How I Survive the Cold
📍 Montreal, Canada

Sweater || Skirt || Wool Coat || Boots || Cashmere Socks || Beret ||
Similar Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

Walking in a Montreal wonderland! During the winter holiday, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting this beautiful Canadian city for the first time. Although the forecast called for a lot of snow and freezing temperatures, I was bundled up and ready to explore the streets of Vieux Montreal. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad outfits!

Love from Montreal,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

48 Hours in Montreal
📍 Montreal, Canada

Turtleneck || Jeans || Wool Coat || Chelsea Boots || Sunglasses ||
Similar Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

If you couldn’t guess, I had a bustling holiday break. It started with 24 hours in NYC and ended with counting down the New Year in Palm Beach. In between the two, we spent Christmas with David’s family in Vermont. It’s incredible that he grew up so close to the Canadian border. In fact, Montreal is less than two hours away. Because it’s so close, I’ve been dying to visit and secretly always bring my passport when we see his parents. You know, just in case. This year, we finally hopped north of the border for a quick 48-hour visit. Here’s a quick look at my first, but not last, trip to Montreal.

Stay & Relax

On this snowy visit, our home away from home was the Hotel William Gray. I cannot recommend this spot enough! It is located in the heart of Old Montreal and steps away from the best places in the city. The staff was incredible and more than willing to give recommendations as you explore the city. On the property, you’ll find two restaurants, a coffee shop, a spa, and so much more. I would love to have a return visit in the summer or fall. When I do, the Hotel William Gray will warrant a repeat stay. 

Eat & Drink

The dining scene in Montreal is a spoil of riches. It has the second largest number of restaurants per capita, behind only NYC. So, if you have a craving, you’ll be able to find something to fill it.

Each morning started with coffee at Café Olimpico (I loved their oat-milk mocha), followed by a bagel from St. Viateur. Since 1957, they have been making the best bagels in the city with a Montreal twist. The difference is that they are boiled in honey water, giving them a sweet and very distinctive crunch. Montreal has a vibrant Jewish culture, so don’t be surprised to find a lot of love for delis. One restaurant I was hoping to get to was Arthur’s Nosh Bar. They describe their menu as a Jewish classic with a twist, and all served in a darling diner setting. 

Our most memorable meal was Auberge Saint Gabriel. It jumped on my radar while searching for the oldest restaurant in Montreal. The home where the restaurant stands was built in 1688 by a French soldier, and it eventually received the country’s first liquor license in 1754. If the comforting smell of Gruyere cheese from their fondue isn’t a giveaway, you’ll find cozy French cuisine. I had the Cornish hen with cheesy aligot potatoes, which blew me away, but everything on their menu looked terrific. 

You won’t have to stray far to find a great spot for after-dinner cocktails. Two of my favorites were next store to each other. The first, The Coldroom, is a little underground speakeasy found somewhere around the Hotel William Gray (hint hint). I don’t want to give anything away, so you’ll have to give yourself a scavenger hunt. Must easier to find is El Pequeño Bar. This spot is the smallest bar in Canada and is heavily inspired by Cuban rum and baseball cultures. Since rum is my favorite spirit and the Daiquiri is my favorite cocktail, I was in heaven!

See & Explore

What to Know

Although most of Canada speaks English, all of Quebec (including Montreal) is a French-speaking province. Whenever I travel, I try to learn “restaurant talk” in the local language. Saying hello, thank you, and where to find the bathroom are three powerful phrases to have in your arsenal. Everyone will speak English, though, so feel free to ask for the English menu. Lastly, don’t forget your passport. No matter where you live in the US, it’s a must-have when crossing both sides of the border.

If you happen to find yourself in Montreal during the winter, I cannot recommend layers enough! Each day, I wore a cozy pair of cashmere socks with my waterproof Chelsea boots and had a minimum of two layers under my world jacket. Because of the slush and snow, dark colors will be your friend, but don’t be afraid to wear a pop of winter white if the mood strikes.

This city exceeded all of my expectations, from the French influences to the impeccable dining and old-world feel. There are countless things I love about Montreal. If I feel this strongly about it on a freezing cold day, imagine how much I fall in love in the summer! Cheers to another repeat visit in the year 2023.

Love from Montreal,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.