6 Days in Montréal: Half Marathon, Bagels & Jazz
The Montréal Half Marathon (September) loops through the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods—Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End, and Old Montréal—with a strong local running culture and enthusiastic crowds. This trip pairs the race with the city's world-class food scene, street art, and Francophone heritage on a budget.
What to expect
- Half marathon (21.1km) through eclectic Plateau and waterfront Old Town
- St-Viateur and Fairmount bagel runs (hand-rolled, Montreal-style)
- Street art murals in the Plateau; Jean-Talon Market for pre-race carb-loading
- Mount-Royal park for recovery runs with city views from the summit
- Jazz bars and late-night poutine in Old Montréal post-race celebration
Day by day
Fly into Montréal-Trudeau; metro to your hotel in the Plateau (near Saint-Laurent Blvd).
Easy 5km shakeout run through Plateau's tree-lined streets and Parc La Fontaine.
Dinner at a bistro on Avenue du Mont-Royal; local beer and light pasta.
Run to St-Viateur Bagel Bakery (opened 1957); watch bagels roll out of the wood-fired oven.
Walk through Old Montréal's cobbled streets (Rue Saint-Paul, Rue de la Commune); visit the Basilica.
Light dinner; hydrate and carbo-load; early rest.
Gentle 6km loop up Mount-Royal; views of the downtown skyline from the summit.
Half Marathon Expo at the Palais Omnisports; pick up bib and race kit.
Poutine dinner (carbs and salt); final hydration; sleep.
Early breakfast; take metro to race start near Parc Olympique (check race time).
Run the half marathon through Plateau, Mile End, and Old Town (21.1km); strong crowd support.
Recovery walk to a jazz bar in the Plateau; celebrate with friends and live music.
20-minute easy walk along the Lachine Canal (flat, scenic bike path).
Jean-Talon Market for fresh fruit, cheese, and local produce; sit and eat in the market.
Restorative yoga class (many studios in the Plateau); light dinner.
Final bagel and coffee; pick up any running gear or souvenirs.
Metro to Montréal-Trudeau; fly home.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free