This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Montreal blends French and English culture with history, art, nature, and food. In just three days, families can enjoy parks, historic streets, scooter rides, and unforgettable meals.

A woman and a child riding scooters on a sidewalk in Montreal.

Exploring the City on Electric Scooters

Our kids do not mind walking when we travel, but this time we surprised them with a guided electric scooter tour. We booked it through Airbnb Experiences with a local guide named Goofy.

It turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We zipped along the Lachine Canal, stopped by Marché Atwater, and cruised through local neighborhoods. Most of the ride was on pedestrian paths, which made it safe for our kids (ages 10 and up).

One fun stop was Bota Bota Spa, a floating spa on a converted boat. We didn’t go inside but decided we’d come back next time. The mix of scenery, laughter, and fun facts from Goofy made this ride memorable.

Parc La Fontaine – Nature in the City

A small waterfall flows under a black pedestrian bridge in a lush Montreal city park, surrounded by green trees and plants, with a tall building visible in the background.

On our first afternoon, we visited Parc La Fontaine. The park has ponds, bridges, and wide lawns that feel far from the city center. Most trees were still green during our visit, but we spotted a rare white squirrel, which our kids loved photographing.

This park is a great place to relax if you’re staying nearby.

Walking Tour of Old Montreal

A group of people stands inside a grand, ornate Montreal church with a brightly illuminated, intricate altar featuring arches, statues, and gold details under a richly decorated blue ceiling.

The next day, we joined a two-hour walking tour that started at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. The colorful interior, built in the French Gothic Revival style, felt like stepping into a storybook.

From there, we walked down St. Paul Street, the city’s oldest cobblestone street. Shops and restaurants here serve local favorites like poutine and smoked meat sandwiches.

Other highlights of the tour included:

  • Place Jacques-Cartier: A lively plaza with musicians and autumn foliage
  • Montreal City Hall and Château Ramezay: Historic architecture and gardens
  • Marché Bonsecours: A charming old market near the Old Port

While the guided tour was helpful, much of Old Montreal can be enjoyed at your own pace with a self-guided walk.

Mount Royal Park – Montreal’s Best View

A panoramic view of Montreal’s city skyline with tall buildings and skyscrapers, bordered by trees with green and autumn-colored leaves under a cloudy sky.

Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) gave us one of the best views of the city. We started at Beaver Lake, where families were enjoying the crisp fall air, then hiked up to the Mount Royal Chalet.

The view of downtown and the St. Lawrence River was breathtaking. Inside the chalet, we found a small cafe, restrooms, and displays about the city’s history. If you visit in autumn, the colorful leaves make this park unforgettable.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory – Canada’s Largest Church

A large stone basilica with a green dome stands atop a hill in Montreal, surrounded by manicured gardens and trees with autumn foliage. People walk up a path toward the entrance, and cars are parked along the roads on either side.

Another must-see was Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. This impressive church attracts millions of visitors each year.

We were struck by its expansive views, peaceful gardens, and the colossal pipe organ. Escalators inside make it accessible for families. Surrounded by the stillness and soft light, we found ourselves simply soaking in the moment. This was one of the most meaningful stops on our trip.

Getting Around Montreal

We rented a car at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, and the process was easy. Parking around the city is affordable, usually about CAD$1 per hour. Old Montreal is slightly more expensive.

also reliable, with metro and bus servicesMontreal is also bike-friendly. BIXI rental bikes are everywhere, though some U.S. credit cards don’t work at kiosks. We had better luck using the BIXI app. Public transit is reliable too, with metro and bus service covering most areas.

Where We Stayed – Mile End

A modern Montreal living room with a white sectional sofa, patterned pillows, a dark brown ottoman, and a flat-screen TV on a wooden stand. Large windows let in natural light, and neutral decor accents the space.

We stayed at an Airbnb in Mile End, one of the city’s most creative neighborhoods. Our apartment was modern, clean, and had a fully stocked kitchen. Free parking was a bonus.

Mile End was easy to walk, with plenty of character and family-friendly spots nearby.

Street Art and Local Culture

A smiling family of four, two adults and two children, poses on a bridge over a river in Montreal, with trees, boats, and red-brick buildings in the background on a cloudy day.

What stood out to us in Montreal was the art everywhere. Murals, sculptures, and music filled the streets. Even with construction in some areas, the city felt alive and creative.

We loved the mix of old churches, modern condos, and musicians all within a single walk.

How to Get to Montreal

By Air

The main airport serving Montreal is Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). YUL is located about 20 km (12 miles) from downtown.

For some travelers, especially those from the northeastern U.S., it can be cheaper to fly into a nearby U.S. airport like Plattsburgh, NY, or Burlington, VT, and then take a bus to Montreal.

By Train

Amtrak’s Adirondack service offers a scenic daily train ride from New York City to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station). The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, but it’s a great option for a relaxing, car-free trip with beautiful views of the Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain.

By Car

Driving to Montreal is a popular option, especially from the northeastern United States and Ontario. The city is a short drive from the U.S. border. Approximate drive times are:

  • From New York City: 6-7 hours
  • From Boston: 5-6 hours
  • From Toronto: 5-6 hours
  • From Quebec City: 3 hours

Be aware that you will need to pass through Canadian customs, so have your passport or other required travel documents ready.

Why We Loved Montreal Getaway

A person drives a pink horse-drawn carriage decorated with flowers down a busy Montreal street, surrounded by cars and tall buildings. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk nearby.

We had a wonderful time visiting Montreal and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick three-day getaway filled with good food and relaxation. The city also makes a great base for a longer stay.

We didn’t have time to see places like the famous Jean-Talon Market, and parks such as Parc Jean-Drapeau deserve more time to explore. Another trip is definitely in our future.

More to Explore Nearby

If you have extra time, here are a few nearby destinations worth adding:

  • Quebec City – A historic city with cobblestone streets and French charm
  • Mont-Tremblant – A resort town with year-round outdoor activities
  • Ottawa – Canada’s capital with museums and Parliament Hill
  • Eastern Townships – Vineyards, lakes, and mountain views

Related Posts: