3 Days in Montreal Canada

Exploring Montréal and the Montérégie region in Quebec

Spring in Montreal: A Long Weekend Travel Guide to Old Town, Foodie Stops & the Montérégie Region

3 Days in Montreal - Snow-covered cobblestone streets, the smell of fresh bagels in the air, and the golden sweetness of maple syrup poured over everything—there's something magical about Montreal in March. This bilingual city blends old-world charm with vibrant modern energy, and it's one of my favorite places in Canada to explore.

A man crosses a snowy street in the Le Plateau area Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Behind him are some typical Montreal-style row houses with external stairs and balconies. The buildling on the corner has a large mural of an anime style girl's face that wraps around the corner of the building.

3 Days in Montreal Quebec

Jardin Nelson in Old Montreal Quebec Canada is lit up at night. This is a very popular restuarant in the City of Montreal. This is a must-see destination for culinary, historic and cultural tourism when in Montreal.

Our favourite restuarant in old Montreal

How we Spent 3 Days in Montreal

While 3 days in Montreal, Quebec could easily be filled with historic landmarks, boutique shopping, and foodie finds, we decided to split our time between the city and the surrounding Montérégie region. This region is a lesser-known gem just south of City of Montreal, famous for its sugar shacks, small towns, and outdoor Nordic spas. For me, this trip was more than just a vacation. It was also a reunion.

Years ago, I took part in a high school exchange program that brought me to this region. I lived with a Quebecois family, went to school in French, and completely immersed myself in local life. So, this trip was a blend of nostalgia, new discoveries, and a whole lot of delicious maple syrup.

Although we technically had four calendar days (arriving one afternoon and leaving on another), we had three full days to soak it all in. Here's how we spent them—reconnecting with old friends, savoring classic Quebecois meals, exploring Montreal's must-see sights, and relaxing in nature.

Strom Nordic Spa in the Montérégie Region

A 3-story high mural os an elderly First Nations Lady is painted on the side of a traditional Montreal-style townhouse in the Le Plateau region of the city.

Le Plateau in Montreal is an Artistic Area.

Exploring the Montérégie Region of Quebec Canada

The Montérégie region lies just a short drive south of the City Montreal, making it a perfect day trip or weekend detour from the city. It is made up of 4 tourism regions, Montérégie-West, South Shore, Richelieu River and Montérégie-East. During this trip to Montreal and area we spent most of our time exploring the Richelieu River region. Our Montérégie Richelieu River adventures was a home coming of sorts and included visiting a sugar shack ("cabanes à sucre" in French) and a Nordic spa.

Bistro Barabouf is a popular nieghbourhood restaurant in Beloil, a city in Montreal's South Shore area. The buildling is lit up in the evening ready to welcome diners. They serve European, Canadian, and French Canadian traditional food.

Bistro Barabouf in Beloil on the South Shore

A young sugar shack goer visits the anmials at the maple syrup farm in Quebec. He tris to convince a small donkey to come over to say hello. Cabanes a sucre (Sugar Shacks) are popular places for families to visit in March in Quebec.

Visiting the Farm Animals at the Sugar Shack.

Day 1 - A Reunion and Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Quebec Student Exchange Program

While I was in high school (a LONG time ago now) I participated in a student exchange program offered by the Government of Canada. It was a 6-month exchange program where we split the time immersing ourselves in each other's cultures. This trip was a sentimental journey I couldn't wait to share with my family—especially a long-overdue reunion with my exchange sister and her family.

A Word on Homestays & Exchanges

If you ever get the chance to participate in either an exchange program or a homestay, do it. Having the opportunity to live like a local and to share their way of life can be life changing. Exchange programs will expand your world view. Like mine, the relationships you make can last a lifetime.

Former exchange students reunite for a visit in Montreal and the Monteregie Region to the city's south. The pair is ready for 3-days of food, adventures, and friendships.

Happy Host Sister Reunion.

A happy family enjoys a hearty French Canadian meal at a maple syrup sugar shack at Mont Gregoire a short drive south of Montreal, Quebec.

