A Weekend Wandering Montreal – Food, Cathedrals, and a Lot of Walking
Bonjour from Montreal! This was our first attempt at a travel vlog, and we kicked things off with a trip to Canada’s second-largest city. After a smooth flight, we landed in Montreal and jumped straight into city life.
We stayed at Hotel Humaniti, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The hotel sits in the downtown area and feels modern, sleek, and polished. Definitely had a stylish vibe, and the rooftop pool was a great way to unwind on day one—even if it was a little chilly.
Of course, we didn’t come to Montreal just to swim. We came to explore, eat, and see what makes this city so beloved. First stop: food. Always food.
Lebanese Flavors and Sweet Tooth Satisfaction
Montreal has a large Lebanese community, and it shows in the food. We found a small local spot with incredible shawarma and the best hummus we’ve ever had. That meal alone was worth the trip.
From there, we gave in to our sweet tooth. A warm cookie from a local bakery hit the spot. Hot, fresh, and rich—it didn’t stand a chance. We might’ve shared it. Might’ve.
Later that night, we wandered along the Vieux-Port and found a food truck tucked into the scene. The whole vibe was calm but full of energy. That’s something we noticed throughout the city—it has a steady rhythm to it, never rushed but always moving.
A Cathedral Worth the Hype
The next day, we made our way to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Even from the outside, it’s striking. Inside, it’s breathtaking. This Gothic Revival cathedral opened in 1829 and draws over 11 million visitors each year. The high altar glows under warm lighting, and the pipe organ is something else—over 7,000 pipes, four keyboards, and 92 stops.
The next day, we made our way to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Even from the outside, it’s striking. Inside, it’s breathtaking. This Gothic Revival cathedral opened in 1829 and draws over 11 million visitors each year. The high altar glows under warm lighting, and the pipe organ is something else—over 7,000 pipes, four keyboards, and 92 stops.
We didn’t get to hear it play, but just standing in the sanctuary is enough to feel how powerful the space is. It’s just a few blocks from downtown, and once you reach it, you’re right on the edge of Old Montreal.
Old Montreal and a Little Bit of Tim Hortons
We strolled through the historic streets of Old Montreal and made a necessary stop at Tim Hortons. Chocolate blondes, white hot chocolates, and lattes helped fuel our long walk. We earned it too—15 miles in one day. Not a typo.
Montreal’s metro system is easy to use, which helped us head north to explore the Mile End neighborhood. This area felt much more local and laid back than the downtown core. Cafes, bakeries, and boutiques line the streets, and everything feels lived-in and real.
We tried to visit the famous Saint-Viateur Bagel shop, but learned the hard way that they’re cash-only. So we’ll save that bite for next time.
Montreal’s Jewish Food Legacy
Montreal’s Jewish population helped shape the Mile End area, and with them came the city’s famous bagels and delis. We had better luck at Schwartz’s Deli, a local institution that’s been around for more than 90 years. The line was long, the space was packed, and the food was everything we hoped for.
They told us they go through over a ton of meat each day. Yes, a literal ton. It’s shoulder-to-shoulder inside, but it’s absolutely worth it. The sandwiches are huge and full of flavor. Definitely a must if you’re in the city.
Exploring Underground and Finishing with Gelato
Montreal also has a network of underground tunnels stretching over 20 miles. These tunnels connect shops, restaurants, offices, and more. It’s especially helpful in winter, but even in summer, it’s a unique way to get around and avoid the heat. There’s even a McDonald’s and another Tim Hortons down there, if you need one more snack.
We rounded out the day in Little Italy at a restaurant called Canelli. The food was good, but the service was even better. Our waitress, Martine, made the evening for us. And of course, we ended it with gelato. Because how else do you finish a night in Little Italy?
Until Next Time
On our final morning, we made one last stop at Timmy’s before heading to the airport. The trip was short, but we packed in a lot—great food, stunning architecture, and some good laughs. Montreal’s a city full of culture and charm, and we’re already thinking about what we missed this time around.
Time to get back to work, but we’ll be ready for our next adventure soon.
If you want to see everything in action—from coffee to cathedral views—watch our full Montreal travel vlog!
