Come Explore our Favourite Old Montréal Attractions
We're proud of our heritage in Old Montréal, the oldest district of the city. To help you start exploring this remarkable area, we've put together a mini-guide of activities, historic sites, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops, tailoring them specifically for Le Petit Hôtel guests. Let us know if you'd like other tips for the area – we're always happy to help.
Landmarks
Old Montréal has some of the city’s oldest, most distinguished architecture. For over 100 years, Bonsecour Market was the city’s main farmer’s market, and is now a destination for made-in-Canada crafts. To experience incredible Gothic Revival architecture, visit Notre-Dame Basilica. (The acoustics are incredible; we highly recommend their concerts.) Place Jacques-Cartier is one of the city’s liveliest spots, and popular for street performances and café life. For a bit of nature right at the edge of the city, explore Canal Lachine.
Eat & Drink
There is an abundance of top-ranked restaurants near the hotel. Staff and guest favourites include Maggie Oakes (a modern steakhouse), Gaspar (French bistro meets gastropub), Olive et Gourmando (great food/gift items, BEVO (bar and pizza) and L’Amour du Pain (Best baguette in Quebec). For amazing seafood, we recommend Pincette Lobster Bar, while Jacopo is the place to go for pasta. We also love Perché (rooftop terrace in summer), Crux Comptoir (cold-pressed juices), Clandestino (mescal and tequila bar) and LOV (vegan and vegetarian food).
Activities
There are amazing things happening here year-round. In January/February, music lovers flock to Igloofest, an annual music festival. From June to September, you can soak up the rays at Clock Tower Beach, an urban beach, or check out Piknic Electronik, the weekly electronic music festival. In the summers, you can also take a short ferry to Parc Jean-Drapeau, which has tons of activities and events. To find out about the area’s archaeology and history, visit Pointe-à-Callière. Year-round, you can ride Canada’s tallest ferris wheel at Grande Roue, while the Cirque du Soleil is in town every winter, and every second summer.
Shops
Just walk out the door, and you’ll discover lots of shops and galleries on St. Paul Street. Le Petit Dep is our favourite spot for specialty food items (and delicious sandwiches). We also love the locally made items at Boutique métiers d’art du Québec, and there are gorgeous finds at Pepin Shop. For women’s couture, try Denis Gagnon, an innovative local designer. Another great Canadian designer: Philippe Dubuc. To discover up-and-coming Montreal artists, we recommend the Galerie d’art Blanche, as well as the local and international art at Galerie LeRoyer.