Beat the Heat in Montreal

Walk up to the Belvedere on Mount Royal for spectacular views of the city below, and look out for the famous mural of iconic Montrealer Leonard Cohen on the side of a tall building below.

Enjoy a spa day at Bota Bota, a one-of-a-kind, multi-level spa on a reconditioned tugboat in a serene setting along the St. Lawrence River. The spa features saunas, cold plunge, steam baths, exterior garden pools and facial and massage treatments. To note, the spa is open year-round and may be enjoyed in the cold and snow as well.

Take a small-group food tour of Mile-End, Chinatown or the Jean-Talon market.

Bike South along the canal to the Marche Atwater and sample the large variety of outdoor stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables and meats, with street and indoor vendors offering cheeses, chocolate, pastries and coffee.

Visit the Biodome, an oasis in the city offering a glimpse into five different ecosystems of the Americas where animals and plants can be observed. It is one of the few places in the world to reproduce the complexity of the natural environment and the interactions between animal and plant species. Great for families, year-round.

Montreal Jazz Festival — for 10 days each summer since 1980, the city has become a meeting place for jazz lovers from around the globe. Considered the largest Jazz festival in the world, it's a can't miss if you love live music.

Art lovers should head to the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, one of the most visited museums in North America, which covers fine arts, music, film, fashion and design.

If you're visiting in the winter or on a rainy day, check out Montreal's Underground: a subterranean network that spans 20 miles of pedestrian-friendly tunnels. The network is largely climate-controlled, making it a perfect escape from Montreal's harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. You can find over 1,600 shops and facilities within the city, and it connects three major shopping malls, hotels, offices and more. Best to take a walking tour to avoid getting lost.

Day Trips

You could easily pair a stay in Montreal with time in Quebec City, but I think an overnight visit to QC would be best.

Breakfast

Arthur's Nosh Bar — creative, reimagined Kosher fare with the best pancakes (get extra blueberries!)

Montreal Bagels: strong opinions abound on the topic of the best bagel, but you really can't go wrong with either a St-Viateur or a Fairmount Bagel. Ask any Montrealer and they'll tell you their favorite, and why they're better than NYC bagels. Hint: go early to avoid lines.

La Finca Cafe - Cafe and local market with excellent homemade pastries, breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

Lunch

Wilensky's Light Lunch - legendary establishment serving simple fare and homemade sodas since 1932. Not much has changed since then. My order: a special with cheddar, a half-sour pickle and a cherry soda.

Various Smoked Meat joints — Choose among the many smoked meat institutions scattered around the city, with Dunn's, Schwartz's and Lester's topping the list. Again, politely ask a Montrealer and they'll point you to their favorite.

Ma Poule Mouillée - casual spot for outstanding charcoal-roasted Portuguese chicken, poutine and sandwiches.

Ride a Bixi down the canal to Terasse St-Ambroise and enjoy a beer and some lunch on the outdoor patio as a reward.

Stroll through the Jean-Talon market in Little Italy or head to the Marche Atwater for picnic provisions.

Dinner

Elena - stylish Italian spot with excellent wood-fired pizza, pastas and specials and a great wine list.

Liverpool House — part of the Joe Beef group, expect to be wowed by the incredible food and friendly service.

Au Pied du Cochon — Come hungry for Chef Martin Picard's hearty Quebecois fare, focusing on local and seasonal products.

Vin Mon Lapin - chic spot with natural wine and a farm-to-table menu.