Montreal to Casablanca direct

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and while it’s chiefly known these days as the country’s economic and business hub, the romance and intrigue of the old Hollywood film it shares a name with is still in the air.

Having said that, the present-day Casablanca establishment known as Rick’s Café (named after the iconic bar in the movie) is more of a tourist trap than anything, but it’s still worth a brief visit for big fans of the film — which is screening on a TV at all time in the second-floor Casablanca mini-museum.

The number one thing to see in Casablanca, however, is the Hassan II mosque, a beautiful and imposing contemporary structure that has the second tallest minaret in the world. Located on Boulevard de la Corniche, it’s around the bend from an up-and-coming restaurant and nightlife district known as the Corniche — as the city emerges from COVID, this area will undoubtedly flourish. Our visit to the Corniche restaurant le Cabestan was a memorable good time.

Other Casablanca must-sees include the sprawling, manicured Arab Leagues Park, the epic Morocco Mall (which has a luxury wing that’s ideal for window shopping if not actual shopping), the Central Marketplace and Habous area and the Villa of Arts museum.

For great food and a fabulous experience, Dar Dada should be the top of your Casablanca to-do list, with its combination of traditional food, decor and live music with a festive modern twist.

Among the many French restaurants in Casablanca, la Closerie stands out for its food, wine and hospitality.

Speaking of hospitality, the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is an excellent choice for accommodations, with a welcoming warmth and comfortable elegance you’d expect from the Canadian luxury brand.

Conveniently located near the Corniche, the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca features an excellent bar and restaurant with a fine range of traditional Moroccan and contemporary western food, as well as a luxurious pool area.

In terms of feeling at home away from home, Casablanca has population numbers that are almost identical to Montreal’s, giving the city a familiar dynamic, and your French skills will come in very handy there, too. ■

Nonstop flights from Montreal to Casablanca are offered by Air Canada and Royal Air Maroc.

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