Travel: A Summer Weekend in Montreal

Montreal - Downtown at Night
caribb / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

 

A city known for its diverse metropolis, Montréal is a sexy island city that is filled with grace, elegance and vibrancy. The second largest city in Canada is known for its culture and history, and is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, right behind Paris. Spend a summer weekend in Montreal and fall in love with all of the charm and style it has to offer. What to do while you are there?

Explore.

Montreal’s museums, historic sites, shopping districts and nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for everyone. For a taste of historic Montreal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings of Vieux-Montreal, home to small museums and souvenir shops. Want to see something unique? Check out the Fire Fountain in Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle in the Quartier International de Montreal. Created by Jean-Paul Riopelle in 1969, the fountain spews fire on the hour.

Eat. 

The choice of dining in Montreal is as eclectic as the city itself. Montreal has its own special kind of bagel (thinner than American bagels, crunchy outside, soft inside) and a local fast-food dish called poutine, made up of french fries, gravy and cheese curds. You will see mentions over and over for Schwartz’s for the best smoked meats and Stash Cafe for for their eclectic interior and consistent fare.

Events. 

Montreal is home to some wonderful events such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal Beer Festival, Just for Laughs Festival, F1 Canadian Grand Prix, Fantasia Film Festival and the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival.

Shop. 

Find everything from flea markets to upscale boutiques and ateliers to suite any style of shopper. Le Vaisseau D’or has been called a “must visit” shopping destination in Old Montreal for their fashion-forward clothing from Montreal designers. KILOfripe is a must see for their new arrivals weekly and live music bands.