Planning a trip to Montreal, Canada? If you’re thinking of staying in Montreal for 10 days, you’re going to love our recommended 10 days itinerary. Let’s see how you can visit Montreal in 10 days and more importantly, how to make the most of it.
Day 1 – Old Montreal
To start off your 10 days in Montreal, it’s off to Old Montreal, the city’s historic district. One of the best ways to explore the district and learn all about the city’s beginnings is to take a walking tour of the Old Town. Various walking tours are offered, all with the benefit of a knowledgeable guide to give you the most educational and unique experience of the area.
After a walk around the Old Town, it’s time for lunch nearby at Taverne Gaspar. Located on rue de la Commune inside a 19th Century warehouse, Taverne Gaspar offers French-inspired pub food with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. If you’re desperate to try out the famous Quebecois dish, poutine, during your stay in Montreal, you’ll want to head over to Montreal Poutine on rue Saint-Paul.
Also located in Old Montreal, Montreal Poutine specializes in the famous dish, complete with cheese curds and gravy, as well as providing many variations to suit everyone. Alongside poutine, this restaurant also offers a range of classic burgers and hot dogs.
For your afternoon activity, it’s time to head to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History to learn even more about Montreal’s origins and foundations. Not only a fantastic resource for learning about Montreal’s history, the museum is also built on the very spot that the city was founded on, making it a very significant historical site.
Alternatively, if the morning tour of Old Montreal was enough for you, the Bota Bota spa is located nearby at the Old Port, offering a variety of packages alongside the gorgeous views of the district. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small groups, the spa boasts a range of facilities, including saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools, relaxation rooms, and a variety of soothing treatments.
For dinner in Old Montreal, head over to Saint-Paul Street, where you’ll find Modavie. Modavie is a jazz bar and bistro specializing in French and European cuisine and, while you’re there, you’re likely to experience the sounds of a local Montreal band. The restaurant’s specialty is lamb, though imaginative vegetarian options are available.
For an evening out in Old Montreal, head to the Coldroom on rue Saint Vincent to experience a prohibition-style speakeasy, perfectly fit for this historic district. Hidden behind a black door, the Coldroom can be easily missed by those not looking for it (follow the duck!).
As a reward for your detective skills, the Coldroom offers excellent gourmet cocktails and an atmosphere to make your legal drinks feel that little bit prohibited.
Day 2 – Mont Tremblant
For the second day of your vacation in Montreal, take a trip to Mont Tremblant, one of Canada’s most famous ski resorts located in the Laurentian Mountains.
There are various options for getting to Tremblant from Montreal, with the most convenient option likely being to drive. And no worries if you’re not visiting during the winter, as the resort has activities available all year round.
It’s always best to leave early in the morning so that you can enjoy a full day at Tremblant. To ease yourself in after a long trip, regardless of the season, round off your morning with a short hike on the mountain.
Take the gondola up to the top of the mountain, and make your way along one of the many hiking trails that Tremblant has to offer.
While at the mountain’s peak, stop off for lunch at le Grand Manitou, a cafeteria offering a spectacular view of the vicinity. Serving hot and cold food, this is the place to regain your energy for the main activity of the day.
After lunch, if you’re visiting in the winter, it’s finally time to try your hand at skiing. Mont Tremblant has a whole host of trails, from beginner to expert, so whether you’re a seasoned skier or it’s your first time, Tremblant’s got you covered.
If you’re visiting the resort in the summer, try your hand at some rock climbing. With no climbing experience necessary, you will be able to climb the cliff several times with the assistance of an experienced guide.
For dinner, head into the pedestrian village and take a seat at the Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire for some French-Canadian cuisine. With vegetarian and gluten-free options, Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire’s warm contemporary atmosphere overlooking the pedestrian village will make for a lovely evening meal.
After dinner, head to the Casino de Mont-Tremblant, a small casino and bar featuring live music and an outdoor patio. Whether you’re looking for a drink at the bar or want to try your luck at the slot machines (or both!), this is the perfect place to finish off your day in Tremblant. And if you’d prefer to save the trip back for the next morning, there are plenty of lodging options and hotels available in the pedestrian village.
Day 3 – City Centre and Plateau Mont-Royal
To start off your third day in Montreal, we’re heading off to Mount Royal, the famous mountain overlooking Downtown Montreal. If traveling to Montreal during the winter, ice skating on Beaver Lake should be an activity at the top of your list.
