Our travel guide for your long weekend in Miami

Just a 3-hour flight from Montreal, Miami offers a sunny cocktail of beaches, Art Deco architecture and lively nightlife.

Dotted with verdant parks and wetlands such as the Everglades, its ecological wealth is revealed through a generous array of wildlife, from tropical birds to sea turtles.

The “Magic City” enjoys an inviting tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C throughout the year.

Famous for its world-renowned beaches, including South Beach, Miami Beach and Key Biscayne, this American city is characterized by remarkable cultural diversity, with a strong Latin American influence, particularly Cuban.

Every year, it hosts several major events, including the Miami International Boat Show, the contemporary art festival Art Basel Miami Beach, and the electronic music festival Ultra Music Festival.

To optimize your long weekend of discoveries in Miami, you could, for example, devote your first day to exploring the city’s art and history; your second day to savoring the pleasures of the beaches; and your third day to venturing into its subtropical nature.

Miami is full of exciting activities for families. Among the best:

The Skyviews Ferris Wheel, perched on the seafront, offers spectacular views of the city from an impressive height of almost 60 metres. You’ll embark in air-conditioned cabins for a comfortable experience during the complete tour, which lasts 12 to 15 minutes.

How about a day at Zoo Miami, Florida’s largest zoo? In this natural ecosystem, you’ll discover wildlife through the presence of over 3,000 animals and a profusion of 1,200 plants and trees.

Or, if you prefer, Jungle Island, an eco-adventure park where young and old can marvel at the exotic fauna and watch fascinating bird shows.

Another site of interest is the Frost Science Museum, an interactive museum featuring technological and meteorological exhibits, a planetarium and an aquarium.

If you want to enjoy the sea with the whole family, a cruise on Biscayne Bay is just what you need! You’ll have a maritime view of Miami, with the chance to spot dolphins and other local animals. An experienced guide will share the history of this ecosystem and reveal details about these islands, both natural and man-made, home to some of the city’s most exclusive residences.

Park-loving families will love Crandon Park , where they can enjoy the beach, playgrounds and picnic areas for a moment of relaxation, especially at sunset.

Superblue, a trendy art gallery, presents luminous exhibitions through intriguing rooms, digital installations and a labyrinth of mirrors. It’s a unique immersive artistic experience!

It’s well known that Miami is also an ideal destination for groups of friends looking for adventure and fun.

The vibrant neighborhoods of Wynwood and Little Havana, with their colorful walls and artistic atmosphere, create the perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Explore the Everglades on a must-see excursion. This emblematic park, extending its marshes and mangroves over 6,000 km², is home to a rich biodiversity, with alligators, Florida panthers, manatees, as well as hundreds of species of birds and fish.

In South Beach, you can enjoy water activities, rollerblade along the Ocean Drive promenade, and relax on the lively beaches.

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach’s iconic thoroughfare, is packed with open-air cafés, restaurants, boutiques and street artists.

The evening comes to life in Brickell City Centre, Miami’s financial district, with its trendy bars, restaurants and spectacular views.

Couples are not left out in Miami, as this dynamic, cosmopolitan metropolis can also offer a romantic setting.

How about a hand-in-hand stroll through the gardens of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th-century Italian villa surrounded by magnificent scenery?

You’ll also love discovering the bohemian atmosphere of Coconut Grove, where couples can enjoy a delicious brunch in an open-air café.

A stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk is always appreciated.

Key Biscayne beach is also perfect for a relaxing day for two, followed by a romantic seafood dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants.

In the evening, to enjoy a cocktail while admiring the twinkling lights of downtown, head to Bayside Marketplace, a two-storey open-air shopping mall located alongside the city’s marina.

Miami offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels along the beach to more affordable options in the downtown area.

We recommend booking in advance to guarantee the best choice.

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main gateway. Alternatively, by car from Montreal, the journey takes around 26 hours. At your destination, transportation options include cabs, using an app like Lyft, car-sharing services and hotel shuttles. Car rental is also a great way to explore the city and surrounding area.

Miami is a relatively safe city, but it’s always advisable to remain vigilant, especially in tourist areas. Avoid leaving valuables unattended.

Wynwood for street art, Coconut Grove for its bohemian ambience, Little Havana for the Cuban experience, and South Beach for its beaches and nightlife.

The neighborhoods of Brickell and South Beach are renowned for their lively nightlife. Discover dance clubs, live shows and rooftop bars like the East Miami Hotel’s Sugar.

Air Canada and Air Transat offer direct flights to Miami, as shown on Flight Connections. It’s an indispensable tool for finding flights quickly.

Ticket prices vary enormously depending on the time of year, and even on the same day! Booking your seat in advance can often avoid a high price.

If you fly Air Canada in economy class on March 15, 2024, your one-way seat will cost you 8,700 Aeroplan points + 112 CAD in taxes, for a 6:45 p.m. departure.

Beware of the timetable: you’ll need an extra 14,500 points to catch the 8.30 a.m. flight.

Opting for Fort Lauderdale is also a good opportunity to save points, especially if you want to leave Montreal early. There are many bus connections to Miami.

To Fort Lauderdale, at 7:40 or 8:55 a. m., the flight costs 11,900 points + 112 CAD tax.

You could also take an Air Transat flight and benefit from travel points applicable to your expenses.

These rewards points can be used for any travel purchases, such as National Bank purchases. You’ll reduce the cost of your trip!

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard^® also offers excellent travel insurance, as well as an annual credit of $150.

To book free nights with Marriott Bonvoypoints, you must first open an account and collect points.

Once you have enough points, you can redeem them for free nights.

As well as the hotels that have been tested in Miami:

Between the sun-drenched beaches, cultural vibrancy and endless shopping opportunities, we’re sure you’ll love your long weekend in Miami!