Fall is a fantastic time to be in a city like Montreal, with autumnal charm around every corner. But if you want to truly embrace the spirit of the season, you need to head to Old Montreal.
With narrow cobblestone streets, cozy restaurants and charming shops, this historic area is the place to be when the leaves start to turn and the temperature drops. Plus, with plenty to do within a picturesque stroll, you can easily spend a weekend soaking up the magic of fall at these must-visit spots.
Whether you follow this guide to the letter or use it to inspire your own idyllic Old Montreal weekend, you won't regret including these on your list.
Enjoy French flavours at Gaspar Brasserie Française
Address: 89, rue de la Commune E., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: You wouldn't be in Old Montreal if you didn't have an appetite for French flair, and you can find it at Gaspar Brasserie Française. This cozy spot is a great place to kick off your fall weekend, whether you tuck into classics like the crêpe omelette or undeniably Montreal dishes like poutine déjeuner or bagel Saint-Viateur.
It's an ideal spot for dinner, too, serving duck confit, foie gras, bison tartare, and more, and you can finish it with a slice of their creamy Basque cheesecake.
Soak up the old-town charm on rue Saint-Paul
Pedestrians on rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal on a fall day.
Address: Rue Saint-Paul, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Once upon a time, rue Saint-Paul was Montreal's main street. Hundreds of years later, the historic architecture still towers over the narrow paved road, making you feel like you're transported to a European city hundreds of years ago.
Nothing beats donning an elegant coat, sipping a warm drink and strolling a street unlike any other in North America on your way to your next fall adventure.
Cozy up with a delicious dinner at Bevo Pizzeria
Address: 410, rue Saint-Vincent, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: What's more European than a quick trip to Italy to embrace the coziness of a wood-fired pizza or a soul-satisfying bowl of house-made pasta? Step inside from the chilly street to a welcoming trattoria of dark wood tables and red leather seating and tuck into a feast of Italian cheeses, antipasti and iconic mains paired with the perfect wine.
On a more extended fall escape to Old Montreal, you could book a Wednesday night "atelier" event at Bevo, where you can learn to make your own delicious wood-fired pizza on-site.
Start your day with an artistic moment over brunch
Address: 39, rue Saint-Paul E., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: While Vieux-Port Steakhouse undoubtedly serves one of the best dinners in town, a gem on their menu is their Paint & Brunch event, held on the third Sunday of each month.
Kick off day two of your dreamy fall weekend in Old Montreal with some creativity served with your delicious food. Choose their "Boozy Brunch" option when making your reservation to enjoy a bottle of bubbles and orange or grapefruit juice to sip while working on your masterpiece.
Indulge in ultimate relaxation at Spa William Gray
A spa guest relaxes in the Himalayan salt room at Spa William Gray.
Address: 421, rue Saint-Vincent, Vieux-Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Midday on day two of your fall weekend, what could be better than relaxing in a picturesque spa? Spa William Gray, located within Hôtel William Gray, is a hidden oasis in the heart of Old Montreal.
Move between the experiential showers, Finnish sauna, cold room, eucalyptus steam room, Himalayan salt room and herbal shower for an invigorating thermal circuit, or book yourself in for a massage, beauty service or body treatment and let the professionals take care of you.
Raise your glass to autumn on a terrasse at the top of the world
Address: 421, rue Saint-Vincent, Vieux-Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Once you're done relaxing in the spa, the perfect end to your fall weekend in Old Montreal can be found just a few floors up on the roof of Hôtel William Gray.
Patio season never ends at Terrasse William Gray. With seasonal cocktails and a menu of dishes cooked with local ingredients, expertly put together by world-class chefs, this top-of-the-world terrasse is the ideal spot to see Montreal in its autumn glory.
Plus, starting in November, you can sit in an enchanting dome and enjoy a special menu from MTLÃ Table.
Old Montreal is a must-see destination for an unforgettable fall weekend. The area’s historic charm truly shines in autumn, with its cobblestone streets and cozy spots offering an idyllic backdrop for a memorable getaway.
The top locations are all within a picturesque walk from each other, especially if you take the chance to stay at the Hôtel William Gray — luxury accommodation right in the heart of it all.
To learn more about what to do in Old Montreal, visit the Gray Collection website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.