Lake / Chalet du Mont-Royal (coffee/snack) | Coffee/snack CAD 3-8 |
| Lunch near McGill (Café Santropol / Fairmount Bagel) | CAD 10-20 per person |
| Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal) | CAD 25-30 (suggested admission; some temporary exhibits extra; permanent collection sometimes free or pay-what-you-can on specific days) |
| Stewart Museum or Montreal Museum of Fine Arts alternative | Stewart Museum (if open) CAD 10-18; MMFA cost as above |
| Dinner at L’Express or Le Filet | L’Express CAD 30-60; Le Filet CAD 50-100 per person |
| Pointe-à-Callière (archaeology & history museum) | CAD 20-25 (general admission; exhibits/multimedia included) |
| Montreal Plateau — Café Olimpico / St-Viateur Bagel | Coffee CAD 3-5; bagel CAD 2-4 |
| Boutiques on Saint-Laurent / Drawn & Quarterly bookstore browsing | Free to browse; purchases variable (CAD 5-150) |
| Lafontaine Park picnic or plateaum bistro lunch (Joe Beef offshoots / L’Express) | Picnic CAD 10-25 per person; restaurant CAD 25-70 |
| Dinner at Lawrence / Le Majestique / La Banquise | Lawrence/Le Majestique CAD 35-80; La Banquise (poutine) CAD 10-20 |
| Jean-Talon Market browsing / samples | Samples often free; purchases CAD 10-40 depending on items |
| Little Italy lunch (Pizzeria Napoletana / Impasto) | CAD 20-40 per person |
| Basilica of St. Joseph’s Oratory (optional detour) | Free entry; donation/some exhibits CAD 0-10 |
| Day trip to Quebec City — VIA Rail | Return fare CAD 120-250 (economy, advance purchase) + attractions/meals CAD 40-120 |
| Day trip to Quebec City — coach/tour | Day tour CAD 100-200 per person (includes transport; some include guided tour; meals extra) |
| Day trip to Laurentians (Mont-Tremblant) — self-drive or shuttle | Car rental CAD 70-150/day (plus fuel CAD 30-60); guided day tour CAD 80-180; activities (chairlift, snowshoeing, dog-sledding) CAD 30-200 depending on activity |
| Bota Bota spa (Old Port) / Scandinave Spa (nearby) | CAD 70-160 (depends on package, treatment, and access to thermal circuit) |
| Centre PHI / contemporary exhibitions | CAD 10-20 (exhibition fees vary) |
| Toqué! / Le Club Chasse et Pêche (special final dinner) | CAD 100-200+ per person (tasting menus or multi-course fine dining) |
| Taxi/Uber to YUL at departure (downtown to airport) | CAD 35-60 |
| 747 Express bus to YUL at departure | CAD 11.50 |
| YUL airport food / duty-free last-minute shopping | Food CAD 10-30; duty-free purchases variable |
| Estimated Total (per person) | CAD 1,300 - 2,800 per person (9 days, excluding international airfare to/from Montréal) |