J'adore visiting my host sister & her family

A Foodie Destination on Montreal's South Shore

After a quick catch up we headed out for dinner at one of my host sister's favourite local restaurants, Bistro Barabouf in Beloeil, in Montreal's South Shore. Bistro Barabouf is known as a "bistro de quartier" (neighborhood bistro) so you know it will be good. They are a popular eatery for food that is both homemade and gourmet. The restaurant specializes in French, European and Canadian Cuisine. Dinner was delicious but I was looking forward to trying their version of my favourite was a traditional French Canadian maple syrup dessert, Pudding Chomeur.

Bistro Barabouf is a popular restuarant to enjoy dinner at with friends in Beloil on Montreal's South Shore in Quebec Canada.

Dinner at Bistro Barabouf in Beloil QC

A traditional French Canadian maple syrup dessert called pudding chomeur is served with ice cream at Bistro Barabouf in Beloil, south of Montreal QC Canada

Maple Syrup Dessert, Pudding Chomeur

Day 2 - Maple Syrup, Sugar Shacks and Old Montreal

Maple Syrup: An Iconic Quebec Favourite

Maple syrup season in Quebec is from late February to early April when the sap in the maple trees starts to flow. This makes March the best time of the year for a French-Canadian maple syrup adventure. We chose Au Palais Sucré for our sugar shack experience. Modern commercial maple syrup operations tap their trees using a system of tubes and spouts. Using this method means they can efficiently collect sap from many trees at the same time. And that means more fresh maple syrup for those looking for a typical Quebecois foodie experience.

Maple Syrup Sugar Shack

Modern commercial maple syrup operations tap their trees using a system of tubes and spouts to collect the maple sap, or maple water and to transport it to the sugar shack where it is boiled down into 100% pure Quebec maple syrup.

Tapping Maple Trees in Quebec

Sugar Shack Traditions

Sugaring season is magical time of year. This is when the sugar shacks ("cabanes à sucre" in French) open their doors each spring for traditional Québec cuisine and activities like sleigh rides. These are gathering places for friends and family. Here they get together to celebrate the maple harvest, to enjoy maple-themed meals, desserts, and treats.

The traditional meal includes.
🍖 ham,
🥘 baked beans,
🍲 pea soup,
🍽️ sausages,
🥞 pancakes,
🍮desserts like Grandpères (maple dumplings) and
🍁 Tire d'érable (maple taffy!).

Most sugar shacks are only open for 2 months out of the year!

A traditional French Canadian sugar shack brunch includes bacon, baked brown beans, sausages, baked ham, eggs and potatoes. Everything is either made with or lathered in maple syrup.

Maple on everything!

Donuts, donut holes (aka Tim Bits), maple sugar tarts with extra maple sauce to pour over the desserts are favourites at maple syrup sugar shack meals in Quebec. Grandperes, are another delicious maple syrup dessert, these are more like dumplings.

Mmm, Maple Syrup Desserts!

Maple Syrup is a Health Food?

As if enjoying maple themed meal, desserts and treat weren't enough on their own. Now science, has discovered the health benefits of 100% maple syrup. They found that when used in place of refined sweeteners (like sugar) maple syrup decreases abdominal fat and systolic blood pressure and improves glycemic response. Cool. I wonder if their study included a maple syrup themed cabanes à sucre feast???

They also found that maple syrup contains over 100 compounds such as vitamins and minerals, amino acids, phytohormones, and 67 polyphenols (aka stuff that is good for you, yay!) So, if any of you were feeling a little bit guilty indulging in a traditional Quebecois sugar shack meal, there is no need to worry. It turns out it is kind of good for you!

After a full maple syrup themed meal in the sugar shack, visitors head outside for maple syrup taffy. The syrup is boiled and poured onto fresh snow. As it starts to set, visitors roll it up with a popsicle stick to enjoy this sticky treat like a lollipop. It is a highlight of maple syrup season in the spring in Quebec.

Maple Syrup is my Favourite Health Food!

Friends and family can pose for a photo at the selfie station in the Au Palais Sucré sugar shack just south of Montreal Quebec Canada. A sugar shack is a large barn style restuarant that is onely open 2-months of the year during maple syrup season.

