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The BEST way to spend a day in Montreal is by exploring the streets of Old Montreal. Old Montreal will take you back in time. The old buildings and churches provide so much history!

How to get to Montreal

If you’re travelling from another province in Canada then I recommend flying into Montreal spending a day there and then taking a train to Quebec City.

To book the train and for the train schedule between Montreal and Quebec City visit the VIA Rail Website. 

Getting around Montreal

Public transportation in Montreal is easily accessible and inexpensive. We didn’t need to use public transportation as our accommodation was conveniently located in downtown Montreal within walking distance to everywhere we wanted to go. 

Accommodation in Montreal

We had originally booked to stay at Le St-Martin Hotel but due to renovations, they moved us to Hotel Birks. I did not mind at all, this hotel was an upgrade! As soon as I stepped out of the taxi, I was welcomed by a doorman who opened the golden trim glass doors to this historic building.

This hotel really did make me feel rich. As I walked into the lobby my eyes were aesthetically pleased by the white marble and golden metal. 

The staff were friendly and the service was outstanding. I asked reception if I could get a room with a bathtub and they did everything they could to make this possible they gave us a free upgrade to the Grand Montreal Terrasse! This room was equipped with a gas fireplace, a marbled bathroom with a walk-in glass shower, and a deep freestanding bathtub!

One of the best things about this hotel is that it is located in a prime location in downtown Montreal close to shops, public transport, main attractions, and dining.

4 Things to do

1. Sightseeing Old Montreal

The best places for sightseeing in Montreal are Old Montreal, Place Jacques Cartier, Notre – Dame Basilica, St Paul Street West (my fav!), and the Old Port of Montreal where the Montreal Observation Wheel is situated. 

2. Mount Royal

Mount Royal is one of the largest urban parks in Canada! There is so much to see in this park you could easily spend a whole day here. Mount Royal Summit viewpoint has the best views of downtown Montreal. Depending on where you start your walk to the viewpoint it can take around 45 minutes to get there.

3. AURA Show

Book to see the AURA Show held at the Basilique Notre Dame! The show is designed and produced by Moment Factory, the same company that does the Lumina Night Walks Series (e.g. Vallea Lumina in Whistler, British Columbia, and Terra Lumina in Toronto).

The luminous show takes place inside the mother church of Montreal and is a MAGICAL experience created by lights and sounds.

4. Montreal Botanical Gardens

This is another place you could stay all day at, there is plenty to do and lots to see including giant garden sculptures made from plants and flowers!

For a perfect day in Montreal, I recommend exploring the streets of Old Montreal, visiting Mount Royal Summit viewpoint and watching the AURA show. Although a day in Montreal is hardly enough time to explore this historic city you will have seen the best of Montreal!