I arrived in Montréal on a beautiful sunny morning in September, after a 3-hr train journey from Quebec. I knew very little about the city before I arrived, mainly that Cirque du Soleil originated in the city and of course, it is part of the French-speaking region in Canada. I couldn’t wait to explore!

Day 1 – Vieux Montréal (Old Montréal), Chinatown and Quartier des Spectacles

The number one destination for any visitor to Montréal is the Vieux Montréal (Old Town). Strolling along the cobblestone streets, past charming stone and brick buildings filled with beautiful boutiques and trendy restaurants, you feel transported to 19th-century France. And of course, you cannot help but wander towards the iconic, gothic revival masterpiece that is the  Notre-Dame Basilica. Unfortunately I didn’t get to tour its interior (the queues were long!) but it is one of the top-rated attractions in the city so I’d recommend you get tickets online here, before your visit. 

The Basilica is located opposite Place- d’Armes, a huge public square. It is the perfect place for people watching, to admire historic buildings and enjoy street art. I sat through a concert by an incredible pianist (literally everyone at the square stopped and listened, he was that good!). It was such a joyous experience, I remember feeling tremendously happy to be alive (and to be in that place at that time).

Also, the people hanging out at Place – d’Armes were so friendly! Admittedly most were tourists, but I got talking to a few of them and was especially happy to meet another black female solo traveller (from the States). Sadly, it was her last day in Montréal so we bid each other adieu at the square and I continued on towards the ‘Old Port’.

This neighbourhood follows the course of the St Lawrence River. There are beautiful historic buildings like ‘Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel and the Clock Tower, attractions like ‘La Grande Roue de Montréal’ (the 60-metre tall Ferris wheel that allows expansive views of the city), excellent shopping with stalls selling handmade items, and several options for casual dining and street food. There is a pleasant promenade to enjoy river views. And don’t forget to stop at Clock Tower beach, for an opportunity to feel sand between your toes on a sunny day.  

Montréal downtown is very walkable. So after a stop for a delicious lunch at Olive + Gourmando (the food was divine!) I continued to explore. Other neighbourhoods I enjoyed wandering through include Chinatown (where I got my daily pastries and bubble tea), and Quartier des Spectacles (the culture hub of the city, with many street art installations and Place des Arts where outdoor festivals are held).  

Day 2 – Mount Royal Park and Poutine!

I dedicated my second day to exploring Mount Royal Park. This huge 200-acre park is traversed by numerous trails, and other points of interest, including a chalet, a cemetery and a lake! There are three summits across the park and various viewpoints but the favourite has to be the ‘Kindiaronk Belvedere’ (in front of the Mount Royal Chalet), which serves spectacular views of downtown  Montréal. It takes between 30 – 45 minutes to get to the summit. There is an option to climb up ‘the grand staircase’ but I preferred the trails. Either way the view at this terrace is not to be missed if you’re in the city.

The park is perfect for a range of outdoor activities – cycling, horseback riding, picnicking…and in the winter, there is tobogganing, skating and skiing! On the lake, you can go canoeing. You know how much I love walking so that’s all I did.

I spent hours walking the park and when I was hungry, I walked all the way to the other end of the city, in search of the best poutine in the city! For the uninitiated, that’s at La Banquise. The queue went round the block and I had a 45-minute wait for a table. The heaped plate of poutine with bacon and  rings was totally worth it. I’m salivating just thinking about it.

The beautifully lush La Fontaine Park which is round the corner from the restaurant is the best place to burn off the calories from your meal. There is a pretty pond, a playground, walking trails and sport courts. I ended my last day in Montréal enjoying this lovely setting. 

Visited September 2022. 

Have you been to Montréal? What other sights should I have visited? Comment below.

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