Your Next Weekend Escape: Montreal

If you’re looking to splurge, the ultimate in pampering can be found at Le Mount Stephen Hotel, one of Montreal’s brightest stars on the luxury hotel scene. In the heart of the Golden Square Mile, Le Mount Stephen is attached to the stunning George Stephen House, a historic 19th-century preserved manor. The Hôtel Monville is a contemporary option—just a few months old—where large floor-to-ceiling windows offer enviable views over much of the city. Great values can be found at both Le Centre Sheraton Montreal and AC Hotel Montreal Downtown, modern high-rises that are comfortable and steps from everything you’d need. And history seekers will find respite at the brand-new Hotel Birks, which is housed in the old Birks jewelry story, a historic building that was renovated and restored for the hotel’s use. And whether you decide to rest your head at the posh InterContinental Montreal or not, you should certainly stop by its bar, which is dedicated to all things absinthe.

The hottest tables in town are at a stylish Spanish spot called Ibérica, which might not be the first place you’d think to start your food crawl but is definitely worth a visit for its swanky atmosphere and inventive tapas (get the “liquid olives”). Don’t worry, there’s plenty of poutine—the tasty local specialty of fries loaded with cheese and gravy—and French-inspired cuisine to be had: L’Orignal, Le Robin Square and La Banquise are some staples to get you started. While we’re on the subject of French food, a friendly reminder that most citizens of Montreal use French as their first language, so this trip is a good opportunity to brush up on your français (English is widely spoken, too, just not the default). For lunch, check out Fiorellino for homemade charcuterie, pastas and wood-fired pizza. Lawrence, located in the heart of Mile End, is always busy for brunch, so go a little early or be prepared to wait for its legendary beignets.

Montreal boasts a thriving LGBT scene, known as “Le Village” or the Gay Village. Centered around St. Catherine Street East, it’s just as lively during the day for Champagne brunch as it is at night. There are also lots of fun nights and delicious libations to be had at Cloakroom Bar, Le Lab, Atwater Cocktail Club, Big in Japan and the stunning Bar George, as well as the Casino de Montréal, where you can gamble, dine or see a show on a small island connected to the city(mere minutes from downtown by taxi).

Saint Catherine’s, Montreal’s shopping mecca, is definitely worth cruising downtown, but most New Yorkers will find the energy and options in Mile End more their scene. All of YUL’s hip live and play here, where trendy clothing, home stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops closely congregate, but the vibe—in true Montreal fashion—is not pretentious in the least.

You can easily spend an entire afternoon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, a cultural institution where there’s something for every kind of art appreciator. You can also take a more childlike approach to entertaining yourself by riding a giant Ferris wheel, one of the latest attractions in town. Its official name is the Montreal Observation Wheel, and it offers visitors panoramic views from almost 200 feet in the air. There’s also a nearby zip line over the Old Port should you feel extra adventurous; on the ground, however, you can check out the many food truck vendors that line the water of the Old Port, which include a smattering of gourmet cookies, churros, hamburgers and crepes.

Looking to relax? There’s a fantastic Nordic spa in Old Montreal called Bota Bota, where the water circuit and serene views of the Old Port will sooth your every sense. Come summer, one of the best views of the city and people watching can be had over a cocktail at the rooftop bar of the Hôtel William Gray—a trendy boutique hotel overlooking Old Montreal where there’s also a curated shopping experience going on in the lobby. Explore the nearby neighborhood, filled with cobblestone streets, European-inspired charm and landmarks, like the Basilique Notre-Dame, which you’ll swear belongs on a completely different continent.