I traveled through Montreal’s airport on a recent trip to France and discovered many different ways to spend a healthy layover at this major Canadian travel hub.
Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport has a lot to offer the busy traveler seeking better wellbeing on their journey. Here’s our Montreal Airport wellness guide that shows you where to find everything you’re looking for when it comes to healthy eating, relaxation and wellness options at Montreal Airport.
1. Get fresh juice at Jugo Juice
There are several good spots to get a nice fresh juice at the airport: Jugo Juice, Camden Food Co., RYU, and Bistrot Montréal-Trudeau.
I like Jugo Juice for its reliability and range of options. For those moments when you’re feeling a little stressed and jet-lagged, their Energy juices are the best. I tried the Meet Your Matcha (Thé Mon Matcha) with matcha green tea, banana, blueberries, and unsweetened almond milk. I’d definitely get this one again!
Location: Departure level, before security
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2. Make your own salad at Camden Food Co.
Tip: this location is temporarily closed
Camden Food Co. is a healthy food mini-market in Montreal Airport’s international departures area. They offer salads, sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and fresh baked goods.
Camden has everything a healthy foodie is looking for: organic, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, low-fat, and antioxidant-rich food. They work with local farms, dairies, premium growers, and specialty food artisans. Food is locally produced and nutrition-packed.
Location: International departures area near Gate 50
3. Make use of the rest areas
A few different rest areas are located mostly along the international jetty. A quiet reading nook is tucked away between Gates 55 and 57, and more comfy seating can be found near Gates 63 and 68. There’s also a comfy spot in the public area before security. You’ll recognize the spots by their colorful and comfy collection of seating.
Travelers can use these spaces to read and download books through the airport’s Lire vous transporte project. Travelers can access a free digital library to download any of 35 books by Quebec authors in both English and French.
Locations: Between Gates 55 and 57, near Gates 63 and 68, and in the public area before security.
4. Get to the gym or take a swim via the connected Marriott Hotel
Traveling can be a stiff business. Work out the kinks at the gym at the in-terminal Marriott Hotel. The gym has treadmills, cross trainers, free weights, and more. There’s also a pool if water-based fitness is your thing. The hotel is accessible from the public area of the airport.
Location: The Marriott Hotel, directly connected to the public area of the airport
5. Visit the multi-faith prayer room
The multi-faith prayer room is located in the public area just behind the Java U coffee shop. It’s a small, quiet space with separate areas for different faiths to pray, as well as prayer mats, and everyone is welcome to use the space to get a moment’s peace.
Location: In the public area, behind Java U
6. Indulge in some pampering at Balnea Spa
Balnea Spa is a little oasis of calm in the middle of the international departures area. They offer a pretty full range of treatments from massages and facials to mani-pedis. Wooden boxes with tall grasses create a serene separation from the rest of the terminal.
I had a seated chair massage at Balnea, which was quite honestly the best I’ve ever had. In addition to ironing out the tension in my back, neck, and shoulder, my therapist worked on my arms, legs, and head, too. When you go, ask for John.
They also have two other pop-up locations in the airport where you can get a massage.
Location: International departures, near Gate 53. Pop-ups: US transborder departures near Gate 80, domestic departures near Gate 1.
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7. Duck into a lounge while you wait
Montreal Airport has several different lounges where you can rest, recuperate, eat, drink, and get some work done while you wait for your flight.
There are Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges in the international, domestic and transborder departure areas. National Bank, Air France KLM, Odyssey Desjardins lounges can also be found in the international departures area.
Locations:
Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges: international departures area near Gate 52, domestic departures area near Gate 3, transborder departures area near Gate 73.
National Bank lounge: international departures area near Gate 53
Air France KLM lounge: international departures area near Gate 57
Odyssey Desjardins lounge: international departures area near Gate 63
8. Get some love and connection from airport therapy dogs
Of course, a Montreal Airport wellness guide wouldn’t be complete without talking about airport therapy dogs!
Montreal Airport has an amazing airport therapy dog program. A total of 35 volunteers and their pups stroll the airport, offering friendly hellos and furry cuddles to passengers who look like they might need a bit of de-stressing. Many of the dogs are rescues, which makes it a positive experience for both travelers and dogs.
I met Ben and Alfie on my journey, two adorable dogs that love meeting new people. Travelers’ reactions to seeing the dogs is priceless. You can watch frowns turn to smiles instantly.
The program is so popular there’s a waiting list for volunteers wanting to participate with their dogs.
Location: You can find them walking all around the airport
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9. Listen to live piano performances
There are two public pianos in the international departures area that are open to anyone to play. From Thursdays to Saturday at dinner time, music students come to put on a live performance for diners and passengers.
Locations: International departures area near Gates 53 and 67
10. Breathe in the fresh air by the big green living wall
In the public area, you’ll find a massive floor to ceiling green living wall full of different species of plants. Standing next to the wall makes you feel like you’re in the jungle. Montreal Airport’s living wall has many health benefits, too. The plants give off oxygen and help filter any toxins in the air.
There are a few smaller green walls located throughout the airport near different gates, as well. Keep your eyes out for the greenery!
Location: Public area near Relay
Bonus: refill your water bottle throughout the airport
Another great wellness-oriented feature of the airport is the water refilling stations. Bring your reusable water bottle and make sure to stay hydrated when you fly!
Locations: International Area – Gates 60 and 63, Domestic Area – Gate 47, Transborder area – In front of the duty-free, Public area – Facing the checkpoint A & Domestic arrivals
Did you find this Montreal Airport wellness guide useful?
If you found this Montreal Airport wellness guide useful, check out more of our airport wellness guides the next time you fly:
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Airport Wellness: 12 Ways To Relax And Recharge At BWI Airport
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10 Ways To Get Healthy At San Francisco Airport UPDATED 2018
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