Montreal: The Perfect Incentive Trip Destination

A good client of ours recently confided in us: “Our participants keep pushing for a European destination for their next incentive trip, but our budgets just don’t allow for such expenses not to mention the extra time required to make it to and back from Europe. What can you suggest?” As it turned out, we happened to have the perfect suggestion for her: “Why not Montreal, we asked?”

Though very well traveled, we felt we had to remind our client that Montreal, the vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis of Quebec, is the city equivalent of one’s cool transatlantic friend. It has the high culture, style, and gourmet food of the most elegant corners of France, and the informality, innovation, and gregarious warmth of North America. The city stands out as the ideal destination for incentive trips. With its rich blend of history, diverse culture, and modern amenities, Montreal straddles the old and new worlds with an effortless je ne sais quoi rarely seen in any other big city in North America. It offers an unparalleled experience that motivates and rewards attendees. Whether exploring historic neighborhoods, savoring gourmet cuisine, or attending world-class events, Montreal promises an unforgettable journey for all.

She was sold! With that background in mind, we went to work preparing an incentive program proposal that could check everyone’s boxes.

Day 1: A Short Lesson in History

Montreal is a city where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Founded in 1642, the city boasts an array of historical landmarks and cultural treasures. Upon arrival, on Day 1, we suggested a walk through Old Montreal where we were confident the cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture would transport the attendees back in time.

We proposed starting in the 17th-century center, where narrow streets segue into a park-fringed series of quays on the St Lawrence River allowing the participants to browse the many boutiques and galleries. The next stop: the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, with its stunning Gothic Revival design, built in 1771 as a sailors’ pilgrimage site. We were sure the participants would find the cobblestone stretch of Rue Saint-Paul near Marché Bonsecours, the public market that’s stuffed with one-of-a-kind boutiques, jaw-dropping.

Time for a beverage break. We couldn’t have suggested a more fitting venue than the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, also located in Old Montreal, where the group would get an overview of the city’s foundations from the archaeological exhibits of this eclectic museum. It chronicles some 4,500 years of the area’s history, from early hunter-gatherers to 17th-century Catholic settlers.

Day 1 comes to a fast end. For the first dinner, we proposed Montréal Plaza. Montreal's culinary scene is a gastronomic paradise, blending influences from around the world with local Quebecois flavors. The city's culinary diversity means that there is something to delight every palate. From trendy bistros and gourmet restaurants to bustling markets and quaint cafés, Montreal's food offerings are as varied as they are delectable. Named one of Canada’s 100 best restaurants list, Montréal Plaza showcases both seriously interesting wines and a sense of fun in its food. The guests will be offered the choice to pull up a chair at the polished bar next to the city’s high-fliers and tuck into blood pudding with crab bisque or beef tartare with herring and puffed rice. 

Accommodation

Montreal excels in providing luxurious accommodations and state-of-the-art venues that cater to the needs of incentive trip participants. The city boasts a wide range of hotels, from historic boutique establishments to modern high-rise luxury hotels. These accommodations offer world-class amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

For this group’s accommodation, we recommended Hôtel William Gray. In the retro locale of Old Montreal but with a distinctly contemporary sensibility, this boutique hotel really shines in summer when its rooftop terrace opens up, with views over the dome of Marché Bonsecours, and with a trendy spa to boot.

Day 2: A Thriving Art Scene

The city is also renowned for its thriving arts scene. Montreal's museums, galleries, and theatres showcase a rich tapestry of artistic expression, from classical to contemporary. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal are must-visits for art enthusiasts, offering diverse collections that span centuries and genres.

For the group’s mid-morning break, we suggested a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the city’s most significant art museum in downtown Montreal. Founded in 1860, the museum showcases some 47,000 pieces dating from antiquity to the present, trotting from gilt-framed Napoleonic pieces to large-scale Antony Gormley works and Inuit carvings. Since this incentive program was intended for late spring-early summer, we thought that the participants would find the al fresco sculpture garden, where 22 public art pieces from around the world dot the lawns, particularly interesting.

For lunch, it was time to experience an authentic Montreal-style diner. Beautys Luncheonette, Montreal’s most famous diner opened in 1942 and hasn’t changed much since. The group got to experience the Beautys Special, a sesame bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, and red onion, washed down with a cookies-and-cream smoothie.

