Here's an entertaining itinerary that will excite the kids, not bore the parents and make the most of your weekend in Montreal.  

Montreal, QC, Canada

2 day family itinerary in Montreal for foodie parents

Public transport is your friend! Parking downtown can be challenging, but the metro is fast and reliable.

The first thing you will want to do is buy a Metro card for your three days in Montreal.  They can be purchased at the machines next to the turnstiles at each station.  There are many different types.  The most relevant for you will likely be the 3 day pass or the weekend pass, depending on the days you are visiting.

This cafe is the first place I saw an Australian style flat white for sale in Canada and the USA.  They make all their coffee using an expresso machine and they are heavenly.

Situated in the Old Bank of Canada, the atmosphere here is unique.  Bring along the iPads for young and older kids so you that you can sit and enjoy the amazing architecture and enjoy your coffee while it's still hot.  

Alternatively, if you are short on time, get your coffee to go and head to your next stop.

Dating from 1824, Notre Dame is one of the famous and oldest landmarks in Montreal.  Enjoy the stained glass windows and gothic architecture as you wander the pews.  Mass is still heard at lunch time some days so double check it does not conflict with this itinerary.

...and of course that means it's time to sample those famous bagels.   

Subway from Sherbrooke to Square Victoria OACI (orange line)

(Make sure you have saved room for coffee because next you're off to Crew Collective.)

Next we will be picking up lunch from La Fabrique de Bagel Montreal to enjoy later.  Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, they are distinct from the NYC bagel being thinner and sweeter.  La Fabrique de Bagel are some of the city's best!

Let's walk across the road to Crew Collective for caffeine (you'll need a recharge by now!)

We also think the bagels sold here are made by La Fabrique de Bagel Montreal (although it's a considerably smaller menu) so you could skip the side trip above if you are short on time.

La Grande Roue de Montreal (Ferris Wheel)

After lunch, take the 12 minute walk down to the Saint Laurent rider to the ferris wheel.  In front of the wheel, you will also see the J'aime Montreal sign (I love Montreal) which is a great photo opportunity.  

If you have the time there is also the rope course, zip line, and swan paddle boats.  A free playground is also located next the ferris wheel however it would appeal mostly to under 5s.

Let's start the day right with brunch at La Fabrique

(This includes a change at Berri UQAM but if you have older kids then consider walking straight to Berri UQAM)

Catch the Metro from Champ-de-Mars to Jean Drapeau. 

Montreal has turned some of the stadiums from the 1976 Olympics into science attractions for families.  

From here you can change to a bus or simply catch an uber for the last part of the journey to dinner.

Catch the Metro to Viau (green line) and walk to the Biodome/Planetarium/Insectarium.  

Tomorrow you will visit the Planetarium where the main attractions are the iMax style cinemas which have various showings of presentations about space.  You can view the schedule on their website, which explains the recommended audience age and audio language.  

You can make an account and connect your ePassport so that you can book your sessions online.  Alternatively, arrive a little early to ensure you secure a spot.

You will want to plan this ahead of time to determine which order you visit tomorrow's attractions and what time to arrive.  The Biodome and Planetarium are opposite each other (less than 1min between entrances) while the Insectarium is about a 10min walk.  However with the ePassport you can go in and out as many times as you wish.

For those people who do think pastries are "breakfast" there is a brunch menu.  However, we are not those people and ate pastries!

There are not many great lunch options out at Olympic Park for those who aspire to more than an egg salad sandwich.  Like yesterday, as you are in the city famous for bagels we would recommend picking up something delicious to eat between attractions.  

The Biodome and Planetarium both have places where you can sit and enjoy your BYO lunch.  

If you're not feeling ribs tonight, here is a list of our favourite places to eat in Montreal so you can decide what you are feel like.  

Head back to station Viau and catch the green line to Place-des-arts.

Baton Rouge is a Canadian chain restaurant and not the best Montreal can offer, but it's a upscale restaurant which is kid friendly allowing parents to enjoy a nice evening out.  It was also chosen due to it's proximity to the best ice cream you'll ever eat.... 

2 day family itinerary in Montreal for foodie parents

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