La Cabane à sucre Au Palais Sucré

Maple Syrup Taffy

Maple taffy, also known tire sur la neige in French, is a delicious Canadian treat. It is made by boiling maple syrup and then pouring it onto snow to create a taffy-like treat. After the syrup is poured onto the snow it is rolled onto a popsicle stick and enjoyed like a lollipop. This is a popular treat during the sugaring-off season in spring.

Tire sur la neige (Maple Syrup Taffy)

A family is all smiles at they enjoy their maple taffy or Tire sur la neige in French while they visit a maple syrup sugar shack (Cabanes a sucre) south on Montreal in the early spring in Quebec.

Maple Taffy is so good!

A Nostalgic Tour of the Montérégie Region

Before returning to my host sister's home, we took a nostalgic drive through the Montérégie region's countryside. As we drove, we told stories about our time together during our exchange program. She showed me her hometown and where her cousin's family had their very own postcard like sugar shack. This was where I first learned how maple syrup was collected from the trees and turned into the golden goodness, we all love. I also tried maple water straight from the tree!

The Catholic Church is a major landmark in most small towns in Quebec. This is the church in Marieville, the town I stayed in during a student exchange program. The church is closed now as it is in need of repairs.

Now Closed Church in Marieville QC

A beautiful tudor style home in Marieville, a small town in the Montérégie region south of Montreal in Quebec Canada.

My Host Family's Former Home in Marieville

Exploring Old Montréal

Old Montréal is one of my favourite places in the city. Founded in 1642, Old Montréal feels like being transported to Europe. The streets are paved with cobblestones and the beautiful buildings made of stone are hundreds of years old. This area is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and art. Day or night, Old Montréal is a destination not to be missed during a visit to Montreal, QC, Canada.

A park in Old Montreal is lit up with giant 3 dimensional stars and lights on trees throughout the winter nights in Montreal QC Canada.

Old Montreal at Night

A large 3 dimensional white Christmas light style gazebo in Old Montreal is lit up at night in the City of Montreal in Quebec.

Beautiful Light Display in Old Montreal

Notre-Dame & The AURA Experience

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a National Historic Site of Canada located in historic Old Montréal. Absolutely stunning, Notre-Dame is yet another must-see attraction during 3 days in Montreal. The interior has an intricately painted ceiling and beautiful stained-glass windows. In fact, Notre-Dame in Montreal is regarded as being one of the most beautiful churches in the world!

A must-see attraction in the City of Montreal is Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. It is widely considered to be one of the world's most beautiful churches.

Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal

One of the main attractions in Montreal is teh Notre Dame Cathedral in Old Montreal. This historic destination is world famous for its beatiful gothic revival architecture incluing a massive organ.

Notre-Dame Montreal Organ

The Aura Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is a mind-blowing immersive multimedia experience. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Prior to the main show, people are invited to stroll through the church to see illuminated stations which bring the Basilica's architecture and paintings to life.

For the main show, guests are invited to take a seat in the pews for the immersive show produce by Moment Factory. The story is divided into three parts, the birth of light, the obstacles and open sky. The story scenes are projected onto walls, ceiling and the magnificent altarpiece. If your Canadian adventures bring you near any of Moment Factory's experiences, take advantage of the opportunity and go enjoy the show. The experience is sure to leave you breathless.

The AURA Experience illuminated station

Day 3 - Exploring Montreal

Montreal is one of Canada's great cities, so it is a great place to spend a weekend. 3 days in the city isn't enough time to explore everything Montreal has to offer so you will need to make some tough choices and then also make a plan to return. Having checked visiting a sugar shack off our list we decided to spend a full day exploring Montreal, QC to check off a few other must-see and must-do things off the list. The day's adventures included a visit to Mont Royal, exploring a region known as The Plateau and eating iconic Montreal classic foods.

Mont Royal

Mont Royal is the highest point in Montreal, Canada and has scenic views of the city. There is a 280 hectares (692 acres) park and a 67 hectares (165-acre) cemetery which is a National Historic Site of Canada. Both are popular destinations for recreation.

