Observatory attached to the Olympic Stadium and located in the highest-inclined tower in the world. The best views of Montreal.

The city's largest park, designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmstead. Plan a stroll on Sunday during the spring or summer to experience the hundreds of drummers who gather and perform improvised shows.

Enormous copper-domed basilica overlooking Parc du Mont-Royal. Devout Catholic visitors climb 99 of the 283 steps on their knees in honor of Jesus.

Uniquely shaped structure resembling a tower of Jenga blocks. Built for the 1967 World’s Fair as an example of futuristic housing.

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Twenty-four hour bakery selling one of the most delicious bagels you'll ever try. Fresh, crusty, compact, a bit sweet, and chewy. True aficionados may not like the sweetness but most don't mind. 

Family-run landmark serving brunch since 1942. Be prepared to wait at least a half hour on weekends.

Local favorite run by Toqué's former chefs. Closed Sundays, so Saturdays are packed. Pastries, sandwiches, and salads are made fresh daily. Be sure to try the ruby-colored raspberry limonade, a perfect mix of tangy, tart, and sweet.

Owned by famous Canadian chef Chuck Hughes and known for its classed-up version of the local specialty — poutine served in a cast iron pot with chunks of fresh lobster. Cozy interiors lined with chalkboard walls listing the ever-changing menu. It's on the noisy side, so this is not the place for an intimate tête-à-tête. 

Small patisserie on a quiet residential street. Sit for a cup of tea and order delicately decorated cookies and cake that can easily pass for works of art. Attention to detail extends to the decor, from decorative molding to tables etched with pyrography.

The most well-known restaurant in Montreal. Serving French haute-cuisine made from locally sourced and artisanal ingredients. Reservations and appropriately elegant attire are a must.

Located on the main square in Vieux-Montreal, which can be very touristy, but nonetheless, a good spot for late brunch, live jazz, and great people watching.

Classic bistro serving large portions of simple, exquisite Quebecois cuisine. The rustic decor includes a bear head over the bar and blue checkered napkins. A favorite of both locals and visitors, so reserve your table well in advance.

Fine-food boutique, coffee bar, and restaurant. The menu has something for everyone, and $15 brunch selections are a deal considering the quality and quantity of food served. There may be a long wait for a table, but it's worth it.

Home to Montreal's famed smoked meat sandwich: rye bread with a smudge of mustard and a steaming heap of specialty brisket prepared on-site daily. One serving is half a sandwich, so order extra if you’re starving and make sure to get a can of black cherry soda to wash it all down.

Opulent antique decor with modern amenities like Bang & Olufsen sound systems and flat-screen LCDs. Infamously known for the time it was booked in its entirety by The Rolling Stones (and their crew).

One of the few hotels with a rooftop deck and outdoor pool. Located down the street from McGill University (the Harvard of Canada) and one block from Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the main streets, lined with eateries and stores.

Luxurious avant-garde hotel in a former textile warehouse with loft-style rooms and heated bathroom floors.

Cozy design hotel with river views. The rooftop terrace is a prime spot for cocktails during the warmer months, and the restaurant, Verses, serves excellent modern French cuisine.

Charming hotel in a former leather factory on the riverfront. The look and feel of a B&B with four-star service. Be sure to ask for a room with water views.

Minimalist boutique hotel housed in what was once considered Canada’s most attractive building. The restaurant, Hambar, has an impressive wine list created by sommelier Philippe Poitras.

Known for their personable and attentive staff, the intimate boutique hotel is steps away from the city's best restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries. Perks include free breakfast and WiFi.

Minimalist gourmand store that sells kitchenware, high quality cooking tools, and holds classes and demos by Montreal's best chefs.

Independent stationery shop selling brands like Rhodia, Clairefontaine, and Lamy. Locals and visitors rave about attentive owner, Russell Hemsworth, and his kind staff.

Flagship store of Canada’s most successful comic book publisher. They carry the latest indie comic books and graphic novels.

High-end Canadian department store from the family that owns Selfridges.