Montreal in 3 Days for Friends - Old Montreal & Notre-Dame Basilica
A lively 3-day summer itinerary for friends who want food halls, live music, playful adventures and local neighbourhood vibes. Balanced days with active outdoor fun, group-friendly meals and evening nightlife.
Highlights
- Old Montreal & Notre-Dame Basilica
- Jean-Talon Market and Plateau food crawl
- Voiles en Voiles ropes course in the Old Port
- Mount Royal views and picnic vibes
- Live music and craft beer at famed local venues
Itinerary
Day 1
Old Montreal arrival, iconic sights, market-style dinner and indie live music to kick off the trip.
Check in & drop bags — Hôtel Nelligan (Old Montreal)
Meet, drop luggage and grab a quick map from reception. Hôtel Nelligan is centrally located for Old Montreal walking routes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a group-friendly table or lounge suggestion nearby if your room isn't ready — they'll often hold bags so you can explore.
- If someone in the group wants to split the bill for incidentals, ask reception to itemize charges at check-out to simplify splitting.
- Plan a 10–15 minute buffer after check-in for quick freshen-up before walking to nearby sights (hydrate — June can get warm).
Visit Notre-Dame Basilica
Explore the stunning interior of Notre-Dame Basilica — a Montréal must-see for architecture and impressive stained glass.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets online in advance for groups to avoid queues; tell the staff you're a group of friends so they can seat you together for the audio guide.
- Peak photo spot is the central aisle toward the altar — try to arrive early afternoon for softer light and fewer tourists.
- If anyone wants a quieter experience, step into the side chapels — excellent for group photos without the crowds.
Old Port stroll & La Grande Roue (Ferris wheel)
Walk the waterfront in the Old Port, enjoy street performers and take a rotation on La Grande Roue for skyline views.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a single ticket for the wheel or a group package — the gondolas fit 4–6, perfect for your crew's photos at sunset.
- Bring a light jacket for the wheel ride — breezes off the river are cooler than downtown in June evenings.
- Combine the stroll with a quick stop at a vendor for iced drinks; street performers often welcome small group tips and make fun impromptu photo backdrops.
Group dinner at Time Out Market Montréal (food-hall style)
Share small plates and picks from top local vendors under one roof — great for groups who like variety and splitting costs.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick 3–4 vendors to order from and place dishes in the centre for sharing — many stalls accept cards but have small minimums, so consider using one card per vendor or cash to split.
- Look for communal tables for large groups; arrive a bit early (opening time) to snag prime seating together.
- Try to order a few items from different vendors simultaneously to avoid long waits during the dinner rush.
Live indie music at Casa del Popolo (Mile End)
Short metro or taxi to Mile End for a lively indie gig — intimate venue with a local crowd, perfect for friends who like discovering bands.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the evening’s lineup in advance and buy tickets early for popular shows; small venues fill fast but are great for close-up sets.
- Casa del Popolo is cozy — grab a spot early if your group prefers to stand near the stage; otherwise ask to be seated together near the back.
- After the show, explore nearby late-night cafes or bagel shops — Mile End has a great post-concert vibe for walks and photos.
Day 2
Market morning, Mount Royal views, playful ropes course in the Old Port and late-night poutine — an active day with foodie stops.
Breakfast & wandering at Marché Jean-Talon
Taste local cheeses, pastries and coffee; Jean-Talon is perfect for grazing and group-friendly sampling.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with coffee and pastries at a stall, then split up to grab different items to share — vendors are happy to box small tasting portions.
- Bring a small cooler bag if you plan to buy fresh treats to take back to your hotel later.
- Go early to avoid busier mid-morning crowds and to get first pick of seasonal produce in June.
Classic Montreal bagel stop — Fairmount Bagel
Taste Montreal-style bagels (hot and right out of the oven) — quick, iconic and perfect for sharing.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few different flavors (sesame, poppy) and split—bagels are best eaten hot, so plan to eat nearby or keep in an insulated bag for 10–15 minutes.
- Fairmount is often busy; decide quickly as a group to keep the line moving and get fresh bagels.
- If someone in the group is a picky eater, the plain or sesame bagel is the safest classic choice.
Hike up Mount Royal to Kondiaronk Belvedere
Short, sociable hike to the best skyline lookout — take photos, relax and enjoy a casual picnic if you like.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water — the climb is steady but short; Kondiaronk Belvedere has great group photo spots.
