Exploring Old Montreal

Within the cosmopolitan Canadian city of Montreal, visitors can find old-world, European charm in Old Montreal. Quaint, cobblestoned streets lined with centuries-old buildings define the the historic neighborhood of Old Montreal, and winter is the best time to find deals to this quaint destination within a destination. 

Built in the late 1600s, or almost 200 years before Canada officially became a country, Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica is rated on TripAdvisor by visitors as the top thing to see in the city. Even for those who aren’t religious, the basilica’s elaborately decorated interior is sure to please any art or architecture buff. Celine Dion even chose this as the location where she took her vows here in 1994. Adult admission to the basilica is CA$5, which includes a guided tour in either English or French. Or, if you’re around during Montreal’s upcoming Nuit Blanche on the evening of Feb. 26, admission is free.

Overlooking the St. Lawrence River and a waterfront green space, the Bonsecours Market is home to upscale shops, cafes and restaurants in the heart of Old Montreal. Since being built in the mid-1800s, the building has also been home to public markets and parliamentary offices. Around the corner from the market, you’ll find Place Jaques-Cartier, an open square lined with restaurants and often filled with street performers. Also found in Old Montreal, is the majestic copper-roofed city hall building, which is illuminated each night.

• This small, 24-room hotel in the heart of Old Montreal, featuring exposed brick walls and offering breakfast to its guests, is available for $139 per night through April 30. During the summer, rates at this hotel jump up more than 45%.
• Those seeking a more modern hotel experience could also snag a room at this trendy 4-Diamond hotel, just steps from Old Montreal, for $189 per night. Regularly, rooms at this property are at least $249.

Both of those hotels are within walking distance of most of the area’s main sites including the Notre Dame, City Hall and Bonsecours Market.

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