Montreal for The Three Generations: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
An island city that argues with winter in two languages.
A weekend everyone can keep up with. Flat routes and places to sit, a boat or a funicular for the view, one highlight a day that works at eight and at eighty, and dinners with a long table.
Friday: Quay, cruise and a view from the 44th floor
- Old Port promenade
A flat waterfront walk with benches every fifty metres, the Ferris wheel on one side and the river on the other.
- Bateau-Mouche cruise
A glass-roofed river cruise with seats for everyone and no stairs; the guide points out Habitat 67 and the old harbour.
- Les Enfants Terribles
A restaurant on the 44th floor, reached by lift, with long tables and a city view; the burgers and the fish are both reliable.
Saturday: A whole rainforest
- Biodôme
Flat, covered routes and benches in every ecosystem; the tropical forest and the penguin pool are the highlights for all ages.
- Schwartz's
Smoked meat on rye at shared tables; arrive off-peak to avoid the line and ask for the fries.
- Marché Jean-Talon
A flat, covered market with benches and food at every corner; buy some maple cookies and sit under the awnings.
Sunday: An art gallery and a long table
- Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal
Lifts, wheelchairs and benches throughout; the permanent collection is free and the Pavilion for Peace has a quiet café.
- Ferreira Café
A Portuguese restaurant with long tables and a family atmosphere; the grilled fish and the pastéis de nata are the order.
- Square Dorchester and Place du Canada
A flat downtown square with benches and the Sun Life Building; a short, sunny stroll before an early supper.
Monday: The blue basilica
- Notre-Dame Basilica
Flat inside with pews to sit on, an ultramarine vault and a quiet pace; the weekday hush suits a last family look.
- Olive et Gourmando
A bakery café in Old Montreal serving pressed sandwiches and brownies; arrive before the queue builds, and share a table.
- Quai de l'Horloge
A flat pier with benches and a view of the river and the bridge; the gentlest last walk before the airport.