Montreal –a must for Canadian short breaks

With great deals on Canada flights with BAway this winter, there’s no excuse not to hit Toronto, Vancouver or my favourite, hip Montreal.

Want a taste of Montreal's famously hip arts scene? Get straight down to Casa del Popolo on Boulevard Saint Laurent.

This small, scruffy joint is the place to be. Just by the door you'll find a cigarette machine that has been transformed into a vending outlet for the work of local artists. (Pop in a $2 coin for a surprise package — like an artsy Kinder Egg.) Grab yourself a stool at the brick-backed bar, while local bands perform on the pokey stage, and you can't help feeling like you're crashing a private party for scene insiders. Not in the mood for the homely veggie food? Then nip across the road for some cheeky tapas at their sister venue, La Sala Rosa.

Or try the microbrewery vibe at Billy Kun on Mont-Royal Avenue East where inside you'll find subtle lighting, chic design, high ceilings and nightly DJs. Secure yourself a seat at a candle-lit table and do your best to masquerade as a nonchalant local, while trying not to be distracted by the bizarre rows of wall-mounted ostrich heads that peer down with beady eyes.