The afternoon was left free for personal exploring or shopping. Montreal is a mecca for shopping—from Montreal’s Grand Dame department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy to many other big-brand shops on the city’s famous Saint-Catherine Street as well as specialty designers such as Corail Blanc, known for its small-scale indie Canadian designs.

Day 3: Day of Exploration

Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Montreal offers a wealth of activities that cater to all interests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Mount Royal, the city's namesake, and a sprawling urban park that offers hiking, cycling, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ice skating and snowshoeing.

For those seeking entertainment, Montreal's calendar is packed with festivals and events year-round. The Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs comedy festival, and the exhilarating Formula 1 Grand Prix are just a few examples of the city's vibrant event scene. These events not only provide entertainment but also opportunities for team-building and networking.

For today, we picked a few milestone venues to sample what this great city has to offer, starting with the Jean-Talon Market. This mostly undercover market in the city’s northwest is where food-obsessed Montrealers go to stock up. Among the produce from the 50-plus vendors, there is the Quebec-made cheese at Fromagerie Qui Lait Cru with its well-known aroma, crunchy local apples from Domaine Villeneuve, and maple syrup at Ferme René Lussier.

From the Jean-Talon Market we headed to Habitat 67, one of the few lasting remnants of landmark Expo 67—the world exposition hosted in Montreal in 1967. Habitat 67 is a series of brutalist homes and an architectural icon in the city. We plan a 90-minute guided tour through this maze of suspended terraces and pedestrianized walkways on the banks of the St Lawrence River to educate our guests about its design and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. 

We then proceed to Mount Royal Park, where the city got its name from. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the brain behind New York’s Central Park), the city’s 692-acre central green is a meeting place, exercise area, and entertainment space. In the summer, locals picnic, take boat rides on the lake or stroll with dogs to the park’s 764-foot-high pinnacle. Not to be missed is the vast domed Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Canada’s largest church—with the same architectural profile as Paris’s Sacré Coeur.

We propose to end the day with gourmet cuisine at Joe Beef. This cozy, low-lit restaurant in Little Burgundy is the ultimate expression of Quebec-meets-French decadence. It’s best known for its lobster spaghetti—one of the few dishes that rarely disappears from the chalkboard menu—with other regulars including steak au poivre, Canadian caviar, and oysters.

Day 4: Neighborhood Tour and Farewell

It’s said that it is best to go to Montreal without a specific agenda to allow oneself to be led by the rhythm of the city and its diverse neighborhoods. This way the participants could soak up the seamless blend of French and North American culture that wafts down the stately Golden Mile; enjoy the buzzy nightlife strip of St Laurent Boulevard; stroll past the colorful historic houses of the Plateau area; and discover rejuvenated industrial Griffintown.

Of all Montreal’s cool neighborhoods, two are especially vibrant. Both in the city’s north side, Plateau is an artsy community with colorful Victorian buildings, indie shops, and leafy ‘ruelles vertes’—garden alleyways. Edgier Mile End, meanwhile, mixes 19th-century buildings with vintage shops and retro bagel bakeries.

In all these neighborhoods, there’ll likely be many intriguing boutiques, cafés, or small galleries to pop into for a break from the tour.

Before you knew it, it was time to head to the airport for return flights home.

Conclusion: Takeaway

Montreal—this most European city in North America—is a unique blend of historical charm, cultural vibrancy, and modern luxury making it the perfect destination for incentive trips. The city's diverse offerings ensure that there is something for everyone, from historical explorations and culinary adventures to luxurious accommodations and exciting activities. By choosing Montreal as an incentive trip destination, our client was assured of being able to provide an enriching and memorable experience for their participants that motivates and rewards their attendees, fostering a sense of appreciation and inspiration—all in a convenient destination with the most European flair of any North American city.

We assured our client that incorporating Montreal's distinct by-cultural attributes into an incentive trip itinerary will not only leave their participants with lasting memories but also reinforce the value of their contributions and achievements. With its unparalleled charm and endless possibilities, Montreal truly stands out as the ultimate incentive trip destination.

For your next incentive program, let event architects at GMS DMC craft the most awe-inspiring itinerary.