Montreal is one of those cities that instantly captures you (we’ve been there 4 times in the last 10 years). It’s full of charm, history, and delicious food — yet still relaxed enough for families to explore at their own pace. We recently spent three days here with our 3 year old, and it was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and slow moments. It’s perfect to visit in the fall because it’s not as busy!

If you’re planning a trip to Montreal with little kids, this itinerary blends our real experiences with other tried-and-true family favorites. I’ve organized it so you can explore each area without rushing from one end of the city to the other.

Where to Stay: Hotel Monville

We stayed at Hotel Monville, and it was the perfect base for our family trip. It’s right in downtown Montreal (walking distance to both Old Montreal and Mount Royal) and surrounded by great food and coffee spots.

We booked the corner suite, which gave us plenty of space to unwind after long days. The room was spotless, the beds were super comfortable, and daily housekeeping kept everything fresh (it’s the small details that make travel with kids so much easier).

The only drawback was that you can’t turn the AC below 20°C, which was a bit warm for us, but the staff quickly brought up a fan. Overall, Monville felt clean, modern, and family-friendly — the kind of hotel that makes exploring the city feel easy.

Day 1: Old Montreal & Old Port Adventures

Morning: History, Pastries & Cobblestone Streets

Start your trip in Old Montreal, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Hotel Monville which means there is no need for transit or parking hassles.

Breakfast options:

• Olive et Gourmando – famous for its pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Note: not very stroller-friendly and there can be a wait, but the food is worth it.
• La Finca – a calm café near the hotel (just a 5 minute walk across the street) if you prefer a more relaxed start. Their cinnamon buns are really popular so go early because they will sell out AND it can get busy here with lines out the door.

After breakfast, stroll to Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and then continue on foot to Notre-Dame Basilica (about 10–15 minutes total walking). The cobblestone streets of Old Montreal are stroller-friendly in most spots, just a bit bumpy in a few areas.

Next, wander toward Place Jacques-Cartier — a lively plaza with street performers and plenty of space for little ones to stretch their legs.

Lunch: Jazz, Good Food & a Break Indoors

Head to Modavie, just a 5–10 minute walk away, for a cozy lunch with live jazz and one of the best menus in Old Montreal. It’s kid-friendly yet feels special so it’s perfect for parents who want a nice meal without it being too formal. The service is also incredibly which makes a huge difference when dining with kids!

You HAVE to try the gnocchi and cheesecake. Both are incredible and I am already looking forward to have it again.

Afternoon: Ferris Wheels & Playtime

From Place Jacques-Cartier, it’s an easy 10ish minute walk down to the Old Port.

• Start with riding the La Grande Roue de Montréal for sweeping city views. It’s about a 20 minute ride and totally worth it.
• Next, head to the nearby playground and let your kids play at the Old Port playground. It’s such a great way for them to get movement in and unwind. I promise it will make a huge movement for their moods and you can get a little break too.
• If it’s hot or you want an indoor break, the Montreal Science Centre is right beside the Ferris wheel. It’s stroller-accessible and perfect for toddlers to explore. You might find yourself spending 2-3 hours here because there’s tons to do so plan accordingly.

Reset: Rest Time

After an afternoon full of activity, take the 15-minute walk back to Hotel Monville for downtime before dinner. Even if your kids don’t nap, quiet time in the room helps everyone recharge. Our daughter loved listening to her Yoto stories while we relaxed before heading out again.

Dinner: Pasta, Patios & Nearby Options

For dinner, there are lots of walkable options from the hotel. Consider getting a reservation at these restaurants and opt for an earlier dinner to avoid long wait times as kids can be tired by the end of the day.

Options:

• 🍝 Jacopo – A cozy Italian spot right in Old Montreal, perfect for families. The pasta and small plates are outstanding. This is where we dined and had a good experience.
• 🍕 BEVO Bar + Pizzeria – A fun, casual alternative just steps away from Jacopo with great pizza, friendly service, and a lively vibe for kids.

After dinner, take a slow stroll back along the waterfront — the city lights and gentle evening buzz make for a lovely end to the first day.

Day 2: Nature, Neighborhoods & Classic Montreal Eats

Morning: Animals, Bagels & Green Spaces

Start your morning with one of Montreal’s iconic bagels at St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel. Both are a quick 10–15 minute drive or Uber from the hotel, or you can take the orange metro line to Laurier Station and walk from there.

