Montreal: City Vibes, Jazz Beats, and Rosie Love

Liz Courneyea
Jul 8
3 min read

There’s just something about Montreal in the summer—cobblestone streets buzzing with energy, live music echoing through the city, and food that makes you want to extend your stay just one more day. I recently spent three unforgettable nights in this vibrant city. I traded in my tent for a comfy hotel bed and some big city energy—and honestly, no regrets. As much as I love the peace of the outdoors, sometimes a change of pace is exactly what you need. Montreal delivered just that: a vibrant mix of food, culture, music, and moments of stillness that filled me up in all the right ways.

First Stop: A Classic Bite at Wilensky’s

No trip to Montreal is complete without a visit to Wilensky’s Light Lunch, a charming little lunch counter that feels like stepping back in time. Their signature special (grilled salami and bologna on a flat roll with mustard) hits exactly the right kind of nostalgic comfort. It was the perfect way to fuel up before diving into the city.

Dog-Friendly & Stylish: The ALT Hotel

After lunch, we checked into the ALT Hotel in Griffintown—a sleek, modern, and most importantly, dog-friendly spot that made us feel right at home. Rosie was instantly spoiled by the front desk staff, who made sure she got all the pets and treats she could handle. Traveling with a pup can be tricky, but the ALT made it easy and welcoming.

Cocktails, Culture & Smoked Meat Dreams

Our first evening kicked off at Milky Way, a hidden gem of a cocktail bar tucked away above a pizza shop. Think neon lights, tropical vibes, and some of the best cocktails I’ve had in a long time.

And of course, we had to make the iconic stop at Schwartz’s Deli. The line was worth it for those legendary smoked meat sandwiches—juicy, peppery, and perfectly messy. Rosie made fast friends while we waited outside, as usual. It’s hard not to fall in love with her face!

Mornings Made for Coffee & Wandering

Our second day started with a slow morning and a caffeine fix at Bar Caffettiera, a cozy and trendy café with rich coffee and great vibes. Sitting outside with Rosie at my feet and a fresh latte in hand was the perfect way to ease into another full day of exploring.

Pasta + Jazz = Montreal Magic

We spent part of the day wandering through Little Italy, soaking in the market atmosphere before settling into a shady patio at Corneli’s for an incredible pasta lunch. Fettuccine, sunshine, and people-watching—what more could you ask for? Oh right, a content pup napping under the table. Check.

That night, the city truly came alive. The Montreal International Jazz Festival filled the streets with music, movement, and joy. Whether it was a mainstage show or a spontaneous street performance, every note felt like a celebration. Rosie even bopped her head to a saxophone solo, drawing laughs and even more love from the crowd.

Exploring the Old Soul of the City

Between all the food and music, we carved out time to tour the Notre-Dame Basilica, and honestly, it was breathtaking. The detail, the silence, the light—it was one of those moments where you just feel in awe of human creativity.

Afterward, we took a short walk to Le Petit Dep in Old Port for iced coffees. It was just what we needed to cool off, recharge, and soak up a little more of that relaxed Montreal energy. Rosie lounged in the shade like she owned the city (and honestly, by that point, she kinda did).

From there, we wandered through Old Port, weaving through patios, shops, and artists lining the water. The atmosphere was electric but chill at the same time—classic Montreal. And yes, Rosie got stopped again for belly rubs. At this point, I was just her handler.

On Top of the World at Mount Royal

Before heading home, we made the trip up to Mount Royal (thankfully by car, because summer heat and hiking don’t mix) for one last unforgettable view. Standing above the city, looking out over all the rooftops and church spires, it really hit me: Montreal had given us the perfect blend of culture, food, and freedom.

Final Thoughts

Three nights in Montreal reminded me how healing it can be to get away and immerse yourself in something new. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or far—it just has to fill your cup. And this trip? It overflowed.