When asked what the best area to stay when visiting Montreal is, you’ll hear from locals and visitors alike that there’s no area in Montreal like the Old Port. Especially in the summer, Montreal’s Old Port comes alive with tourist shopping along the cobblestone streets in this historic neighbourhood and dining in the sprawling terraces. The stone-built building adds a historic charm to the area steps away from the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Here’s how to plan a weekend in Montreal’s Old Port.
Where should you stay in Montreal’s Old Port?
You’ll want to book ahead to get a room at the boutique Auberge du Vieux-Port. Transforming a 19th-century warehouse into a luxe hotel, the 45 rooms in this hotel have blended the historic charm and design features with modern amenities that contemporary travellers love. Auberge du Vieux-Port is centrally located just steps away from the best shopping on Rue St-Paul or crossing the street to ride La Grande Roue de Montreal.
The Auberge du Vieux-Port is a sophisticated escape where guests are often found socializing in the comfortable lobby seating or with a drink on the Terrasse sure L’Aurberge that offers panoramic areal views of the Old Port and the St. Lawrence River.
Each room blends a classic design with wrought iron beds, antique-style chairs and wooden armoires with modern finishings like a plush mattress and Le Labo toiletries. During your stay, order room service breakfast and enjoy turn-down service in the evening.
Where should you dine in Montreal’s Old Port?
Luckily for you, if you choose to stay in Montreal’s Old Port, there are tons of restaurants within walking distance from the Auberge du Vieux-Port. Start your day off with breakfast at Taverne Gaspar which serves a delicious weekend brunch you won’t want to miss. This restaurant is connected to the hotel in the historic brick building refreshed with new furnishing. You’ll want to try their classic Le Gaspar breakfast or breakfast poutine for the Quebecois flair.
Open all day long, Pincette – Bar à Homard serves lobster caught from Quebec’s ocean coast in a variety of ways. Choose between the classic lobster serves with melted butter or in unique and favour ways in a lobster roll, ravioli or even a macaroni and cheese. You can access this restaurant from the Auberge du Vieux-Port lobby as well to choose between dining in their maritime-inspired restaurant or outdoors to people-watch those strolling by on Rue St. Paul.
For dinner, head over to Auberge du Vieux-Port‘s sister hotel in the Old Port to dine at Maggie Oakes in Hotel William Gray. Named after Edward-William Gray’s wife, Maggie Oakes Brasserie marries both Montreal’s culinary vibrant scene with an American bistro. The menu offers a perfect blend of seasonal vegetables and quality steak on display in their glass cellars. As one of the larger restaurants in Montreal’s Old Port, Maggie Oakes is a great option for large groups and families looking to dine together.
What should you do in Montreal’s Old Port?
The old city’s main pedestrian plaza (between rues Notre Dame and de la Commune) is filled with shopping and dining for visitors year-round. Swing by the Bonsecours market to see the restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques or get your shopping done on Rue St-Paul.
Montréal’s Old Port is a bustling waterfront home to Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris wheel, Centre des Sciences de Montréal and a numseveralonal vendors and bars to enjoy during the warmer months.
