Guidebook for Montréal
Parks & Nature
No trip to Montreal is complete without a lil La Fontaine. Breathtaking park full of families and weirdos and everything that makes life beautiful.
1637 residents recomanen
Parc La Fontaine
3819 Av. Calixa-LavalléeNo trip to Montreal is complete without a lil La Fontaine. Breathtaking park full of families and weirdos and everything that makes life beautiful.
Nearby park that's always bubbling with life-- you never know what you'll see here. Barbeques, parties, strangers salsa dancing with each other.. It's a gift.
622 residents recomanen
Parc Sir Wilfrid Laurier
5200 Rue de BrébeufNearby park that's always bubbling with life-- you never know what you'll see here. Barbeques, parties, strangers salsa dancing with each other.. It's a gift.
Giiiiiinormous park just north of the apartment. Contains a beautiful lake and 8 million places to have a picnic. There's also a free swimming pool. Don't miss the little island in the lake-- circle around it until you find a trail of large rocks passing through the reeds and pop in for an extremely chill picnic.
596 residents recomanen
Jarry Park
205 Rue Gary-CarterGiiiiiinormous park just north of the apartment. Contains a beautiful lake and 8 million places to have a picnic. There's also a free swimming pool. Don't miss the little island in the lake-- circle around it until you find a trail of large rocks passing through the reeds and pop in for an extremely chill picnic.
Just gorgeous. I was here for two years before I came across this spot on a bike ride. It's a sprawling linear park with amazing views (of Laval.. would you believe it?), some beautiful old ruins, intense rapids, and beautiful spots to set up for a picnic in the sun. Everytime you think it's over, it just keeps going. Love it.
74 residents recomanen
Parc natural de l'Île-de-la-Visitation
2425 Boul. Gouin EJust gorgeous. I was here for two years before I came across this spot on a bike ride. It's a sprawling linear park with amazing views (of Laval.. would you believe it?), some beautiful old ruins, intense rapids, and beautiful spots to set up for a picnic in the sun. Everytime you think it's over, it just keeps going. Love it.
At the tippy tip of the Lachine canal you'll find this peculiarly pretty peninsular park full of interesting statues. It's worth exploring Lachine as well if you're in the area, it's a real looker!
33 residents recomanen
Parc René-Lévesque
398 Chem. du CanalAt the tippy tip of the Lachine canal you'll find this peculiarly pretty peninsular park full of interesting statues. It's worth exploring Lachine as well if you're in the area, it's a real looker!
Park tucked away near the famed Habitat 67. It's on the way to the casino and racetrack, and it's completely unlike either of those things. Rarely see tourists here, but you won't get a better view of the city skyline anywhere.
24 residents recomanen
Parc de Dieppe
3400 Av Pierre-DupuyPark tucked away near the famed Habitat 67. It's on the way to the casino and racetrack, and it's completely unlike either of those things. Rarely see tourists here, but you won't get a better view of the city skyline anywhere.
When I first moved to Montreal, I always used to ask the Lavalois I met if there was anything pretty up there. Nobody ever had a straight answer for me so I went up and scoped out the scene for myself. I found this beach, and so should you-- this whole area is just beautiful.
Berge aux Quatre-Vents
925 Rue RivieraWhen I first moved to Montreal, I always used to ask the Lavalois I met if there was anything pretty up there. Nobody ever had a straight answer for me so I went up and scoped out the scene for myself. I found this beach, and so should you-- this whole area is just beautiful.
Usually packed with families and ruled over with an iron fist by heavy-handed lifeguards, but very pretty. Nice cycling destination.
Plage Saint Jacques
21115 Boul Gouin OUsually packed with families and ruled over with an iron fist by heavy-handed lifeguards, but very pretty. Nice cycling destination.
Food Scene
If you've chosen the Mile End as a destination, you've probably already heard of this place. Come by to check out their famous coffee and handsome baristas and watch the locals yell at sports on the TV.
455 residents recomanen
Café Olimpico
124 Rue Saint- Viateur OIf you've chosen the Mile End as a destination, you've probably already heard of this place. Come by to check out their famous coffee and handsome baristas and watch the locals yell at sports on the TV.
I work here! Pop over on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night and I'll fix you up a Trinidad Sour, or drop by from 10am-3pm on weekends for some Mimosas and a ridiculously satisfying brunch. $1 oysters Monday-Friday from 5-7pm and drink specials daily after midnight.
