Bonjour à tous! Welcome to the January 2024 edition of ‘Montreal Monthly Highlights,’ where I’ll recap my favorite restaurants, bars, activities, and moments from the past month and in turn give you inspiration for your own Montreal adventures. Join me as we explore the best of January 2024 in Montreal!
Dinner at Le Bureau Bar Tapas
Nestled in the heart of Griffintown at 1642 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Le Bureau Bar Tapas is the go-to resto-bar for those seeking affordable shareable plates, a lively happy hour, and uniquely crafted cocktails. We visited for the second time in January, with two friends from Australia. We shared several delicious dishes, including the Saganaki Flambé, succulent Beef Skewers, mouthwatering Chicken and Chorizo Tacos, indulgent Chorizo Croquettes,and my favorite – Patatas Bravas. Each dish showcased incredible flavors that seamlessly complemented one another and everyone loved the novelty of the table-side flambeing of the saganaki. I can’t wait to visit Le Bureau Bar Tapas and wholeheartedly recommend it the next time you visit Griffintown.
Official Website: https://www.lebureaubartapas.com/
Relaxing at Bota Bota Spa
Bota Bota, a unique floating spa, began its journey as a ferry and now offers a spa experience on the St Lawrence River in the Old Port of Montreal. I visited for the first time in January, on a snowy day and loved the unique experience! The spa comprises five decks, a floating terrace, and a restaurant and boasts stunning views of the river and the Old Port from its saunas and spas. The spa facilities include four saunas, two eucalyptus steam baths, three outdoor whirlpool baths, a heated outdoor pool, cold showers and baths, relaxation areas, and terraces. Beyond its breathtaking location, Bota Bota also offers massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, and nail care (at an additional charge).
Bota Bota encourages Nordic bathing through 3 stages; hot, cold & relaxation. This water circuit is then repeated 3-4 times resulting in a myriad of health and well being benefits. The first stage of heat exposure in the spas, saunas and steam rooms promotes muscle relaxation and relieving tension. The second stage involves a brief dip in the cold bath, stimulating the senses, tightening pores, and boosting endorphin production. The circuit then concludes one of the numerous relaxation areas, featuring sun loungers, beanbags, and hammocks, providing a tranquil environment to stabilize your heart rate after the thermal journey.
We opted for the 3 Hour Water Circuit Pass, and strategically timed our visit for 2 pm, allowing us to bask in the beauty of the sunset. Admission was $90 per person, and included full access to the spa, a fluffy robe to wear during our visit, a towel and access to a locker. We left feeling incredibly zen & invigorated and already planning our next trip there! I can’t recommend Bota Bota spa enough – especially during the cooler months.
Official Website: https://botabota.ca/en/
Dinner at Grinder
Grinder Restaurant located at 1708 Notre-Dame St W in the heart of Griffintown, is an upscale gem in Montreal. Widely celebrated for its impeccable steaks and an extraordinary wine selection, Grinder stands as a prized jewel in the Grinder Group, which includes Hachoir, Makro, Boucherie Grinder, and King Crab (a personal favorite nightlife spot in Montreal). Having visited a few times for cocktails (they have a fantastic patio during summer) I decided to elevate the experience for a birthday dinner. We ordered the 9oz Beef Skirt with Chimichurri accompanied with Classic Caesar Salad, Potato Aligot and a Baked potato with sour cream, green onion & cheddar along with peppercorn & red wine sauce. The dining experience was truly exceptional; from the perfectly cooked steak to the mouth-watering sides. Although it’s a bit on the pricey side, Restaurant Grinder is the perfect spot for special occasions, offering fantastic food, a decadent raw bar, amazing cocktails, and a stylish atmosphere.
Official Website: https://www.restaurantgrinder.ca/
Cocktails at Bar Dominion
In January, I visited Bar Dominion, a cherished Montreal landmark located at 1243 Metcalfe Street, Centre-Ville. The opulence of the establishment is genuinely breathtaking, with its dimly lit decor casting a timeless charm that effortlessly transports patrons to the golden era of historic hotel bars. Crafted by the acclaimed mixologist Andrew Whibley and chef Pablo Rojas, Bar Dominion stands as a collaborative masterpiece, bringing together the talents of Provisions restaurant and Cloakroom Bar. The menu blends English pub grubwith French bistro fare and features classic cocktails, an enticing raw bar, and delectable shareable small plates.
Our group visited on a freezing night after a hockey game at Bell Centre, and found the lethal cocktails and cozy interior to be the perfect escape from the cold night outside. My personal favorites include the Shoot for the Stars, featuring Grey Goose, Noilly Pratt, Aperol, Passion Fruit, and Vanilla Bubbles, as well as the Islander with Bacardi, Pineapple, Pineau des Charentes, Coco, and Cinnamon. I highly recommend Bar Dominion for your next night out or date night, to experience a venue that undeniably delivers the wow factor!
Official Website: https://www.dominionmtl.com/
Wildlife Safari at Park Omega
Parc Omega is a sprawling 2,200-acre wildlife park in Montebello, Quebec that offers an immersive experience with over 500 indigenous animals. Just over an hour’s drive from Montreal, this natural haven features a 12-kilometer self-drive loop through diverse Canadian habitats, allowing visitors to encounter bears, wolves, foxes, elk, and more from the comfort of their own vehicles. In addition to wildlife, the park offers luxurious accommodations, including unique Wolf Cabins and Wolf & Bear Suites, along with seasonal activities like snow tubing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The First Nations Trail adds an educational touch, providing insights into the cultural heritage of Quebec’s indigenous people.
Visiting during winter, we had the advantage of seeing the arctic animals in their snow-covered habitats, which was such a unique experience. Some of my highlights include hand-feeding the elk and caribou carrots, going snow tubing, warming up with a hot chocolate at Land of the Pioneers and seeing wolves running through the snow in their pack! The best part is the affordable price, with adult day tickets for just $44.15! This is undoubtedly one of the most affordable & best day trips from Montreal and I can’t recommend visiting the park enough. For my full review and guide, please check out my blog post here.
Official Website: https://www.parcomega.ca/en/
I hope you have enjoyed reading my January highlights and get some inspiration yourself for amazing places to dine in Montreal & fun things to do. Share your monthly favorites in the comments below.
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