Craving a quick getaway without the airport chaos? Montréal delivers the perfect change of scenery—European flair, world-class food, and style-driven neighbourhoods, all just a smooth train ride from Toronto. It’s the kind of city that instantly resets you: stepping off the train into grand architecture, café culture, and design at every turn only deepens my long-time love for this special Canadian destination.
This trip had a simple mission: kick off the holiday season with equal parts food and fashion in just 48 hours. The only caveat? My husband needed a comfortable place to work and—newly obsessed with swimming—specifically requested a pool. Enter Le Centre Sheraton Montréal, perfectly positioned for the task. Centrally located, a short walk from the station, and stocked with every convenience (including a pool, sauna, and a serene Club Lounge), it made starting our weekend away feel effortless, cozy, and quietly luxurious.
The Club Floor quickly became the cherry on top: an expansive, light-filled lounge perfect for working, hopping onto Zoom, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, or settling in for evening hors d’oeuvres and a well-earned drink. Guests floated in and out, creating that unmistakable holiday hum—the blend of hustle and sparkle that comes from chatting with fellow travellers on their own winter escapes.
With the ideal home base secured, Le Centre Sheraton became our true home away from home — a comfortable launchpad for eating, shopping, and soaking up Montréal’s signature charm.
Here’s your fashion-and-food-filled guide to 48 hours in Montréal. —Lauren Walker-Lee
Shopping Highlights
Château d’Ivoire
We hit the ground running with the most glamorous tour of this family-owned jewellery and watch haven. With 47 years in business, the three-storey Château d’Ivoire is a masterclass in luxury, offering an extraordinary selection of gold, diamonds, and an unrivalled watch collection featuring brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Baume & Mercier. The service is impeccable, the experience unforgettable—and with Holt Renfrew Ogilvy just steps away, it’s a must-stop for a dose of pure indulgence. 2020 Rue de la Montagne
RUSE
A longtime favourite, RUSE is worth the taxi ride to Mile End. With preloved fashion booming, this beautifully curated designer consignment boutique is a treasure trove of on-trend luxury. Expect everything from Gucci and Balenciaga to Acne and The Frankie Shop, plus vintage Saint Laurent and an enviable selection of Chanel bags. 5141 Boulevard St-Laurent
Estudio Niksen
After a hot tip from a fashion friend, we ventured out in the snow—and discovered a new obsession. Located on a quiet Saint-Henri street and accessed via buzzer, Estudio Niksen’s studio-boutique blends elevated classics with excellent price points. The gender-neutral wardrobe staples are timeless and beautifully cut. (I refreshed my T-shirts but still regret not buying the pants.) 655 Rue Desnoyers, Suite 110
&OR Collective
Champions of sustainable production, &OR Collective recently opened its first brick-and-mortar boutique in Old Montréal—an inviting space that feels part gallery, part apartment. Alongside their own tech-driven, waste-free knitwear, the boutique carries a thoughtful mix of clothing, home, beauty, and accessories. Female-founded and proudly Canadian, they’re redefining conscious fashion with intention and style. 395 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Suite 102
Food Highlights
Nora Gray
A Montréal favourite for good reason, this modern Italian spot exudes intimacy and warm neighbourhood charm. We snagged two seats at the bar and savoured house-made pasta, excellent wine, and that effortless cool that Montréal does so well. 1391 Rue Saint-Jacques
September Surf Café
Surfing may not define Montréal, but the easygoing hospitality at September Surf sure does. Since 2016, it’s been a staple for brunch lovers. We shared the Halloumi Toast and pancakes—both absolutely worth the trip—in a space that feels welcoming, stylish, and quietly hip.
2471 Rue Notre-Dame West
Crew Collective & Café
Still one of the city’s most breathtaking cafés, Crew Collective is housed in a former Royal Bank building, complete with marble, brass, and soaring ceilings. Answering emails here feels cinematic. The smoked salmon bagel scratched our Montréal itch, and the plush lounge seating made it the perfect place for a long catch-up with friends. 360 Rue Saint-Jacques
Stanley
Located inside Le Centre Sheraton, Stanley is a nod to hockey history—the hotel’s basement once held the ice rink where the earliest Stanley Cup was awarded. Today, it serves contemporary Québec-inspired dishes with refined plating, warm service, and a design that invites connection. It’s the kind of dinner that naturally extends into drinks at the bar afterward. 1201 René-Lévesque Blvd. West
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