Montreal City Guide

I fell in love with this city long before I ever called it home. When my big sister chose to attend McGill University after high school, it gave me the perfect excuse to explore this vibrant, European-esque metropolis. Years later, I followed in her footsteps, earning my BComm from McGill between 2003 and 2007—a time that helped lay the foundation for my journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Having recently returned for my Green Card interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Montréal, I couldn’t resist revisiting some of my favorite spots—along with discovering a few new gems too. Here are my tried-and-true recs, plus a few fresh finds.

What to Pack:

  • Montreal is a city that offers the perfect balance of leisurely daytime strolls and cosmopolitan nightlife. For that reason, be sure to pack chic yet comfortable daywear, along with glamorous party dresses for dinners and cocktails. Be sure to infuse a little French flair into your styling and you’ll fit right in with the locals.

Where to Stay: (From Low to High Price)

  • Sonder Maisonneuve – if you are looking to experience Montreal like a local, then I highly recommend staying at this property. My sister and I rented their ‘Stellar Two-Bedroom Apartment w/ Balcony’ and it was honestly perfection. A fully stocked kitchen and terrace overlooking Mt Royal made this rental feel like home.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal – affectionately referred to as the “Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street”, it is truly an icon of luxury in the city. It is centrally located, a 6 min walk from McGill campus, and a tranquil reprieve from the bustling downtown streets. Be sure to experience their supremely elegant afternoon tea, with a side of people watching, in their beautiful Palm Court.

What to See:

  • Old Montreal
  • Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
  • Stroll along Saint-Laurent, Ste. Catherine, & Sherbrooke
  • Mount Royal Park, Plateau Mont-Royal, & Mile End
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal
  • Jardin botanique de Montréal
  • Jean Talon Market

Where to Eat:

  • Marcus
  • L’Express
  • Le Pois Penché
  • Ferreira Café
  • Estiatorio Milos
  • Restaurant Candide
  • Café Holt

Where to Shop:

  • SSENSE Montreal
  • Holt Renfrew Ogilvy
  • Rue Ste. Catherine & Sherbrooke Street

Where to Play:

  • Palm Court
  • Bar George
  • Cloakroom Bar
  • Big in Japan
  • La Voûte

What to See Outside the City:

  • Quebec City – just a 3hr train ride from Montreal will have you in the heart of Quebec’s capital city.

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