Under $100: Montreal

If you’re looking for a metropolitan climate with affordable prices, Montreal is a bargain — especially during the winter months. Montreal, the second largest city in Canada, is alive with international cuisine, arts and culture.

The best start to your adventure begins with a Montreal-style bagel at either Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel. Both are local favorites and feature the signature Montreal-style bagel, which is small, hand-made, poached in sweet water and baked in a special wood-fired oven. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Depending on your toppings, you can spend as little as $1 or as much as $8.

After breakfast, take a leisurely, self-guided stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. With its preponderance of cafes and boutique shops you’ll swear you’ve been transported to Europe. Stop at the Notre-Dame Basilica, a gothic-revival style church that was built between 1824 and 1829.

Next, head to Schwartz’s Deli, the oldest deli in Canada, to try a smoked meat sandwich for lunch (under $9), or spend time browsing and munching your way through the Jean-Talon Market, one of four public markets scattered throughout Montreal that feature local products and merchants.

Montreal is home to outstanding environmental and cultural museums, so consider splurging on a ticket to one, such as the internationally renowned Botanical Gardens, the Biodome, the Planetarium (adult tickets cost $18.75), or the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts ($12 for those under the age of 30, and $20 for 30 and older).

Of course a visit to Montreal isn’t complete until you’ve tasted poutine, the famed dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with thick gravy. Order the house specialty at Poutineville for dinner and you’ll be treated to a delicious variation – cheese curds, mozzarella and braised beef in a wine sauce (approximately $12).

Cap off your day with a signature house or made-to-order cocktail, served in mason jars, at La Distillerie ($9.50).