Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce through this comprehensive travel guide. Find information on places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Located in the heart of Montreal, Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is an affluent and culturally rich borough. Its geographic location and topography offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion. The neighborhood comprises several pristine parks, museums, historic sites, and eateries, making it the perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the beautiful borough of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, providing you with information on places to visit, hiking/biking trails, best things to do, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top-rated museums in Canada and is located in the heart of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. It was founded in 1860 and features over 43,000 art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from around the world.

  • Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal: The Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It displays the history and evolvement of medical practices in Quebec and has numerous exhibits highlighting the life and work of nuns and doctors who served the patients in the Hospital.

Natural Attractions of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Westmount Summit: It’s a beautiful walking trail and the perfect spot for a morning or evening walk. The lookout at the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of the city, making it one of the top attractions of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

  • Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Park: It is one of the largest parks in Montreal and has a diverse population of plants and flora. The vast park offers numerous picnic areas, walking trails, and a picturesque fountain that looks gorgeous during summers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

  • Mount-Royal Park: Mount-Royal Park is one of the most beautiful natural reserves in Montreal and is a perfect spot for hiking and biking. It features numerous hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, and sports areas, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Lachine Canal: The Lachine Canal connects Lake Saint-Louis to the Old Port of Montreal, and its scenic views attract many tourists throughout the year. The canal features a 13.5 km long hiking and biking trail that runs alongside the canal, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Activities and Tours

Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is full of exciting and adventurous activities that you can experience solo or with a group. Some of the must-do things when in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce include:

  • Food Tours: Get a glimpse of the local culinary scene through guided food tours and try some of the best local cuisines.

  • Theatres & Music Venues: Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is home to several theaters and music venues that host numerous cultural events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

For the ultimate Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce experience, consider staying for at least a week. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1-2: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, explore Westmount Park, and indulge in a guided food tour.

Day 3-4: Trek up to the summits of Westmount and Mount-Royal parks. Have a picnic in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Park.

Day 5-6: Take a stroll around the historic Old Montreal and learn about the city’s rich heritage. Attend a music performance in one of the city’s music venues.

Day 7: Wind up your week-long trip with a river cruise along the Lachine Canal before you depart.

Food and Drink Scene of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: Poutine is a quintessential Canadian dish that originated from Quebec; it’s a bowl of fries, gravy, and cheese curds that take comfort food to another level.

  • Smoked Meat Sandwiches: Smoked meat is a staple in Montreal, and Schwartz’s Deli serves some of the best smoked meat sandwiches in the city.

Local Beverages

  • Caesars: The Caesar is a classic Canadian cocktail made using vodka, Clamato juice, and various spices and seasonings.

  • Montreal Craft Beer: Montreal is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, and there are several breweries and pubs that you can visit and enjoy a pint or two.

Where to Stay in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is home to several hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to all kinds of travelers. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Auberge St Jacques: It’s a cozy and affordable hostel located in a quaint neighborhood of the borough.

  • Ritz-Carlton Montreal: For a luxurious stay, consider Ritz-Carlton Montreal, located in a renovated 1912 Beaux Arts building.

  • Airbnb Accommodations: If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home experience, consider booking an Airbnb accommodation in the borough.

What to Buy in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup globally, and you can find numerous shops selling maple syrup candies, cookies, and other maple-flavored treats.

  • Quebec Cheese: Quebec produces several award-winning cheeses that are famous globally. You can find numerous cheese shops and dairies that offer free tasting before you make your purchase.

Local Culture and Customs of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

The people of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce are friendly, welcoming, and enjoy sharing their culture and traditions. Be sure to greet the locals with a “Bonjour” or a “Hello” and respect their customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

The best time to visit Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is during summers (June-August) when the temperature is pleasant, and several festivals and cultural events are held throughout the borough. Fall (September-November) is also a great time to visit, as the colors of the trees change and the temperature cools down.

Do’s and Don’ts of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Do:

  • Explore the local parks and trails.

  • Try the local food and beverage scene.

  • Learn about the city’s rich history and heritage.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public spaces.

  • Overwork or disrespect the locals.

  • Disregard the public transport rules.

Safety and Health

Safety in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is one of the safest neighborhoods in Montreal. However, like any other busy city, you should beware of petty thefts and be cautious when carrying valuable items.

Health in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

There are several hospitals and medical centers located in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, and you can find several pharmacies and clinics in and around the borough to take care of your health needs.

Getting to Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

The nearest airport to Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, located just 20 minutes away from the borough.

Bus Stations Near Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is well-connected to the rest of the city through bus services, and there are several bus stations located throughout the borough that can take you to various parts of Montreal.

Other Options

You can also take a taxi, rent a car, or use ride-hailing services to explore the borough and the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

The best way to explore Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is on foot or via bicycles. There are also several public transport options like buses, metros, and taxis that can take you to various parts of the borough.

Where to Go Next from Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Old Port of Montreal: Visit the historic Old Port of Montreal, located just a few kilometers away from Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. The Old Port is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and several boat cruises.

  • Parc Jean-Drapeau: Parc Jean-Drapeau is a beautiful outdoor park located on the Saint Lawrence River, home to numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Conclusion

Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is a hidden treasure located in the heart of Montreal, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. From historical sites and museums to stunning parks and scenic views, the neighborhood has everything to make your vacation memorable. Plan your trip today and explore the beautiful borough of Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce!

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