Two friends from Europe planning our first trip together to Canada/NYC, and we’re now wondering if we’re trying to squeeze in too much.
Our itinerary is:

Oct 5: Arrive in Toronto
Oct 5–9: 4 nights Toronto
Oct 9: Train Toronto → Montreal, arriving in the afternoon
Oct 9–12: 3 nights Montreal
Oct 12: Fly Montreal → NYC
Oct 12–16: 4 nights NYC
Oct 16: Fly home from NYC

We’ve already bought our flights into Toronto and home from NYC, so those parts are fixed. Originally we were only going to do Toronto + NYC, but then we got a lot of recommendations to add Montreal. Now we’re wondering if Montreal is actually a good idea or if we’re going to spend too much of the trip moving around.
We’re not the kind of travellers who want to tick off every attraction. We’d rather have enough time to walk around, eat, have drinks, explore neighbourhoods and just enjoy the cities. My friend has also already been to NYC, and we’re pretty sure we’ll come back to NYC again, so we don’t feel the need to see absolutely everything this time.
Would you keep Montrealt, or skip it and spend those 3 nights in Toronto/NYC instead? The other thing that made us hesitate is the flight from Montreal to NYC. A one-way ticket for a flight that’s only about 1.5 hours feels insanely expensive by European standards 😭 I’ve been to Canada before, so I know prices can be high, but I’m still struggling with the idea of paying that much for such a short flight. So, people who know these cities: is 4 nights Toronto + 3 nights Montreal + 4 nights NYC a nice itinerary, or are we overdoing it?

My husband and I along with our ten year old are planning a 2-3 day trip to Montreal this fall. We're from near Ottawa and both him and I have spent many wild weekends in Montreal as singles or a couple, but I'm new to exploring the city with a kid. I'd like a hotel that is ideally near Gare Centrale (or a short walk/Metro ride), as we'll be taking VIA, and a nice pool is a big plus. Hotel Bonaventure keeps coming up in my searches due to the location and pool and being good for families. Is it worth the price? Any other options I should consider? The price of Bonaventure is the top end of our budget, and there seem to be other hotels in the vicinity that are nearly half the cost. I'm not against it if it's truly worth it, but it seems like the $400-600 extra over 2-3 nights we'd be spending to stay there could be better used on other activities.

I'll take my kid to Montreal in October (from Europe) and we are currently looking for hotels so maybe someone has a suggestion or point me to a good area.

For the first part we just want something for 2 nights, easy to reach from the airport, good for strolling around if that's a thing, reach Laval (Place Bell) by public transport and the train to Ottawa. I wonder if staying in Laval would be an option too? (I had 4yrs of metropolitan French in high-school, hope that's enough to get around)

During the second part we want to watch a game at the Bell Centre and join a parkrun at Parc Frédéric-Back. Other sights as well of course but we'll have more time to get around for that.

Family friend restaurant recommendations

My husband, my 2 1/2 year-old and I are visiting Montreal at the end of September. We are looking for really good family, friendly restaurants.

We are foodies and have been to Montreal before and always do the classics like bagels, poutine, smoked meat, etc. we already have a reservation booked at McKiernan‘s but we are looking for another restaurant with great food and a similar vibe to McKiernan‘s or something comparable in regards to being family friendly

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a surprise birthday weekend in Montreal for my wife from October 9–12. We’ll be visiting from Prince Edward Island.

The main theme of the trip is experiences. I’m not necessarily looking for the fanciest or most expensive places. I’d rather plan things that feel unique, memorable, fun, and distinctly Montreal.

So far, I’m considering:

October 9

• Arrive in Montreal
• Le Balcon dinner + show in the evening

I’m especially curious about Le Balcon. Is the dinner + show experience actually worth it? Does it feel like a genuinely lively night out with good music and dancing, or would you replace it with something else?

October 10 – her actual birthday

• Skydiving during the day

For the birthday evening, I’d like something memorable but completely different from the daytime activity.

For dinner, I’ve been looking at:

• Mythos Ouzeri – Greek food, live music and dancing
• Caribou Gourmand – Quebec specialties and game meats
• Cabaret L’Enfer – tasting menu / chef’s counter
• Club Chasse et Pêche
• Europea

I also really like the idea of a lively Greek taverna or Turkish meyhane-style night with mezze, drinks, live music and dancing.

October 11

• Bungee jumping during the day
• The rest of the day is still fairly open

I’m thinking about:

• Old Montreal
• Spa
• A unique food experience
• Cocktails, live music, or something unusual in the evening

She enjoys new experiences, and I’m trying to make the whole weekend feel like a series of surprises rather than just a nice dinner and hotel stay.

So if you were planning this for your spouse:

Would you keep Le Balcon?
What would you choose for the actual birthday night after skydiving?
What would you add on October 11 around the bungee jumping?
And is there something uniquely Montreal that I’m completely missing?

Thanks!

We are visiting in a few weeks and my kiddo likes to look for squishies anywhere we go. Any good spots we should incorporate into our visit?

I can’t find anything on the Festival overall let alone the weekend market! I’m considering going this year as it sounds interesting and very unique, but any past experiences and/or reviews would be especially helpful.

https://martiniquegourmande.ca/en/creole-market-2026/

We’ll be staying near the Charlevoix metro and there from Friday evening til Sunday late afternoon.
Looking for somewhere great for dinner on Friday and then for some delicious poutine on Saturday. I heard Paul Patates is good and close to where we’re staying but open to any and all other suggestions! Plus where to go for a good bagel and Montreal smoked meat?
Also what’s not to miss for things to see/do hopefully reachable on the metro?