Located at the top of the mountain, Beaver Lake is Mount Royal’s outdoor refrigerated skating rink, with free access and skate rental available from $10 per 2 hours. If visiting Mount Royal with children, activities such as snow tubing down the hill overlooking Beaver Lake, and is suitable for children aged 4 and up. Daily passes and equipment for this activity are available at the equipment rental counter.
If your trip to Mount Royal is during the summer, Beaver Lake is still a top attraction. Not only is the surrounding park the perfect spot for a picnic or morning read, but rowboats can also be rented for use on the lake at $12 per half hour. For anyone who would rather not get in the water, remote-controlled sailboats are also available for use on Beaver Lake for $10 per half hour, perfect for kids and adults alike.
For lunch on the mountain, you have the option of several restaurants and cafes offering soups, sandwiches, and snacks: Mont-Royal Chalet, the Pavillion du Lac-aux-Castors (adjacent to Beaver Lake), and Maison Smith.
Alternatively, head into Plateau Mont-Royal for lunch or brunch at Restaurant L’Avenue. Offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options over a creatively-designed backdrop, Restaurant L’Avenue is the perfect example of dining in the artsy Plateau neighborhood. If poutine is still on your mind, however, take a seat nearby at La Banquise or PoutineVille, both of which are among the best restaurants to try the classic dish.
After lunch, head downtown to Sherbrooke Street to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the largest art museum in Canada by exhibition space. Alongside collections featuring Picasso, Rembrandt, and Goyam the museum often showcases special exhibitions.
For dinner in Downtown Montreal, head over to Robert-Bourassa Boulevard and take a seat at Restaurant Zibo. Offering Californian-inspired Canadian cuisine, Zibo caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with their extensive menu. Zibo also boasts an impressive beer, wine, and cocktail menu to complement your meal.
To round off your second day in Montreal, take a walk down to 3 Brasseurs microbrewery on Saint-Catherine Street. Alongside beer brewed in-house, 3 Brasseurs offers wine and cocktails, as well as a food menu that pairs beers with certain dishes and their flavors. If visiting in the summer, this location in Downtown Montreal also boasts outdoor seating so that you can enjoy a finely crafted beer in the summer air.
Day 4 – Quartier des Spectacles and Chinatown
For our fourth day in Montreal, we’re going to be checking out the Quartier des Spectacles (the Entertainment District) and Chinatown.
For your morning activity, head into the Quarter and make your way to Saint-Catherine Street to find the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum (Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal), Canada’s first museum devoted entirely to contemporary art. Inside, you will find contemporary collections of over 7,000 works of art featuring Quebecois, Canadian, and international artists. Unique exhibitions are constantly running, currently featuring the work of artists such as Arthur Jafa, Ron Moppett, and Kathleen Graham. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $4 for teenagers, and free for children under 12.
After a morning of cultural exploration, take a (very!) short walk to Eggspectation Complexe Desjardins on Saint-Catherine West for some lunch or brunch. As the name suggests, Eggspectation specializes in eggs and breakfast food, but there truly is something for everyone. With imaginative variations on classic breakfast and brunch food, as well as non-breakfast food, you won’t be disappointed.
In the afternoon, head over to Chinatown, a small district within the Quartier des Spectacles, for a little exploration. One of the oldest Asian communities in North America, Montreal’s Chinatown started to emerge around the 1890s and was first recognized as a tourist attraction in the late 1960s.
The main attractions of Chinatown include its many shops and food vendors (try the bubble tea!). Make a stop at one of the many souvenir shops, or venture inside one of the Asian grocery stores for some authentic products. And be sure to make a stop at the corner of René-Lévesque and Saint-Laurent by the north gate to see a gorgeous mural produced by MU, one of the many examples of Montreal’s street art scene.
While in Chinatown, head to Ruby Rouge for some authentic Chinese cuisine. Their key dish is dim sum, which is continuously being wheeled around for customers to pick from, alongside a variation of Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. And if you’re looking for a fun evening activity in Chinatown, look no further than CEO Karaoke, which is conveniently situated in the basement of Ruby Rouge.
If karaoke isn’t your thing, head back into the main part of the Quartier and you’ll find the Theatre Sainte-Catherine Cafe-Bar. This unique bar is also an independent theatre, hosting musical performances, film screenings, and comedy all throughout the week.
What better way to enjoy a drink within Montreal’s renowned Entertainment District than with some independent theatre?
Day 5 – Quebec City
For your fifth day in Canada, it’s time for another day trip! One of the most popular day trips from Montreal is Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec. At around 3 hours’ drive from Montreal, it is recommended to rent a car for this trip, though a direct train is also available with similar travel time.
