Best Bites – The crew’s culinary favorites

For Cabin Crew Member Fabienne Zeder, the perfect Montreal layover often starts at Lola Rosa at Place des Arts – plant-based, creative, and complete with charming table drawers filled with handwritten guest notes. First Officer Maël Guidetti also appreciates good food with a French touch: for him, Le Monarque is one of the best places in Montreal for classic brasserie-style dishes. Captain Alex Borer can confirm – he has been raving about the “best seafood platter in the city” for years.

In the evenings, Alex likes to head to the Cloakroom Bar on Rue de la Montagne. Behind a mirrored wardrobe door hides a small speakeasy bar without a cocktail menu. Instead, you simply tell the bartender what you feel like, and he crafts a personalized drink, for Alex, one of the best in Montreal.

Those seeking a more relaxed vibe follow First Officer Andri Büttner to Dieu du Ciel!, for craft beer, poutine, and authentic Montreal atmosphere. For a touch of wanderlust, he recommends Neotokyo, his Japanese-futuristic favorite. A quiet stroll through Marché Jean-Talon can also be a treat, with its colorful produce, artisanal cheeses, and local specialties – perfect for anyone who likes discovering a city’s flavors on their own.

Of course, the classics shouldn’t be missed: Maître de Cabin Bénédicte Chouik and First-Class Cabin Crew Member Lioba Ketterer swear by the playful and colorful breakfast at Cora. Bénédicte also directs all bagel lovers to St-Viateur, an institution since 1957.

Favorite Activities – Montreal à la Crew

For relaxed city strolls, the crew heads to Vieux-Montreal. Fabienne enjoys cycling through the historic streets to the Old Port, past old façades and small squares. Maël particularly likes walking along the St. Lawrence River, especially in the evening when the old-town lighting creates a unique atmosphere.

Another hotspot is the Quartier des Spectacles, where culture and cuisine meet. Maël recommends a visit to Le Central, a large food hall offering a wide variety – perfect for sampling Montreal’s culinary scene,

Those experiencing Montreal in winter shouldn’t miss dog-sledding adventures outside the city, according to Alex and Lioba. Gliding through snowy landscapes offers a truly Canadian winter experience - quiet, exhilarating, and surprisingly relaxing.

Shopping Tips – From underground to vintage

Montreal offers a rich mix of international brands, local designers, and small boutiques. Rue Sainte-Catherine is the undisputed classic: Fabienne and Andri enjoy strolling along the long shopping street, discovering shops, and stopping at the Indigo bookstore for books, décor, and gift ideas.

Alex also heads straight for the Arc’teryx flagship store, located directly on Rue Sainte-Catherine – the perfect address for Canadian outdoor design. In winter, the Underground City Réso, connecting large parts of Rue Sainte-Catherine, keeps shoppers warm. Lioba enjoys using the underground passages for shopping, coffee, or a movie, no matter the weather.

For local fashion and vintage finds, the Boulevard Saint-Laurent is a must. Bénédicte loves the secondhand shops, small boutiques, and lively neighborhood where shopping and culture come together. Maël adds Simons and Espace Pépin for a stylish mix of affordable fashion and Canadian design.

Scenic Spots – The city from above

The most impressive views of Montreal are found atop Mount Royal. Andri enjoys early-morning walks up to the lookout when jetlag keeps him awake and the city slowly wakes. He also often jogs through the quiet forest trails, rewarded with sweeping views of downtown.

For Maël, Mont Royal is a must year-round, especially from the Belvédère Camillien-Houde, which offers panoramic views over Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. Bénédicte recommends the steps of Saint Joseph’s Oratory for a particularly stunning sunset, whether in summer or winter.

Alex finds his favorite photo opportunities amid the historic streets of Old Montreal, from narrow alleys to the harbor and riverfront. 

For a more relaxed perspective, Fabienne heads to the Vieux-Port: a ride on La Grande Roue de Montreal provides a leisurely 360-degree view over Old Montreal and the St. Lawrence River, especially magical at sunset when the city lights begin to sparkle.

Hidden Gems – True insider tips

Off the beaten path, Montreal reveals its unique charm. Fabienne loves Mile End, where in summer she enjoys unusual soft-serve creations at Kem Coba. On colder days, she recommends the Barbie Expo, a free exhibition in the heart of the city – surprising and perfect for winter.

Maël’s hidden treasures lie in everyday spots: Le Petit Dep in Old Montreal combines retro flair with fine delicacies, ideal for a stylish pause. In the evening, Alex recommends Nacarat at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, an elegant bar for creative cocktails and relaxed afterwork moments.

Andri highlights a cultural must: the sound-and-light show at Notre-Dame Basilica, which transforms the historic space into an immersive experience, particularly in winter. Bénédicte finds her escape at Bota Bota Spa, a former boat with views over the Old Port, or during an evening at Le Balcon, where dinner and live music come together.

Lioba loves exploring Montreal on foot, along the Boulevard Saint-Laurent, where street art and murals showcase the city’s creative spirit.