Christmas in Old Montréal is magical. It’s always so much fun exploring a new city, especially when the culture is so close to your heart! The French influence is everywhere: from the old buildings, history, cobblestone barrow streets and the food, you’re transported in no-time to a mini-Paris!
The snow and all the holiday decorations made it even more special and we all got into the Christmas spirit the minute we landed! The best part about traveling to Montréal is the flight from Washington DC is less than 2 hours and there’s no jet lag!
We stayed at Le Westin Montréal which is located right in Old Montréal’s district within walking distance of restaurants, shops, art galleries and historic sites. The hotel has all the amenities for a family and kids with an indoor pool and fitness center. Trust me, parents and kids need a break from one another even on vacations!
The staff at Le Westin was so accommodating! I had the opportunity to do a collaboration for Bon & Chic Style with gaZette, the main hotel restaurant, and sample a few local beers and Québec-inspired cuisine such as Poutine, the traditional dish of fries with gravy and cheese curds. Not my favorite but the kids loved it!
The highlights of our trip was the laser light show Aura inside the Notre-Dame Basilica, touring Notre-Dame de Bon Secours Chapel also known as the Sailors’ Church and strolling a few Christmas markets.
Here’s my Best of Old Montréal list, which is based on our 4 days visit. We definitely want to go back and experience the city in the summer!
Best Holiday Window Display: Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy department stores.
Best Restaurant: Verses Bistro in The Nelligan’s boutique hotel, serving local fresh ingredients.
Best Poutine: Montréal Poutine at Place Jacques Cartier. There’s also an open Christmas market at the Square which was created in 1803.
Best Family Activities: Horse Carriage ride; La Grande Roue de Montréal; Ice fishing Village in the Old Port by the Clock Tower.
Best Bistros: Les 400 Coups (for lunch), Bouillon BuilK, Enfants Terribles, La Fabrique, Etat-Major where you can bring your own wine.
Best Bakery & Pastry Shop: Olive & Gourmando and Christian Faure.
Best Boutique: Cahier d’Exercices
Best drinks: The Nelligan Hotel’s rooftop, with amazing views of Old Montreal and St-Lawrence River. Strong sangria with lychees.
Best Nightclub: Auberge St-Gabriel, The Velvet: addictive music with great drinks and great crowds!
Best Christmas Market: Marche de Noël at Place des Arts.
Hope you enjoyed this travel post on Montréal! Please drop me a note if you have any other recommendations for the next time I get to visit!
As always, thanks for reading!
A bientôt ♥
Linking-up:
Monday: Glass of Glam – Style Nudge – Not Dead Yet Style– More Pieces of Me – Lauren M – Pink Sole – Sincerely Jenna Marie
Tuesday: Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
Wednesday: Pumps and Push Ups
Thursday: High Latitude Style; Elegance and Mommy Hood; A Labor of Life; Classy Yet Trendy
Friday: Jeans a Teacup – Northwest Mountain Living & Style – Fashion Should Be Fun – A Pocketful of Polka Dots – Rachel the Hat – Lizzie in Lace – Style Elixir – Color and Grace
I’ve been to Montreal in the summer and that was fun too, with the music festivals. But it looks amazing in the winter. If I can learn to tolerate the cold, I may have to try it for a holiday season one year!
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.