Start off your visit to Quebec City with a stroll down Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec), a World Heritage Site and the location of New France’s first permanent settlement. Make sure that Place Royal, the city walls, and Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral are stops on your exploration of this historic city.
If you have enough time, be sure to take up one of the many tours of the city and take advantage of Quebec’s highly qualified and knowledgeable guides.
After a wander around Old Quebec, head down Petit-Champlain (and be sure to marvel at the beauty of this pedestrian street!), where you’ll enjoy a bite to eat at Le Lapin Saute. With a terrace opening up in the summer, and a fire to warm you in the winter, this is a great place to settle down for lunch regardless of when you’re visiting.
After lunch, head to the Musée de la civilization, located between Old Quebec and the Old Port, where you can learn all about early Quebec and the First Nations people. The museum features a whole host of natural specimens, historical artifacts, and documents of Old Quebec.
Alongside permanent collections, the museum holds temporary exhibitions such as ‘Quebec City’s Firefighters: 250 Years of Courage’, which will run until March 29th 2020. Many of the exhibitions and collections are interactive, making them all the more engaging for both adults and kids. Adult admission tickets start at $11, and children under 11 enter for free.
For dinner, take a short walk to Saint-Paul Street, where you’ll find Chez Rioux & Pettigrew. Serving French-Canadian cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, Rioux & Pettigrew aims to please with their gourmet styling and cozy industrial backdrop.
Alternatively, for those wanting to experience a very unique experience of fine dining, be sure to make a booking at Restaurant Taniere ahead of your trip.
Rated to be the best restaurant in Quebec city, Taniere offers a contemporary gastronomy experience set in a series of underground 17th Century vaults. The food is locally sourced and expertly prepared over several courses, between 15 and 20, with options for a beverage pairing experience. Well worth the price, this is an unmissable place in Quebec for foodies.
You can decide to stay the night in Quebec city too or drive all the way back to Montreal.
Day 6 – The Village and Quartier Latin
With the university nearby, Montreal’s Quartier Latin is known to be a student-friendly district within the city, bustling with art, indie cinemas and theatres, and a vibrant nightlife.
As such, the Quartier Latin is highly focused on education and history, making this neighborhood the perfect spot for those that are beyond their university years but still love to learn. In the morning, head into the Quartier Latin and make your way to la Galerie de l’UQAM, an art museum located within the University of Quebec in Montreal.
As the gallery is primarily focused on student enrichment, many of the works on display are by students of visual arts, art history, and museology, making this gallery a highly unique and contemporary way to experience art created in the heart of Montreal.
For lunch in the Quartier Latin, head to Resto Végo, a vegetarian and vegan buffet located on Saint-Denis Street. Alongside an extensive buffet selection to suit anyone, Testo Vego also has a gourmet counter, stocked with prepared sandwiches, pizzas, and salads for those looking for something a little different from the buffet range.
Alternatively, if you’re hankering for something sweet, head over to Juliette et Chocolat, a French dessert cafe also located on Saint-Denis Street. Offering a plethora of desserts and hot chocolates, Juliette et Chocolat also has savory meals and brunches to suit everyone.
To really understand Montreal as an all-inclusive cosmopolitan city, visitors need to take a trip to the Village, which is where we’re headed for the afternoon.
Located near the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s Gay Village is the largest in North America, receiving consistent investment and promotion by all three levels of government as the heart of Montreal’s LGBT community. It is often recommended to treat the Gay Village as an open-air museum, due to the large number of public art installations, including an outdoor gallery (Galerie blanc) and the mural by Cecile Gariepy.
Unfortunately, the iconic large-scale installation comprising 180,000 hanging rainbow-colored balls has recently been taken down, but will soon be replaced with another fantastic installation. Keep an eye out!
For dinner, head to Grenade on Ontario Street East for some contemporary Asian food within a beautifully designed Asian-inspired interior. Grenade also features a cocktail bar, with a menu that’s jam-packed full of Asian-inspired and imported drinks. If visiting in the summer, the restaurant’s rear terrace is opened up for you to enjoy the balmy air.
To round off your evening in Montreal’s Gay Village, a visit to Cabaret Mado is essential. A testament to Montreal’s vibrant drag scene, Mado is a great spot to catch a glamorous show (and maybe even see some famous faces) while enjoying a good drink. There is always a show on, interspersed with special events, so check out the website for upcoming shows!
Day 7 – Rosemont
In the morning, we’re heading to Rosemont for a trip to Montreal’s Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique), which is a part of the Montreal Space for Life science complex. To get the most out of your experience at the Botanical Gardens, guided tours of the exhibition greenhouses are offered free with your admission ticket.
