Travel

J’aime Montréal {Travel Guide}

July 31, 2017
downtown view

Montreal was so beautiful I honestly can’t say it enough! We travelled there for David’s birthday because it is his favorite city-I had never been. He had been quite a few times and always talked about how gorgeous and fun Montreal was {so true!} so I couldn’t wait to go and explore!

Even though David had visited a few times before most of the places we explored he’d never been. It’s just a testament to how much there is to see. Even in the 4 days we were there we didn’t hit everything we wanted to, but that just means we’ll definitely be returning!

So here is our guide to Eats & Drinks, Things to Do, and What to Wear Montreal edition!


TO DO

{Mount Royal Park}

I couldn’t wait to see the view from Mount Royal. It is breathtaking!

mt royal

mt royal

mt royal

Let me tell you though I was sweaaating by the end of the hike up so I seriously earned some extra champagne after that walk! So worth it though.

{Atwater Market}

atwater

I found this market on Pinterest and knew I had to see it while we were here. It is such a cool spot with gorgeous flowers and fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. We grabbed some paella which was amazing and later a cappuccino and chocolate cake. The market is huge and there are so many cute spots to see.

atwater

coffee

atwater

atwater

If you walk down a bit you come to the water and can rent bikes, kayaks, and paddle boats. The weather was so gorgeous we walked all along the water back to downtown. Seriously the perfect day!

atwater

water

river

{Old Port}

old port

Walking around Old Port gave me all the European vibes. Gorgeous architecture and beautiful views of the water!

old port night

{The Gay Village}

cake wall

Our airbnb was located in the Gay Village and it was seriously an amazing location and adorable spot. There are so many cool things to see in the Gay Village and one of them had to be the rainbow ball installation that hangs over Saint Catherine Street. Usually the balls are just pink but this Summer they were transformed into a rainbow. It was so gorgeous-photos do not do it justice!

balls

balls

art display

{Fireworks}

During the Summer Montreal hosts the Montreal International Fireworks Competition every Saturday. This year it began July 1st and runs through August 5th. We were so lucky it fell on David’s birthday-I mean a giant fireworks display on your 30th birthday?! So perfect.

bridge

fireworks

The fireworks are so gorgeous and it was about a 30 minute show-sooo magical! We were recommended to walk over to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to get an amazing view. We raced over there and it was so stunning!

{Notre-Dame Basilica}

church

Located in Old Montreal a definite must see!

church


TO EAT & DRINK

{Le Robin’s Square}

We stumbled upon this tiny family owned and run restaurant by chance. The reviews were incredible and when we left there was a line out the door. But it is so worth the wait!

mac n cheese

The mac n cheese was probably the best I’ve ever had in my life. Yes, the best!

{Reubans Deli}

sandwich

Our airbnb host recommended Reubans Deli for a smoked meat sandwich, something Montreal is known for! It was really good and I highly recommend splitting one, unless you’re starving-it was huge!

{L’oeufrier}

A super cute breakfast/brunch spot. We ate outside and it was so cute and delicious! The Nutella Crepe with strawberries and bananas was so GOOOOOD. Get it!

crepe

{Dominion Square}

champs

I told you I earned that champagne after that walk up the Mountain! And I just so happened to drink it in this cute little bar downtown. We also ordered an amazing cheese board {so good I didn’t even get a picture!}.

bar

{O Thyme}

Such a quaint little French spot! Bring your own wine {don’t have to tell me twice!} The type of spot I wish was here in Tampa so I could go all the time.

food

{Sea Salt & Ceviche}

A really pretty spot in Old Port to get some delicious sangria. They have quite a few varieties and we ordered a tequila based version-really delish! Sit outside for some amazing people watching and views of the water! They also have a neon Rosé All Day sign inside- ya know for those Insta pics!

sangria

{MUV Box}

muv box

This is a restaurant in an abandoned shipping container-I mean how cool is that?! We ordered lobster and shrimp rolls and they were delicious. There are so many cute seating areas and you are right on the water!

muv box

{Marche De Eclusiers}

bar

This is right next to MUV Box on the canal. Such a cool place with multiple different venues inside-everything from baked goods to acai bowls to an awesome bar with a DJ. We sat at the bar and had champs & poutine! A really cool meeting spot for people of all ages. I highly recommend checking this place out.

poutine

{Cadet}

cadet

Our last dinner in Montreal and Cadet came highly recommended! It was amazing to say the least-so many unique dishes that are served to share. Such a delicious last meal!

cheesecake


COFFEE 

Now the coffee spots here are so gorgeous they are deserving of their own category!

{Pourquoi Pas}

coffee

We frequented this spot everyday since it was a block from our airbnb. Delicious coffee and really cute vibes inside. Highly recommend ordering the fortte if you are a caffeine addict like myself!

{Cafe Tommy}

cafe

Another spot I saw on Pinterest that I knew I had to see. Such an adorable shop, I wanted to move in. The Nutella Cronut was soooo good!

cronut

{Crew Cafe}

cafe

Now Crew Cafe looks like the inside of a European cathedral. It was actually a historic 1920s bank building that was converted into this coffee shop and co-working space. A definite must see!!

cafe


TO WEAR

Every person we spoke to from Montreal kept telling us how happy everyone was because of the gorgeous Summer weather. The weather was incredible-70’s with a breeze-hello dreamlover!

outfit

I brought a jacket but I never wore it until the last day when the weather was rainy and chilly. The other days I sported flowy dresses {to compensate for the eating and drinking haha} shorts and T’s, and jeans at night.

dress

shorts

I brought heels but never wore them, I wore my converse and flat sandals for walking around. We walked A TON so I probably would’ve been better off in my Nike’s but ya know-fashion.

hat

load


If you’re from Montreal or have been previously we’d love to know your favorite places and recommendations!

On our next visit we definitely want to hit up Piknic Électronik, Atwater Cocktail Club, and the Mile End area of Montreal.

wine

Thanks for reading & happy travels!

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8 Comments

  • Reply Sugar Lane August 1, 2017 at 9:22 am

    wow!
    the city looks amazing, and that basilica…omg!
    happy august!
    S

  • Reply Kathryn August 1, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    I could not get over how gorgeous everything was! Happy August to you too!

    Thanks for reading!!
    xo

  • Reply Kinga K. August 1, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    It looks phenomenal. Your photos are stunning ♥ ♥ ♥

    • Reply Kathryn August 3, 2017 at 11:32 pm

      Thank you so much!!

  • Reply kari August 2, 2017 at 2:21 am

    This makes me want to go to Montreal for a getaway so bad! Such awesome pics and a great guide 🙂

    • Reply Kathryn August 3, 2017 at 11:33 pm

      Thanks Kari!! I am definitely already wanting to go back!

  • Reply Julia August 24, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    Montreal looks amazing! I would really love to visit, and I’m definitely pinning your post for when I do!
    It looks like you had a great time and that market looks lovely -such pretty flowers!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

    • Reply Kathryn August 27, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you Julia!! It was such an amazing city! I definitely recommend!

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