A Slow Travel Guide to Montreal: What to See, Sip, and Savor
Why Montreal, Why Now
About three years ago, I fell in love with Canada. From the mountains of Alberta to the maritime charm of Nova Scotia, the landscape is as vast as it is breathtaking. As someone based in the U.S., it became a goal of mine to visit Canada frequently—it feels both expansive and close, a perfect international destination for those craving nature, culture, and quiet adventure.
Montreal had been on my list for a while. And yes—it’s as beautiful, friendly, and European-feeling as people say. But this trip wasn’t just about checking off a bucket list city. It was personal.
I planned this summer trip to Montreal with my brother, back when I was still working full-time—before the layoff, before my mom’s cancer diagnosis. What was meant to be a simple PTO getaway quickly became something more layered.
As I wandered through the city, I couldn’t help but think: What would life have looked like had things gone differently?
So, if you’re craving a Montreal travel guide rooted in slow mornings, thoughtful meals, a bit of history, and a day trip, this one is for you.
This isn’t about rushing through the sights. It’s about soaking in the soul of the city. Let’s Begin…
Oh—and if you’re the kind of traveler who loves a plan (with room to wander), I’ve got you! There’s a free downloadable PDF of my exact 4-day itinerary linked at the end of this post. ✨
Quick Trip Snapshot and Budget
Length: 5 days / 4 nights (Wednesday to Sunday)
Exploring Time: 4 full days (Sunday was our travel day)
Season: Summer – Late July
Style: Slow travel—unhurried days, lots of walking, a blend of iconic sights and quiet local spots (plus one day trip out of the city)
*Unless otherwise noted, All prices mentioned are in USD (August 2025).
Total Expenditure for Montreal was ~$1,200
This includes travel insurance, my half of the hotel, the full car rental, gas, metro, rideshares, souvenirs, food/restaurants, tours, etc.
Note: I used points to cover my flight, so keep that in mind when budgeting!
Planning Your Montreal Trip: Quick Tips
I’ve done my fair share of airport sprints, data mishaps, and lost-in-translation moments—so consider these my lovingly curated travel tips.
Think… Seasoned traveler energy, soft girl delivery. ✨
Because yes, I did beat my Global Entry-having brother through customs. And yes, I do have thoughts about metro passes, eSIMs, and the best apps to download before you go.
Do you need to speak French? Nope. While French is the official language, most people in Montreal are bilingual and kind. My high school French helped, but you can absolutely get by in English. They’ll speak to you first in French, so it's best you learn how to politely say, “Désolé. Anglais, s'il vous plaît.”
Public Transit: Get an L'Occasionnelle, a non-rechargeable smart card (like the OPUS card). I recommend buying a 3-day unlimited metro/bus pass for ~$16. It works on all buses and subways (and includes the 747 airport express bus!). Get it from any STM metro station.
Rideshares: Uber is available and reliable. Lyft launched in June 2025. Depending on the time, rides cost about ~$40–50 CAD from the airport to downtown.
Walking-Friendly: Most neighborhoods are walkable. Montreal is super pedestrian and bike-friendly. Just note that some areas, like Old Montreal, have cobblestones (wear comfy shoes!).
eSIM / Data Access: No international plan? No problem. I used Airalo for a data-only eSIM so I could access maps, social networks, email, and iMessage without roaming charges. 👉 Use code RENEE3805 for $3 off your first eSIM.
(Tip: Use FaceTime audio or WhatsApp for calls to avoid extra fees.)Translate Help: Download the Google Translate app before your trip. You can snap a photo of menus or signs and get instant translations—a lifesaver when your brain blanks on French.
Cash + Card: Most places take cards, but it’s nice to have a little cash on hand for markets, tips, or small cafés.
ArriveCAN (for entering Canada): Want to skip long immigration lines? Download ArriveCAN and complete your customs declaration within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. At the airport, head to the kiosks or eGates to confirm—it’s fast and worth it.
Mobile Passport Control (for U.S. return): Flying back to the States? Download the MPC app. Montreal’s airport offers U.S. Customs pre-clearance, so you’ll be processed before boarding. Fill out the form ahead of time and hit submit when you arrive at YUL.
Fun fact: My brother has Global Entry, and I still beat him through with MPC.
Where to Stay in Montreal: A Quiet, Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re wondering where to stay in Montreal that’s quiet, affordable, and walkable, I can’t recommend M Montreal enough.
We booked a Two-King-Bed Studio Suite with a full private kitchen and en-suite bathroom, located just steps from The Village and Berri-UQAM metro station. This spot is a hybrid hostel-hotel, with modern finishes, great amenities (hello rooftop, café, and bar), and welcoming staff who keep the space clean and quiet—even during peak summer.
I traveled with my brother (I’m 32, he’s 39), and we were both looking for something peaceful—but not boring. Our party hostel days are behind us, but we still appreciate the energy and shared spaces a good hostel can offer. That said, we definitely need our uninterrupted eight hours of sleep.
