Montreal and Quebec City And Why I'd Do It Again (Lady Gaga Cancelled Show)
We had been looking forward to this trip for months. Montreal, Quebec City, and the Night 3 Lady Gaga show at the centre of it all. What actually happened was a little different, and honestly, it made for a better story.
Getting There: Our First Time Flying Porter
We flew from Vancouver, and this trip was our first time on Porter Airlines. I'll be honest, we didn't know what to expect, but it ended up being one of the smoothest travel experiences we've had in a while.
A few things that stood out: Porter doesn't have middle seats, which immediately makes the whole flight feel more comfortable. Their check-in process was simple and their app actually works well, which sounds like a low bar but anyone who's dealt with a clunky airline app knows it matters.
The biggest surprise was the complimentary Wi-Fi. If you sign up for their free loyalty program (VIP Porter membership, no cost to join), you get Wi-Fi included for the whole flight. We used it the entire way and it made the flight feel that much easier. Definitely worth signing up before you book if you're flying Porter for the first time.
For families or anyone flying out of Western Canada looking for a stress-free start to their trip, Porter is worth keeping on your radar.
Where We Stayed: Hotels, Perks, and What Made Each One Work
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, Montreal (Nights 1 and 2)
Image courtesy of Omni Mont-Royal
Our first Montreal base was the Omni Mont-Royal on Sherbrooke Street West, right in the heart of the city. As a Fora preferred partner property, booking through me came with some real perks: a $50 USD credit to use at their bar and restaurant (which works out to roughly $70 CAD, so we put it to good use), daily breakfast for two, plus early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.
The upgrade was also included as a perk subject to availability, and honestly I was half-expecting them to surprise us at check-in. They didn't, and here's what I've learned: even at luxury properties, the hotel doesn't owe you anything. You're always better off asking at the front desk, but how you ask matters. Try something like: "Hi, we're so excited to be here. Is there anything you can do to make our stay extra comfortable or special?" That's it. No demands, no entitlement, just warmth and openness. You'd be surprised how often that one sentence opens a door, whether it's a higher floor, a quieter room, a better view, or yes, sometimes an upgraded room altogether. The key is you're not asking for something specific, you're giving them the opportunity to surprise you.
Hilton Quebec, Quebec City (Night 3)
Image courtesy of Hilton Quebec
For our overnight in Quebec City, we stayed at the Hilton Quebec. No special perks on this one, but being a Hilton member meant a great rate on a hotel that genuinely delivered: modern, spotlessly clean, a fantastic location, and solid amenities throughout. Sometimes the right hotel just checks every box without needing extras.
Warwick Le Crystal, Montreal (Night 4)
Image courtesy of Warwick Le Crystal
This was the standout of the trip. The Warwick Le Crystal is a 5-star property that also has attached apartment-style units, so the rooms feel genuinely spacious. Ours had a separate soaking tub and a walk-in shower, which after a few days of walking two cities felt exactly right.
As a Fora Reserved property, the perks here were serious: a $50 USD minibar credit, complimentary continental breakfast for two, and early check-in and late check-out upon availability. We did get the late checkout, which made our last morning in Montreal so much more relaxed.
The upgrade was on the table again and we didn't ask again. Same lesson applies: a warm, simple ask at check-in costs nothing. If it's already listed as one of your included perks, you have every reason to bring it up. Just do it kindly.
Getting Settled in Montreal
We based ourselves in Montreal for most of the trip, which was the right call. The city is walkable, the food scene is everywhere, and there's enough to fill a few days without feeling rushed.
We started our first full day at the Biodôme, which was a great way to ease into the city in the morning. Four ecosystems under one roof, tropical, laurentian, gulf of st lawrence, and sub-antarctic. It's the kind of place that works whether you have kids with you or not.
From there we made our way to Notre-Dame Basilica. Photos do not do it justice. Walking inside and seeing the altar, the dark blue ceiling, the detail everywhere, it genuinely stops you in your tracks. Budget at least 45 minutes and go without rushing.
One of our first food stops was Chef Potier for a croissant. Simple, but if you walk past and don't stop in, you'll regret it. Flaky, buttery, exactly what it should be.
We also found Le Petite Dép, a coffee shop that shows up in both Montreal and Quebec City. Cozy, good coffee, the kind of spot you go back to more than once.
