OUT in Montreal: Matt's Perfect Day

Last week, the OUT staff undertook its annual group trip to gather content for the Travel Issue (coming to a newsstand near you in November!) We had an epic long weekend in Montreal (check out #OutinMontreal on Instagram!) and now, sadly, we're back at our desks. But, every day for the rest of the week we're going to share some of our favorite experiences from our foray up north.

Up first, OUT's Deputy Editor, Matt Breen (@matthewbreen0) offers up his version of a perfect day in Montreal:

My perfect day in Montreal starts with a breakfast at the Marche Jean-Talon (7070 Avenue Henri Julien), the largest outdoor market in North America. Get a latte and wander through the fresh flowers, sample the fresh produce and the cheese, pick up some exotic teas and spices--maybe some fiddleheads to toss into some fresh pasta the next day--and then find a spot for a sit-down with some fresh pastry.

Take the bus to the epicenter of Montreal's public street art, 3527a Boulevard Saint-Laurent, the home of the Mural Festival. There are more than 60 works up now, and there will be 20 new after June's festival.

If your feet need a rest, soak at the Bota Bota spa at the Old Port (Quais du Vieux-Port de Montreal) in complete silence.

Once your feet are revived, take the Metro to the Beaudry stop and walk the length of the Gay Village, under a canopy of Pink Balls. There's no other street like it anywhere I've been: a full kilometer of gay- and gay-friendly shops, restaurants, bars, etc. I love having a drink and a bite al fresco at a bistro and watching the people go by.