The Ultimate 48‑Hour Itinerary
Exploring the Plateau and Old Montreal on Foot
If you’re looking for the perfect Montreal itinerary but you’re still on the fence about where to stay, let me make this easy for you. I live here. I walk these streets every day. And if your idea of a great weekend is seeing the real Montreal without constantly checking transit maps or hailing rides, then starting from the front door of Gingerbread Manor just makes sense.
This is a true 48‑hour, on‑foot itinerary. No shortcuts, no gimmicks. Just a very good weekend in one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in the country.
Saturday Morning: Ease Into the Plateau
Your weekend starts the way it should: slowly. Use this Montreal itinerary as a flexible guide: you can shorten the route, swap stops, or linger longer in the Plateau.
Downstairs at Gingerbread Manor, breakfast is the main event. We don’t do “continental” spreads here. You’ll sit down to a hot, plated meal—perhaps a freshly made vegetable Frittata or our baked Oatmeal served with a side of yogurt parfait. I always tell guests this is the best moment of the weekend because you’re rested, curious, and the city hasn’t quite woken up yet.
Step outside and you’re already in the Plateau. No commute, no bus stop. Just tree‑lined streets, wrought‑iron staircases, and the quiet hum of a neighbourhood stretching itself awake.
A short, 300-metre stroll brings you to Square Saint‑Louis. Locals cut through here on their way to work, kids play near the fountain, and photographers linger longer than they planned to. Take your time. This square has a way of slowing everyone down, which is very Montreal.
Late Morning: Wandering, Not Rushing
From Square Saint‑Louis, let your curiosity lead. This part of the Plateau rewards wandering. Small bakeries, bookshops, and cafés with a loyal following. You’re not checking boxes here; you’re getting a feel for the city.
By late morning, you’ll naturally drift toward Prince Arthur Street. It’s pedestrian‑friendly, lively without being overwhelming, and perfect for lunch. It feels like a pause, not a pit stop. You’ll notice how close everything is—that’s why I describe this area as a walker’s paradise.
Afternoon to Sunset: Up the Mountain
After lunch, it’s time for the gentle climb. From the Plateau, Mount Royal is always there, quietly reminding you that the best view comes at the end of a walk. The entrance to the park is only about a 20-minute walk from our front door.
Reach the Kondiaronk Lookout near sunset and you’ll understand why locals never get tired of it. The city stretches out below you, the light changes, and even first‑time visitors go silent for a moment. Take your time coming back down. Dinner can be a casual BYOB spot near the Manor—grab a bottle of wine from the SAQ (Société des Alcools du Québec) on your way back and enjoy the evening like a local.
Sunday Morning: Old Montreal, Step by Step
Breakfast at the Manor again. Coffee tastes better when you know where you’re going next. Today might be the French Toast, served with our home-made blueberry lavender syrup (we use a generous pour of syrup to make sure every bite is covered).
Today, you head toward Old Montreal, and yes, you can walk it. It’s a scenic 2-kilometre walk south. You’ll feel the city shift as you move: older buildings, narrower streets, and more history under your feet. By the time you reach the Old Port, the pace changes. Cobblestones slow you down. Churches and stone façades pull your eyes upward. This is the Montreal people imagine, and you’ve arrived without once needing a car.
Spend the morning exploring. Duck into shops and galleries, sit by the river, and linger longer than planned.
Sunday Afternoon: One Last Loop
Enjoy lunch in Old Montreal, then take a relaxed walk back north toward the Plateau. No rush. That’s the theme of the weekend.
By mid‑afternoon, you’re back at Gingerbread Manor to collect your bags. You’ll notice how much you saw without feeling exhausted. How little time you spent “getting” anywhere.
If you’re planning a weekend trip, bookmark this Montreal itinerary and adjust it based on the season and your walking pace.
Why Staying Here Matters
Anyone can visit Montreal. Experiencing it properly means staying somewhere that lets you walk out the door and start living it immediately.
Gingerbread Manor isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s your starting line, your midpoint, and your return at the end of a very good day. If you value neighbourhoods, good walks, and feeling like you belong even for a weekend, this is where you want to be.