Montreal Bachelorette Party Guide and Itinerary Ideas

Looking for an unforgettable bachelorette weekend with your favorite people that's rich in culture, heavy on charm, and very close by? Look no further than our neighbor to the north for a Montreal bachelorette party! Brush up on your French while taking in the amazing blend of European and North American culture all mashed into one as you celebrate your upcoming wedding day in style. We created the perfect bachelorette party itinerary by speaking to Montreal-based wedding planner Sue-Ellen Cotter, who gave us all the local insight on where to stay and what to do for the ultimate Montreal bachelorette getaway.

Unlike beach bonanzas, a city bachelorette trip always ups the ante. With so much versatility in the Montreal experiences we have on our list, suitcases should be packed and ready to accommodate all the events and transitions coming your way. Plenty of comfortable choices for walking around are musts as well as a little black dress or dinner outfit for the nightlife scene. And regardless of which direction your itinerary skews, keep Cotter's words of wisdom in mind: "Always have a denim or leather jacket on hand for the cooler Montreal nights." Now the only question that remains is what to do first.

Read on for the ultimate Montreal bachelorette party planning guide.

Why You’ll Love Montreal

If tried-and-true has never been quite your style, Montreal offers the perfect canvas for breaking from the status quo and forging your very own bachelorette party experience. While everyone else is flocking down South for a bach bash, you'll be singing "Oh, Canada," as you spend a weekend immersed in the city's uniquely hip take on old-world European culture.

• Nightlife: From clubs and hotel bars to pole dancing and cabaret, Montreal has no shortage of after-dark activities to keep the whole crew entertained.
• Food: Foodies from all over come to Montreal for its cool supper clubs, inspired food trucks, and late-night assortments of poutine.
• Outdoor Activities: Winter here can be rough (unless you're into skiing), but that just means the locals are extra committed to getting the most out of those long summer nights with options from nature walks and boating to festivals and outdoor concerts aplenty.
  

Where to Stay

Montreal has a number of lodging options for groups of all sizes and budgets. One of the best options is the Hotel Le Crystal. Its can't-be-beat location right off of René Lévesque Boulevard ensures your group won't have to go far to find some of Montreal's top restaurants and nightlife. The Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown right off of Montreal's busy Saint Catherine's Street also offers a contemporary, chic aesthetic as well as an onsite Parisian bistro.

• Downtown: While hotels in the heart of Montreal may seem more expensive, the truth is you'll come out ahead when factoring in travel costs. Staying downtown guarantees most things will be walkable or only require a short ride.
• Old Montreal: If soul is what you're after, you'll find it here. Old Montreal, located just next door to the downtown area, is full of all those famed European influences and old-world charm, from cobblestone streets and the Grand Notre Dame Cathedral to vibrant art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Where to Eat

Montreal's famous gastro scene is as eclectic and diverse as the city itself. While the city is famed for its notorious supper clubs and French fare, its late-night digs aren't to be ignored. And you can't end your extravagant weekend without trying some authentic poutine (fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy) at 24-hour spot La Banquise.

• Best Brunch Spots: Régine Café, L’Avenue, Brasserie 701, Maison Boulud
• Best Lunch Spots: Modavie, Maggie Oakes, Taverne Gaspar
• Best Dinner Spots: Estiatorio Milos, Beatrice Ristorante
• Best Fast Food: Poutineville, Orange Julep
• Best Famous Restaurants: Schwartz's Deli, Joe Beef, Au Pied de Cochon
  

What to Do

Best Daytime Activities in Montreal

Get in some much-needed R&R with a bachelorette spa day. Montreal has a lot of great options, including the Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montreal. Splurge on a massage, and be sure to add its baths experience for extra relaxation. Take in some culture at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, and while you will be doing plenty of eating and drinking during the trip, we always suggest taking a cooking and/or cocktail class at Ateliers & Saveurs.

Best Nighttime Activities in Montreal

You're in one of the top party cities in the world (honestly!), so you're likely to find a great spot merely by going for a stroll. If you're in the mood for some top-flight beer, check out Brutopia or Le Saint-Bock (which also sports a sweet outdoor terrace). And when you're ready to dance, you'll have a bevy of options. Stereo offers a top-notch sound system while Blue Dog Motel is a more casual dance atmosphere. Whatever you choose, you'll be sure to leave Montreal needing another couple of days to recover from all the celebrating you and your "I do" crew will do!

How to Get Around

Montreal happens to be relatively easy to navigate, even for the not-so-local crowd. Cotter suggests walking, Uber, or taking the metro to get around.

Montreal Bachelorette Party Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Check into the hotel and grab a quick bite at local favorites St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel. There's quite the rivalry between the two, so you may want to sample each before casting your vote. Get a feel of the city with a picturesque bike ride on the Lachine Canal.
• Afternoon: Have a delicious lunch with coffee and pastries in Petite Italie, followed by a walk downtown to enjoy some shopping at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. Wrap up the afternoon with a perfume workshop at Ruby Brown or high tea at the Ritz.
• Evening: Get ready for a night on the town and start things off right with a pre-dinner drink at Bar George. Follow up with a delectable dinner on the terrace of Marcus at the Four Seasons and finish off with a wild night of entertainment at Cabaret Chez Mado.
  

Day 2

• Morning: Load up on a nutritious breakfast at the hotel before starting the day with a pole dancing class at one of the city's numerous studios. Chances are you're still revved from the previous night's cabaret, so don't hesitate to work that energy into the class!
• Afternoon: All that pole dancing works up a mean appetite. Shower off and head to McKiernan for a hearty post-workout lunch. Spend the rest of the day jamming out at the local music festivals or riding the rollercoasters at La Ronde.
• Evening: After such an active day, we recommend taking a quick disco nap before the night's activities. Dine at one of the must-try dinner spots or consider Bord’Elle for a restaurant-meets-club vibe. Top off the meal with a visit to Bar le Lab or Bar Kabinet for some excellent cocktails in a chic, cozy atmosphere. When you're ready to dance, hit up some of the clubs like La Voute, New City Gas, or Terrasses Bonsecours.

Day 3

• Morning: Request a late checkout and enjoy some room service. After all that dancing, you'll likely be in need of some pampering. Treat yourselves to a spa day at Bota Bota in the Old Port and let all that tension just melt away.
• Afternoon: Have a leisurely, alfresco ladies' lunch on the terrace of Jardin Nelson or enjoy a chilled picnic and plenty of fresh air at the Tam Tam in Mont-Royal.
• Evening: Take a walk down memory lane by viewing the Barbie Expo in Les Cours Mont-Royal or stretch your legs with a stroll through Mount Royal Park before heading off.