Montreal

Not far north from the US/Canada border and just over 6 hours from New York City is the exquisite European-style city of Montreal. A city that will make you feel like you’ve traveled thousands of miles by plane is less than a day’s drive away. Its proximity makes it perfect to travel to for a weekend trip or short getaway. This cosmopolitan venue combines old-world charm with modern attractions, so you’ll never wonder what to do – there are many activities for all ages. You can wander historic streets or enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene. There are beautiful parks as well as tall skyscrapers, and a variety of cuisine. While the predominant culture is French, there are also Italian, Caribbean, and Chinese influences.

What to see and do

Mount Royal Park

Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed Central Park, this lush landscape is open year-round. While summer months at Mount Royal Park offer activities such as hiking, biking, picnics, and feeding the squirrels, winter is also delightful. That’s when ice-skaters circle Beaver Lake and the nearby hill rings with the squeals of delighted children sledding down its slopes. Afterwards, they can warm up with hot chocolate at the nearby pavilion.

Many visitors travel to the summit, which offers great views of the city. At its peak, the mountain is 764 feet tall and affords breathtaking views of the whole city. If planning something romantic, it’s good to note that this is a romantic spot for proposals! At the park, you’ll find the Smith House, which offers trail maps, ice cream, coffee, and some other food to eat.

Notre Dame Basilica and Old Montreal

A weekend trip to Montreal would not be complete without a visit to the Notre Dame Basilica. Considered a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, this church has gorgeous stained-glass windows that fill the interior with vivid hues of blue, red, purple, gold, and silver. There are also hundreds of statues, carvings, and an enormous pipe organ. No wonder this is one of the most visited monuments in North America.

Afterwards, you can’t miss a tour of the Old Town, which was founded in the 17th century. Many guided tour options are available and you can even choose to join a themed tour, such as a food tour. Alternatively, you can enjoy the area by getting lost in the cobblestone streets while exploring the boutiques, sipping a drink at one of the small cafes, looking for souvenirs in the local shops, or wandering along the St. Lawrence River to the Old Port of Montreal. Here you’ll find the Clock Tower and Montreal Science Center. During summer evenings, the streets come alive with performers, but even in the winter, you can enjoy one of the many bars and clubs in this area.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Travel to the historic Golden Square Mile of Sherbrooke Street to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which is the largest and oldest art museum in Canada. It covers a total floor space of over 570,000 square feet and has five pavilions. It also includes the oldest art library in Canada. From Chagall to Napoleon to mummies, there are displays and exhibits here that will appeal to everyone.

The best time to go

Winters in Montreal can be brutal, however, if you don’t mind cold weather, the city never shuts down. The clubs will be open, the slopes of Mount Royal will be teeming with skiers and children riding sleds, and the museums, restaurants, and shops will welcome travelers. The Christmas season in Quebec can be particularly lovely, so if you don’t mind the cold, you can enjoy a getaway to this charming city.

Famous local food specialties

While Montreal prides itself on its bagels, New Yorkers may not be impressed. However, some unique culinary treats include steamed hot dogs, poutine, and pate Chinois. Steamed hot dogs are served with mustard, relish, onions, and sauerkraut all over the city, as is poutine, a Quebecois dish of French fries covered with gravy and topped with cheese. This is considered the perfect remedy after a night on the town, it also comes in a fancier variety – the foie gras poutine. Originally created by Chef Martin Picard, the French fries in this decadent dish are cooked in duck fat and topped with foie gras. Finally, thanks to the Chinese workers who built the Canadian railway, you can try the pate Chinois. It is a shepherd’s pie and the ultimate in comfort food on a cold night.

Next time you are wondering what to do, consider a getaway to magical Montreal! You will have a wonderful time!