AndNowUKnow's 6 Favorite Places in Montreal, QC
MONTREAL, QC - Montreal is not your average city. In fact, you can almost argue the city is really two diverse styles meshed into one. One rich and sophisticated, while the other is modern and eclectic. This 400-year-old city has some of the most interesting architecture and flavors I've ever experienced, and much of this can be attributed to its unique position as both a historical and contemporary cultural hotspot.
Last week, we got a chance to check out a few incredible places in Montreal during CPMA’s 90th Annual Convention and Trade Show and compiled a list of some of our favorite places to check out in Montreal, one of the most impressive foodie cities in the globe. Montreal is a city that delicately mixes both the ancient and the modern, and this list reflects some of the best of both these worlds. Next time you’re in the city, don’t miss these must-see places.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the oldest area of the city, with some buildings dating back as far as the 1600s. Today, the city has grown to be one of the most eclectic and charming that I've ever visited. One minute you're standing next to a gorgeous brick church and wandering through Paris-style alleys, and the next you're navigating through modern office buildings. There is a ton of history, with Montreal being one of the oldest cities in North America, but there is also a bustling nightlife. Take a cab or a horse-drawn carriage and explore every inch you can.
Gibby’s
Located in the heart of Old Montreal (and more importantly, a few blocks from our hotel) this iconic restaurant is known only by one name: Gibby’s. When you walk in through these 200-year-old doors, you feel like you’ve stepped into simpler times, where all you need is a glass of wine and a giant steak. Complete with house-made pickles and bacon bits for the table, the excellent food, superb service and warm atmosphere of this renowned world-class restaurant will make you want to come back again and again.
Le Local
Whereas Gibby’s is a restaurant of old world charm, Le Local restaurant offers a unique urban concept. The restaurant boasts an interesting and lovely blend of rustic and modern. And even better than the decor, the food was to die for. Carpaccio, foie gras, scallops, Burrata… I have to admit I couldn’t even save room for my main course. Definitely worth coming to at least once for anyone lucky enough to spend a few days in Montreal.
Sarah B
Located inside Montreal’s Intercontinental Hotel, this absinthe bar is named after French dramatic actress from the 1800s, Sarah Bernhardt. From the moment you walk in, the inspiration is evident from the bar’s sophisticated ambiance. Unlike the United States, genuine absinthe (wormwood included) is legal in Canada, so if you choose partake during your stay, I could not recommend a better location. The French inspired food next door in the hotel’s resident restaurant Osco! is also definitely worth a mention.
L Hotel
If the personality of Montreal could be summed up in one location, that location may very well be the L Hotel in Old Montreal. Montreal’s only “boutique hotel-museum” was originally built in 1870 to serve as the headquarters of the Montreal City and District Savings Bank. Today, L Hotel is essentially a live-in museum that mixes eclectic style and traditional class. Beyond the old French-style brick walls, guests are surrounded by original Warhols, Lichtensteins, Chagalls, and Boteros, to name just a few.
Notre Dame Basilica
Founded in 1642 before the city of Montreal even existed, Notre Dame Basilica is easily one of the most beautiful buildings on the city’s skyline. Renowned for its rich interior and daring architecture, the basilica attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors from around the world. In my opinion, the pictures speak for themselves on why this is such an amazing place to visit.
We loved Montreal and its eclectic charm, but can’t wait to check out Calgary for next year’s CPMA Convention. See you there!
