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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

  1. Old Port promenade

    A flat waterfront walk with benches every fifty metres, the Ferris wheel on one side and the river on the other.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. Biodôme

    Flat, covered routes and benches in every ecosystem; the tropical forest and the penguin pool are the highlights for all ages.

  2. Schwartz's

    Smoked meat on rye at shared tables; arrive off-peak to avoid the line and ask for the fries.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Ferreira Café

    A Portuguese restaurant with long tables and a family atmosphere; the grilled fish and the pastéis de nata are the order.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Olive et Gourmando

    A bakery café in Old Montreal serving pressed sandwiches and brownies; arrive before the queue builds, and share a table.

  3. 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.

Other ways to see Montreal