Cheap Flights to Montreal

This North American beauty eliminates the need to go to Europe. Walking around Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal) is like walking in Vienna, Paris or Rome – back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Montreal has developed into North America’s most sophisticated city mainly due to its old European charm which blends in beautifully with the city’s new modern skyline. There are lots of things to do and see here, like climbing the mountain in the middle of the city – Mont Royal from which the city gets its name – as well as visiting the old Olympic (1976) and World Fair (1967) venues. The remains of the 1967 Expo site on islands situated in the middle of the St. Lawrence River have been transformed into an entertainment zone complete with a casino and theme park – this is also where the city’s Formula 1 Grand Prix race is held each year. The city’s old Jewish Quarter on St. Lawrence Street is where some of the city’s most famous restaurants and bagel shops can be found and the revitalized port area, where Jacques Cartier first landed in the 1600s, is the city’s new gathering spot. Adventurers can even surf in the St. Lawrence!

Best time to visit: Spring, summer and fall.

Getting around: Montreal offers Canada’s most modern and extensive subway system and the bus service here is very good.

Our favorite hotel: Montreal is the hometown of Canada’s chicest boutique hotels and our favorite is the Hotel St. James (www.hotellestjames.com) – This beauty located in Old Montreal in an historic former bank building, is where history and luxury meet.

Our favorite restaurant: For lunch we recommend Schwartz’s deli on St.; Lawrence St. (www.schwartzsdeli.com) – a Montreal Smoked Meat paradise that dates back to 1928; But for dinner we highly recommend Gibby’s (298, Place d'Youville; 514-282-1837; www.gibbys.com) – it’s housed in an historic building that’s just beautiful!