How does the City of Saints compare to the city that never sleeps? I recently visited Montreal this winter, and I returned home wanting to go back again (when it’s warmer). You feel a lot classier when people assume you speak French, and politely respond in English when they realize you don’t.
There’s a lot to do, see, eat and drink and Montreal is cheaper (American dollars for the win!). This old-school yet cosmopolitan locale seems to host many festivals (beyond jazz, there’s mural and more). You can also start drinking here when you’re 18. They have the largest open air market in America and a new Observation Wheel for its 375th anniversary. With renovated hotels like the newly polished Fairmont Elizabeth, Montreal makes for a pleasant, quick getaway. Here’s how to make the most of this winter getaway:
- NYC has One World Observatory, but you can also get a 360 view of Montreal and its surrounding mountains at Au Sommet Place Villa Marie. There is a wonderful restaurant called Les Enfants Terribles on the 43rd floor that doesn’t require an admission fee.
- NYC is walkable and so is Montreal, even in the snow. You feel safe wandering downtown — and these city folks aren’t afraid to cross the streets when no one’s looking like impatient New Yorkers. I saw a bunch of runners trotting, too!
- NYC has great bagels; Montreal bagels hold their own reputation — also baked before put in the oven. At St-Viateur Bagel, the munchies have the tint of honey water and harden quicker as they’re denser. They’re also 90 Canadian cents.
- Speaking of gastronomy, Montreal also loves the drinking and eating out culture. Cool Speakeasy serves a devilish lava cake and fantastic cocktails for dinner, and Le Cartet offers generous brunch options and coconut matcha for brunch.
- NYC’s museums are top-notch, and this contemporary art fan was awed by the Leonard Cohen exhibit at MAC Montreal. There’s also a wonderful seesaw light installation downtown for moving art and a popular restaurant Brasserie T for edible art.
- According to tour guide Darren shore, while there aren’t as many practicing religious Quebecois, the creative people in Montreal have turned some churches into residential buildings or dorms, or kept them in tact as a concert-like venue such as at the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica with an awe-inspiring light show.
- I didn’t realize Montreal is also an island. And we have lobster rolls and such, but we don’t have a luxury spa on a boat. Bota-Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, offers a water circuit perfect for solo travelers or group outings, even in the winter where you can alternate from hot to cold to completely relaxed.
Merci for the memories, Montreal... see you again soon!
