Spending just 1 day in Montreal gives you more than enough time to fall in love with this vibrant Canadian city. Montreal offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern urban flair, and it’s well known for its European architecture and world-class dining scene. In October, Montreal is especially beautiful, with the city’s tree-lined streets bursting into shades of gold and red, and cozy cafes inviting you in for a warm drink. Montreal’s unique dynamic atmosphere is very easy to explore in a day, though I would recommend staying longer if you can.
Founded in 1642, Montreal stands as one of the oldest cities in North America – even older than Toronto! From the towering spires of Notre-Dame Basilica to the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, every corner of the city tells a story of its French settlers and the city’s evolution into a strong contender for the cultural capital of Canada. Now, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do during 1 day in Montreal that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
- Best things to do in 1 day in Montreal
- Places to eat in Montreal
- Where to stay in Old Montreal
- Is 1 day in Montreal enough time?
Best things to do in 1 day in Montreal
Old Port of Montreal
No 1 day in Montreal is complete without going for a stroll through the Old Port – one of the city’s most picturesque and historically rich areas. The port dates back to the 17th century, when it was once a bustling hub for trade and commerce along the St Lawrence River. It played a key role in the development of the city as a major trading centre in North America. Today, its waterfront views and cobblestone promenades make it a favourite area for both visitors and locals, especially in October.
There’s always a lot of activities taking place in the Old Port. If you want sweeping views of the city’s skyline, I’d recommend hopping on board La Grande Roue de Montreal (a large Ferris wheel). You’ll most likely come across food stalls, street performers, and other events taking place here, making the Old Port the perfect spot to visit during 1 day in Montreal.
Admire the autumn foliage
October is a great time to plan a trip to Montreal thanks to the spectacular autumn foliage around the city. Mount Royal Park offers one of the best displays of fall colours in Canada, and from Kondiaronk Belvedere viewpoint you can admire the views of the skyline below. The Old Port is one of my favourite areas to walk around in October though, and as mentioned above, there’s always lots going on here to keep you busy for an hour or so.
Walk around Old Montreal
The best thing to do during 1 day in Montreal is to explore Old Montreal. This historic district is filled with cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and charming squares that reflect its French colonial past. Montreal was originally the settlement of Ville-Marie, and as you walk through the streets of Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Notre-Dame, you’ll come across plenty of beautiful buildings that now house things like cozy cafes and galleries.
To get the most out of your time in Old Montreal, start the day off with an early morning walk while the streets are still quiet. Spots such as Place Jacques-Cartier are nice to walk around later in the day when the shops are open and the street performers have arrived. If you plan to eat in Old Montreal, make sure you do some research beforehand so you don’t get stuck in a tourist trap. Alternatively, you can join an Old Montreal food and drink tour, so the decisions are made for you.
Notre Dame and Place d’Armes
One landmark that can’t be missed while spending 1 day in Montreal is Notre-Dame Basilica. It was built in 1829 and it’s famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows, Gothic Revival architecture, and wooden carvings that tell the story of the religious heritage of the city. Another major highlight is the deep blue ceiling dotted with golden stars inside the basilica.
Notre-Dame Basilica sits across from Place d’Armes – a beautiful square surrounded by centuries of history. This is a great spot to admire the exterior of the basilica and capture a few photos of it in its entirety. In the centre of the square you can admire a statue of Paul de Chomedey as well, who was the city’s founder.
Bonsecours Market
Built in 1847, Bonsecours Market still dominates the skyline of Old Montreal, and it’s been a symbol of the city for over a century. It originally served as the main public market, and it was also used as the City Hall for a short time. The silver dome of Bonsecours Market was inspired by London’s Covent Garden, and it’s best viewed from the Old Port.
Today, the market is home to many boutique stalls selling high-quality products, many of which are made in Quebec. This includes things like gourmet treats, jewellery, and artisanal crafts. It’s a great spot to escape the cooler October weather for a while and to find some unique gifts or souvenirs to take home with you.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Sitting next to Bonsecours Market is Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, also known as the “Sailors’ Church”. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city and it shouldn’t be missed during 1 day in Montreal. The church was built in 1771 over the ruins of an older chapel, and it was used as a place of prayer for sailors returning safely to port. If you look at it from the outside, you can see its distinctive rooftop angels overlooking the St Lawrence River – a symbol of protection and hope.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is free to enter, and inside visitors can explore the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum which is dedicated to the life of Montreal’s first teacher and the chapel’s founder.
La Cours des Arts
A hidden gem in Old Town Montreal to visit is La Cours de Arts. This is where you can experience the creative side of the city. It’s a charming courtyard that’s tucked away behind a row of shops, and it showcases local craftspeople, artists, and designers in a historic setting. The cobblestone pathways and vine-covered walls create a beautiful backdrop, and it’s especially magical in the evening when the lights are twinkling. La Cours des Arts is sometimes missed by visitors, which is a shame as it’s the perfect place to find some gifts.
