Sunshine in the City of Saints – Getty Images
In-the-know spots for a visit to Québec’s cultural capital
Not all visitors to Montréal know that Québec’s largest city located at the confluence of the Ottawa and Saint Lawrence rivers sits on an island. But most seem to know or at least have a sense, of another intriguing fact. Montréal has the second-largest number of restaurants per capita in North America after New York. Montréal is a walkable, loveable city, and a year-round destination thanks to its easy public transportation and underground city system dubbed ‘the RESO’.
Marvel at Montreal
Experience the best of Montréal and fall in love with this gorgeous city! The Vieux-Port de Montréal cobblestone streets ooze with European vibes. It holds the heart of Montréal’s history and notable attractions. The Old Fortified City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, is a cultural gem.
Basilique Notre Dame De Montréal
Marvel beneath the fantastic vaulted ceiling of this Basilica. Every corner is a work of art. You’d be mesmerized by the architecture of this place and the piece of history that this holds.
Basilique Notre Dame De Montréal
My favorite memory of Montreal is having my breath taken away as I walked into this stunning basilica. I was truly in awe of the magnificence and the beauty.
Ritz Carlton Montreal
The Palm Court at the Ritz Carlton Montreal
Known as the Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street, The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal has set the bar for luxury hotels in North America since 1912. Today, the property continues its reign following a $200 million transformation. From the rooftop pool and full-service Spa St. James to the romantic cuisine at Maison Boulud and legendary Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, all have been transformed. Enjoy the hotel’s close proximity to downtown’s high-end boutiques, galleries, museums, and main attractions, such as Mount Royal Park, Old Montréal, and the Old Port. Indulge in the newly renovated Dom Perignon Bar or the new Grand Marnier Lounge, with a curated cocktail menu.
Virtuoso Amenities – For 2021:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom served in room by room service for a value of $42 Canadian per person – plus taxes and service
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, taxes, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stade Olympique (Olympic Stadium)
Stand in awe of Stade Olympique’s distinctive architecture.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Immerse yourself in this hip, colorful, and artsy neighborhood. The architecture is just beautiful and offers an array of excellent cafés.
Montréal culinary scene
Halfway between Griffintown and Little Burgundy, the garage-turned-foodie-fav Perles et Paddock churns out brunch like nobody’s business. Serving Dico Pastèque cocktails (gin, Campari, vermouth, and watermelon), lobster rolls, goat-cheese French toast, and bread from artisanal French Guillaume bakery your taste buds will be happy. Come later in the day for the old-world wine list and cool-weather heavy hitters like hazelnut duck tartare and roasted bone marrow that make us ready for fall.
From brioche buns to Mediterranean ciabattas, Guillaume bakery makes it all by hand – Monolith Montreal
At Damas, we recommend settling in for the $125 tasting menu for wow-inducing flavors from Syria and the Middle East. Where else can you try marinated lamb with pomegranate molasses and pine nuts or honey-roasted carrots with grilled halloumi and mint sauce? Dessert choices include homemade pistachio baklava and chocolate halva cake.
Ta Crew Collective Café inhabits the previous premises of the Royal Bank of Canada – featuring vaulted ceilings, marble stairways, and chandeliers first strung in the 1930s. The sprawling space serves light breakfast and lunch fare and also hosts private events.
It’s time to upgrade your coffee shop experience – Crew Collective Café
Drink and be merry in Montréal
One of Montréal’s most secretive speakeasies: The Coldroom, doesn’t take reservations. It does maintain playful “house rules”. For example, hold the door open for others, find a signature drink that works for you, and, if you’re shy on the dance floor, ask manager Dan to show you dance moves. Most of the cocktail menu changes seasonally.
Atwater Cocktail Club in the Quartiers du Canal district calls itself a neighborhood bar. Through a back-alley door waits for a comfortable scene of low-slung benches and a menu featuring 16 signature cocktails and dinner plates such as truffle spaghetti and Sherry-beurre-blanc scallops.
Splurge in Montréal
Timeless unisex handbags rock the scene at Lowell, including leather backpacks, totes, and casual briefcases made in Canada and the U.S. Come here to get your winter beanie and new masks, too.
Bags come in wool, suede, three types of leather, and more – Lowell MTL
Buy sustainable hats, scarves, and coats made from recycled furs at an MTL style favorite, Harricana par Mariouche. The shop’s name derives from Canada’s Harricana River, a sight once known for its roaring fur trade.
Recharge and relax in Montréal
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau
Reward yourself with relaxing spa treatments, soothing waters, and spectacular views of Old Montréal from the St. Lawrence River. This spa offers Scandinavian-inspired formula of capitalizing on the relaxing and refreshing virtues of water. There are beneficial treatments for both the body and face.
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau – Botabota.ca
Writing this article made me want to return. I love a place that offers history, culture, arts, culinary scene, health and wellness, and modern flair. Montréal is an epitome of a great city.
If you want to experience this cultural city that is close to home, click here to set up a call to explore more.
Produced by Virtuoso with Tourisme Montréal and Inspired Travel Designs