For a European-style escape without crossing the Atlantic, head to the second largest French-speaking city in the world: Montreal. Set on an island at the confluence of the Ottawa and Saint Lawrence rivers, the city gets positively frosty in the winter, but now is the time to see it in its full autumnal glory. Serious leaf-peepers will start their journey at New York’s Penn Station and climb onboard the Adirondack train, which chugs through some of the most stunning scenery in the world on its way to Montreal.
Between exploring the centuries-old cobblestone streets of Vieux Montreal, gallery-hopping, and indulging in the city’s famously diverse cuisine (Restaurant Week goes through Nov. 8), you’ll need a place to fight the fatigué. Luckily, Airbnb boasts hundreds of listings in the heart of town, with the rate for entire-place rentals averaging just $78. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Note to reader: Descriptions correspond to the images just above text. And, please make sure to double-check prices and details before booking your stay.
Located in the trendy Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood, this two-bedroom apartment offers guests a glimpse of real Montreal, away from the hordes of tourists. The building dates back to 1885, but the interior is brand new with amenities like Apple TV, a fully stocked kitchen and bathroom, and a private courtyard. Guests receive a code to let themselves in, and they’re not expected to clean when they leave—always a nice perk.
You’ll have to climb three flights of stairs to reach this one-bedroom apartment, but past guests say it’s worth it for the views of bustling St. Paul Street in Old Montreal. The sunny space is thoughtfully outfitted with an electric fireplace, laundry room and funky furnishings.
This modern condo near downtown has more of a hotel feel than most Airbnb rentals. Besides having access to a rooftop pool (in warmer months), sauna, and gym, guests have a stocked kitchen, queen-size bed and washer/dryer. Situated between Old Port and the Financial District, the rental is within walking or biking distance of many of Montreal’s main attractions.
Vegetarians need not apply to this hunting lodge-themed apartment in the Plateau, right off the restaurant-lined Avenue Mont Royal. There’s a bearskin rug and a few other hunting trophies along with antique furnishings, a piano and a rustic but well-equipped kitchen. There are two bedrooms and a private deck, and it’s five minutes from Metro Mont-Royal.
Spread out over two floors, this flat in Mile End (“the Brooklyn of Montreal”) has a living room, kitchenette, and dining room on the first floor, with a bedroom, bathroom and study space upstairs. Toiletries are provided along with food and drinks, including coffee, juice, milk, local beer and even fresh croissants, if you’re lucky.
This artsy loft on the quieter side of Old Montreal has high ceilings, exposed brick walls, an open floor plan and room for up to three guests. Host Jonathan has earned 18 five-star reviews so far, with past guests praising the apartment’s comfortable bed, cleanliness and central location.
Take note: The owner of this white-washed one-bedroom is open to apartment swaps in select cities. Located in charming Little Italy, the tidy rental has street parking, two balconies and a queen-size bed. Stop by nearby Jean Talon Market for groceries, then cook yourself some dinner in the full kitchen.
A massive bathtub is arguably the best part of this two-bedroom apartment in Plateau Mont-Royal, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s priced below $65/night. Public transportation and Bixi bike racks are within easy walking distance, and the hosts have plenty of recommendations for nearby shops and restaurants, including French bakeries and butcheries.
This basement-level one-bedroom apartment is in a historic house in the Plateau. Exposed stone walls, reclaimed wood furniture and a sliding barn door give the space a rustic feel, while the spacious kitchen and bathroom are brand spankin’ new.
A skylight floods this Old Montreal loft with sunlight. The apartment sleeps four, with a queen-size bed and a comfortable pull-out couch. Guests praise hosts Marie and Pat for being helpful and responsive, while the apartment’s location is ideal, close to cafes, restaurants and museums.
Looking for more on Montreal? Try MTL Blog, Cult MTL and Tourisme Montreal.
Paste’s Airbnb columnist Erica Jackson Curran is a former alt-weekly editor turned moonlight freelancer based in Richmond, Virginia.