Mont Royal Cemetery

With over 200,000 people buried here, there is a lot of Canadian history to be discovered at Mont Royal. Notable people buried here include John Molson, the brewing tycoon (see I am Canadian ad); Henry Birks, the famed jeweler whose stores still thrive across Canada; Sir John Abbot, the third Prime Minister of Canada; and Sir Alexander Tilloch Galt, a Father of Confederation. Famed Canadian author Mordecai Richler who immortalized The Gold Range bar in Yellowknife in his 1989 book, "Solomon Gursky was Here" is also buried here.

The Mont Royal Cemetary in Montreal has beatiful views on Montreal and the St Lawrence River. The cemetary is a registered Canadian National Historic Site.

Panoramic View from Mont Royal

Mont Royal Cemetery is full of Canadian and Montreal history. Built in 1852 many famous Canadian's have been buried here over the years.

Mont Royal Cemetary Montreal

Le Plateau Neighbourhood in Montreal

What image comes to mind when thinking of Montreal? What feature makes a Montreal neighbourhood instantly recognizable? For me it is the 3 or 4 story high townhouses with the outdoor staircases and balconies. These are the typical homes found in the region of Montréal known as Le Plateau.

Le Plateau is a young neighbourhood popular with university students which gives it a laid back and artsy vibe. The streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, unique shops, and galleries. In the evenings the area comes to life with a youthful energy as the bars fill and people dance through the night. Urban adventure seekers can easily spend the full day exploring this part of Montreal.

Many of Montreal's world-famous foods came from Eastern European and Jewish immigrants bringing their traditional cooking practices and foods with them. The two most loved contributions to the city's food scene are Montreal smoked meat and the Montreal bagel. Living on the other side of Canada, these are treats that I don't get very often. Naturally, I am going to make sure they are both included in my 3-day visit to Montreal.

Standing in front of typical Montreal townhouses in the Le Plateau area of the city, a man takes aim with a snowball in hand. In Montreal, playing in the snow is also one of the attractions and a faourite activity amongst locals.

Le Plateau is Snow-much Fun!

Cultural adventure seekers will love Montreal. It is working hard to be the mural capital of the world! Street art and large scale murals are very popular in Montreal. This painting can found in the a traveler friendly area called Le Plateau.

Le Plateau has a Maze of Murals Walk

Where to Eat in Le Plateau, Montreal

Montreal Smoked Meat at Schwartz's Deli

We packed a lot of our favourite things into our Montreal getaway including a smoked meat sandwich for lunch at the world-famous Schwartz's Deli in Le Plateau. Founded in 1928, Schwartz's has been serving up its iconic, melt in your mouth Montreal smoked meat sandwiches with the original recipe ever since.

Schwartz's is known for being very tender and flavourful. The secret is in how it is made. First, the brisket is marinated in a secret blend of local herbs and spices for 10 days. Next it is smoked throughout the night before being steamed all day. Each sandwich is sliced and prepared as it is ordered. The Montreal smoked meat is served on rye bread with mustard.

A fun fact for pop culture fans, global superstar, Celine Dion became part owner of Schwartz's Deli in 2012.

Schwartz's Deli is famous for their incredibly tender Montreal smoked meat. They still operate in the original location and use the original recipe.

Schwartz's Montreal Smoked Meat

A Montreal smoked meat sandwhich on rye bread from Schwartz's Deli is an iconic Montreal food.

Famous Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

Out of this World Montreal Bagels

Another of our favourite, iconic foods are Montreal Bagels. The bagels are hand-rolled and poached in honey water before baking in a wood-fired oven. Montreal bagels are different from a New York bagel. A Montreal bagel is smaller, denser and because of being poached in honey water, they are also sweeter.

Not to be outdone by Montreal smoked meat, these bagels also have a fun fact - they have been to space! Montreal based astronaut, Gregory Chamitoff, spent 6 months on the International Space Station. He loves Montreal bagels so much; he brought 3 bags with him on his journey!

Le Plateau region in Montreal is home to several Montreal Bagel shops. Culinary adventure seekers and foodies will love this must-eat food when visiting Montreal in Quebec Canada.

