When in Montreal, staying in Old Montreal is unparalleled experience. On my visit, I stayed at l’Auberge du Vieux Port, a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking Saint Paul Street and the Saint Lawrence River. The hotel has a story of it’s own and amazing location, making it the perfect choice for my 3 day stay in Montreal.

There is nothing better than a hotel with beautiful views. Saint Paul street is the oldest street in Montreal. Here you’ll find beautiful restaurants, interesting shops, and stunning old buildings. My window opened on to Saint Paul street, and every afternoon, a busker played the fiddle down below. I loved going to the window to listen.

Best of all, whenever I wanted to photograph Old Montreal in the morning it was right outside my door!

Staying at Auberge du Vieux Port in Old Montreal

History of Auberge du Vieux Port

The two buildings that make up l’Auberge du Vieux Port have gone through many phases over the years. Each building is over 150 years old. 

The main building began as a storehouse for fabric wholesalers and liquor merchants. During the war, it became a repository for the Canadian Army. In 1919, the building was repurposed by a leather company and used as a factory to make shoe accessories.

Old Montreal fell in to a state of decline as the years went by, and was declared a historic site in 1964 to prevent it from being flattened for a freeway system. The district finally began to come alive again in the 1990’s, and l’Auberge du Vieux Port was created. The hotel expanded in to a neighbouring building in 2011.

Dining at Auberge du Vieux

Guest or not, l’Auberge du Vieux Port is worth visiting for the dining options.

As a guest, you begin each morning with breakfast at Taverne Gaspar. The Taverne serves a collection of classic breakfasts, haute cuisine variations, and a fun selection of crêpes in the morning. The vibe shifts in the evening, and passerby’s can come in for dinner through the wide patio doors on Rue de la Commerce. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is directly across the street.

The second restaurant, Terrasse Sur L’Auberge, has one of the best views in Old Montreal. On one side, look out over the Old Port and the St. Lawrence river, and on the other side take in St Paul street. Terrasse Sur L’Auberge has exceptional cocktail and wine menus, as well as some light appetizers and food options. The fun, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for an evening out with friends.

This is a great spot to watch fireworks from, too. Guests always have access to the roof, and visitors pay $25 on firework nights.

Auberge du Vieux Port Rooms 

My favourite thing about my room at l’Auberge du Vieux Port was the authentic feel. The rooms are modern and beautiful, all while maintaining and embracing the history of the building. Exposed wooden beams and posts accent the rooms, and all of the floors are stunning old pine wood.

I loved the modern additions to the room too, like the art work, the wooden furniture, and the brass bed. These pieces give the space an updated feel, and compliment the historic elements of the room.

A large desk is the perfect place to get work done, or in my case, upload all the photos that I took from the window. There’s a table to eat at when you order crêpes to your room for breakfast. Every room has free Wifi, and services such as laundry, wake up calls, and morning newspapers are also available. 

When your feet get sore from exploring Old Montreal, take an evening to soak in the big, beautiful tub in the bathroom. Turn on the jets, and you’ve got your own personal hot tub!

Activities 

There’s lots to do near l’Auberge du Vieux Port, because of it’s ideal location in Old Montreal. The staff are incredibly helpful, and will sit down with you to help you plan your days and find your way around the city. Check out the full Montreal itinerary from my visit!

Go for a walk along the water at the Old Port, towards the Clock Tower and the brand new ferris wheel. Explore Old Montreal on your own, or with a guide historical tour. After dark, step out on to Saint Paul street and download Cité Memoire. This mobile app allows you to cue projections at various sites throughout Old Montreal, so that you can watch short films about Montreal’s history on the wall in front of you. Love trying local cuisine? I took a food tour of Mile End, and there are also Old Montreal food tours available with Local Montreal Tours.

And as I mentioned, if you love taking photos you’re in the perfect place. My favourite thing to do at l’Auberge du Vieux Port was wake up early and wander Old Montreal and the Old Port before anyone else was awake. It was a great opportunity to capture images of Saint Paul Street, Notre Dame, and Jacques Cartier Pavillon before going in for breakfast.

Details for staying at Auberge du Vieux Port

• Website: Auberge du Vieux Port
• Location: Rue de la Commerce, Old Montreal
• Getting around: there is a Bixi Bike station right across from the hotel. Rent a bike for $5/ day and ride anywhere in the city!