Coming off a 3-0 victory at home last Saturday, the Philadelphia Union head north of the border on Saturday night to face C.F. Montreal. Last season, the Union struggled against Montreal, dropping points in both matches during the regular season: drawing at home 2-2 and losing late on the road 4-2. The only win versus Montreal came during the Leagues Cup Match in August when Philadelphia won 2-0.

However, it is a new year and the Union are currently sitting in 3rd place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings and are looking to extend their win streak to 3 games.

If you are heading to Montreal, Jillian and I have chronicled our journey last the last two years to the city along with some of our recommendations on our latest episode of The One Team We Agree On.

However, in today’s article, I wanted to share a few more of our favorite places to check out when in town if you are heading to the match this weekend.

About Montreal

Montreal is the city equivalent of your cool transatlantic friend. It has the high culture, style and gourmet food of the most elegant corners of France, and the informality, innovation and gregarious warmth of North America. Montreal straddles the old and new worlds with an effortless je ne sais quoi rarely seen in big cities, and for that reason, Canadians and international visitors alike find it irresistible. Here are a few places to check out when in town.

Botanical Garden

Discover one of the world’s leading botanical gardens. This jewel in the city’s crown, founded in 1931, covers 75 hectares and features some 20 thematic gardens, a vast arboretum, the Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion and 3 exceptional cultural gardens: the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and First Nations Garden. Enjoy a colorful lineup of activities in a perfect place to get in touch with nature and all its beauties.

Having discovered this place many years ago, it is on the top of our list for places to check out; you could spend the whole day there and it’s right next to the stadium. Perfect spot to visit before the match.

Website: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden

Biosphere

An iconic architectural landmark of Montréal since Expo 67 and erected in a true natural oasis, the Biosphère offers a breathtaking view of downtown Montréal and the St. Lawrence River. The Biosphère presents exhibitions, artistic installations and scientific activities, prompting dialogue between science, culture, social innovation and the environment.

Website: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/biosphere

Biodome

The Montréal Biodôme is a living environment that offers a new experience every time you visit! Whether it’s the sloth that decides to get moving, the Laurentian Maple Forest that changes color in the fall, or the penguins that enter molting season, a visit to the Biodôme is never exactly the same. Located across from the Stadium, again a perfect spot to go to before the game.

Website: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/biodome

Notre-Dame Basilica

The Notre-Dame Basilica is Montréal’s mother church and the first Gothic Revival church in Canada. Its history, marked by the Sulpicians since its foundation, is inseparable from that of the City of Montréal. Located in a historic part of Montreal I highly recommend you check this place out if you are in town.

Website: https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en

Old Montreal

If you are going to visit Notre-Dame, Old Montreal in general is worth visiting as well. Walking through the streets feels the closest you will get to Paris this side of the Atlantic. You will find cafes, shops, galleries, a marketplace, a Ferris wheel, and even a beach at the Clock Tower.

Old Montreal in August 2023. Photos: Jillian Almoney

Website: https://www.mtl.org/en/city/about-montreal/neighbourhoods/old-montreal

Food and Drink

Montreal has something for everyone’s taste buds and there is always a coffee or beer around every corner. As you explore this city, you will find some amazing bites just about everywhere. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Café Chat L’Heureux

Do you like cats? If you do, The Café Chat L’Heureux is a cafe/restaurant open to everyone where one can enjoy the company of cats while savoring beverages and quality food. The cats roam around and it’s a really nice and inviting atmosphere that is worth a visit.

Website: https://cafechatlheureux.com/en

Snowbird Tiki Bar

If you have never been to a tiki bar before, this is one of my favorites and really has amazing theming and great drinks. Worth a visit as you are exploring town.

Website: https://www.snowbirdtikibar.com/

Isle de Garde

Ever since it opened its doors, Isle de Garde has become a touchstone in the city’s brewing tapestry. A great respect for brewing, good food, impeccable service, two beautiful terraces—one inside, one on busy Beaubien Street—and, of course, an impressive menu of beers from here and afar contribute to the pub’s popularity. It’s an awesome spot with some amazing beers on tap.

Website: https://www.isledegarde.com/

Pichai

If you enjoy Thai cuisine, Pichai is the place to go. It has more of a focus on northern Thailand and has rotating specials that keep the menu fresh.

Website: https://pichai.biz/

Chinatown

Can’t decide what to have? Check out this spot with tons of dining options. What started off as small grocery stores, diners and restaurants over the years, business in Chinatown reflect the multi-cultural Asian ethnicities that make up this vibrant neighborhood.

Suggestions: Kim Fun or Red Ruby  

So that is all for today’s travel article with just a few places that we will be checking out while we are in town, and there are many more as well. If you are looking for something in particular, email me at Kyle@madhatteradv.com and I can send you some more recommendations.

As always, if you have a few suggestions as well, send them my way and I will be sure to check them out!

Enjoy your time in Montreal and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable memories from your trip.

Main Article Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Jillian Almoney contributed to this article.