MONTREAL - FRENCH SIDE OF CANADA

Spending two days in Montreal during winter turned out to be a fantastic idea. Despite the snowfall limiting my exploration, the city’s beauty under a blanket of snow was mesmerizing.

I traveled with two of my school buddies, and we rented a nice Airbnb close to downtown Montreal. The moment we arrived, I could immediately feel the French influence—both in the stunning architecture and the soft cadence of French in the background. It was everything I had imagined and more.

If you have just two days in this captivating city, I recommend dedicating one day to exploring the vibrant downtown area, the heart of Montreal, and the other to experience the natural beauty of Mount Royal.

DAY 1:

Montreal offers a delightful European vibe that’s hard to resist. From the elegant architecture and French accents to the enticing bakeries and lively nightlife, at times, you might forget you’re not in France.

One of the must-visit sites in the city is the Notre-Dame Basilica, located in the historic district of Old Montreal. Unfortunately for us, ongoing construction prevented us from fully appreciating its grandeur. However, make sure to visit The Ring, a striking installation in downtown Montreal that symbolizes the connection between the city and its visitors from around the world.

Montreal is also known for its impressive collection of murals and street art, with over 3,000 murals scattered across the city. If I had another day, I would have dedicated it entirely to exploring these artistic treasures.

DAY 2:

Our second day brought us better fortune with bright, sunny weather—perfect for a trip to Mount Royal. Interestingly, the city of Montreal gets its name from this iconic mountain.

It’s a short hike to the top, where you’re rewarded with a stunning aerial view of Montreal. The hike took us about 20-30 minutes, and along the way, we passed by the famous Beaver Lake. Though frozen, the lake still held a unique charm. If you continue walking, you’ll find the trail leading to the Mount Royal Cross, a great spot for snapping photos.

After soaking in the views from Mount Royal, we began our descent toward downtown for lunch. If I remember correctly, we had pizza—not the most exciting meal, but it hit the spot. From there, we headed to the Old Port of Montreal on the St. Lawrence River. The port features a well-maintained public space, complete with food stalls, rides for kids, and even a Ferris wheel.