The Schwartz's Experience
You can't go to Montreal and skip Schwartz's Deli. You also can't rush it. We spent more time in line than we did eating, and I'd still tell you to go. The smoked meat sandwich has been the real deal since 1928 and nothing about that has changed. Come hungry, be patient, it's worth it.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Plan More Time Than You Think
We blocked off a couple of hours for the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and walked out feeling like we'd barely scratched the surface. Five buildings. Five. We saw a fraction of what's there and left wishing we had a full day. It holds the largest collection of fine art in Canada, and the exhibitions cover everything from historic to contemporary. If you're planning a visit, clear your afternoon. Don't make the same mistake we did.
A Quick Detour: Quebec City by Via Rail
Midway through the trip we hopped on Via Rail for an overnight in Quebec City. Easy, comfortable, and the train ride itself is a nice way to slow things down between two cities.
Old Quebec genuinely feels like stepping into another world. The cobblestone streets, the fortified walls, the Château Frontenac anchoring the skyline. It doesn't look or feel like anywhere else in North America, and that's exactly the point.
Lunch was at La Buche, and it stood out as one of the best meals of the whole trip. Quebec comfort food done really well, warm atmosphere, the kind of restaurant you keep thinking about after you leave. Book a reservation if you can.
We wandered through Quartier Petit-Champlain, explored Place Royale, and walked the fortifications with views over the St. Lawrence River. It's the kind of afternoon that doesn't need a plan.
In Quebec City, we stumbled into Boutique Mary's Popcorn Shop. We smelled it before we saw it. They had a wall of flavours and we left with a bag we did not regret. A completely unplanned stop and one of the most fun moments of the trip.
We also grabbed coffee again at Le Petite Dép, their Quebec City location. Consistent, welcoming, and a nice familiar stop in a new city.
The next morning we were back on the train to Montreal.
The Show That Wasn't
Night 3 of the Lady Gaga Mayhem Ball Tour at the Bell Centre. We had been looking forward to it since the tickets were booked. Our hotel was close to the venue, so the plan was simple: ride the bus back, get ready, walk over.
We found out on the bus. The show was cancelled.
It's one of those moments where you sit there for a second not fully believing what you just read. We had planned this trip around that night.
Instead of sitting in the hotel feeling sorry for ourselves, we did the only reasonable thing: we went to the movies. The Cineplex nearby was showing Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, and that was exactly the kind of distraction we needed.
The best part? When we walked in, there were other groups in full Gaga-inspired outfits. No show, but they showed up anyway. Honestly, I respect it. We all ended up in the same theatre, probably all a little disappointed, watching a movie together without saying a word about it. It was oddly perfect.
A Note on April Weather in Montreal and Quebec City
We went in early April and knew it would be cold. We checked the forecast. We thought we were ready.
We were not ready.
We got full winter. Snow included. I packed a cotton scarf thinking it would be enough for a cool spring day. It was not. No gloves either. Both of those would have made a significant difference walking the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and wandering Montreal on foot.
If you're planning a visit in early April, especially coming from Vancouver where "cold" means something very different, pack like it's still winter. A warm wool scarf, gloves, and a proper coat are not optional. The cities are absolutely worth visiting in the shoulder season, the crowds are smaller and the vibe is quieter, but dress for the weather you're actually going to get, not the weather you're hoping for.
What I'd Do Differently
Give the Museum of Fine Arts a full day. Book La Buche early. Sign up for VIP Porter before your flight. Ask for that upgrade at check-in, warmly and without expectation. Pack wool, not cotton. Gloves are not optional in early April. Quebec will humble you. And if you're planning a trip around a concert, maybe don't make the concert the whole plan.
One thing this trip made very clear: I need to come back in the summer. We visited in early April, snow and all, and it was still that good. I keep thinking about what these cities must feel like when the patios are open, the festivals are going, and everyone is outside. That version of this trip is already on my list.
Montreal and Quebec City together made for a genuinely great trip. The cancellation stung, but the cities delivered.
Thinking About Planning a Trip Like This?
If you're dreaming about a getaway where the hotels, the perks, and all the details are handled for you, that's exactly what I do. The inclusions at the Omni and Le Crystal, the breakfast, the credits, the late checkout, those come from booking through a Fora advisor. You don't get those when you plan on your own.
Book a free planning call with me and we'll figure out the right trip for you.