Let's Take a Day Trip

MONTRÉAL — Standing on Saint-Catherine Street in the heart of downtown, I watched a street performer strumming a guitar as conversations swirled around me in French. A warm summer breeze drifted through the air as I took in the rhythms of a city that, despite its proximity to the United States, feels worlds away.

I arrived in Montréal on a Friday night, flying nonstop from Chicago with no itinerary beyond immersing myself in the city. As the plane descended, I turned to artificial intelligence for inspiration, asking ChatGPT to compare Montréal to American cities. Its answer: a mix between Boston and New York City.

That comparison became my guidepost — one I would explore and evaluate over the weekend.

A Blend of Nature and Urban Life

Nearly every travel video I watched before my trip made one thing clear: a visit to Montréal isn’t complete without Mount Royal Park. With its sweeping views of the skyline and lush, tree-lined trails, the park offers a natural escape just minutes from downtown.

Though the idea of climbing the steep steps to the summit gave me pause, I took a Lyft to the top and opted for a gentle walk down. At nearly 800 feet above sea level, the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout provided a panoramic view of the city’s diverse architecture and sparkling rooftops — a sight best seen at sunrise or sunset.

The descent was peaceful, framed by dense green foliage and the sounds of birds echoing through the trees. It reminded me of Central Park in Manhattan — a welcome retreat from city noise, seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The only difference is, I was atop of the city overlooking it.

Navigating the City by Metro

Like New York City, Montréal’s public transit system doesn’t include a direct rail link from the airport to downtown. Instead, a bus connects travelers to the Metro, which consists of four color-coded lines: Green, Orange, Yellow and Blue.

I found the Metro remarkably clean — no litter, no rodents, and a sense of order I didn’t expect from a major city’s subway. However, most public address announcements were in French, which was initially intimidating. Still, knowing my destination made it manageable. Over time, I began picking up snippets of the language, a small but satisfying sign of progress in my immersion.

Starting from the Peel station downtown, I took the Green Line to Berri–UQAM and transferred to the Orange Line toward Old Montréal. There, cobblestone streets led me to the Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic Revival marvel with stained-glass windows that tell the city’s story through color and light.

Shopping, Culture and a Touch of New York

My base for the weekend was the Residence Inn at the corner of Peel Street and Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest — a location perfect for exploring downtown on foot. Just blocks away lies Saint-Catherine Street, a lively corridor of shops, cafés and energy.

The scene reminded me of Herald Square and SoHo in New York City, with its mix of retail giants, local boutiques and bustling foot traffic. Yet there was also a distinctly Montréal flair — a blend of European charm and North American pace.

Neighborhoods like Plateau-Mont-Royal and Le Village buzzed with life, street art and outdoor patios filled with people lingering over coffee or wine. These districts echoed the spirit of SoHo and the Lower East Side, offering culture, diversity and plenty to explore.

Meanwhile, Old Montréal — with its historic facades, stone streets and quaint cafés — brought Boston to mind. It felt like walking through a living museum, one that doesn’t sacrifice vibrancy for nostalgia.

A Trip Worth the Wait

This was a bucket-list trip years in the making, and Montréal didn’t disappoint. From bagels at St-Viateur to tranquil moments in the Botanical Garden, the city offered a little bit of everything — culture, nature, food and friendliness.

In the end, ChatGPT’s comparison rang true: Montréal really is a blend of Boston’s charm and New York’s buzz, with a uniquely French-Canadian twist.

And yes — I’ll definitely be back.