How To Spend 2 Days In Montreal, Canada Travel Itinerary Arriving At The International Airport, Short History, 10 Things Todo

March 26, 2026

A 2-day Montreal itinerary starting from the airport should prioritize Old Montreal, Mount Royal, The Plateau, and iconic food experiences like poutine and smoked meat. Montreal was founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie on the southern shore of the island, named after Mount Royal, and has hosted major events like the 1976 Summer Olympics and the 1967 World’s Fair.

Day 1: Historic Core & Downtown Morning: Upon arrival at YUL (Montréal-Trudeau International Airport), take the 747 Shuttle, taxi, or Uber (approx. 20 minutes) to Old Montreal. Begin at Place Jacques-Cartier, walk along Rue Sainte-Paul, and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica to see its Gothic Revival interior. Lunch should be at Schwartz’s Deli for their legendary smoked meat sandwich or Resto la Banquise for poutine. Afternoon: Stroll the Old Port to see the La Grande Roue (Ferris wheel) and Bonsecours Market. Take the Metro or walk to Place Ville Marie to see The Ring sculpture, then explore Sainte-Catherine Street for shopping or visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Evening: Dinner at a local bistro in Old Montreal or Downtown, followed by live music or a visit to Place des Arts.

Day 2: Nature, Neighborhoods & Culture Morning: Head to Mount Royal Park early for the best skyline views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Afternoon: Explore The Plateau neighborhood for its colorful staircases and boutiques, then visit Jean-Talon Market for local produce and food. Evening: Enjoy a final meal in Little Italy or Villeray, perhaps trying the city’s famous Montreal-style bagels (boiled in honey water and wood-fired).

Top 10 Things to Do in 2 Days

Notre-Dame Basilica: Explore the stunning Gothic Revival interior in Old Montreal.
Old Port & La Grande Roue: Walk the waterfront and take the Ferris wheel for views.
Mount Royal Park: Hike or walk to the summit for panoramic city views.
Schwartz’s Deli: Eat a world-famous smoked meat sandwich.
Jean-Talon Market: Browse fresh local produce and prepared foods.
The Plateau Neighborhood: Wander colorful streets and see public murals.
Poutine: Try this comfort dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy at Resto la Banquise.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: View North American and international art collections.
The Ring (Le Cercle): Photograph the iconic circular sculpture at Place Ville Marie.
Montreal Bagels: Visit St-Viateur or Fairmount Bagel for the city’s signature sweet, wood-fired bagels.

Travel Essentials

Transportation: The Montreal Metro (4 lines) runs daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; walking is the best way to explore Old Montreal, and the BIXI bike-share system is available for longer distances.
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (late September to early November) offers the best weather and colors, though summer is ideal for festivals like the Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs.
Language & Currency: The official language is French, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas; the currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
Safety: Montreal is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings and secure belongings, especially at night.

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