St. Viateur Montreal Bagels

Every Montreal bagel is hand made and baked in a wood fired oven. Foodie's will love trying all the different flavours and comparing bagel shops around Montreal.

World Famous Montreal Bagels

Day 4 - Strom Nordic Spa

Our last adventure during our 3 days in Montreal called for a little R&R in the great outdoors back in the Montérégie region. This also marks my first Nordic spa experience. Nestled in the heart of the Gault Nature Reserve on Mont Saint-Hilaire is the Strøm Nordic Spa.

Strom Nordic Spa Mont Saint-Hilaire

Two people enjoy an outdoor hot pool during the early spring on a snowy early spring day in Mont Saint-Hilaire south of Montreal

Enjoying a Hot Pool at the Nordic Spa

What to Expect at a Nordic Spa

If, like me you have never experienced a Nordic spa before, there are a few things to know about the order of things. The cycle is.
✅ heat first,
✅ then cold, and
✅ finally, relaxation.

At the Strøm Nordic Spa on Mont Saint-Hilaire heat can be enjoyed one of several outdoor hot pools, a steam room, dry, or wet saunas. Each area has a cold pool, and one even has a waterfall. There are a variety of relaxation rooms including several yurts and rooms with panoramic views of the nature reserve and Mont Saint-Hilaire. Additionally, there is a salt exfoliation area too.

Strom Nordic Spa in the Montérégie region has several relaxation areas. This one has Adirondack chairs around a an outdoor fire pit.

Strom Nordic Spa Relaxation Area

Stone pathways lead spa goers from one Nordic spa cycle to the next. This building includes a dry sauna, cold pool and relaxation area.

A Dry Sauna, Cold Pool & Relaxation Area

Health Benefits of Nordic Spas

Nordic spas have a number of health benefits. The therapeutic hot-cold-relaxation cycles help with muscle recovery and improve athletic performance by increasing circulation, boosting immunity and offering pain relief. Meaning, this a fantastic après-ski or other active adventure treatment for sore and aching muscles. The cycle also improves skin health. Seriously, my skin was so soft and smooth afterwards, it was amazing.

I really enjoyed the heat and relaxation parts of the cycle. However, it took me most of the morning to get past my knees in the cold pools. Unfortunately, I probably didn't maximize the health benefits of my time at the Nordic spa. Regardless, I really enjoyed my first Nordic spa experience. I was so relaxed after spending the morning at Strom Nordic Spa on Mont Saint-Hilaire that there was no amount of airport stress that could bother me.

Strom Nordic Spas have a variety of Scandinavian style buildings connected by walkways through a snowy garden. This buildling has indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.

Strom Nordic Spa in the Montérégie region

Two relaxation adventure seekers are all smiles after visiting the Strom Nordic Spa Mont Saint-Hilaire south on Montreal.

Happy and relaxed at the Nordic Spa

3-Day Montreal & Montérégie Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive & Reunion Dinner in Beloeil
Day 2: Sugar Shack Experience, Maple Taffy, Notre-Dame & AURA
Day 3: Mount Royal, Le Plateau, Schwartz's Deli, Bagels
Day 4 (Bonus): Nordic Spa at Mont Saint-Hilaire & Departure

3 Days in Montreal

3 Days in Montreal, Quebec, Canada is a fantastic way to spend a long weekend. It is an incredible destination for urban, cultural, culinary, and outdoor adventure seekers. Where Montreal is one of my favourite Canadian cities, the Montérégie region is a part of Canada that I have fallen in love with and enjoy exploring.

During our Quebec adventure, we reconnected with friends that are more like family. We visited Old Montreal, took part in an incredible immersive experience at Notre-Dame, explored Mont Royal, and Le Plateau. We indulged our taste buds with traditional foods at a sugar shack and with Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and bagels. And tried our first Nordic spa experience. There is so much to see and do in the Montreal area that I can't wait to return but next time I will stay longer.

Exploring Montréal and the Montérégie region in Quebec, Canada

Have you ever had maple taffy straight off the snow? Or wandered the cobbled streets of Old Montreal? I'd love to hear about your favorite Montreal moments—or what's at the top of your list for a future trip. Drop them in the comments!