240 residents recomanen
Sparrow
5322 Boul. Saint-LaurentI work here! Pop over on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night and I'll fix you up a Trinidad Sour, or drop by from 10am-3pm on weekends for some Mimosas and a ridiculously satisfying brunch. $1 oysters Monday-Friday from 5-7pm and drink specials daily after midnight.
Kem CoBa
60 Av. Fairmount OLegendary ice cream if you can survive the lineup.
Le Vieux Velo
59 Rue Beaubien EGreat affordable brunch available 7 days a week.
The best dang pulled pork sandwich in town, but more surprisingly, also the best dang fake pulled pork sandwich in town. It's made with jackfruit! Who woulda thunk.
150 residents recomanen
Dépanneur Le Pick Up
7032 Rue WaverlyThe best dang pulled pork sandwich in town, but more surprisingly, also the best dang fake pulled pork sandwich in town. It's made with jackfruit! Who woulda thunk.
Grab some fried chicken and hush puppies here and they'll serve them to you in a picnic basket to eat in the park across the street. Grab some drinks from a nearby depanneur (drinking alcohol is legal in parks as long as you have food!) and you're set for a quaint little evening. Just bring the basket back when you're done! Magic!
140 residents recomanen
Dinette Triple Crown
6704 Rue ClarkGrab some fried chicken and hush puppies here and they'll serve them to you in a picnic basket to eat in the park across the street. Grab some drinks from a nearby depanneur (drinking alcohol is legal in parks as long as you have food!) and you're set for a quaint little evening. Just bring the basket back when you're done! Magic!
Vegans!!! Hello! This place is for you. Awesome sandwiches and local beers. Try the tempeh-tation or their classic falafel pita.
263 residents recomanen
La Panthère Verte
160 R. St Viateur EstVegans!!! Hello! This place is for you. Awesome sandwiches and local beers. Try the tempeh-tation or their classic falafel pita.
Awesome, authentic Korean spot just up the road. Their dolsot bibimbap will have you bibbidy boppin' all night. Great ambiance and staff.
95 residents recomanen
Omma Restaurant
177 Rue Bernard OAwesome, authentic Korean spot just up the road. Their dolsot bibimbap will have you bibbidy boppin' all night. Great ambiance and staff.
Up way past your bedtime? So is Claudette. Satisfying comfort food for those especially blurry nights. When you're in need, Claudette is there for you.
109 residents recomanen
Restaurant Chez Claudette
351 Avenue Laurier EUp way past your bedtime? So is Claudette. Satisfying comfort food for those especially blurry nights. When you're in need, Claudette is there for you.
Great staff and unbelievable wood-fired neapolitan style pizza. Fantastic wine list to go along with it. They've got all manner of za to choose from but I always go for the classic margherita because I'm clinically addicted to basil. I'm getting really hungry typing this.
117 residents recomanen
Pizzeria Magpie Mile End
16 Rue MaguireGreat staff and unbelievable wood-fired neapolitan style pizza. Fantastic wine list to go along with it. They've got all manner of za to choose from but I always go for the classic margherita because I'm clinically addicted to basil. I'm getting really hungry typing this.
Great burgers on your doorstep. Always good music, friendly staff, and weird decor. Open fairly late.
109 residents recomanen
Nouveau Palais
281 Rue Bernard OGreat burgers on your doorstep. Always good music, friendly staff, and weird decor. Open fairly late.
Join the children of the corn down at Maïs for some unbelievable tacos and a great selection of tequila and mezcal. If you're there in the fall, try the squash with queso fundido and thank me later.
76 residents recomanen
RESTAURANT MAÏS
5439 Boul. Saint-LaurentJoin the children of the corn down at Maïs for some unbelievable tacos and a great selection of tequila and mezcal. If you're there in the fall, try the squash with queso fundido and thank me later.
My go-to choice for Indian delivery.. I'm a philistine, so I get the butter chicken, maybe the channa samosa if I'm feeling risky, but everything's amazing.
11 residents recomanen
Bombay Mahal Express
3681 Boul. Saint-LaurentMy go-to choice for Indian delivery.. I'm a philistine, so I get the butter chicken, maybe the channa samosa if I'm feeling risky, but everything's amazing.
Absolutely killer Thai curry counter- but not just curry, all the good Thai stuff. Phenomenal fried chicken. No liquor license, so you can't 'thai' one on (sorry), but they do sell beer to take home.
25 residents recomanen
Épicerie Pumpui
83 Rue Saint-Zotique EAbsolutely killer Thai curry counter- but not just curry, all the good Thai stuff. Phenomenal fried chicken. No liquor license, so you can't 'thai' one on (sorry), but they do sell beer to take home.
