Montreal

There are so many reasons to love this city. It’s like a little slice of Europe with its beautiful cobble stone streets and French speaking locals. It’s clean and very safe making it ones of my top cities for solo travel. It’s also perfect for a weekend getaway because it’s small enough where you aren’t overwhelmed by things to do, but has many neighborhoods to explore. Interested? Well read on eh?! 

Party on!
​No matter what time of year, Montreal seems to have some sort of festival going on. These Canadians know how to enjoy life. They have their famous Jazz festival, the Grand Prix, Osheaga (3 day outdoor concert), Sugar shack (where you eat all things drowning in pure maple syrup, listen to folk music and sleigh ride) and endless food festivals! As serendipity would have it, my last trip coincided with a POUTINE FESTIVAL. Poutine with lobster, truffle mac and cheese, wagyu beef, hundreds of different variations! (And it was free entry!) I also had an absolute ball at Osheaga. Dancing to my favorite artist while sipping from a coconut filled with rum and being sprayed by a fountain on a 98 degree day? What more could I seriously ask for!? ​

Bike ride everywhere
This is one of the most biker friendly cities I’ve been too. There are bike lanes almost everywhere you want to go and drivers are very respectful. I always take advantage of traveling the city by bike where I can get a workout in and let the breeze whip through my hair as I take in all the sights. It’s incredibly peaceful for me and just really fun. You can rent a bixi bike (like citi bike) for $5.00 a day and there are stations all over for you to return it. 

Visit the old port
This is the gorgeous part of Montreal by the water with winding cobble stone streets. There are amazing restaurants, food trucks and ice cream spots, plenty of shopping to do, fireworks certain times of the year, food festivals, zip lines, a fun maze game to go through and water paddling, where you sit and peddle around. It does have a lot of tourists but locals also go there to enjoy everything the old port has to offer.

Eat everything
The food here is exquisite! Throw your calorie calculator out the window and enjoy yourself!

EATS!

​Poutine

La Banquise

Beaver Tails

Queues de Castor 

Fresh Bagels

St. Viateur 

Smoked Meat

Schwartz Biftek 

Pure Maple Syrup

(For purchase anywhere!)

​GREATEST PANINIS EVER

Olive and Gourmando

​Some fabulous restaurants:

Taverne F
Bouillon Bilk
Aux Vivres -Great vegan
Chez Ma Grosse Truie Cherie
Ikanos
​Aloha Espresso bar

Visit the bustling Marché Jean-Talon
I have never seen such a perfectly crafted farmer’s market. The vendors line up their fresh multi colored produce and you can sample a juicy peach or piece of cheese as you shop. Who doesn’t love free samples? Also be sure to visit the delectable chocolatier next door, Chocolats Privilége!

Enjoy the beautiful public parks
Whether you’re riding your bike, reading or just relaxing with your thoughts, these lush green parks are perfect for taking a time out. I loved Maisonneuve park.

Explore the churches
Check out the stunning Notre Dame basilica for its gorgeous Gothic architecture or climb the top of St. Joseph’s Oratory for a beautiful view of the city.

​Thanks for hanging with this Starving Actress!