Montreal with a 3-year-old: Day 1
Our first full day in Montreal was exactly the kind of travel day I love…lots of walking, no strict schedule, and plenty of time to let Teddy explore.
We started at Place d’Armes and admired Notre-Dame Basilica before wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.
From there we made our way toward the Old Port, before finding a shady spot by the river for lunch. Packing a lunch ended up being one of the best decisions! We got a waterfront picnic without spending restaurant prices.
The afternoon was all about the views. We rode La Grande Roue, and got to enjoy the beautiful views. (Definitely worth it if you’re visiting with kids!). Took a ride on Trains-trains, and made sure to enjoy the playground!
Of course, no sightseeing day is complete without ice cream, so we grabbed a scoop before making the walk back to the hotel.
A few things that made today easier:
▪️Bringing lunch saved money and meant we could eat whenever Teddy got hungry.
▪️A stroller was absolutely worth bringing!! The cobblestone streets are charming, but little legs get tired, especially when they’re attached to someone who is boycotting the nap he so desperately needs.
▪️We didn’t rush. Some of our favorite moments were just wandering without a plan.
Tomorrow: the Biodome!
#montreal #travellingwithkids #canada #traveldiary #vacation
Traveling to Montreal with a young child can be an enriching and enjoyable experience if approached with a flexible mindset. From personal experience, allowing plenty of time for breaks and unstructured exploration helps everyone stay happy and engaged, especially little ones like Teddy. One key tip is to embrace the city’s charming cobblestone streets but plan for their impact on young legs. Bringing a sturdy stroller, similar to the one mentioned in the original itinerary, is a lifesaver for longer walks. It not only keeps your child comfortable when they get tired but also gives you a breather to soak in the surroundings. Another helpful piece of advice is packing your own food. Montreal offers many scenic spots perfect for spontaneous picnics—like the shady spot by the Old Port riverbank described in the day’s agenda. This approach reduces the stress of finding kid-friendly eating places and avoids expensive restaurant meals. Plus, it gives your toddler the freedom to eat whenever hunger strikes, making the day flow more naturally. Activities such as riding La Grande Roue provide breathtaking views of the city and a fun way to keep little ones entertained. Combine that with visits to playgrounds where they can burn off energy before continuing the exploration. Don’t underestimate the simple joy of grabbing a scoop of local ice cream, which can be a highlight for kids and parents alike. Finally, one of the best parts of traveling with kids is embracing the unplanned moments. Wandering without a strict itinerary allowed the author to discover favorite spots and made the day feel less like a checklist and more like an adventure. Remember, the goal isn’t to see everything but to create enjoyable experiences for the whole family.
