A Culinary Focused Visit to Montreal
Montreal in summer is a city that throws its doors wide open - cobblestone streets humming with street fairs, market stalls piled high with local produce, and long golden evenings made for wandering. It's equally suited to a romantic milestone celebration or a family reunion: think historic hotels tucked into Old Montreal, a market tour that doubles as a crash course in Quebecois flavor, and poutine and bagels to keep everyone happy. Bring your appetite and comfortable walking shoes.
Explore fresh foods and prepared delights in the open-air Jean Talon Market
Food-centric Activities in Montreal
Montreal’s dining identity is built on layers of endurance, immigration, and exceptional provenance. What began as robust French-Canadian habitant fare - crafted to withstand unforgiving winters - evolved into a dynamic cultural crossroads.
In the early 20th century, Eastern European Jewish immigrants introduced iconic wood-fired bagels and spice-cured smoked meat to the Mile End. Subsequent arrivals from Portugal, Italy, and the Levant further expanded the city's palate with charcoal-grilled traditions, espresso culture, and regional spice profiles.
Today, anchored by Quebec’s fertile agricultural land and pastoral dairies, Montreal fuels a hyper-local farm-to-table movement, pairing regional terroir with fresh Maritime seafood (P.E.I. oysters are just around the corner!) delivered along the St. Lawrence shipping corridor.
Jean-Talon Market food tour: Dive into local life at Jean-Talon Market on a guided tour that weaves through fresh produce stalls, artisanal goods, and some of the city's best-loved small food shops — a great way to get oriented on day one. There are many great tours, but we love the one offered by Spade & Palacio.
Mount Royal Park: Designed by the architect of NYC’s Central Park, this park is an urban oasis with panoramic city views and a leisurely meander to the top and back down. (If you get pooped on the walk up, there are roads accessible to cars so you can always call one to whisk you back down.) We really recommend packing a picnic with meats, cheeses, dips, and fresh fruits from the Jean-Talon Market and lunching at a table by Beaver Lake on your way to the top.
Curling Lesson: A favorite event during the winter Olympics (who doesn’t delusionally think “I could do that!” when this one comes on?), spend a couple of hours at iDEOH! on the ice learning how to sweep and block. Afterward, unwind at a nearby bistro with some poutine and a local beer afterward.
Drawn & Quarterly: A Montreal-based publisher of comics and graphic novels, and in my opinion it’s a must-shop if you’re in town. For foodies, I recommend picking up Cannon by Lee Lai, which focuses on a restaurateur exploring anxiety, family obligations, and navigating local life in the neighborhoods you’re visiting.
Spa Day: After a day of scaling Mont Royal or deep knee bends while learning how to curl, you deserve to relax in a scenic spa circuit at Bota Bota. A glass of wine and light bites like feta dip and grilled octopus at their onsite restaurant is just what you need to keep you satiated.
Boat tour of the St. Lawrence River: Take an electric boat with a tour from Le Petit Naivre - they offer canal tours, short city tours, or nighttime fireworks (summertime only) tours. Beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are both available for purchase onboard.
Queue for fresh, chewy bagels at St Viateur Bagel Shop
Places to Eat in Montreal
Montreal's dining scene rewards both dressing up and staying casual - expect everything from Michelin-caliber tasting menus to bagels eaten standing on the sidewalk.
Top poutine spots:
La Banquise: open 24/7 and legendary with 30 different varieties of poutine
Poutineville: The local chain to know if anyone in your group needs a vegetarian poutine
Restaurant Chez Claudette: a sweet bistro located in the central Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood offering generous poutine portions
Casual meals & snacks:
Aux Vivres: A vibrant vegan spot in a meat-heavy city, known for creative plant-based dishes, including a standout vegan BLT.
St-Viateur Bagels: A Montreal institution - hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels, crisp outside and chewy inside.
McKiernan Rotisserie: Set in a soaring industrial space that feels like a high-end cafeteria; handles groups well.
Cafe Olimpico (Mile End): Retro coffee bar that’s the neighborhood social hub, impeccable vibes and serving pastries, gelato, and sandwiches alongside your caffeine fix.
Special dinners:
Damas: An elegant Syrian restaurant with vibrant spices and beautiful presentation - worth booking ahead for a special night, and can accommodate larger groups easily.
L'Express: Classic French bistro fare with exceptional hospitality - have a martini and enjoy the complimentary cornichons and bread that is served with every meal.
Oncle Lee: Charming, modern Asian fusion with inventive cocktails. You must order the 5-spice duck!!!
Bar St-Denis: Beautiful bar with great sharing plates, not pretentious just authentic MTL vibes and food.
La Buvette Chez Simone: A wine bar with good food and low lighting; great little date spot.
Close to Old Montreal hotels:
Cour Arrière: A discreet terrace for a quick, generous French meal in a relaxed setting.
Olive et Gourmando: A beloved café with rustic charm, inventive sandwiches, and fresh-baked pastries — great for breakfast or lunch.
Modavie: Mediterranean-inspired dishes and live jazz for an intimate, spirited dinner.
Pub Wolf & Workman: A British-style gastropub for savory pies and mezzes when you want something quick and hearty.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Montreal
Hotels I Love
Hotel Saint-Sulpice: All suites and newly renovated. Good for families with a sofabed and kitchenette in each room. I think it’s a great value, and a walkable location to the metro line as well as the waterfront.
Ritz-Carlton Montreal: A historic landmark blending old-world elegance with modern luxury, featuring fine dining at Maison Boulud, iconic afternoon tea in the Palm Court, and a rooftop pool overlooking the downtown skyline.
VIP Perks: receive $100 hotel credit, a room upgrade, daily breakfast, and a welcome gift when you book with Lore Travel
Humaniti Hotel Montreal: This bold Autograph Collection hotel delivers modern luxury through an extensive contemporary art collection, locally inspired Quebec tasting menus at Restaurant h3, and a heated rooftop pool with panoramic city views.
VIP Perks: receive a room upgrade and daily breakfast when you book with Lore Travel
Day Trips
If you have an extra day before heading onward, the Eastern Townships (about 90 minutes southeast) offer rolling vineyards, lake towns, and covered bridges — a quieter contrast to the city, especially appealing in the warmer months.
Mont-Tremblant is another popular half-day or overnight add for those wanting a charming, Alpine-style ski-town detour.
Need to Know
Montreal is walkable, especially in Old Montreal - a rental car isn't necessary for the city portion of a trip, though it's worth arranging transfers for anything outside the core. There are many pedestrian-only streets to stroll; two favorites are Rue Mont-Royal and Rue Duluth.
Summer brings street fairs and festivals from June through September, so expect lively (and sometimes crowded) streets in the historic district.
As with any Canada trip, bring a valid passport, and build in a little extra time for border crossing at the airport. If you are traveling through YUL airport, you’ll go through US Customs at the Montreal airport, meaning you’ll arrive at a domestic terminal in your destination.