Normally I eye a trip for its adventurous or cultural offerings, then I figure out where to stay. Fantastic food is an afterthought once I arrive, a bonus, except for France and Italy, of course. Last summer, I added Montreal to this shortlist of cuisine-motivated destinations.

Don’t get me wrong. I love a memorable meal as much as any foodie. When I happen upon a place that serves up not only an intriguing time but also delicious dining, it gets five stars in my travel book. Last summer, the fare that my 23-year-old son Parker and I found on a weekend getaway to Montreal became one of the high points on the trip, starting with lunch shortly after our arrival.

More Things to Do in Montreal - Food is not the only attraction

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel: Full-service luxury hotel with spa, centrally located in downtown Montreal. fairmont.com

H2O Adventures: Boat rentals on Lachine Canal (kayaks, electric boats, pedal boats and swan boats), adventuresh2O.ca

Musee des Beaux-Arts Montreal: Five pavilions containing a world class collection of visual art, sculpture and design, including works by First Nation and Quebec artists. mbam.qc.ca/en/

Jardin Botanique: 185 acres of themed gardens and greenhouses. A national historic site considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the world due to its extensive, diverse collection of 22,000 plant species. espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden

Parc Olympique (Olympic Park): Spectacular 360-degree view from the leaning observatory tower. Watch athletes training. Olympic museum. Public skatepark. parcolympique.qc.ca/en/what-to-do/the-montreal-tower/

Pointe-a-Caliere: Montreal’s archeological and history complex preserves the birthplace of the city. pacmusee.qc.ca/en

MTL Zipline: In the Old Port. en.mtlzipline.com

La Grande Roux: A Ferris wheel with climate-controlled cabins and grand views of the city and St. Lawrence River. lagranderouxdemontreal.com/en

Aura: Outstanding sound and lightshow using the interior of Notre Dame Basilica as a backdrop. auroabasiliquemontreal.com/en