Shop for locally made souvenirs
The perfect 1 day in Montreal itinerary has to include some time to shop for locally made souvenirs. Above, I mentioned La Cours des Arts and Bonsecours Market, but if you don’t find something in either of these locations, don’t worry! Old Montreal is full of independent boutiques selling one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts that go far beyond the usual tourist trinkets.
One shop that I’d highly recommend visiting is Artisans Canada that sits along Rue Saint-Paul. Another great option is Boutique Bonjour Montréal located in Place Jacques-Cartier. Both shops are less than 5 minutes away from each other by foot. Don’t forget to pick up at least one small bottle of maple syrup to take home with you, regardless of what shop you end up in.
Enjoy Montreal’s coffee scene
Apart from enjoying the historic buildings and the views in Montreal, the city is very well known for having a fantastic coffee scene. Montreal is packed with independent cafes serving expertly roasted beans and creative drinks, often in cozy and art-filled spaces. As you make your way around the streets of Old Montreal, I’d recommend stopping for a drink at either Cafe Olimpico or Le Petit Dep. Crew Collective & Cafe is also a big hit with locals and visitors thanks to its unique setting inside a former bank. If you’re not a big coffee drinker, there are lots of other drinks available, and some tasty snacks too.
World Trade Centre Montreal
A hidden architectural gem in Montreal that you have to see with your own eyes is the Montreal World Trade Centre. It was built in 1992 and the complex incorporates several historic 19th century buildings under a modern glass atrium. Inside you’ll find a peaceful reflecting pool, as well as a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. This is a nice spot to stop for a short while after you’ve finished exploring Old Montreal – especially if the weather is a little chilly.
The Biosphere
The Biosphere is a must-see for first-time visitors to Montreal. If you’re only spending 1 day in Montreal however, it can be difficult to fit it into your schedule. We drove to The Biosphere on our way out of the city so we didn’t waste what little time we had. This unique structure is located on St Helen’s Island (Île Sainte-Hélène) and it was designed for Expo 67, which was one of the most celebrated World Fair’s in history. It now serves as an environmental museum dedicated to climate change and ecological awareness.
The best view of The Biosphere is from across the river, along the Old Port, however if you think you have the time to head over to the island, it’s 100% worth it.
Take in the view from St Helen’s Island
As well as admiring The Biosphere, the rest of St Helen’s Island is worth exploring too. We took a short drive around the island so we could see the beautiful autumn foliage. Along the waterfront, where the river shuttle docks, is a fantastic viewpoint of Montreal’s skyline from across the river. In October, you’ll likely have the island almost entirely to yourself, which is a nice change from the busy nature of the city centre. This is the perfect spot to take some photos before driving to other attractions in Montreal that are further away.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory
If you can spare some time out of your 1 day in Montreal itinerary, you should take the chance to drive up Mount Royal to Saint Joseph’s Oratory. It’s Canada’s largest church and one of the city’s most visited pilgrimage sites. This impressive basilica was built in 1967 and it was founded by Brother Andre, who was known for performing healing miracles. His tomb remains a sacred site for thousands of annual visitors.
Once you get to the top of the grand staircase, you’ll be met with breathtaking views of Montreal, especially in October. Inside the Oratory, visitors can marvel at the architecture, mosaics, and pipe organ. There’s an entry fee to go inside Saint Joseph’s Oratory, but it’s something that you should do at least once.
Snap a photo at Gibeau Orange Julep
Before leaving Montreal, don’t forget to stop at Gibeau Orange Julep. This is a quirky stop that’s one of the city’s most recognizable roadside attractions. The huge orange-shaped building has been serving its signature orange drink since the 1940s, making it a nostalgic favourite for locals. In its prime, this used to be a gathering spot for drive-in diners and car shows, and today it still retains its vintage charm.
While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend ordering their “orange juice” or any of the fast food here, it’s a fun place to come for a quick photo and it’s a nice way to end your 1 day in Montreal.
Places to eat in Montreal
St-Viateur Bagel
You can’t visit Montreal without stopping at St-Viateur Bagel. It’s been a true Montreal institution since 1957, and unlike New York-style bagels, Montreal’s version is smaller, denser, and a little sweeter since they’re boiled in honey water before being baked in a wood-fired oven. Inside the shop you can watch the bagels being hand-rolled and baked to perfection, which adds to its authenticity.
Whether you choose to order one of their signature bagel sandwiches to eat in, or you want to take some freshly made bagels home with you, no 1 day in Montreal is complete without having a taste of Montreal’s culinary heritage.
If you really want to have a unique experience in Montreal, why not try a bagel making workshop?
