A culturally unique & eco-friendly adventure in Montréal

No ocean - no problem; at least when you’re visiting Montréal. The St. Lawrence River offers an unforgettable experience, river surfing. Thanks to the standing wave that flows over a rock to create surf-able waves, this spot is perfect for experienced or beginner surfers. If you don’t want to pack your board, or if you’re looking for lessons on how to surf a river, hop over to KSF LaSalle for all your river surfing needs. If you’re looking for other water activities, they have you covered there as well. Kayak or white water raft down the famous river. And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the iconic Habitat 67, a model housing community known for its lego-like structure.

Spending a day at the river will definitely work your appetite, so if you’re feeling extra hungry head to Provisions 1268. This restaurant may take you a bit out of your comfort zone, but when in Montréal - eat like a local. And local it is indeed...this restaurant offers a rotating menu, the price of which is market-driven. Their motto is “family style, like you would eat at home”, so get ready to taste test and share. For $65 you’ll nosh on a surprise 5-course meal. Just make sure to pack some loose clothing…

“Family-style” apparently is pretty big in Montréal, or at least that’s how it looks at Apt. 200. This local watering hole is set-up like an apartment, complete with a den, living room, and even a bedroom. Don’t worry, you won’t fall asleep in this chill pad, the bar also as a pool table, arcade games, and a hockey table (it is Canada, after all). All of Montréal's cool kids will be at this house - er - bar party.

With as much history and art that’s present in Montréal, it just makes sense for their accommodations to live up to the same expectation. LHotel is a boutique art hotel located in Old Montréal. This French Revival building has been guarding the streets of Old Montréal since 1870 and promises a series of refurbished rooms so you can truly cherish the history of the city. Close to the Notre Dame Basilica, museums, and the Underground City, LHotel puts you in the center of plenty of attractions... and, of course, a cool vibe.

When it comes to city planning, up isn’t always better. In Montréal, think subterranean. The Underground City is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions and it’s easy to see why. With 20 miles of shopping, dining, and even art, there’s so much to do beneath the city. You can even stay here, as there are several hotels that are connected to the Underground City itself.

There is no better way to get acquainted with a city, and its people, than by spending a day at the local market. There’s something very telling about the foods we buy, and the conversations we hold, especially in a village-like atmosphere. The Jean-Talon Market is the ultimate spot to try high quality, seasonal foods. If you’re stumped on what to buy, try attending one of their many workshops or demonstrations. And if you’d rather not cook at all, there are plenty of restaurants at the market to try instead.

Try a picnic after the market and chill out like a local at La Fontaine Park. This 84-acre urban park has lots to offer. With two linked ponds (complete with waterfalls and a fountain), outdoor swimming pools, bike paths, tennis courts, and more, this is a popular attraction for those that call Montréal home. If you’d rather just relax with a nice glass of wine, you can also do that here. Just be sure you have some food leftover from the market to enjoy with your alcoholic beverage. Thanks to Montréal's “picnic rule”, you can legally drink alcoholic beverages in parks, so long as you have food to accompany it.

You can’t go to Montréal and not eat authentic French cuisine. With white subway tiles on the walls, warm wood cabinets, and plenty of natural ferns, Cafe Bazin offers French fare in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy French classics like croissants, boeuf bourguignon, or terrine. The menu offers a variety of flavours, all at an affordable price.

Basement bars are a thing, and we should really cherish this. With a dim intimate setting, illuminated only by good times and Vietnamese lanterns, Nhau is the most seductive bar you’ll ever walk into. The food and cocktail menu is pan-Asian inspired, so it has something for everyone on the menu. Their signature cocktails come in tiki-inspired drinkware and cans. Ah, yes, the lesser known tiki drinkware: a can. No, it isn’t really tiki-themed to use a can, but nonetheless you can order the Tamarindo which comes in a can. The drink is a fusion of soju, tamarin, piment arbol, tonka, ananas, pamplemousse, and biere. Refreshing, yet exotic!

If you’re looking to stay in a vintage/bohemian neighborhood, definitely book a stay at the pearl white, Italian chateau-inspired Casa Bianca. Located in Plateau Mont-Royal, this bed and breakfast overlooks the beautiful Mount Royal Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. If you’ve never heard of him, all you need to know is that he also designed Central Park (yes, that very famous park in New York City). But back to the B&B. It offers some spectacular amenities that will make it hard to ever leave. Each room comes equipped with a claw foot tub and minimalist decor so you can truly relax. If you really need to unwind, you can take a yoga class from the in-house yoga instructor. Enjoy an organic breakfast here and sleep a little sounder knowing that this B&B is also green. Casa Bianca prides itself on using biodegradable cleaning products, 100% organic cotton sheets, and natural personal cleaning shampoos and soaps.