Montreal & Quebec City: French Canada Explorer

Arrive at Montreal Airport

📍 Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Welcome to Montreal! Take the 747 Express Bus from YUL airport directly to downtown. Purchase an OPUS card at the airport for seamless transit access throughout your stay.

Hotel Check-In & Refresh

📍 Downtown Montreal

Drop your bags and freshen up. Staying near a metro station makes navigating the city effortless.

Lunch at Olive et Gourmando

📍 351 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Old Montreal

Fuel up at this beloved Old Montreal café known for creative sandwiches, fresh-baked goods, and excellent coffee. The lobster sandwich and pulled pork are local legends.

Old Montreal Walking Tour

📍 Vieux-Montréal

Wander the atmospheric streets of Vieux-Montréal. Discover Place Jacques-Cartier's lively square, browse galleries on Rue Saint-Paul, and admire centuries-old stone architecture that rivals any European city.

Notre-Dame Basilica

📍 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal

Step into one of North America's most spectacular church interiors. The Gothic Revival masterpiece features deep blue vaulted ceilings studded with golden stars, intricate wood carvings, and stained glass depicting Montreal's religious history.

Old Port Waterfront

📍 Old Port of Montreal

Stroll along the St. Lawrence River at the Vieux-Port. Watch boats glide past, enjoy the riverside parks, and catch golden hour views of the city skyline.

Dinner at Garde Manger

📍 408 Rue Saint-François-Xavier, Montreal

Celebrity chef Chuck Hughes' flagship restaurant serves creative seafood and comfort food in a rustic-chic Old Montreal space. The lobster poutine is legendary.

Bagels at St-Viateur

📍 263 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest, Montreal

Start your day at the legendary St-Viateur Bagel, where wood-fired ovens have turned out Montreal's signature bagels since 1957. Smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York cousins.

Mile End Exploration

📍 Mile End, Montreal

Wander Montreal's most creative neighborhood. Street art adorns Victorian triplexes, independent bookstores and vintage shops line the streets, and the coffee culture rivals any major city. This is where Arcade Fire and Leonard Cohen called home.

Mount Royal Summit Hike

📍 Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)

Climb the 233-meter mountain that gives Montreal its name. Frederick Law Olmsted designed these wooded trails that lead to the Kondiaronk Belvedere—a stunning lookout with 360-degree views of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and distant mountains.

Lunch in the Plateau

📍 Plateau Mont-Royal, Montreal

Descend to Plateau Mont-Royal for lunch at one of the neighborhood's many BYOB restaurants—a beloved Montreal tradition that lets you bring your own wine and save money.

Plateau Photo Walk

📍 Plateau Mont-Royal, Montreal

Explore Montreal's most Instagram-worthy neighborhood. The Plateau is famous for its colorful painted facades, iconic outdoor spiral staircases, street murals, and bohemian atmosphere.

Craft Cocktails at Bar Furco

📍 425 Rue Mayor, Montreal

Unwind at this stylish cocktail bar in a former fur warehouse. Exposed brick, creative drinks, and a lively atmosphere make it perfect for early evening refreshment.

Dinner at Au Pied de Cochon

📍 536 Avenue Duluth Est, Montreal

Experience chef Martin Picard's legendary temple to Quebec gastronomy. Famous for over-the-top dishes like foie gras poutine and duck in a can, this is dining as spectacle.

Late-Night Poutine at La Banquise

📍 994 Rue Rachel Est, Montreal

Cap the night at Montreal's most famous poutine institution. Open 24/7, La Banquise offers 30+ variations of Quebec's iconic fries-curds-gravy creation.

Train to Quebec City

📍 Montreal Gare Centrale

Board VIA Rail at Gare Centrale for a scenic three-hour journey along the St. Lawrence River. Watch the landscape transform from urban to pastoral as you approach Quebec City.

Arrive at Gare du Palais

📍 Gare du Palais, Quebec City

Arrive at Quebec City's beautiful Château-style train station. The Old Town is a short walk or quick taxi ride away.

Upper Town & Château Frontenac

📍 Old Quebec Upper Town

Explore the Haute-Ville and marvel at the iconic Château Frontenac—the world's most photographed hotel. Walk the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk for stunning St. Lawrence River views and explore the only remaining fortification walls north of Mexico.

Lunch at Le Lapin Sauté

📍 52 Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City

Dine at this charming bistro specializing in rabbit dishes and traditional Quebecois cuisine. The rustic interior and garden terrace perfectly complement the Old World atmosphere.

Quartier Petit Champlain

📍 Quartier Petit Champlain, Quebec City

Wander North America's oldest commercial district. These narrow cobblestone lanes, lined with artisan boutiques, galleries, and cafés, evoke a French village frozen in time.

Funicular & Place Royale

📍 Place Royale, Quebec City

Ride the historic funicular connecting Lower and Upper Town, then explore Place Royale—the birthplace of French civilization in North America. The Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church dates to 1688.

Return Train to Montreal

📍 Gare du Palais to Montreal

Board the evening train back to Montreal. Relax and watch the sunset over the St. Lawrence as you reflect on a day in New France.

Light Dinner in Montreal

📍 Downtown Montreal

Grab a casual bite near your hotel after a full day of exploration. Keep it simple—you've earned an early night.

Jean-Talon Market

📍 7070 Avenue Henri-Julien, Montreal

Explore one of North America's largest and oldest public markets. Seasonal produce, Quebec artisan cheeses, maple products, fresh flowers, and prepared foods create a feast for all senses.

Little Italy Espresso

📍 Little Italy, Montreal

Walk through the historic Italian neighborhood surrounding the market. Stop at Café Italia for authentic espresso in an old-school atmosphere unchanged for decades.

Pizza at Bottega

📍 65 Rue Saint-Zotique Est, Montreal

Enjoy acclaimed Neapolitan-style pizza at this Little Italy institution. The wood-fired oven produces blistered, chewy perfection.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

📍 1380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal

Explore Canada's oldest art museum, spanning five interconnected pavilions. Collections range from Old Masters to contemporary Quebec artists, with world-class touring exhibitions.

Stroll Rue Sherbrooke

📍 Rue Sherbrooke, Montreal

Walk along Montreal's grand boulevard, lined with Victorian mansions, upscale boutiques, and cultural institutions. The Golden Square Mile once housed the wealthiest Canadians.

Schwartz's Deli

📍 3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal

Experience Montreal's most legendary institution—Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen has been hand-smoking brisket since 1928. The no-frills counter serves what many consider the world's best smoked meat sandwich.

Boulevard Saint-Laurent Nightlife

📍 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal

Explore 'The Main'—Montreal's legendary nightlife corridor. Live music venues, cocktail bars, and clubs represent every genre and vibe imaginable.

Leisurely Café Breakfast

📍 Near your accommodation

Enjoy a final Montreal breakfast at a neighborhood café. Linger over café au lait and croissants while soaking in the city's distinctive energy.

St. Joseph's Oratory

📍 3800 Chemin Queen Mary, Montreal

Visit Canada's largest church—a stunning Renaissance Revival basilica whose massive dome dominates the city skyline. Beautiful terraced gardens offer panoramic views, and the interior inspires quiet awe.

Final Neighborhood Stroll

📍 Your choice of neighborhood

Return to your favorite neighborhood for one last wander and final photos. Whether it's the Plateau's colorful facades or Old Montreal's historic charm, say a proper au revoir.

Farewell Lunch

📍 Montreal

Enjoy one last Montreal meal at a favorite spot or try somewhere new. Last chance for poutine, smoked meat, or those addictive bagels.

Depart for Airport

📍 Montreal to YUL Airport

Take the 747 Express Bus back to Montreal-Trudeau Airport. Au revoir, Montreal—until next time!