When you get the itch for an "international" road trip but want to skip the flight hassle, Montreal is the perfect answer.
A city of old-world Euro charm with in a bustling modern metropolis.
We hopped in the car, drove 5+ hours from Upstate New York, cruised through the Thousand Islands, crossing over the alluring Saint Lawrence River.
Bonjour, Cobblestones and Cafés
First stop: Old Montreal, it’s like walking through a time machine into centuries-old architecture. Between the magnificent historic vibes and the oh-so-welcoming cafes, it’s the kind of place that whispers "stay for another espresso." Which we did. Repeatedly.
Downtown Montreal
Saint-Catherine Street is one of the longest commercial streets in North America, stretching over 6.8miles, it's the heart and runway of the city.
We spent most of time in the Banksy Exhibit, which I couldn't recommend enough.
Skaters, Olympians, and a Dash of Thailand
Day two started with morning chats about Thailand ,and ended with us wandering through the Montreal Botanical Gardens, a serene escape from the city buzz. The Japanese gardens made you feel like you were in a Disney movie. The Olympic Park—still holding its 1976 Summer Olympics glory—has morphed with the Biodome, a Planetarium, and a skateboarder’s dream -Vans Skatepark.
Coffee So Good, It Redefined the Standard
I’m not exaggerating when I say the coffee here is life-changing. Whether it's the blend, the atmosphere, or the sheer joy of sipping it in a café that feels like it popped out of a Pinterest board, every cup was pure magic.
Cyclists and Clean Streets
Montrealers take sustainability seriously, and it shows. Cyclists are everywhere, but in an organized fashion. The streets are impeccably clean, and there’s an overall feeling that this city’s got its act together when it comes to eco-friendly living. Even the politeness here is on a whole other level. We asked one guy for walking directions, and he apologized because the road was uphill.
Poutine: The National Obsession
It’s no surprise that Montreal is a hotspot for foodies, but the poutine game here is unreal. Everyone's a poutine connoisseur, and you’ll find variations on this dish that are as unique as they are delicious. Also the bagels and drinking water are off the charts.
Views from Above: Ferris Wheel & Mount Royal
For a city known for its street-level charm, Montreal's skyline views are just as captivating. We always hunt for the best views, and this time we nailed it with the La Grande Roue Ferris Wheel and Mount Royal. Whether it’s sunset from the Ferris Wheel or a panoramic pov from the top of the mount, these spots give you a whole new perspective on the city.
Little Italy: A Hidden Gem
Every time we visit a city, we make it a point to explore its Little Italy—and Montreal’s might just be the best we’ve seen. Authentic, vibrant, and full of energy, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite, do some people-watching, and soak in the Italian charm that seems to spill out of every restaurant and café. Gluten free options are fairly common and so delicious.
That’s a Wrap—For Now
This trip to Montreal was a whirlwind of culture, art, and culinary delights.
We hope to return when Foil Gallery "Finer Objects in Life by Fvckrender and Baeige opens its doors up. Can’t wait to see what creative magic this city pulls out next!
If you're looking for a road trip that feels like a mini European getaway with a side of street art, poutine, and some of the best views in Canada, Montreal should definitely be on your radar.