- If your group wants to picnic, buy supplies at Jean-Talon and meet here — the lookout has benches and grassy areas nearby.
- Public transit drops you close; consider a short taxi if anyone wants to conserve energy for the ropes course later.
Adventure time: Voiles en Voiles (Old Port ropes course)
A playful, adrenaline-y ropes course and zip-line park built into shipping containers — suitable for energetic groups and perfect summer fun.
Tips from local experts:
- Book slots in advance for your group; wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes — you'll climb, zip and laugh a lot.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for harnessing and a safety briefing; lockers are available for bags.
- This is social and active — encourage teammates to cheer each other on and split photos/video duties to capture the runs.
Dinner at Garde Manger (Old Montreal) — lively seafood & shared plates
Reserve a table for a friendly, energetic dinner with shareable plates designed for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve in advance and mention you’re a table of friends celebrating — the front-of-house will often accommodate a communal table.
- Share 3–4 dishes among 4–6 people to sample the menu without a huge bill — ask staff for pairing suggestions.
- If you prefer a more economical night, consider one large sharing platter and a couple of lighter sides to split the cost.
Late-night poutine at La Banquise
Finish the night with Montreal’s famous poutine at a lively 24-hour spot — great for groups and late-night cravings.
Tips from local experts:
- La Banquise is popular late-night — order a few different poutines to share rather than one per person for variety and smaller cost.
- If someone in the group is vegetarian, ask for cheese-curd-only or veggie-friendly toppings — staff are used to customizing.
- Bring cash as backup (they accept cards but busy nights can be faster with quick cash payments).
Day 3
Mile End & Plateau morning, an escape room challenge, iconic smoked-meat lunch and a final craft-beer send-off.
Coffee pickup & chill at Café Olimpico (Mile End)
Start the day with strong coffee and a lively café atmosphere — the Mile End scene is ideal for slow mornings.
Tips from local experts:
- Café Olimpico is busy on weekends — grab a round of espressos to-go and take a bench nearby if seating is limited.
- Order a couple of pastries to share while you plot your shopping/arts route in Mile End.
- Olimpico is cash-friendly but takes cards; grab receipts if someone wants to split the bill later.
Mile End & Plateau street-art walk and boutique browsing
Explore murals, independent shops, vintage stores and record shops — easy strolling for groups who love discovery.
Tips from local experts:
- Make a loose list of 3–4 shops you want to hit (vinyl, vintage, local design) and set rendezvous points to avoid losing anyone.
- Look for hidden murals on side streets and alleys — they make great group photo backdrops (try Rue Saint-Viateur and Rue Saint-Laurent intersections).
- If someone wants to thrift-shop, budget an extra 30–45 minutes — those stores are treasure hunts and worth the time.
Group escape room challenge at A/MAZE Escape Game
Bond and compete in a themed escape room — energetic, social and perfect for a 4–6 person group.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a 60–90 minute room suited to 4–6 players and arrive 15 minutes early for the briefing — split roles (puzzle runner, timer, clue checker) to win fast.
- Ask staff for photo ops post-game; many teams take a quick victory pic with props to remember the win.
- If your group is mixed on skill levels, pick a mid-difficulty room so everyone can contribute without getting frustrated.
Lunch at Schwartz's Deli — iconic smoked-meat experience
Experience Montréal smoked meat the traditional way — grab a few platters to share and soak in the historic vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a couple of sandwiches and one platter to split between 4–6 — the portions are generous and sharing lowers cost.
- Schwartz’s can have a line; if short on time, consider calling ahead for takeout (but sitting in is part of the experience).
- Pair with classic sides (pickles) and plan for a casual, slightly noisy meal — great for a lively group atmosphere.
Farewell craft beers & live ambiance at Dieu du Ciel!
Wrap up the trip at one of Montréal's most-loved microbreweries — rotating taps, friendly staff and a buzzy vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Dieu du Ciel! often has limited seating — arrive early for a group table or expect a short wait; rotate tasters so everyone tries multiple beers.
- Taproom pours are ideal for splitting costs: order a flight of samples and share among the group to taste more without large bills.
- Check the events calendar — some nights feature live music or special releases that heighten the atmosphere for a memorable finale.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 16 |
| Total Places | 16 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Culture, Attraction, Restaurant, Nightlife, Neighborhood, Meal, Outdoor, Experience |