Cafe Olimpico
Founded in 1970, Cafe Olimpico now has various locations across the city – including Old Montreal. This cafe has a distinctly Italian atmosphere, with rich espresso aromas filling the air. The menu has a strong focus on classic Italian coffee, but their hot chocolate is also a big hit with customers. They open early in the morning too, making Cafe Olimpico a nice spot to come for a coffee and a light breakfast before you start to explore all that the city has to offer.
Qing Hua Dumpling
For a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, you need to head to Qing Hua Dumpling in the heart of Chinatown. This is a favourite spot for locals craving freshly made, hand-folded dumplings at affordable prices. The founders of this restaurant brought their recipes from northern China, and each dumpling is carefully crafted to be flavourful and perfectly textured.
Their pork and coriander dumplings are a big highlight on the menu, but you’ll also find flavours like shrimp and leek, curry chicken, and vegetarian options such as mushroom and tofu available. A great way to try a variety of flavours at once is by ordering the “chef’s surprise” where you’ll get five random dumpling flavours to try (15 dumplings in total).
Nouilles de Lan Zhou
If dumplings aren’t enough to satisfy your hunger, you might want to dine at Nouilles de Lan Zhou instead. They have some of the best hand-pulled noodles in the city, specializing in traditional Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup. You can even see the chefs stretching the noodles in the window as you walk by.
The menu here is quite small, but they do give you the option of choosing what type of noodles you want as well as the level of spiciness. There’s also a vegetarian dish available if you don’t want beef or pork noodles. During the cooler month of October, and into the winter months, Nouilles de Lan Zhou is the perfect place to eat in Montreal for a hearty meal.
Le Petit Dep
During your 1 day in Montreal, you’ll probably want to stop for more than one coffee or hot drink. Le Petit Dep is another charming cafe in Old Montreal that looks like it was taken right out of a postcard. The building itself dates back to the 1820s, and the cafe’s vintage decor makes it one of the most popular places in the city for photographs, as well as coffee. Inside, you’ll find a mixture of baked goods, gourmet snacks, and artisanal products to go alongside your drink or to take home with you. The coffee is very nice from here, and their iced matcha latte isn’t too bad either.
Where to stay in Old Montreal
Hôtel William Gray
Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Hôtel William Gray is the perfect place to stay if you’re spending 1 day in Montreal, or even a full weekend exploring the city. The hotel offers a blend of modern sophistication and history, occupying two beautifully restored 18th century stone buildings that once housed artisans and merchants. From its front, you can see the striking contrast between old and new that reflects Montreal’s mix of old world charm and urban innovation.
What’s great about staying at Hôtel William Gray is that you’re only steps away from places like the Old Port, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Notre-Dame Basilica. This means you can easily walk to most of Old Montreal’s main attractions with ease, while taking in the views of the streets and heritage buildings.
During our one night in Montreal, we stayed in the Alcove King Room. It’s designed with warm tones and custom furniture, providing a peaceful retreat after a full day of sightseeing. Each room features a plush king-size bed with Egyptian cotton linens, a spa-inspired bathroom, a Nespresso machine, and luxury toiletries. Our room also had a stunning view of Old Montreal, with the giant Ferris wheel in the background, which was especially nice to see in the evening.
Beyond the luxurious rooms at Hôtel William Gray, there are a wide range of amenities that will elevate your experience too. The common area is filled with natural light and contemporary art, creating a relaxing experience where you can sit and work or grab a book to read during your down time. The on-site spa is a great option if you’re looking to unwind, and in the warmer months you can also enjoy the outdoor pool.
In terms of dining, Maggie Oakes is the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant with dishes that focus on fresh, local ingredients. If you want to enjoy one of the best views in Montreal, Terrasse William Gray is a big highlight for guests, offering brunch, cocktails, and dinner throughout the week. I’d recommend coming up to the rooftop terrace near sunset, as the view is magical.
Staying at Hôtel William Gray turns 1 day in Montreal into even more of an unforgettable experience. It may not be the most budget friendly hotel in Montreal, but it’s definitely up there with one of the best luxury hotels in the city.
Is 1 day in Montreal enough time?
Although spending 1 day in Montreal isn’t nearly enough time to experience everything this unique city in Canada has to offer, it’s still a good amount of time to capture its essence. Through thoughtful planning, you’ll be able to explore the majority of Old Montreal on foot, savour the city’s vibrant food and coffee culture, and drive to at least one attraction in Montreal that’s further afield. Whether you’re visiting Montreal in October or at another time of the year, chances are you’ll want to come back for more.
If you have any questions about things to do during 1 day in Montreal, where to eat, or hotel recommendations, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch through email or by filling out the contact form. Don’t forget to follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips for your next adventure.
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