ORIGINAL TOURS

The Plateau has become an essential district to visit during a stay in Montreal. Very lively, it is also known for being the adopted neighborhood for most French expatriates in town. I suggest you go with me for a nice walk in the neighborhood where I have been living for the past 2 years. The visit is preferably done either by foot or by bike, at your own convenience! This circuit is an invitation to get lost in the small streets of the Plateau, it is often where everything happens. I’m also sharing with you some of my favorite places, which I hope you will like. Enjoy the walk! Sarah

At first glance in the Plateau, we enjoy admiring all those Victorian houses, as well as the famous outdoor staircases that make the charm of the neighborhood. From Mont Royal Street towards Sherbrooke Street, you may take a walk on Rivard Street, Drolet Street, and Bullion Street.

You can also walk along Rachel, Saint André, Av Laval, Saint Denis, Roy, Duluth, Henri-Julien, Demers streets.

Take a little detour on Prince Arthur Street to reach Saint-Louis Square and admire the lovely colorful houses.

My advice during your discovery of the neighborhood is to ideally use the alleys located at the back of the houses. Some are genuinely fitted out and certified “ruelles vertes". They are well maintained, tree-lined and flowered by the residents themselves. These are eco-districts, and a whole green life has been developing in the past years. A unique way to see how Montrealers live!

This summer, enjoy the famous Mont-Royal Street, the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood which is entirely pedestrian. Mont-Royal Street offers a multitude of shops to satisfy all your cravings. Grocery stores with bulk or organic products, small local shops, traditional bakeries. You can also make few gourmet stops there.

For a good typical Montreal brunch: St-Viateur Bagel & Café Mont-Royal are the places to taste the best bagels in town. L’ Avenue is a very good address with rich dishes.

If you want a more exotic taste try out India Rosa or Byblos, the little coffee (on Laurier Street East).

Walking down St-Laurent Boulevard will allow you to reach Old Montreal and admire the different murals that adorn and brighten up the façades throughout your walk. You may also seize the occasion and enjoy a few shopping stops in the boulevard.

If you want to escape the city for a little while, you can go up to the Mont-Royal cottage through the Mont Royal park where a breathtaking view of Montreal awaits you. If you have time and you prefer walking, you can do it by foot. Otherwise you can take Bus 11 West at the stop located on the intersection of Mont-Royal Street and Côte-Sainte-Catherine.

You can also go for a promenade in Lafontaine Park, or simply taste a local Poutine at La Banquise (one of the best in town) and enjoy it in the park right next door. 994 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J3 (514) 525-2415

For the gourmets, a stop is indispensable at Schwartz's Deli on St-Laurent Street, to taste their very famous and delicious smoked meat sandwich. 3895 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1X9 (514) 842-4813

For thrift shop fans, I recommend Eva B that you will find if you continue down the Saint-Laurent Street. You can also rest on their pleasant terrace in the shade to sip a fresh lemonade. 2015 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2T3 (514) 849-8246