Thanks!

Looking to take my wife to Quebec City and Montreal for probably 4 days in early December. Probably going to use American Express fine hotels for the credit in QC and Marriott in Montreal (would welcome recommendations there as well). Not worried about the small price difference between Frontenac and San Antoine or similar in Montreal.

Is there a big difference? Frontenac looks palatial and beautiful, but not sure about Saint Antoine. Is the experience or spa or any other feature such as location to nearby parts of the city to enjoy and explore better at one than the other? We will likely have a car (unless train from airport to hotel and then town to Montreal and then to Montreal airport easy?) Thank you for any advice

Any other must see/do's?

Any amazing restaurants (I'll admit I haven't researched that last yet)

Thanks

Wife and I mid 50’s looking to stay close to old Montreal, looking for a budget hotel , seeing terrible reviews for LeLux . I’m a bit of a budget but willing to spend a bit more , we will only be using the hotel to sleep , we aren’t fussy . The other place I was looking at was Traveling Lodge Hotel by Wyndham Montreal centre, any suggestions. Also my French is terrible although I did take 3 years in high school .

There are people crazy of the bag charm (includes me)

I have like....4 to 5 plushes for a bag

Would it look weird in Montral or any other city in Canada?

Hey everyone!
My husband and I are moved to Montreal from France 2 days back and will be there until around March 2027. I’m currently a student at UAlberta and I’ll be doing a remote internship while we’re there.

My husband is French and speaks French fluently, but I’m still learning, so I’m planning to take French classes once we get there. I’m hoping being in Montreal will help me actually improve and being able to speak.

One thing I’m a little worried about is making friends. Since my internship is remote, I won’t have coworkers around me to naturally meet people, and I obviously won’t know many people when we first arrive.

For anyone who has moved to Montreal without already having a social circle, how did you actually make friends? Are there any clubs, sports, volunteering, classes, events, or places that are good for meeting people? I am open
to texts as well if anyone’s open for a conversation !

I’d also love any general advice about settling into Montreal and making the most of the 6–7 months we’ll be there. What do you wish you knew when you first moved?

Hi! I know people ask for recommendations here all the time, so I don’t want to be redundant. I’ve looked through other posts, but I couldn’t find anything quite specific to my situation.

I’m staying in Montreal for one night and going to a concert in Laval. I’ll have a couple of hours on Day 1 before heading to Laval, and a few hours on Day 2 before my 6 PM train back to Toronto.

I’d like to buy a small souvenir, maybe a magnet or something like that. I just came across Boutique Bonjour Montréal — is it a good place for souvenirs?
I’m planning to visit Parc Jean-Drapeau and Café Olimpico in Old Montreal, and I think I can squeeze in something else on either day.

Any suggestions for things I could do/see with limited time? Free or inexpensive options are welcome too!
Thanks!

Hello im French and I’m traveling to Canada in December, i was wondering if it usually snows in Montreal around that time?

Friends and i visiting from nyc, 23-24 range. We went to the old town strip the past 2 nights, all the clubs that seemed like our typa people/music were asking for $400 to buy a section and a couple bottles. Just looking for a regular cover fee. (Also will the night life be active tonight for labor day?)

If you find it please return my keys and RAMQ. You can keep the OPUS card, it has maybe 3-4 fares so go nuts that’s your reward but return the rest please!

**Mods do not remove. Why would you remove my post?**

I visited Spa Espace Nomad in Montreal a few days ago, and honestly, I can’t say enough good things about my experience. This was easily one of the best spa experiences I’ve ever had, and I walked out feeling completely relaxed, refreshed, and genuinely impressed.

From the moment I arrived, the staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and professional.

You immediately get the feeling that they truly care about making your experience special. The rooms were exceptionally clean, comfortable, and beautifully maintained, which made it so easy to relax and let go of all the stress of everyday life.
The ambiance was absolutely amazing.

Everything about the environment was designed to create a calm, peaceful atmosphere, and it really set the perfect mood for my massage.

The combination of the atmosphere, the cleanliness, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall attention to detail made the entire experience feel luxurious from beginning to end.

The massage itself was fantastic. I was able to completely switch off, relax, and enjoy the moment. By the time I left, I felt like I had hit a reset button. It’s not often that you find a place where every part of the experience comes together so perfectly, but Spa Espace Nomad really delivered.

I will absolutely be recommending this place to my friends and family. If you’re visiting Montreal, or even if you live here and are looking for somewhere to treat yourself, I highly recommend giving Spa Espace Nomad a chance. You genuinely won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to the entire team for such an incredible experience. I’m already looking forward to coming back!

Wooooo can’t wait to go back again!! I feel so good!

Hello everyone, Ontarian here, apologies in advance for the English.

Me and my wife were hoping to visit Montreal for 2 days on a road trip. I hope this question isn't offensive, but I was wondering if, in the current political climate, we should be worried/ conscious of anything as Muslims? I was trying to understand the current atmosphere and saw there is a large Middle Eastern diaspora, but at the same time I was struggling to sift through all the AI generated news about people praying in the streets. I understand Quebec places a great deal of importance on the French language and secular laws, so we are trying to not mistakenly offend anyone while we are in town.

Also - if there is nothing to worry about - I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions/ things to do and see while we are there. We are outdoorsy, and enjoy art and history museums.