Then head to the Biodome, which is best reached by metro from downtown (green line to Viau Station) — it’s stroller-accessible and avoids parking hassles. It can get busy here so plan accordingly and book your tickets in advance.

Inside, your kids will love seeing penguins, monkeys, and rainforest creatures. Right next door, you can stroll through the Botanical Gardens or stop by the Insectarium, both great for a calm mid-morning walk.

Lunch: Relaxed or On-the-Go

• Café In Vivo, located near the Biodome, is perfect for a sit-down meal before heading out.
• Or, on sunny days, pick up something light and picnic at the Botanical Gardens.

Afternoon: The Plateau & Local Vibes

From the Biodome, take the metro (green to Berri-UQAM, then orange to Mont-Royal Station) to reach the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood — colorful, local, and great for an afternoon stroll.

• Stop by the Cat Café for a coffee break and quiet time (kids will love watching the cats, but avoid if your kids are too little and will run after the cats).
• Walk along Rue Saint-Denis or Avenue du Mont-Royal to spot murals, grab a snack, or do a bit of souvenir shopping.
• If everyone still has energy, take Bus 11 or a quick Uber to Mount Royal Park for panoramic views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout. You can also just enjoy the playground by Beaver Lake for something gentler.

Dinner: End on a Delicious Note

• La Banquise – If you’d like to stay on the Plateau, opto for a casual Montreal classic with every kind of poutine imaginable at this establishment. We go here everytime we are in Montrea.
• Shay – elegant yet family-friendly Mediterranean restaurant with incredible food. You can take the metro back to your hotel and then walk to the restaurant. It’s just a 30ish minute walk and a lovely way to take in a different part of the city. The food here is incredible, we loved everything we tried but the lamb and the shish tawouk made it to our favorites.

If You Have Extra Time in Montreal

If you find yourself with a few extra hours , or just want to swap something out in the itinerary then here are a few wonderful, family-friendly spots worth checking out:

• Montreal Science Centre (Old Port) – Great for curious kids who love hands-on learning. Interactive exhibits, toddler-friendly areas, and an easy location right by the Ferris wheel.
• Maktaba Bookshop (Plateau Mont-Royal) – A cozy, independent children’s bookshop with beautiful selections in both English and French. Perfect for quiet downtime or a souvenir that isn’t another toy.
• McCord Stewart Museum (Downtown) – A great option for rainy days, featuring exhibits about Montreal’s history and culture, often with activities for families.
• Jean-Drapeau Park – Take the metro to Jean-Drapeau Station for open green spaces, bike paths, and playgrounds on two islands in the St. Lawrence River.
• Kem CoBa or Ripples Ice Cream (Plateau) – Local favorites if you want to end your day with a sweet treat.

These are easy to fit in depending on where you are in the city — and all are accessible by metro or a short Uber ride from downtown.

Getting Around Montreal With Kids

Montreal is wonderfully easy to navigate without a car — especially if you stay downtown. Here’s what worked best for us:

• Walk: Old Montreal, Old Port, and downtown are all within 10–20 minutes on foot from Hotel Monville. Most sidewalks are stroller-friendly.
• Metro: Clean, efficient, and stroller-accessible at most stations. Best for getting to the Biodome, Botanical Gardens, and Plateau Mont-Royal.
• Bus: Handy for reaching Mount Royal Park (Bus 11) or connecting short distances from metro stops.
• Car or Uber: Useful for early mornings, bagel runs, or when you’re heading farther afield. Hotel Monville’s valet parking made it easy to come and go without stress.

Tip: If you’re traveling with little ones, get a 24-hour or weekend metro pass — it’s affordable, unlimited, and saves the hassle of buying tickets each time.

Final Thoughts

Two days in Montreal is just enough to soak in its culture, food, and easygoing energy. The key to enjoying it with kids is balance by pairing busy mornings with restful afternoons, and let the city set the pace.

Whether you’re sharing bagels in the Plateau, riding the Ferris wheel at the Old Port, or watching the sunset from Mount Royal, Montreal makes family travel feel joyful and relaxed…exactly as it should be.