Alongside an impressive collection of plant species and exhibition greenhouses, the Garden is also home to various thematic cultural gardens. The Japanese Garden features a spectacular arrangement of bonsai trees, ranging from 20 to 100 years old, all within a specially arranged serene environment. The Chinese Garden was created with materials shipped from Shanghai and built by 50 Chinese craftsmen.
The result was a living exhibition of the Chinese art of landscape design, creating a sense of harmony using the four major elements: plants, water, stones, and architecture.
Finally, the First Nations Garden is designed to evoke the close bonds between the natives and the natural world, serving to promote the sharing of knowledge and culture between native and non-native Quebeckers.
For lunch, head to Little Italy, a small neighborhood north of Mile End that was heavily influenced by a wave of Italian immigration in the early 20th Century. Corneli is an Italian restaurant located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, serving meat, fish, pasta, and pizza authentically cooked in their wood oven.
While in Little Italy, head on over to the Jean-Talon Market for the afternoon. Jean-Talon is Little Italy’s famous food market and is one of the oldest public markets in Montreal, dating back to 1933. The market provides a unique produce shopping experience, even for those not looking to buy.
Nearby are various cafes, such as the Cafe Saint-Henri, which serves fantastic coffee and sweet snacks. Alternatively, Rosemont is also home to Montreal’s Olympic Village, which is a perfect visit for sport-lovers. While a perfect trip can be made out of a simple walk around the village, various tours and events are made available by the Olympic Park.
Open most of the year, the Montreal Tower Observatory is open to visitors, offering a panoramic view of the city from the world’s tallest inclined tower. Guided tours for the Tower are also available, as well as the Since 1976 exhibition that showcases the history of the park. Alongside this, the Stadium is also open, with regular guided tours and a seasonal events schedule.
For dinner, head to rue Beaubien Est for a seat at Il Bazzali, a quaint Italian restaurant serving European and Mediterranean cuisines. If you’re lucky, you might even get to experience the famous “singing chef”. The restaurant is a BYOB but, luckily, there are plenty of wines to choose from le Marche des Saveurs du Quebec (the Quebec Flavor Market) in Jean-Talon Market.
To round off your trip in Montreal, head to La Succursale on rue Masson. La Succursale specializes in craft beers and ciders, within a friendly contemporary interior. If visiting during the summer, La Succursale also features an outdoor terrace, perfect for sipping on your drink during the warm evenings.
Day 8 – Ottawa
Ottawa is the parliamentary hub of Canada and is home to Parliament Hill, where the Canadian Parliament sits. It takes around two and a half hours to drive to Ottawa from Montreal. There is also a direct train available, which offers a slightly quicker travel time of two hours and fifteen minutes.
For your morning activity on day 8, head to the city centre and make your way to the Canadian Museum of Nature, a fantastic natural history museum situated inside a gorgeous historical building. The museum features a whopping 14.6 million specimens within the realms of botany, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology.
Alongside permanent displays of fossils, insects, and even the Canadian Goose, the museum features temporary exhibits such as Me and My Microbes The Zoo Inside You, on display until March 29th, 2020.
For lunch, make your way to Occo Kitchen on Bay Street. Serving upscale Canadian pub food, such as burgers, tacos, and poutine, Occo is vegetarian-friendly and situated in a stylishly contemporary space.
After lunch, if you’re visiting Ottawa during the winter, be sure to head to the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. The rink is open 24 hours a day all through the week, from roughly January to early March. Skate rentals are available from $22 for two hours, and there are various rest stops along the way offering washrooms, fire pits, and food and drink.
If visiting Ottawa in the summer, make your way to the ByWard Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada. This market is extensive, featuring over 600 businesses specializing in Canadian cheese, maple-infused chocolate, various arts and crafts, and much more.
Some ideas for exactly what to experience at the market include trying some local beer at Lowertown Brewery and treating yourself to some chocolate at Cacao 70. Remember to pick up a BeaverTail while you’re there!
For dinner, head to the Shinka Sushi Bar right by the ByWard Market on Laurier Avenue West. Offering contemporary twists on Japanese traditions, Shinka features a large selection of specialty dishes to suit all visitors and provides substantial vegetarian options. An alternative could be to head to the other side of the Ottawa River (Gatineau) and check out La Gargouille. There’s usually live music on the weekend.
After dinner, take a short walk to Copper Spirits & Sights in the Andaz hotel, the tallest rooftop bar in the city. Alongside their carefully crafted cocktail menu, Copper Spirits & Sights offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Be aware that the bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so don’t miss out!
