Montreal has such a special place in my heart <3. I had travelled there many times before deciding to move there for a summer Internship a few years ago. It was honestly the best summer I’ve ever had and I think about it a lot to this day. It’s such an accepting city, everyone you meet is actually interested in you and your story and “what’s next” for you. It’s really refreshing and encouraging.
I’m going to write this as if Montreal is a city that you have never visiting and you’ve just arrived for the first time! Some of these are my absolute go-to’s, and a few others are some I’ve just discovered recently, but highly recommend and can’t wait to return.
Old Port
Walking through Old Port is like stepping into a European dream. All of the architecture and old buildings are something out of a movie. The cobblestoned streets, shops and galleries are so so beautiful. There are soooo many stores, boutiques and cafes on all sides. In the summer there are so many outdoor & rooftop terraces to hang out and drink sangria on. Lol Old Port has a much different vibe than downtown Montreal. It’s much more laid back, much quieter and so much less, go go go. If you have never been to Old Port, my recommendation would be to get your Uber driver to drop you off anywhere on St Paul Ouest, and go from there!!
Bota Bota
Ok, Bota Bota has changed my life. It was such an amazing experience, I cannot WAIT to go back, and also tell everyone I know. Bota is a spa on a boat, in the St Laurent river. A spa, on a boat, floating in the St Laurent River. Read it again. Hahahah. It’s unreal. It feels like you’re on another island, it’s so hard to believe that it’s right in the city. It would be the absolute best gift for literally anyone, or for a girls weekend or bachelorette party. There are tons of different pools, saunas, steam rooms and so many different areas to relax. There are little rooms everywhere with hanging chairs, daybeds, and seating for you to just be still. There is a no talking and no photo policy which really helps with the over all chill vibe. Also -if you forgot your book, there is the cutest library on sight for you to borrow a book. Following the circuits is really cool, and there are city & river views from all angles. It is a little tricky to get to if you have never been there before, but basically you get dropped off as close as cars are allowed, and you make your way through the boardwalk towards the water looking for signs that say Bota Bota and eventually you stumble into it. Lol. Towels and bathrobes are provided, but make sure to pack flip flops!! You can buy some on sight for 25.00, but I had wished I just brought my own! When you sign in, you get a waterproof bracelet with your locker key on it, and there are changing rooms downstairs with showers and little get ready stations with blow dryers, flat irons and makeup remover! PLEASE tell me if any of you go, I NEED to hear all about it!!
Mount Royal
You neeeeeeeeeeeeed to climb the mountain if you have never done it!!! It’s a pretty easy hike, I’ve done it in every type of attire Lol. Montreal is crazy because there is literally a mountain in the city. Think about that for a second hahaha. It’s such a quick getaway to get away and get your quick fix for nature followed by the most unreal view. It’s a little tricky to find if you’ve never been there, and there are a few different entrances, but I think the easiest way is to get dropped off at the corner of Peel & Pine Ave West, and you should see the stairs to go up. I want to see ALL your pictures from the top so tag me!!!! Lol
Restaurant Melisse
This restaurant/cafe is in Old Port on 719 William Street. I think it’s honestly one of the cutest places that I’ve ever been to. Every single detail inside this place is amazing. From the concrete, to the artwork, to the marble, to the tabletops and chairs. It is SO beautiful!! If you love cute cafes & “Instagrammable” spots, GO HERE. My server was the absolute sweetest human, and promised me they’d be restocked on rose by my return ;). Lol. It’s the perfect stop for brunch or to just have a coffee and work on your laptop. I reccommend going in the daylight so you can appreciate all the pretty details in natural light, but that’s just me. Lol. This place created my next challenge on selling Justin on painting a wall pink in our house…..
Delta Montreal Club Lounge
I’ve stayed in a lot of different places in Montreal, from apartments, to airbnbs, hotels, you name it. But -On my most recent trip I stayed at the Delta Montreal in their Club Level rooms and I think I will have to stay there from now on. It is SO conveniently located downtown. You can walk anywhere, it’s one block away from Ste. Catherine and super close to Saint Laurent, Crescent, and the Plateau. Staying in the Club Level rooms assures you have an amazing view, private patio, seating area, anddddd the best part, access to the Club Lounge. I literally spent SO much time there, the views were absolutely INCREDIBLE, anddd breakfast is included. There is a buffet style breakfast from 6:30am-9:30am and it’s completely covered with your stay. They have everything you can think of, I always got a latte, yogurt, fruit & croissants. Lol. There is also a Happy Hour, (5 a 7 in Montreal Language lol) where you can order drinks, wine & there is more food & apps. I worked up there for hours on my computer at night, and throughout the day. It was such a perfect, private, little space that only certain guests can access. HIGHLY recommend.
Eva B
If you love vintage shopping, you need to go to Eva B!!!! When I lived in Montreal, I was so broke and this was a place I was a very frequent shopper lol. It is a little overwhelming because there is SO much stuff, and there is multiple levels. My advice is take a deep breath and do a quick little run around to understand the layout, then go back to things that caught your eye. There is a little cafe near the back and seating, and they always have complimentary snacks too. The only thing that I really didn’t like, and it might be a new thing, I don’t remember it from before when I shopped there, but now they take your bag from you as you come in. I was uncomfortable with that, as my handbag was pretty expensive and it had my camera and laptop in it… They put it in a little area, but it’s not mega secure. I wish I had known this before heading in there, as I would have dropped off my bags at the hotel before going! So do that if you aren’t comfortable leaving your bag!
Tam Tams
If you are in Montreal in the summer you need to check out Tams Tams! It’s every Sunday, and it’s a pretty fun scene. It’s on Ave. Parc and there is all kinds of different little vendors, music and mini activities. It’s very hipster but super fun. My advice would to bring some food, drinks, snacks and a blanket, get comfortable. enjoy the surroundings and people watch!!
SSENSE Cafe
Ok so if you aren’t familliar with SSENSE, it’s (what I thought was an online website) but it’s an actual 4 level store with amazing designers like, Comme Des Garcons, Valentino, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Prada, everythinggggg. It’s located in Old Port on 418 St Sulpice St. The website says it’s by appoinment only, but thats not true, I just wandered in and it was fine Lol. They have actual working hours. It’s really easy to walk right past, but make sure you find it!! It’s a huge door, and the theme makes it look like a Metro entrance. I recommend going to the top floor to the cafe first, then check out each floor below. The cafe is absolutely unreal. If you are an Instagrammer, you will be in HEAVEN. The entire thing is concrete, with the most minimal layout ever. It has huge windowns that overlook the streets of Old Montreal and it’s such a cool atmosphere. I had the best chats with the employees as I tried their juices! They were so fun and also let me charge my phone so I didn’t have to leave right away hahaha. Highly recommend, and their juices are amazing. Tag me in any pictures from there!!!!
Kambai Restaurant
This is such a good spot Downtown!! My friend Sarah took me here for dinner when I was in town recently! It is the cutest spot with suchhhhhh good food. Their menu isn’t big, but it was so hard for me to decide what I wanted because I legit wanted to try everything. We shared it all so we could order more things Lol but we got salad, cauliflower, veggies and shrimp tacos. Ughhh it was all soooo good. I would go back there in a second. We sat near the street in a section that had ceiling to floor windows and was so beautifully lit. The decor is so beautiful and there are neon signs everywhere. Again, perfect for your Instagram lol.
Please please PLEASE tag me in your stories if you go to any of these places!! I want to live vicariously through you!!
Enjoy!!
xx
Allie