Quick Info On M Montreal:
📍 Location: 1245 St Andre St
🚇 Nearest Metro: Berri-UQAM (5 min walk)
🛒 Grocery Store: Les marchés Verreault et Normandeau (2 min walk)
🚌 Airport Access: 747 Express Bus (1 hour) or Uber (35–45 mins)
Why I Recommend It:
Central location without the chaos
Great value for a Montreal hotel with a kitchen
$830 total for four nights
Friendly staff + quiet vibe for light sleepers or introverts (seriously, there is a fine if you are being too loud)
Walkable to many neighborhoods and connected to the city’s best metro line
If you’re specifically looking for hostel recommendations or tips for choosing the right one. Check out my guide on How To Choose The Best Hostel For Solo Travelers
Now on to the good stuff…
Must-See Museums in Montreal (Even If You Don’t Want to Spend All Day Inside)
Listen—I love a good museum, but I don’t want to spend hours indoors, especially in a city as charming as Montreal. That said, these two stops are absolutely worth your time.
Pointe-à-Callière Museum (History + Archaeology)
If you only have time for one museum in Montreal, make it this one. Located on the very spot where the city was founded, Pointe-à-Callière is Montreal’s archaeology and history museum.
Explore underground ruins, early settlements, and Indigenous history
See multimedia exhibits that bring the city’s timeline to life
Great for curious travelers who love context and story
Tickets: ~$21 (purchase at the door or online)
Nearest Metro: Place-d'Armes | ~30 min walk from M Montreal
This gave me a whole new appreciation for Montreal—how it was built, who came before, and why it still feels so layered today.
Notre-Dame Basilica (Architecture + Spiritual Art)
A classic for a reason. The Notre-Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture—the first of its kind in Canada.
Ornate interiors that truly take your breath away
Rich history rooted in the city’s Catholic heritage
Short but stunning stop that offers art, architecture, and stillness
Tickets: ~$12 (purchase at the door)
Nearest Metro: Place-d'Armes | Also ~30 min walk from M Montreal
My brother loves visiting basilicas when he travels, and this one did not disappoint. It felt sacred, even for the not-so-religious.
Where to Eat and Drink in Montreal
There’s no better way to know a city than by its food and drink—it reveals everything from local flavor to cultural values. Montreal offers a little bit of everything without trying too hard to impress. Here’s where I ate, sipped, and slowed down.
(And nope—no poutine here. I’m just not that girl.)
Where to Eat in Montreal
Pub Wolf & Workman (Old Port)
📍 139 Saint-Paul St W
A cozy pub tucked inside a historic 1830s building with a dreamy courtyard.
Must-order: Beef Stroganoff Pie ($28)
Pro tip: Go for Happy Hour (5–7pm) and request courtyard seating
Vibe: Local, warm, slightly elevated comfort food
Tzatzi-qui (Old Port)
📍 351 Place d'Youville
The only Greek restaurant in Old Montreal, with happy hour deals and satisfying portions.
Must-order: Kota Pita ($19)
Vibe: Lively, authentic, a little tucked away
L’Arrivage Bistro (Inside Pointe-à-Callière Museum)
📍 350 Place Royale, 2nd Floor
Glass-walled bistro with panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, Old Port quays, and Habitat 67.
Must-order: Express Menu — Quiche Lorraine + green salad ($13)
Pro tip: Reserve ahead and ask to sit outside
Ideal for a post-museum lunch stop
Aux 2 Clochers (Eastern Townships Day Trip)
📍 2 Rue de l'Église, Frelighsburg, QC
A quaint riverside gem just outside the city—perfect for a slow day trip. More on my day trip recommendation below.
Must-order: Cheeseburger ($15)
Pro tip: Ask for a seat by the river
MAESTRO SVP (Boulevard Saint-Laurent)
📍 3615 Blvd St-Laurent
Unfortunately, we missed this one—it was unexpectedly closed the day we made reservations—but it’s a top pick for oyster lovers and seafood fans. Bookmark it.
Where to Drink in Montreal
Bar Renard (The Village)
📍 1272 Rue Sainte-Catherine E
A cozy, queer-friendly cocktail bar with a playful, welcoming vibe.
Try the: NA Hugo Spritz (they do great cocktails too)
Cocktails: $12–15
Inclusive, fun, and no pretension
Barroco (Old Port)
📍 312 Saint-Paul St W
South of France vibes meet Montreal charm. Come for the cocktails, stay for the bartender (Mark).
What to order: Whatever Mark recommends (seriously)
Cocktails: $15–19
Pro tip: Get there right when they open for a seat at the bar. They also offer dinner, but you’ll need a reservation.
Tommy Café (Old Montreal)
📍 200 Notre-Dame St W
Right near the Basilica, this café is the perfect place to reset after sightseeing.
Order: Lavender Latte (~$6)
Vibe: Bright, airy, aesthetically curated, great for people watching
Atwater Cocktail Club (Little Burgundy)
📍 512 Avenue Atwater — Enter via Foiegwa’s back door
A hidden speakeasy with chic, moody interiors and beautifully crafted cocktails.
Nearest Metro: Lionel-Groulx
Pro tip: It’s a vibe. Go late. Dress the part.
