Itinerary Montreal

July is an excellent season to visit Montreal: the weather is warm, festivals are in full swing (including the famous Jazz Festival), and restaurant terraces come alive. Expect long daylight hours and a vibrant city atmosphere.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	1700 USD
🏨 Accommodations	1400 USD
🧳 Gear	150 USD
🗺️ On-site	650 USD
Total	3900 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇨🇦 Montreal - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Picturesque cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, Place Jacques-Cartier. Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.

• [ ] 🛕 Notre-Dame Basilica ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Stunning Neo-Gothic church famed for its ornately decorated interior. Tip: Consider the light and sound Aura show in the evening.

• [ ] 🏙️ Plateau Mont-Royal ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Artistic, colourful neighbourhood, murals, indie boutiques. Tip: Perfect for a walking tour and coffee break.

• [ ] 🌳 Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, city views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Tip: Visit at sunset for panoramic skyline vistas.

• [ ] 🏛️ Montreal Museum of Fine Arts ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Largest art museum in Canada; impressive permanent and temporary exhibitions.

• [ ] 🏛️ Pointe-à-Callière Museum ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Archaeology and history museum built over Montreal's birthplace.

• [ ] 🌳 Jean-Drapeau Park ⭐ (~2h)

  • Vast green space on islands, river views, trails, and cool summer events.

• [ ] 🎨 Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Leading venue for modern art; engaging installations.

• [ ] 🏛️ McCord Stewart Museum ⭐ (~1h)

  • Focuses on Montreal's history and Indigenous cultures.

• [ ] 🛍️ Underground City (La Ville Souterraine/RESO) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • 30+km of shops and restaurants—unique to Montreal, especially during hot/cold weather.

• [ ] 🏙️ Mile End ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Hip neighbourhood, bagel shops, bookstores, indie coffee. Great for brunch.

• [ ] 🌳 Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Lush themed gardens, especially impressive in summer.

• [ ] 🏛️ Saint Joseph’s Oratory ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Majestic basilica atop Mount Royal with gardens and exceptional city views.

• [ ] 🏙️ Quartier des Spectacles ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Heart of festival life. In July, explore the Jazz Fest or other events.

• [ ] 🛕 Chinatown ⭐ (~40min)

  • Colourful gates, bakeries, dumplings, Asian grocers.

• [ ] 🏛️ Biosphere, Environment Museum ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Iconic geodesic dome on Parc Jean-Drapeau with engaging eco-exhibits.

• [ ] 🎨 Galerie MX ⭐ (~45min)

  • Contemporary art gallery near Old Montreal.

• [ ] 🌳 Lachine Canal walk/bike ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Scenic waterfront path for walking or cycling; paddleboats available.

• [ ] 🛍️ Jean-Talon Market ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Bustling farmers’ market, local produce, cheese, street food. Tip: Sample seasonal berries and Québec cheese.

• [ ] 🏙️ Little Italy ⭐ (~1h)

  • Charming enclave with Italian cafés, gelaterias, and old-school grocers.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Bar Le Lab ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Creative cocktails, hip ambiance. Try local gin-based drinks.

• [ ] 🍸 Maison Cloakroom ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Exclusive speakeasy, custom cocktails, intimate setting (reservation advised).

• [ ] 🍸 La Distillerie ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Casual, fun spot for inventive cocktails.

• [ ] 🍸 Buvette Chez Simone ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lively wine bar, charcuterie platters, and local crowd.

• [ ] 🍸 Terrasses Bonsecours ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Chic summer rooftop bar with Old Port views—perfect at sunset.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Toqué! ⭐⭐⭐

  • Flagship haute cuisine—fine Quebecois tasting menu, expect ~150-200 USD/person.

• [ ] 🍜 Schwartz’s Deli ⭐⭐

  • Iconic smoked meat sandwiches, casual, ~$15/person.

• [ ] 🍜 Damas ⭐⭐

  • Upscale Syrian, famed for refined mezze and grills, ~$80+/person.

• [ ] 🍜 L’express ⭐⭐

  • Classic Parisian bistro, chic brunch or dinner, ~$40-60/person.

• [ ] 🍜 Bagel Etcetera (Mile End) ⭐

  • Best for authentic Montreal bagels, ~$5/person.

• [ ] 🍜 Marché Jean-Talon food stands ⭐

  • Cheese, poutine, maple treats, $10-20/person.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Atwater Market (~1h)

  • Fewer crowds, excellent for local cheeses and sweets.

• [ ] 🏙️ La Ronde Amusement Park (~2-3h)

  • Thrills and fun, especially if you love rollercoasters and river views.

• [ ] 🏙️ Espace pour la vie – Insectarium & Biodome (~2h)

  • Fascinating for nature lovers; immersive habitats.

• [ ] 🏙️ Habitat 67 (~40min)

  • Iconic housing complex on the river, limited public access but impressive to view from the outside or river cruise.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇨🇦 Montreal

• [ ] 🎬 Incendies (2010) — ⭐ 8.2 — Powerful drama by Denis Villeneuve set partly in Montreal — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 The Red Violin (1998) — ⭐ 7.6 — Filmed in Montreal, explores a violin’s journey through time — Hulu
• [ ] 📺 Bad Blood (2017-2018) — ⭐ 7.5 — Mob drama based on Montreal mafia — Netflix
• [ ] 📺 District 31 (2016–2022) — ⭐ 7.9 — Popular Quebecois police series — ICI Tou.tv
• [ ] 🎬 Polytechnique (2009) — ⭐ 7.2 — Gripping film about a pivotal Montreal event — Netflix

🍜 Local specialties

🇨🇦 Montreal

• [ ] Poutine (fries, gravy, cheese curds)
• [ ] Montreal-style bagels
• [ ] Smoked meat sandwich
• [ ] Maple syrup treats
• [ ] Tourtière (meat pie)
• [ ] Steamé hot dogs
• [ ] Tire d’érable (maple taffy)
• [ ] Fairmount or St-Viateur bagels
• [ ] Cretons (pork spread)
• [ ] Local microbrews (especially IPAs, stouts)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇨🇦 Montreal

1. 🌤️ Old Montreal
2. 🌤️ Mount Royal Park
3. 🌤️ Jean-Talon Market
4. 🌤️ Plateau Mont-Royal
5. 🌙 Maison Cloakroom
6. 🌙 Terrasses Bonsecours
7. 🛍️ Mille End bagel shop (Fairmount Bagel)
8. 🛍️ Underground City RESO
9. 🏨 Hotel William Gray (Old Montreal)
10. 🏨 Hotel Birks Montreal (Downtown)
11. 🍽️ Toqué!
12. 🍽️ Damas
13. 🍽️ L’express

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Montreal
• [ ] ✈️ Montreal → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Montreal	4	Hotel William Gray (5*)	1400 USD
Total	4		1400 USD