Montreal Editor Picks

This intimate boutique hotel’s 105 rooms, many of which have exposed brick walls, are spacious, flooded with natural light, and overlook the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. In the tastefully decorated rooms you’ll also find WiFi and an umbrella (in case the weather isn’t cooperating). Though modest, the gym is fully equipped and features a massage room. The hotel’s dining options include the Verses dining room, which includes a terrace and bar, as well as the Méchant Boeuf (mean beef) brasserie. A wine and cheese cocktail reception provides a warm welcome for weary travelers.

Montreal’s crown-jewel property occupies an 1870 building in the heart of the old quarter. Lavish chandeliers, velvet curtains, and fine antiques define its 61 rooms, while details like complimentary shoe-shine, chauffeured Rolls-Royce, a magnificent library, and traditional afternoon tea service set the tone in service. Rock-star wannabes can up the ante by following in the Rolling Stones’ and Madonna's footsteps and booking the two-bedroom Terrace Apartment for $5,000 per night. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, the XO, is an exquisite affair, or you can show up for cocktail hour and expect a plate of canapés with your drink order.

A minimalist décor of clean lines and muted tones provides the backdrop for chef Normand...more

Set in a small stone and wood building, this unpretentious eatery specializes in sumptuous...more

Great for kids on a rainy day this expansive, 2-floor museum makes science fun for kids and parents with stimulating exhibits and interactive installations ranging from robotics to energy to biology (there’s nothing cooler than walking through the human body); it's also home to an IMAX theater.

Founded in 1860, this museum ranks as Canada's oldest art institution. The Louvre it is not, but the MMFA does feature an eclectic assortment of more than 30,000 international works from all eras (everything from the gilded bronzes of Italian artist Cartoceto di Pergola to American contemporary industrial designs) and an exceptional collection of Canadian and Inuit art.

Architecture buffs will go gaga over these exhibitions, where conceptual studies, drawings, prints, and models showcase past, present and future architectural endeavors; past exhibits have focused on Mies van der Rohe’s experience with American technology, Expo 67, and local green-energy projects.

The gardens beautifully cover 185 acres with more than 22,000 species of plants and flowers, 10 greenhouses, and 30 themed gardens. Don't miss the orchids and the bonsai collection, as well as the largest Chinese garden of its kind outside of China (all material for the garden were shipped from Shanghai to Montreal).

The homegrown House of Jazz is – you guessed it – known for jazz. At just 120 seats, the place has been a favorite for its intimate vibe (think dark wood paneling, leather seats, and low lights) and great acoustics since 1968. The focus is on talented local musicians.

For high-end Canadian labels, head north to rue Sherbrooke to find Canada's finest department store; its exceptional collections of cosmetics, accessories, fragrances, and designer fashions for men and women are both high-end and highly civilized – in short, a fashionista's utopia.