Must-Do Walks & Touristy Fun (That Don’t Feel Cheesy)
In my early 20s, I didn’t want to be labeled a tourist. Now? I’ve changed my tune. Because guess what—you are a tourist. And there’s joy in that.
The sweet spot? Finding the overlap between tourist must-sees and local moments of magic. I’ll take the subway to a historic market, then wander three blocks past the crowds to peek at someone’s garden or thrift a vintage mug. As the poet Taylor Swift once said: I look in people’s windows.
Here’s a list of walkable neighborhoods, markets, and free Montreal experiences I loved—and one bonus day trip.
The Village + Rue Sainte-Catherine Est
📍 Between Berri-UQAM & Papineau Metro Stations
Colorful murals, inclusive energy, and buzzing community vibes.
Vibe: Celebration meets neighborhood charm
Cost: Free
Tip: Go in the early morning or golden hour for the best light + quiet strolls
📍 3819 Avenue Calixa-Lavallée
One of the most beautiful urban parks in Montreal, with shaded walking paths, fountains, and plenty of people-watching.
Vibe: Locals on lunch break, couples picnicking, joggers weaving through trees
Cost: Free
Old Montreal & Old Port
📍 Around Place Jacques-Cartier & Rue de la Commune
Yes, it’s touristy—but in the best way. Street performers, cobblestone streets, old churches, and charming boutiques.
Vibe: European flair meets Canadian friendliness
Cost: Free to wander
Tip: Go in the morning for a quieter stroll. The river is just a couple of blocks over.
📍 1 Clock Tower Quay St,
An urban beach with white sand, Adirondack chairs, and stunning views of the river + Jacques Cartier Bridge.
Vibe: City slowdown
Cost: Free
Tip: You can’t get in the water
📍 7070 Avenue Henri-Julien
Montreal’s open-air farmers market filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local goods.
Vibe: Cozy chaos with color
Nearest Metro: Jean-Talon
Cost: Free to explore; bring cash or card for small bites
Tip: Lovely coffee shops surround the market, where you can sit outside and people-watch.
📍 Mont-Royal Ave & St-Denis St
Montreal’s artsy neighborhood: murals, indie bookstores, thrift shops, and cafés with perfect outdoor seating.
Vibe: Creative, walkable, eclectic
Cost: Free to explore
Mount Royal Park + Kondiaronk Belvedere
📍 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
No trip to Montreal is complete without visiting Mount Royal Park—it’s the city's namesake and offers some of the best panoramic views in town.
Start at the Mount Royal Chalet and take in the view from Kondiaronk Belvedere, where the city skyline stretches out beneath you.
Pro Tip: Take the 11 bus to Remembrance / Du Chalet stop, then walk 10 minutes to the lookout
Coming down: Walk the Grand Staircase of Mount Royal and wind your way back into the city—about a 20–30 min walk to Peel Metro Station.
Cost: Free; bring cash or card for the small cafe
Vibe: Sweaty but stunning. Worth it.
📍 138 Avenue Atwater
A smaller, quaint indoor market with a rooftop terrace (closes at 6PM).
Nearest Metro: Lionel-Groulx
Cost: Free to explore; bring cash or card for small bites
Tip: Grab a pastry, find the rooftop, and enjoy the view
Bonus: Day Trip to the Eastern Townships
Want to slow down (but explore) even more? Rent a car and head about an hour southeast to Quebec’s wine country. We paid ~$150 through Hertz for the day.
Morning Stop: Bromont Village
Quaint cafés, local shops, and tree-lined streets.
Perfect for: A slow breakfast + neighborhood stroll
Cost: Free to explore
Recommend: N latté Bromont (840 Rue Shefford) for coffee and a sandwich
Midday Dip: Knowlton
📍 Detour to Douglass Beach just before town
Pack a swimsuit—seriously. There is a cost for parking (under $5 for 2 hours)
Vineyards to Visit:
Domaine ValBrome – Wines & Ciders
📍 285 Chemin de Brome
Tasting: $9
Casual and scenic, with cider options too
📍 879 Rue Bruce
Wine + cider tasting: $9
Bonus: Half-mile sculpture trail ($4 per person)
Make sure to grab an early dinner at Aux 2 Clochers before heading back to the city.
Final Thoughts from the Road
I didn’t know what I’d find in Montreal. I came here in a season of transition—unsure of what was next. I thought I’d come to take a break from life, but what I found instead was a version of life I didn’t want to escape from.
From long walks in the Village to coffee by the river and that first moment of quiet on Mount Royal, this trip gave me space to remember myself. And isn’t that the best kind of travel? The kind that holds up a mirror and says: you’re still in there.
If you’re planning a trip to Montreal, here’s my tip for you—go slowly. Take the detours. Ride the metro. Order the cocktail. Look in people’s windows. This city has layers, and it’s generous with its beauty if you let it unfold.
Want My Exact Montreal Itinerary?
If you’re planning your own trip and want a little structure to build from, I created a free, downloadable PDF with my full four-day Montreal itinerary, including what we did, where we ate, and how we got around each day.
It’s perfect if you’re a fellow slow traveler who loves a plan but also wants room to wander. ✨