You can decide to stay the night in Ottawa or drive all the way back to Montreal.
Day 9 – The Underground City
As your trip is nearing its end and you’ve explored much of Montreal, it’s time to explore a new kind of city: The Underground City. The Underground City is a series of tunnels and complexes that run underneath the city of Montreal, created for people to duck out of the harsh winter and summer weather.
This underground complex is home to metro stations, apartments, and many shops. And believe it or not, you can absolutely spend an entire day without needing to venture outside.
To start off your trip to the Underground City, the most obvious activity is shopping, with the Underground City boasting a total of six shopping centres.
One of the most renowned shopping centres that visitors are encouraged to check out is Les Cours Mont-Royal, a beautiful 1920s hotel refurbished into an upscale shopping centre. During your shopping trip, be sure to keep an eye out for the multitude of art installations that adorn the halls and atriums of the Underground City, such as the statue of Amphitrite by a fountain located in the Centre de Commerce Mondial.
For lunch, hop on the metro or take a short walk to the Quartier des spectacles. You’ll find restaurants in this area.
After lunch, make your way to the Grevin Wax Museum, which is located on the 5th floor at Centre Eaton. The museum is home to wax figures of celebs such as John Lenon and Yoko, Scarlett Johansson, Leo DiCaprio, and the Queen, so remember to bring your camera with you!
Of course, there’s the obligatory visit to the souvenir shop, but you also have the opportunity to create a wax replica of your hand if you’re aching to bring home a more unique memento of your trip.
For dinner, head to les Enfants Terribles to enjoy the spectacular view of this rooftop restaurant. At forty-four floors up, this restaurant is certainly the highest in the city and is the perfect location for a high-end (but very family-friendy!) restaurant.
Offering a fusion of French and Canadian cuisine such as burgers, fish, and (of course!) poutine, this location will definitely provide a feast for the stomach as well as the eyes.
For an after-dinner cocktail, head across the road to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, home to the Nacarat Bar. Specializing in fancy craft cocktails within an even swankier interior, this bar certainly looks the part.
According to Nacarat, the bar’s design was inspired by a fusion of the “glam rock era of Ziggy Stardust and the modernity of the 21st century,” which is exemplified by its leather seats, mirrored ceiling, and shiny decor.
Day 10 – Burlington, Vermont
It might seem a little strange to see a US state on your Montreal itinerary, and I’m sure you weren’t expecting to cross any borders during your trip. However, Vermont is a highly popular day-trip destination from Montreal, being one of the closest states and only a two-hour drive away from the city. Burlington, Vermont is a great destination for those that love coffee, craft beer, and unique landscapes.
To start off your morning in Burlington, take a stroll along the Lake Champlain waterfront and make your way to ECHO, Vermont’s innovative science and nature museum featuring over 100 interactive exhibits and is home to 70 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
The primary purpose of the museum is to encourage visitors to understand the natural environment as a part of the neighborhood and treat nature with the respect it deserves. A must-see for nature lovers!
For lunch, head to the New Moon Cafe on Cherry Street. Set in a stylish interior, the New Moon Cafe serves breakfast and lunch options alongside their coffee and baked goods selection. With a focus on local and organic ingredients, the New Moon Cafe offers a very welcoming atmosphere and authentic food and coffee.
After lunch, take a stroll around the Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor pedestrian mall with historic architecture, local shops, and street entertainers.
Events are frequently held at the market, such as glassblowing, wildlife walks, and art workshops, so check out the events calendar to try to catch one of those! And if you’re very lucky with your timing, you might even be able to catch one of the annual festivals held in the market.
For dinner, we’re sitting down at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth, a very cozy pizza restaurant in the city centre on Saint Paul Street. With a friendly and warm atmosphere, American Flatbread offers a wide selection of authentic wood-fired pizzas featuring a whole host of toppings to choose from. Vegan cheese and gluten-free options are also available, as well as soups and salads.
After dinner, there’s no need to head anywhere, as one of Burlington’s most popular breweries is actually situated inside American Flatbread! Vermont is well-known for its craft beer scene, and the Zero Gravity Brewery is a perfect example of what the locals expect, offering a wide selection of carefully-crafted beers and bottomless bowls of popcorn.
Much like American Flatbread, the brewery boasts an incredibly friendly and cozy atmosphere, perfect for the final night of your trip.
Wondering where to stay during your trip to Montreal?
Read our article to help you pick the right neighborhood and the right hotel.
