Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Montreal's food culture is legendary, and YUL does a surprisingly decent job of bringing a taste of it past security. In the international departures area, Au Comptoir serves up a respectable poutine — squeaky cheese curds, thick gravy, golden fries — that genuinely holds its own against the city's storied diners. It's not Poutineville, but it's the real deal by airport standards, and the smoked meat sandwich beside it on the menu is absolutely worth the splurge before a long flight.

Beyond poutine, the domestic terminal offers a solid mix of quick-service spots and sit-down options that lean into Québécois flavour. Bacaro brings a more upscale touch with charcuterie boards and a decent wine list — rare for an airport setting. Coffee lovers should seek out the local Van Houtte outpost, a Montréal institution, for a café au lait that feels genuinely of this city rather than a generic chain grab. The bagels won't match St-Viateur, but the smoked salmon options come close enough.

If you have time and appetite, plan a proper sit-down meal rather than grabbing something rushed at a gate kiosk. Portions are generous, the staff are bilingual and warm, and the atmosphere — especially near the large windows overlooking the tarmac — is surprisingly pleasant. Arrive hungry, skip the fast food chains you'll find anywhere, and lean into the Québec-specific offerings. A good poutine and a cold Molson Ex or a local cider from the bar is the most honest Montréal send-off you'll get airside.