Canada

We love Montreal as it was our “first” for a lot of things in our relationship. It was our first ever trip we took as a couple outside of Ontario, it was our first Valentine’s day after we got together as a couple. After our first trip, we have been to Montreal over and over again as it is just a few hours drive from Toronto and has so much to offer. We have always been here in the Winter and despite the bitter cold still enjoy all that the city has to offer.

There are several streets in Montreal that are just picturesque and architecture of the old buildings are worth exploring the city by foot.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Montreal has a fantastic underground subway/metro system.  Traveling here is a breeze just be sure to ask the local how to pronounce the name of the station where you’ll be getting off.  I remember one time our destination stop was “GUY”, but we missed it because the announcement pronounced it “GI” or “GEE”.  Car is also a great option but watch-out parking spots are hard to find and can be quite expensive.  Montreal also sees a lot of snow and if you’re coming here during winter months, avoid driving at all cost.

TOP THINGS TO SEE

Montreal Biodome
Perfect site to visit in the winters as you can be indoors and enjoy various different climate systems all at once. Located at Olympic Park is like an indoor zoo that allows us to walk through replicas of four ecosystems. The best part was that the birds are not caged and are to free to fly within the building.  The ecosystems are replicated well as you can truly feel the difference in temperature and humidity as you make you way through the exhibit.

TIP: Take headphones if you want to listen on the guided walking tour while inside.

Basilique Notre-Dame
One of the most famous landmarks. It comes very close to the one if Paris and the architecture and glass work indoors is just absolutely breathtaking. Despite the vast number of tourists, once inside, there is something very peaceful about the place.

TIP: Check for mass timings, if you are interested in attending a mass. Also there is a 5 dollar donation entrance fee.

Atrium Le 1000
If you or your better half loves to skate, this is an awesome place to take them to put their skating gear on and enjoy skating indoors with a nice view.

TIP: The best time to go is when it is snowing outside as the glass dome on top

Super Glissades
If you are in Montreal during the winter and are into snow tubing, this is a must visit. It has several tubing tracks which vary in speed and difficulty along with mechanical lifts.

TIP: Dress warm and go early.

Scandinavian Spa
A quick one hour drive away from the city of Montreal, located in the Old Port, this spa is known for its Scandinavian baths and fabulous massages. This location is unique as it is located by the Diable river which is open year round if you wanted to jump into it for a cold dip.
TIP: They do not take bookings for just the baths, so arrive early if you want to just for the baths. However, we found that booking some sort of treament was a better deal as you get to make reservations and the water therapies are included as a part of your treatment.

HAPPY BELLY

La Banquise: If you are in Montreal, you have to visit this place to try the famous poutine. They have various different kinds of gravies and toppings to satisfy anyone’s needs.

L’Avenue: If you are a brunch person, this place has the best breakfast PERIOD. It has an extensive menu which can satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. Be sure to wash your hands before you sit down.  Why? Because even the washroom is a highlight of this place.

OUR STAYS

Rue St Denis Street: Our first visit to Montreal we stayed on Rue St. Denis in Hotel St. Denis. This was a very small boutique style hotel which had all the basics. A nice comfy bed, clean facilities and was located right on Rue St. Denis. This street was filled with cute little cafe and restaurants, which meant you could try something new close to the hotel. It was also very close to a subway station which made it easy for us to get around Montreal.

Holiday Inn Centreville Downtown: On our second trip to Montreal, we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Montreal. The location of this hotel was unbeatable because it was steps away from the subway station and was located walking distance to a lot of restaurants and night clubs. The hotel was nice and clean and the lobby was the best part. It had a little coy pond which was amazing to sit by and relax after a long day.