How To Spend A Weekend In Montreal
With Canada Day right around the corner on July 1st, we thought it would be fitting to showcase one of our client’s favorite charming cities in Canada and how we recommend spending a weekend exploring all that Montreal has to offer!
Canada Day celebrates a significant political milestone rather than the nation's birth. On this day in 1867, the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick united to form the Dominion of Canada. Newfoundland, Britain's longest-serving colony in North America, joined in 1949, and Nunavut followed in 1999. Zoom in closer, though, and you'll find a city older than the country itself: Montreal.
Old Montreal is a part of downtown Montreal that has been preserved in much of its original state, with the oldest buildings dating back to the 1600's. This historic neighborhood is a safe and vibrant community and tourist attraction, with hotels, restaurants, shops, residences and commercial spaces. We highly recomend visiting this part of Montreal due to the charm and history that encompasses it.
WHERE TO STAY
Montreal has so many great options when it comes to luxury hotels. Here are a few of our favorites to choose from. Each come with their own set of perks.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MONTREAL
Set in the glitzy Golden Square Mile area, the 169-room hotel directly connects to Holt Renfrew Ogilvy and sits steps from top museums and tony venues. Salute your glam locale with a gold-infused facial in the spa, then toast the sunset over Mount Royal with cocktails on the third-floor terrace. Salmon tartare and other sustainably sourced seafood are on the menu at trendsetting chef Marcus Samuelsson’s first Canadian restaurant.
Smartly designed Executive Suites feature sliding panels that separate the four-poster bed from the living area, with its pullout sofa and wall-to-wall windows.
*Why our clients love it - When you book your stay through our Virtuoso Link you get the VIP treatment. As a virtuoso client you receive…
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (excludes Premier Carré Doré accomodations and suites)
Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (credit is non-cumulative)
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Photos Courtesy of Four Seasons
HOTEL NELLIGAN
Situated in the heart of Old Montreal housed in a historic building that dates back to the 1850’s lies Hotel Nelligan. Beautifully curated with luxurious furnishings and decor this hotel is where modern elegance meets timeless style.
Their spacious suites come with a separate living area, fireplace, and jetted tub for two. Select from their signature Petites Suites, Deluxes Suites or their luxurious Romance Suite. Their stunning one- and two-bedroom Penthouses have private terraces and panoramic views, as well as spacious living areas and fully equipped kitchenettes. If you prefer a more intimate stay book on of their rooms which feature modern furnishings and luxurious amenities. Some rooms are overlooking the atrium, while others overlook the streets of Old Montréal.
*Why our clients love it - Voted No. 1 Best City Hotel in Canada Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2023. T+L readers love Montreal’s Old World charm — with many likening the city to some of Europe’s most beloved historic gems. It’s fitting, then, that Canada’s top hotel also has layers of history. Set across four buildings dating from the mid-to-late 1800s, the property had many lives, including as a fabric warehouse, a pharmaceutical laboratory, a paper company, and a lamp and table factory. Today, it’s a 105-room boutique hotel that readers adore for its location near the St. Lawrence river, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and the picturesque Old Port waterfront. The seasonal rooftop terrace is also a perfect place for sunset drinks. -
Photos Courtesy of Hotel Nelligan
WHAT TO DO
GAIN INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM A WALKING TOUR
Exploring Montreal’s enchanting heritage district is a must on any visit. Rich with centuries of stories and characters, the city's oldest neighborhood is best experienced on foot. Book a Old Montreal Walking Tour with MTL DĒTOURS, a local tour guide company. With these knowledgeable guides you’ll uncover the historical highlights and intriguing origins that have shaped Montreal into the unique, vibrant, and diverse city it is today. Bring your comfy walking shoes, camera, curiosity, and questions, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful metropolis.
Photos Courtesy of MTL DĒTOURS
VISIT THE MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
It is the largest art museum in Canada by gallery space. The museum is located on the historic Golden Square Mile stretch of Sherbrooke Street west.
The MMFA is spread across five pavilions, and occupies a total floor area of 571,510 sq ft, 140,000 sq ft of which are exhibition space. With the 2016 inauguration of the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace, the museum campus was expected to become the eighteenth largest art museum in North America. In 2020, it was the most visited art museum in Canada.
DRIFT INTO A NEW PERSPECTIVE AT BOTA BOTA
Bota Bota is permanently moored in the Old Port of Montreal. It is not a cruise boat, but rather a ship designed to transport you to relaxation without moving. Here you can enjoy the water circuit on the boat and in the gardens, care tailored to your needs and our restaurant which offers the best possible flavors. From thermotherapy to complete well-being, discover this mythical place in Montreal where relaxation becomes a journey.
The building itself is exquisite. Originally launched in the early '50s as a ferry, the Bota transformed into a theatre boat in 1967, and in 2010, it was reinvented once more as the most stunning collection of small pools in North America. Onboard the boat and in the adjacent garden, you'll discover a captivating array of water features.Everywhere you turn, there's a new place to bathe. Plunging into the cold tank is exhilarating, and a 20-minute hot tub soak afterwards will leave you blissfully relaxed. On dry land, there are countless ways to unwind—padded bunks, hanging chaises, and a full-service bistro with wine and small plates. Above all, Bota Bota is a floating haven designed to relax you completely, and it does so with exceptional effectiveness.
There are two volume settings mandated by Bota Bota's staff—"silence" and "quiet conversation"—a light, jovial murmur pervaded the atmosphere. This helps curate and keep a calm and soothing atmoshere for the guests. The spa attracts around 100,000 visitors annually - making it one of North America’s most loved floating spas. Perfect for a day of relaxation!
Photos Courtesy of Bota Bota
EXPLORE THE BASILICA
Discover the history and heritage of an emblematic Montreal site, from the origins of the urban colony to today's imposing neo-Gothic church. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is a crown jewel of Québec’s rich religious heritage. Constructed between 1824 and 1829 in Old Montreal, the church showcases two towering spires and is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its magnificent interior boasts hundreds of intricate wooden carvings, religious statues, and a Casavant Frères pipe organ dating back to 1891.
Book the - Moment Factory’s astounding Aura, a ticketed 45-minute multimedia spectacle, combines lights, orchestral music, and the grandiose architecture into a unique three-act experience. This is one of the many tours offered by The Basilica.
WHERE TO EAT
Old Montreal is a culinary paradise, offering an array of amazing food that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage. From charming bistros serving exquisite French cuisine to vibrant markets brimming with fresh local produce, every meal here is a delightful experience. Savor traditional poutine, freshly baked pastries, and succulent seafood, or indulge in innovative dishes at one of the many gourmet restaurants. The blend of historic ambiance and contemporary flavors makes dining in Old Montreal an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
A blend of fine French cuisine and modern Montreal gastronomy. The elegant and intimate dining room bathed in natural light perfectly complements the culinary experience. The lush terrace, located on the vibrant De la Commune Street, is open from noon to night.
Known for seafood and steak, this upscale restaurant is the perfect place for a date night. Treat yourself to a delicious meal in a warm and lively atmosphere in the heart of Old Montreal.
In the summer months, take advantage of our beautiful garden terrace to enjoy a cocktail and a delicious meal in a setting of abundant greenery and beautiful flowers. The picturesque stone walls of the century-old buildings surrounding it make this lush garden the ideal place to enjoy the summer in complete privacy.
