Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and one of the most unique European transplant cities, wearing its French heritage on its sleeve.  The Canadians know how to keep things hot in the winter and inviting in the summer, so brush up on your je ne se quoi and head to Montreal for a summer getaway!

See

Take a walk around the historic Old Montreal district. Cobblestone streets, museums, and chic boutiques are the name of the game in this ‘hood. Stop by the extravagant Notre Dame Basilica, a Gothic wonderment that is worth the 20-minute guided tour. Other must-see areas of the French city include Le Plateau and Downtown Montreal. Here you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

A visit to Montreal isn’t complete without seeing the mountain it is named for, so on Saturday make the trek up to Mont Royal Park. This is the perfect place to get a jaw-dropping view of the city down below. Stop by the local’s favorite, Caffe Art Java, a classy coffeehouse known for their amazing coffee and scrumptious snacks. For the adventure seeker, don’t miss out on a rafting adventure along the Lachine Rapids, a series of rapids, which are a part of Saint Lawrence River. You will get soaking wet braving the mighty waters rafting or on a hydro-jet.

Shop

Reborn boutique in Old Montreal has some of the best independent and established designer clothing. They are one of the few who strays away from mainstream and keeps their shelves stocked with fashion from Filippa K to Opening Ceremony to Alexander Wang. For vintage shopping at its best, the best area to score deals is around Rue St. Denis. The downtown around St Catherine Street is also a must-do to grab the latest sophisticated fashion. Montreal has men’s fashion covered as well. Stop by Zilli for the latest men’s wear and accessories.

Eat

Montreal is the place for delicious French food. Cheese, bread, croissants, olives. And French fries will have your heart and stomach singing. Have a drink and refined version of Quebec staple poutine (thick cut French fries topped with cheese curd and gravy) at Le 940.

We like the ambiance and cuisine at Les Trois Petits Bouchons. Restaurant Laloux in the Latin Quarter is one of the better bistros in the city. Order a bottle of wine and enjoy yourself. Europea Restaurant is a standout in Montreal, featuring sumptuous Mediterranean flavors.

Don’t go home without visiting Les Delices de L’Erable you’ll want to take home some of their delicious cookies and the best maple candy ever. Period.

Party

After dinner, head over to the House of Jazz, a Montreal mainstay to listen to some of the best artists around. If you’re in town June 25-July 6, make sure to check out one of Montreal’s biggest events, the Montreal Jazz Festival. Featuring a line up of Lionel Richie, Cassandra Wilson, and a host of other fantastic musicians. Low-key spot Sofa draws cool crowds who don’t just sit around, but like to get up and move. Café des Éclusiers describes itself as a terrace first, then a restaurant and lounge. Rightly so, the place offers a fantastic view from the veranda and is a nice place to head to around happy hour or for an aperitivo. Buonanotte is the spot on Friday’s. The door can be a little difficult to navigate, but once you’re in, enjoy the drinks and the beautiful people around you. Located in Montreal’s downtown district, Time Supper Club is a constant on the nightlife arena, with fab drinks, a gorgeous atmosphere, and a party that does not stop. Montreal Casino beckons all the Russian roulette players wanting to take a roll of the dice.

Stay

Stay at the stylish and beautiful Hotel Le Germain Montreal, one of the forerunners of boutique hotels in Montreal. St Paul Hotel is a favorite, with large gorgeous rooms, a great restaurant serving eclectic cuisine, and an ideal location in the heart of the old quarter.