Montreal is one of Canada’s most vibrant and exciting cities you need to visit. From an endless amount of festivals, a fantastic food scene, unique experiences, incredible sights, and more, Montreal is a city you’ll want to return to time after time.
The first thing you need for your trip to Montreal is a good home base. There are nine Best Western branded hotels in the Greater Montreal region, and the Best Western Plus in Quartier des Spectacles neighbourhood is home to many incredible festivals and nearby incredible sights, bites.
Here are five things you need to do when you visit Montreal:
Wander through cobblestone streets with beautiful buildings as your backdrop. There are incredible restaurants, shops, and mesmerizing views to enjoy in Old Port.
Head to the park and take in views of the water and the Ferris Wheel. In the summer you can rent pedal boats, and in the winter you can go skating at Old Port. I also recommend walking to the back for a view of the old clock.
Old Port is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset and then enjoy Montreal’s nightlife.
There are plenty of unique cafes to explore in Montreal across the city. Grab some coffee and explore the neighbourhoods. Let your taste buds be your guide.
If you’re in Old Port, Tommy Cafe is a beautiful coffee shop full of greenery. Step inside Crew Cafe to find a stunning cafe inside an old bank.
Stroll along Saint Laurent to Le Darling. Grab a coffee in their beautiful restaurant or stay awhile and enjoy brunch or dinner. You’ll also find Cafe Rita, enjoy a coffee inside their vibrant and colourful cafe.
If you like bubble tea, there are plenty of locations to visit in Chinatown.
There are always plenty of festivals in Montreal, especially in Quartier des Spectacles, where you’ll find the Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal. Each season brings new festivals to the area to look forward to. We walked through Quartier des Spectacles at night, and it was illuminated with coloured lights and art installations. Old Port and Parc Jean Drapeau are also popular spots for festivals.
Keep an eye out around town for stunning murals and art installations too! There’s always new art popping up around the city too,
Montreal has a great bike network making it easy to cover even more ground in the city. You’ll find Bixi Bike locations all around the city, including nearby Best Western on Saint Catherine. Pick up a bike in one area and return it to another.
I recommend renting a bike and then taking it to Old Port. From there, you can continue along the Lachine Canal, where it will take you into Griffintown and Little Burgundy. Stop by the Atwater Market and make sure to grab a bite at Satay Brothers. You can also continue along the path to St. Ambroise Brewery.
No trip to Montreal is complete without indulging in the food scene. There are countless restaurants to enjoy.
You’ll find Best Western a block away from Le Central, the perfect spot to try a bit of everything. Inside you’ll find a dining hall featuring excellent Montreal restaurants under one roof. Whether you’re craving a poke bowl from Kame or a pita from Bab Kech, a delicious bite is never far away.
No matter the neighborhood you are exploring, there are incredible restaurants around every corner. If you love tacos, check out Le Capital nearby. If you love poutine, you need to check out La Banquise for an impressive selection of unique takes on this dish.
Best Western is also steps from Chinatown that is home to many incredible restaurants. You’ll find everything from sushi, dumplings, bubble tea, and more. Stroll through, and something is sure to catch your eye.
Julia Weber, also known as Little Miss Ottawa, is a Canadian travel blogger who loves finding adventures at home and abroad. Check out her blog here.