Awesome burger spot for a healthy dose of grease. Their 'Uniburger' is sort of like a Big Mac clone, only it's made with actual food.
8 residents recomanen
Uniburger
2001 R. Saint-DenisAwesome burger spot for a healthy dose of grease. Their 'Uniburger' is sort of like a Big Mac clone, only it's made with actual food.
Wee little Latinx grocery store on St-Laurent with awesome, cheap tacos, tamales, and of course, churros.
11 residents recomanen
Sabor Latino St-Laurent
4387 Boul. Saint-LaurentWee little Latinx grocery store on St-Laurent with awesome, cheap tacos, tamales, and of course, churros.
Another weird little out of the way spot-- this place has long made a name for itself with its submarine sandwiches made of pizza dough. If you're this far out you're probably hungry and you sure as heck wouldn't do wrong to stop into Manzo.
Manzo Pizzeria
1033 90e AvAnother weird little out of the way spot-- this place has long made a name for itself with its submarine sandwiches made of pizza dough. If you're this far out you're probably hungry and you sure as heck wouldn't do wrong to stop into Manzo.
Unassuming little spot in NDG, pretty far away from the house, but with the best Korean gochujang fried chicken in the city (I reckon). Don't forget the sauce. You need the sauce. I walked all the way here in -30c February weather once just because I couldn't resist the sweet siren song of that beautiful breading. Trust me!!!
Dawa Chicken Restaurant
6135 Rue Sherbrooke OUnassuming little spot in NDG, pretty far away from the house, but with the best Korean gochujang fried chicken in the city (I reckon). Don't forget the sauce. You need the sauce. I walked all the way here in -30c February weather once just because I couldn't resist the sweet siren song of that beautiful breading. Trust me!!!
Cheskie's is a kosher bakery filled with pastries that will make you feel perfectly content to line your arteries with cholesterol. From the chocolate babka to the rugelach... it's a good way to die. Just go, you're on vacation, right?
72 residents recomanen
Boulangerie Cheskie
359 Rue Bernard OCheskie's is a kosher bakery filled with pastries that will make you feel perfectly content to line your arteries with cholesterol. From the chocolate babka to the rugelach... it's a good way to die. Just go, you're on vacation, right?
À la carte tea service in a charming turn-of-the-century (not this century, mind you) styled room with a gorgeous chandelier and mezzanine with seats overlooking Blvd St-Laurent. Has a quiet little terrasse in the back for those sunny days-- and live piano on weekends! Bring a book, or bring your grandma.
54 residents recomanen
Cardinal Tearoom
5326 Boul. Saint-LaurentÀ la carte tea service in a charming turn-of-the-century (not this century, mind you) styled room with a gorgeous chandelier and mezzanine with seats overlooking Blvd St-Laurent. Has a quiet little terrasse in the back for those sunny days-- and live piano on weekends! Bring a book, or bring your grandma.
Amazing cakes, big and small. Owned and operated solely by one lady who's about twice as sweet as all the goodies in the shop combined. Treat yo self.
25 residents recomanen
Cocoa Locale
4807 Av du ParcAmazing cakes, big and small. Owned and operated solely by one lady who's about twice as sweet as all the goodies in the shop combined. Treat yo self.
Not only 3 seconds from the front door, but also cheap and delicious. Great little rotisserie chicken spot-- grab their Sandwich Cuisse to fuel you up before you head out to adventure. Don't forget the spicy sauce.
22 residents recomanen
Serrano Bar-B-Q
161 Rue Saint- Viateur ONot only 3 seconds from the front door, but also cheap and delicious. Great little rotisserie chicken spot-- grab their Sandwich Cuisse to fuel you up before you head out to adventure. Don't forget the spicy sauce.
Little hole in the wall spot owned by a friendly Guyanese couple. Their rotis totally crush it-- whatever flavour you get (I love chicken, everyone else in the world says to go for the goat), make sure to ask for pumpkin!! So delicious.
12 residents recomanen
Le Jardin Du Cari
5554 Boul. Saint-LaurentLittle hole in the wall spot owned by a friendly Guyanese couple. Their rotis totally crush it-- whatever flavour you get (I love chicken, everyone else in the world says to go for the goat), make sure to ask for pumpkin!! So delicious.
Best bánh mì in the city hands down. Just a few minutes away from Marché Jean-Talon, so if you're in that area and feeling peckish, don't miss it.
