Despite being only a 30-minute walk from McGill’s downtown campus, when done right, a day in Old Montreal can feel like a day trip in a new city. Check out this itinerary for your winter getaway to Old Montreal. 

Begin with breakfast

A hot cup of coffee and a tasty breakfast is the best way to start your day in Old Montreal. 

Try Crew Collective and Café. Located in the old building of the Banque Royal du Canada, this coffee spot is famous for its unique and impressive interior. The domed ceiling laden with golden chandeliers is awe-inspiring, and the menu boasts premium teas, coffees, pastries, and breakfast items. Come early though: Crew Collective can get quite busy in the morning, as it also serves as a popular coworking space. 

If Crew Collective is indeed packed to the brim, fear not: A short, seven-minute walk eastward along Saint Jacques St. to Place D’Armes will bring you to Marché Saint Laurent. While the interior may not be as breathtaking as that of Crew Collective, the coffee and pastries hit the spot, plus, the little coffee shop hosts a market of items from local designers, ranging from hand-made art to cookbooks and fun postcards. 

Crew Collective: 360 Rue Saint-Jacques.

Marché Saint Laurent: 503 Place d’Armes.

Just a little bit of shopping

Old Montreal has plenty of options for those looking to do a bit of shopping. L’empreinte coopérative features artisanal items from Quebec designers, ranging from fun ceramics and jewelry to soaps. 

Mimi and August is another good bet. This sustainably-focused store sells home decor items, stationary, and swimwear.

If you’re looking for more of a stereotypical shopping experience in a beautiful location, check out Marché Bonsecours. This historic building modelled after Dublin’s Custom House was home to Montreal’s main public market for over 100 years.

Inside, you’ll find stalls ranging from a quaint épicerie, to fine jewelry, and art galleries.

L’empreinte coopérative: 88 Rue Saint-Paul E.

Mimi and August: 162 Rue Saint-Amable.

Marché Bonsecours: 350 Rue Saint-Paul E.

Refuel with a relaxing lunch

For lunch, there are many options to choose from. If you’re craving a warm lunch, Crêperie Chez Suzette offers both savoury and sweet crepes and fosters a bubbly, conversational atmosphere. 

Alternatively, you can head over to Tommy Café on Saint Paul St. This specific location is more of a sit-down, restaurant-style version of the popular Old Port chain. With an open view of Saint Paul St. and good eats, it’s a great place for some people-watching over a hearty lunch. 

Crêperie Chez Suzette: 3 Rue Saint-Paul E.

Tommy Café: 151 Rue Saint-Paul O.

The post-lunch promenade

Digest your lunch with a historical walk along the Old Port Promenade. This linear park runs along de la Commune St. and was created in 1981. The promenade follows the path of the eight railway lines that formerly allowed for the loading and unloading of cargo from ships docked at the piers. 

Skating to End the Day

For a fun afternoon activity, continue eastward down the promenade to the Parc du Bassin-Bonsecours Ice Rink for skating. Open until March, this refrigerated rink is a perfect place to skate with a group of friends, or on a date, tucked behind the Grande roue Observation Wheel with wonderful views of the city skyline to the north. Free lockers are available, as are skate rentals, and day passes are $10. If you go on a Thursday between 7:30 and 10 p.m., you can skate during DJ On Ice, featuring a new local DJ each week.

Old Port Skating Rink: 362 Rue de la Commune.