What to Do (And Eat) On A Short Trip to Montreal

Being from Boston, I really like to brag about how "European" my home city is. From all the brick architecture and cobblestone pathways to the historical sites that sit on every corner, we really take pride in Boston's European reputation.

But, if there's one place in North America that truly beats out Boston for having that je ne sais quoi, it truly is Canada's very own Montreal. It may be a far cry from Europe geographically, but when you visit Montreal you really feel like you're stepping foot in a little offshoot of France. Of course, French being Montreal's major language helps to create this feeling, but it's the food and the culture that are on par with Europe's greatest cities.

Montreal has always been one of my family's favorite vacation spots- even since before us kids were born. My parents used to drive up to Canada for a cheap holiday when they were just starting out. But Montreal has more to offer than just a favourable exchange rate. Just a quick drive up from Boston, Montreal makes for a perfect road-trip destination if you're visiting (or based in) New England.

On our 3 day trip to Montreal, we didn't have a jam-packed schedule by any means, so I thought I would do a quick round-up of what we did and ate (because let's be honest, most of our activities consisted of eating).



Where we stayed

There's no shortage of hotels to stay at in Montreal. You would probably even have some good luck finding a little city apartment on Airbnb. We were lucky enough to stay at the Intercontinental Montreal for a few nights which, while being a "chain" hotel, maintained a boutique, high-end feel through offering perks like club level to its customers. Being in a club-level room was perfect for my parents and me, not only because our room was huge (aka I had my own space separate from my parents), but because it gave us the added bonus of having access to the club lounge for breakfast and cocktail hour. The cocktail hour at the Intercontinental was a particular highlight for us. The service was phenomenal and the bartenders definitely poured drinks on the stronger side. The food served alongside our drinks was also very high quality, with a variety of hot and cold dishes served each evening, from mini grilled cheese sandwiches to salads and snack mixes. There was even a hot main dish on offer every night, so you could definitely get away with skipping dinner altogether!

What we ate 

When we weren't hanging out in the club lounge, we were eating a lot elsewhere. For lunch, I'd definitely recommend Maison Christiane Faure Patisserie. A truly French bakery, this spot is known for, of course, it's pastries. But while you may be lured in by the cakes and pastries on offer, you'll find a reason to stay for a while in its lunch menu. With everything from Quiches to Salads to sandwiches, this is the perfect pit stop for lunch. Go for the salmon mille feuille to be dazzled by Christiane Faure's pastry mastery. This flaky layered pastry is a showstopper in and of itself, but when it's topped with wafer-thin salmon, spurts of chive cream cheese, and finished with lemon, it really is the ultimate lunch. Pair it with a mimosa and your set! And don't forget to walk out with a few croissants to-go!

A new Montreal favorite for my family, but a little bit famous due to social media hype, Olive and Gourmando is one of those cafes that's worth waiting around for. Queue up with the rest of Montreal for a good 45 minutes to get your own table at lunch hour, or spring for a communal table to get seated immediately. You won't be disappointed either way. A little bit French and a little bit not-so-French, Olive and Gourmando turns up the heat with spicy sandwiches and creative salads that will have you raving about it to your family and friends. It really is a unique menu, consisting of anything from ricotta and roasted carrot salad to their famous Cuban panini. Before you go, relish in the fact that you got a spot and grab a coffee and "monster" cookie (possibly the best, gooiest cookie I've ever had).

Modavie is your best bet for a night of jazz and a good meal to boot. Montreal has a pretty active jazz scene, but if you're looking for somewhere comfortable to lounge about and have a solid steak frittes, then Modavie is your place. Enjoy one of their carefully crafted cocktails (I recommend the one with Aperol in it) and be sure to order a plate of the charcuterie- it's all local. Order a traditional salad nicoise or moules frittes to get the ultimate French experience, or you could go with Modavie's speciality- lamb. With three lamb entrees to choose from, you will definitely find a dish you like. If you still have room for dessert, there are classics like creme brulee and chocolate fondant to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

What we did 

Shopping on St. Catherine street (or St. Cat's street to the locals, as my friend who goes to uni in Montreal informed me) is the perfect way to burn off all of those calories. Who said shopping wasn't cardio? My mom and I wandered down to the department store Ogilvy to do a bit of "window shopping" (aka looking at things that were ridiculously expensive). But we also headed to Aritzia- a suggestion of my Canadian flatmate- to see what the cool kids are wearing these days. 

For a breath of fresh spring (or dry summer) air in bitter-cold Montreal, look to the botanical gardens as an urban oasis. Just a smidge outside of the main city- but very accessible by the metro- the botanical gardens are an Instagrammer's heaven. From dangling Spanish moss to on-trend succulents to the most beautiful orchids you-ever-did-see, the botanical gardens will certainly inspire the gardener in anyone. The highlight of the gardens was the butterfly sanctuary! There were hundreds- if not thousands- of these beautiful creatures flying freely around a wide-open space. It's really breathtaking. But be prepared for lots of school groups!

There's always time for a museum when you're on a short trip. And if there's one museum you should make time for in all of Montreal, it's the museum of fine arts. With art that spans centuries of Canada's history, you'll be able to find relics from every era to give you a substantial view of Canada's past through art. Start at the top floor for a crash-course in the art of Canada's indigenous people. This area is often overlooked, but incredibly important. Move down floor by floor to witness the evolution of Canadian art, from the influences of European explorers to contemporary artists. Whether you're an art fiend or a newbie to the field, you're sure to find something to catch your interest.

Montreal really is the perfect destination for a short trip that makes you feel like you're miles away from home. No wonder it's an Olia family favorite!