Montreal Canada

A Week in Montreal: Biking, Brunching, and Breathtaking Views

We spent a magical week in Montreal, exploring cobblestone streets, riverfront bike paths, and forested trails—all while savoring some of the best food we’ve ever had. Our home base was right on Place d’Armes Square, in the heart of Old Montreal, where the charm of Europe meets the friendliness of Canada.

    • Staying in Old Montreal: A Step Back in Time

    Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) is a beautifully preserved slice of the 17th century, and staying in this neighborhood made us feel like we were walking through a living museum. From our hotel window in Place d’Armes, we could see the Notre-Dame Basilica—a Gothic Revival masterpiece with twin towers and intricate stained glass. The surrounding streets are lined with stone buildings from the 1700s and 1800s, many of which now house art galleries, bistros, and boutiques. Every corner seems to echo with stories from centuries past, yet the area is vibrant, modern, and full of life.

    Biking Along the Waterfront with BIXI

    One of the best ways to explore Montreal is by bike. We downloaded the BIXI app, which made renting bikes incredibly easy—within minutes, we were on electric bikes cruising along the St. Lawrence River. The waterfront path that hugs the Old Port is flat, scenic, and full of interesting stops. We passed historic piers, public art, and the iconic Clock Tower, which offers panoramic views if you’re up for the climb.

    The BIXI electric bikes lasted us about three hours, giving us time to ride toward the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, stop for photo ops, and circle back through Dieppe Park, where the skyline views are picture-perfect. Along the way, we shared the trail with locals jogging, rollerblading, and picnicking in the sun.

    Late Brunch, Italian Gems & Vegetarian Surprises

    Thanks to our West Coast time zone hangover, we leaned fully into a late brunch routine—Montreal style. And wow, did the city deliver:

    Thanks to our West Coast time zone hangover, we leaned fully into a late brunch routine—Montreal style. And wow, did the city deliver:

    • Dandy, tucked into a chic space in Old Montreal, served us the best ricotta pancakes we’ve ever had—pillowy, lemony, and just sweet enough.
    • Chez Suzette offered authentic French crêpes (both savory and sweet) alongside the best coffee of our trip—rich, bold, and served with a smile.
    • At Eggspectation, a classic local chain, we indulged in crisp Montreal-style bagels and decadent French toast, fueling up for full days of walking and biking.

    We were also surprised—and delighted—by how easy it was to eat vegetarian throughout the trip. Nearly every restaurant we visited had solid plant-based options, and servers were always happy to offer suggestions or adjustments.

    Montreal also has a strong Italian presence, and we found ourselves craving pasta and pizza more than once. From fresh burrata starters to house-made pastas with seasonal vegetables, the Italian food scene felt both comforting and elevated.

    One of the absolute highlights of the trip was discovering Bloom, an all-vegetarian sushi restaurant right on Rue Sainte-Catherine. The atmosphere was modern and serene, and the food was nothing short of outstanding. We ordered a tasting platter, which let us sample a variety of creative, colorful sushi rolls made from vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins. Every bite was beautifully crafted and full of flavor—proof that sushi can be just as exciting without the fish.

    What stood out the most, beyond the food, was the incredible service. Every server we encountered was kind, gracious, and effortlessly switched between French and English, making us feel welcomed and relaxed no matter where we went.

    • Shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine

    We spent an entire afternoon along Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal’s premier shopping boulevard. The street stretches for miles and offers a dynamic mix of international brands, local boutiques, and lively street performers. It’s anchored by major malls like Eaton Centre and Complexe Desjardins, but we also stumbled upon unique local shops selling everything from Canadian-made skincare to indie fashion labels. There’s even an underground shopping city (RÉSO) that connects many of the buildings—perfect for rainy days or cold weather visits.

    Nature Escape on Mount Royal

    On another day, we hiked up Mount Royal, the namesake hill designed by the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park: Frederick Law Olmsted. The shady forest trails led us to stunning lookouts over downtown and the river. Our final destination was Beaver Lake, a peaceful urban pond surrounded by green space and bike paths.

    There, we rented a paddle boat and drifted across the water for 30 minutes, watching kids run through fountains and families picnic in the sun. It felt like the perfect blend of nature and city life—peaceful, but just a short ride from the urban core.

    • Architecture and Atmosphere

    Montreal’s architecture is one of its defining traits. In Old Montreal, you’ll find a mix of French Colonial stone masonry, British-era neoclassical structures, and modern glass additions that seamlessly blend old and new. Elsewhere, the city is known for its spiral staircases, colorful row houses, and Art Deco flourishes.

    Public spaces are filled with street art, murals, and sculpture, giving even the most ordinary blocks a sense of identity and creativity. The city just feels alive—artistic, thoughtful, and welcoming in a way that makes you want to come back before you've even left.

    The Weather & the Vibe

    We visited at the end of July, and the weather was perfect: sunny, warm (but not humid), and breezy enough for long walks and bike rides. Terraces were full, music floated through open windows, and everyone just seemed happy to be outside.

    Final Thoughts

    Montreal is a city that makes you slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the moment—whether that’s over a cappuccino, on a paddle boat, or gliding past historic buildings on a bike. Between the incredible food, historic charm, modern city life, and green spaces, this trip checked every box.

    We’ll be back—for more crepes, more bikes, and more moments that feel like you’ve stepped into another world, just a short flight from home.

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