As someone who has spent several years galavanting around the United States, Central America, and Europe, there are very few cities that truly humble me.
But from the moment I stepped off the plane in Montreal, a feeling of serendipity washed over me. By the end of my visit, I couldn’t believe how much I’d fallen for the Canadian city.
For the first time, I found myself pulling up rental prices and researching how long I could legally stay in a place before I’d even left.
Somehow, Montreal felt like it was meant for me.
Montreal’s nightlife was the first thing that really won me over
When it gets dark, the energy here feels palpable — and I found locals can really party in style. Even as a solo female traveler, I felt at home chatting up bartenders, patrons, and night owls on trains back to my Airbnb.
The two-in-one delight that is Pub Saint Pierre and Barrelmans Bar in Old Town was my first stop. The handcrafted cocktails and simply wondrous tapas menu were hits. I still think about the potato mille-feuille with garlic butter and goat cheese I ordered — if you see it on the menu, you must try it.
Atwater Cocktail Club, which has been regularly featured in Canada’s top 10 bars for years, was astounding. The cleverly constructed drinks and refined French-inspired small plates and comfort dishes left me feeling impressed.
And, of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had at wine bars in the area.
My two favorites are Rouge Gorge, where I’ve experienced incredible service and spot-on recommendations, and Casavant, which has incredibly romantic date-night vibes.
The food scene truly blew me away
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Montreal might not be the first place people name when they list global food capitals, but it should be.
Sure, you’ve got the Canadian classics like poutine: crispy fries smothered in rich gravy and topped with melty cheese curds that squeak with every bite.
And then there are the iconic Montreal-style bagels from Fairmount and St-Viateur; slightly sweeter, with a perfect chewable crust.
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But beyond the staples that make Canadian food stellar, Montreal is quietly crushing it on its international cuisine. For one, I’m still thinking about the flavorful, incredible Venezuelan arepas I had from Arepera.
Of course, no visit to the city is complete without a stop at Jean-Talon Market, which is open year-round. Here you’ll find local honey and maple syrup to bring home, amazing seafood stalls, and fresh veggies and fruits that burst with color and flavor.
It felt easy to picture myself eating my way around the city for weeks without ever getting bored.
Montreal felt so easy to explore, yet so hard to leave
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I loved how easy it was for me to get around Montreal.
Beyond being fairly walkable with many smooth sidewalks, the local public-transit system truly shines.
Whether I was taking the bus or the metro, stations I stopped at felt clean with well-labeled signs and maps. I never once got lost while navigating the city.
Coming from Los Angeles, where public transit feels like a work in progress, this felt like a breath of fresh air. Plus, not having to drive or sit in traffic is the dream.
I think about moving here every day
Though I’m sure living in Montreal has its drawbacks, the pros seem quite compelling: incredible food, rich culture, and strong public infrastructure, to name a few.
Plus, Canada as a whole has some appealing perks, like unviersal healthcare, a more relaxed pace, and a pretty welcoming attitude … even if it gets a little chillier than I’m used to.
Montreal just feels livable. There always seems to be something to do in the city — outdoor exhibits, a massive yearly summer Fringe Festival, winter carnivals, and so much more.
To me, it doesn’t just feel like a place you just pass through; it feels like one where you can build a life.
But there’s a catch. Recently, Canada tightened some of its visa options, especially for digital nomads and self-employed individuals. With many of those programs suspended, getting long-term access without an in-demand skill set is tough.
As a freelance journalist and content creator, that’s a frustrating barrier, especially for a city that feels so inclusive. Still, I’m not giving up on the idea. Whether it’s short-term stints or long weekends, I already know I’ll be back.
Montreal has officially joined the short list of places that feel like they could be home, even if, for now, just in spirit.