12 residents recomanen
Marché Hung Phat
7099 R. Saint-DenisBest bánh mì in the city hands down. Just a few minutes away from Marché Jean-Talon, so if you're in that area and feeling peckish, don't miss it.
I ducked in here out of the torrential rain on a bike ride one day and immediately found myself neck deep in majestic heaps of curds and gravy. It was a good experience. Truly hedonistic poutine spot. A bit out of the way, but if you see it, stop in. Don't tell your doctor.
9 residents recomanen
Restaurant Paulo & Suzanne
5501 Boul Gouin OI ducked in here out of the torrential rain on a bike ride one day and immediately found myself neck deep in majestic heaps of curds and gravy. It was a good experience. Truly hedonistic poutine spot. A bit out of the way, but if you see it, stop in. Don't tell your doctor.
Drinks & Nightlife
Awesome venue for live music or just some drinks! Check out their website for show listings. https://casadelpopolo.com/en/
281 residents recomanen
Casa Del Popolo
4873 Boul. Saint-LaurentAwesome venue for live music or just some drinks! Check out their website for show listings. https://casadelpopolo.com/en/
You know those ski-in ski-out bars they have in quaint snowy resort towns? This is sort of like a bike-in bike-out bar, if that's a thing. Great place for a drink outdoors, always full of interesting locals.
200 residents recomanen
Bar Alexandraplatz
6731 Av. de l'EsplanadeYou know those ski-in ski-out bars they have in quaint snowy resort towns? This is sort of like a bike-in bike-out bar, if that's a thing. Great place for a drink outdoors, always full of interesting locals.
Great nightclub in the neighbourhood-- go there to scuff up your shoes to the wild sounds of an always changing cast of touring DJs and incredibly talented locals.
141 residents recomanen
Bar Datcha
98 Av. Laurier OGreat nightclub in the neighbourhood-- go there to scuff up your shoes to the wild sounds of an always changing cast of touring DJs and incredibly talented locals.
A touch divey-- with free snacks, amazing music, and super cool people. Where folks of all generations meet for free popcorn.
58 residents recomanen
Snack'n Blues
5260 Boul. Saint-LaurentA touch divey-- with free snacks, amazing music, and super cool people. Where folks of all generations meet for free popcorn.
Divey spot with pool tables, jukebox and plenty of zesty Québecois flavour. Clientele is equal parts salt of the earth and bearded hipsters- it's like a meeting of two worlds. Ask for a "grande cinquante" and quickly find yourself treated to a massive bottle of what I can only assume is the best bad beer in the whole country.
13 residents recomanen
La Petite Idée Fixe
4857 Av du ParcDivey spot with pool tables, jukebox and plenty of zesty Québecois flavour. Clientele is equal parts salt of the earth and bearded hipsters- it's like a meeting of two worlds. Ask for a "grande cinquante" and quickly find yourself treated to a massive bottle of what I can only assume is the best bad beer in the whole country.
Essentials
Awesome grocery store minutes from the house. Almost always packed with people, and always packed with deeeeals. Recommended for all your foodly needs.
248 residents recomanen
Supermarché PA Du Parc
5242 Av du ParcAwesome grocery store minutes from the house. Almost always packed with people, and always packed with deeeeals. Recommended for all your foodly needs.
Voted best fruiterie in the city. Big outdoor stands full of fresh produce and even more inside. Good selection of middle eastern items. Super cheap Jamaican patties and samosas at the cash.
70 residents recomanen
Fruiterie Mile-End - Kosher Market - Grocery Delivery - Bulk Food - Tea Coffee Organic Foods
5600 Av du ParcVoted best fruiterie in the city. Big outdoor stands full of fresh produce and even more inside. Good selection of middle eastern items. Super cheap Jamaican patties and samosas at the cash.
Maybe you're wondering where the closest pharmacy is? Well, it's right here.
195 residents recomanen
PJC Jean Coutu
1224 Rue Notre Dame OMaybe you're wondering where the closest pharmacy is? Well, it's right here.
Great little dépanneur just minutes from the house with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and big plump kitty that waddles around the shop all day. The folks that run this place are lovely.
8 residents recomanen
Fruiterie YM
186 Rue Bernard OGreat little dépanneur just minutes from the house with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and big plump kitty that waddles around the shop all day. The folks that run this place are lovely.
Operated, as far as I can tell, by a salty Polish lady that leaves lit cigarettes perched on the counter while she works the register. I took my mom there. She was disgusted but due to their RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING BEER SELECTION, she fought the good fight and stuck it out while we searched through the Library of Alexandria of Beer to make a selection. Worth it.
