Baby Jack and I just returned from Montreal, where we went to the beautiful wedding of Frederic and Mathilda, and boy did we love it! Heading to Montreal soon? You should stay at the Hotel Nelligan!! The gorgeous rooms of Hotel Nelligan keep you relaxed and pampered right at the center of Vieux Montreal, the old city. Vieux Montreal is currently the hippest neighborhood in Montreal, with great restaurants such as Le Bremner (sit at the bar to booze and schmooze with the locals) just down the street to the Est, great shopping such as Espace Pepin just down the street to the Ouest, and nearby lunch and brunching at Olive et Gourmando and Cartet, all along Rue Saint-Paul, the street of Hotel Nelligan.
Hotel Nelligan 
Olive et Gourmando 
Rooftop Terrace at Hotel Nelligan
And if you’re traveling with a toddler or baby like we were, you’ll be happy to know there’s an indoor play space of Vieux Montreal just a short walk away too, through the Williamsburg, Brooklyn-esque streets west of Rue McGill. The wonderful baby gym is called Gym Petit Prince. We went for Jack’s 7-month birthday!! We felt so lucky to find this gorgeous playspace, since it just opened on April 12, 2012! 
Gym Petit Prince
To venture out of your petite Soho experience, take a taxi to Schwartz’s for the famous smoked meat sandwich, to Fairmount Bagels for the sweeter and chewier Montreal bagel, and walk along Rue St. Denis for boutique shopping. We loved Le Faon on Rue St. Denis for baby clothes and accessories. They carry clothing by Zutano and Mayoral, cute serving pieces from Skip Hop and Boon, and of course cute dolls and stuffed animals. 
Le Foan 
Schwartz’s, famous for its delicious smoked meat sandwiches. Also is Celine Dion’s favorite restaurant, which her husband bought for her a few year’s ago. 
Side street near Rue St. Denis 
Picnic at Jeanne-Mance Park 
Montreal City Hall 
Olive et Gourmando 
Upside-down Pineapple Cake with Ice Cream – Dessert at Le Bremner
Additional recommendations from the wedding couple, Mathilda and Fred:
Bar:
Philemon Bar –Right across from Hotel Nelligan, this place was popular every night. Arrive before 9 to get a good table. 11 Saint-Paul Ouest
Dinner:
Chez l’épicier – Another eatery on Rue St. Paul.
311 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montreal, QC H2Y 1H3 (514) 878-2232
Joe Beef – Insane seafood platters and the best lobster pasta in town.
2491, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N6 (514) 935-6504
Kitchen Gallerie Poisson – Small hole in the wall in the Vieux, creative ans delicious. 399, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1V2 (514) 439-6886
Daou – Simply the best Lebanese cuisine.
2373 Marcel-Laurin Boul, Saint-Laurent, QC H4R-1K4 (514) 334-1199
Leméac – Also recommended for brunch.
1045, Avenue Laurier Ouest, Montréal, QC H2V-2L1 (514) 270-0999
L’Entrecote St-Jean – A classic steak frites with profiteroles au chocolat for dessert! 2022 Peel Rue, Montreal, QC H3A-1W5 (514) 281-6492
Au Pied de Cochon – The best cuisine from Quebec (aka cuisine du terroir).
536 Ave Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2L-1A9 (514) 281-1114
Bistro L’Entrepont – bring your own wine restaurant
4622 Av De L’Hotel-De-Ville, Montreal (514) 845-1369
Breakfast/Brunch:
Beauty’s
93, avenue Du Mont-Royal Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2S5 (514) 849-8883
Toi, moi et café
244 Avenue Laurier Ouest, Montreal, QC H2T 2N8 (514) 279-9599
Restaurant l’Avenue
922 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est,, Montréal (514) 523-8780
