Weekend Escapade to Old Montreal

Last updated: September 27, 2022

Temperatures are cooling off and the sun is steadily shining – the ideal conditions for a perfect escapade in Old Montreal! Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of an autumn weekend escape from your daily routine.

FRIDAY AFTER WORK

Hurry and prep your luggage right when you get home from work, and leave as soon as possible for your hotel, Le St-Paul at 355 McGill Street. Whether you opted for a single room or a suite, you will be taken with the serene ambience you will be staying in for the next two nights. And it doesn’t really matter which of the eight floors your floor is on, the view over the historic neighbourhood will charm you no matter where you stay.

To take full advantage of your first night at the St-Paul, savour a refined cocktail with some house tapas from the hotel’s new appetizer bar @Pol. Not too keen on leaving your new, cozy nest? No problem! The hotel offers room service starting from 7 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Choose from a continental breakfast or pick à la carte from the menu.

SATURDAY – YOUR MORNING COFFEE AND BREAKFAST

Now feeling well-rested, you are finally ready to take on your first full day in le Vieux! Start out by hopping over to Nelli Café + Vin nature at 104 Saint-Paul West Street, and try their 3rd wave RS1 coffee blend (unique to Quebec), accompanied by a delicious bagel from Saint-Viateur or Hof Kelsten; both experts in the bagel field! If you’ve got a bit of a bigger appetite in the morning, try out their $19 brunch.

SATURDAY – STRETCHING OUT THE BODY AND AIRING OUT THE SPIRIT

Have you always been interested in yoga, but never quite had the time to sign up for a class? Well, here’s your chance! The Old Montreal yoga studio, Luna yoga at 231 Saint-Paul West Street (suite 200), allows you to attend a class for $25. If the practice ends up hooking you, they have several interesting offers, especially unlimited access to all their courses. For longtime yogis, look out for the workshops and events that Luna Yoga is holding.

SATURDAY – LEARN SECRETS OF THE CULINARY ARTS

Are you more the type to get your hands dirty in the kitchen, learn new recipes, or interested in learning more about a culinary subject that fascinates you? Ateliers & Saveurs at 444 Saint-François-Xavier Street is the place for you. Here, you can become the barman for a day, learn how to create stylish tapas dishes, or make a sleek menu with wine pairings. Reserve your spot online quickly, because the open spots in this class are selling like hotcakes!

SATURDAY – TIME TO BREAK BREAD

Now that lunch has rolled around, Holder at 407 McGill Street is a sure-fire success to get your sustenance. In business since 2003, this restaurant is a must-see in the neighbourhood, and has the blood of European breweries running through its veins. Whether you go for the duck confit or the grilled veal flank steak, you won’t be disappointed! Vegetarians haven’t been forgotten either: their grilled vegetable couscous is simply divine.

SATURDAY – ART TO PLEASE THE EYES

Lovers of the visual arts should absolutely come see the magnificent animal canvases at the new Mogli Art Gallery, at 55 de la Commune Street West. Painter artist Mogli sets himself apart through his style that blends abstract and realistic art to create impressive works. It will dazzle your eyes, and who knows – maybe you will find a gorgeous new piece to take home!

SATURDAY – UN PETIT NOUVEAU POUR LA SOIRÉE

Recently settled in le Vieux, restaurant Le Butterfly offers an impressive selection of wines and meats. Chef Yassine Baghdad took inspiration from traditional French cuisine, and works with local products to offer high-quality dishes that aren’t too complicated. We should leave a special mention here for their Wagyu hamburger, a meat known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavour. Take your time looking over their menu and choosing your dinner. There’s no need to rush this staycation weekend.

SUNDAY – BEFORE LEAVING

Head out to Dandy at 244 Saint-Jacques Street for a tasty breakfast or slightly boozy brunch. Whether you choose their ricotta pancakes with hazelnut maple butter or the evergreen summer breakfast of avocado and sunny-side up eggs, you can’t go wrong. And why not have a delicious mimosa alongside your meal?

SUNDAY – SHOPPING

Le Vieux is bursting with unique shops that are fun to enter and find some excitement.

Le Cartel, recently opened up on 421 Saint-Vincent Street, mixes art and clothing, selling pieces of art that you can wear. This artistic collective releases monthly limited edition items that you can proudly wear around town.

La boutique Denis Gagnon, situated at 170 Saint-Paul West Street, is also a necessary stop in the neighbourhood. Whether you’re in here for the Denise collection, their myriad new additions, or their excellent sales, there is something here for all budgets. You should also take a look at their accessories that will complement any attire you sport, like their pocketed belt.

Before leaving, take a small snack break atPetit Dep. Both café and general store, you can find souvenirs specific to our city. It’s local and an absolute city darling.

© Photo Credit: Geneviève Giguère
© Photo Credit: Restaurant Holder
© Photo Credit: Tanha Gomez