12 residents recomanen
Depanneur 1
1501 Rue Marie-AnneOperated, as far as I can tell, by a salty Polish lady that leaves lit cigarettes perched on the counter while she works the register. I took my mom there. She was disgusted but due to their RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING BEER SELECTION, she fought the good fight and stuck it out while we searched through the Library of Alexandria of Beer to make a selection. Worth it.
Massive Asian grocery store in Cote Des Neiges, amazing selection of oddities. For the average westerner, it's as much of a museum as it is a cornucopia.
10 residents recomanen
Marché Fu Tai
6700 Ch. de la Côte-des-NeigesMassive Asian grocery store in Cote Des Neiges, amazing selection of oddities. For the average westerner, it's as much of a museum as it is a cornucopia.
Sightseeing
This is a bit of a gimme, but you shouldn't miss it. Mount-Royal is the city's namesake and it overlooks everything that matters to Montrealers. Go exploring everywhere else then come up here and point to the places you've been. Try not to get poked in the eye by anyone's selfie stick.
90 residents recomanen
Mount Royal Chalet
1196 Voie Camillien-HoudeThis is a bit of a gimme, but you shouldn't miss it. Mount-Royal is the city's namesake and it overlooks everything that matters to Montrealers. Go exploring everywhere else then come up here and point to the places you've been. Try not to get poked in the eye by anyone's selfie stick.
Beautiful spot up on Mont-Royal. Great for a stroll, day or night.
275 residents recomanen
Beaver Lake
Beautiful spot up on Mont-Royal. Great for a stroll, day or night.
Compared to the rest of the Old Port, a quiet, relaxing spot to take a look at the city lights and contemplate moving to Montreal.
155 residents recomanen
Torre de l'Horloge
1 Rue Quai de l'HorlogeCompared to the rest of the Old Port, a quiet, relaxing spot to take a look at the city lights and contemplate moving to Montreal.
Must see for cyclists. This is a bike-only bridge that crosses from Ile Des Soeurs to Brossard. Great little adventure. When you hit the end, hang a left and it'll take you to the Gilles Villeneuve racetrack, then to you can either follow the signs to the Vieux-Port, or go on to Ile Notre-Dame and come back to town over the Jacques Cartier bridge.
Ice Control Structure
EstacadeMust see for cyclists. This is a bike-only bridge that crosses from Ile Des Soeurs to Brossard. Great little adventure. When you hit the end, hang a left and it'll take you to the Gilles Villeneuve racetrack, then to you can either follow the signs to the Vieux-Port, or go on to Ile Notre-Dame and come back to town over the Jacques Cartier bridge.
Getting Around
Metro station a reasonably short walk from the house. You can also catch the 46 bus east on the corner of Esplanade/Bernard and wind up here in a few minutes.
253 residents recomanen
Laurier station
Metro station a reasonably short walk from the house. You can also catch the 46 bus east on the corner of Esplanade/Bernard and wind up here in a few minutes.
Another nearby metro stop. This one travels east-west, so if that's your vector, set your sights for Station Outremont.
17 residents recomanen
Station Outremont (Van Horne / Wiseman)
Another nearby metro stop. This one travels east-west, so if that's your vector, set your sights for Station Outremont.
The de facto nearest metro station to the house. From the front door, take a left on St-Viateur until you hit St-Laurent, then another left, and when you see a set of stairs heading up to the overpass, go on up there, take a right and keep going straight until you wind up at the metro.
114 residents recomanen
Rosemont Station
The de facto nearest metro station to the house. From the front door, take a left on St-Viateur until you hit St-Laurent, then another left, and when you see a set of stairs heading up to the overpass, go on up there, take a right and keep going straight until you wind up at the metro.
Everything Else
Okay, so I'm not actually recommending the Natatorium here. I'm recommending you set your GPS for the Natatorium and then walk directly past it to the dock at the water's edge where you can swim in the cool St-Laurent on a hot day. Pretty much anything goes here, as long as you're pleasant, and nobody will give you trouble for lounging in the water with a drink on a beautiful day. One of my absolute favourite places in town.
35 residents recomanen
Natatorium
Okay, so I'm not actually recommending the Natatorium here. I'm recommending you set your GPS for the Natatorium and then walk directly past it to the dock at the water's edge where you can swim in the cool St-Laurent on a hot day. Pretty much anything goes here, as long as you're pleasant, and nobody will give you trouble for lounging in the water with a drink on a beautiful day. One of my absolute favourite places in town.