Montreal/Downtown

By car

Street parking costs $3/hour from 8AM-9PM and ticketing is common. There are a number of large, commercial parking structures and by-the-day lots. Driving can be very slow and frustrating along rue Sainte-Catherine, with large numbers of pedestrians and heavy traffic. Sherbrooke often comes to a standstill during rush hour.

By metro

Downtown Montreal is served by the Orange and Green Lines. The Green Line follows boulevard de Maisonneuve, while the Orange line runs parallel five blocks to the south (i.e. towards the river). In many cases, you can use the "Underground City" to walk from one station to another — even between lines — without surfacing (useful in winter or rain!)
Useful stops include:

• McGill and Peel on the Green Line for McGill University and downtown shopping district.
• Bonaventure for Gare Centrale (Central Train Station) and AMT Downtown Bus Station.

By bus

Dozens of bus lines run through the downtown area.

• 24 Sherbrooke runs on rue Sherbrooke, a good way to get out to Westmount or the Plateau.
• 15 Sainte-Catherine covers rue Sainte-Catherine from rue Atwater to the Village.

Downtown is walkable, weather permitting, but watch for frustrated drivers trying to cut through throngs of pedestrians crossing the street. The new bike lane on Blvd. de Mainsonneuve provides easy and relatively safe bike access in and out of downtown.
Many blocks are connected by 30 km of underground pedestrian tunnels, arcades and malls. You can walk and shop in comfort when the weather above is foul.

McGill University Campus

The lower section of McGill's campus is composed mainly of 19th-century neoclassical buildings and is definitely worth a ten-minute stroll.

• The Underground CityThroughout the downtown area. This network of underground malls and passageways is a very convenient way to walk around during the winter months. It encompasses six metro stations on the green and orange lines and all of the major downtown shopping malls, including food courts, cinemas, innumerable boutiques, and services.

• Christ Church Cathedral

  phone: +1 514 843-6577
  address: 1444 ave Union
  It is a small, but colourful church, the mother church of the region's Anglican (Episcopalian) denomination. Of special interest is the organ with additional remote-controlled organ pipes in the front of the church. If you have the opportunity to listen to an organ concert there, you should go. The concert will probably be by donation only.

• Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

  phone: +1 514 866-1661
  address: 1065 rue de la Cathédrale
  A 1/4 scale copy of St. Peter's in Rome. Impressive interior.

• Canadian Centre for Architecture

  phone: +1 514 939-7026
  address: 1920 rue Baile
  Architecture museum and research institute that incorporates the Shaughnessy House, an 1876 Second Empire-style manison. Across boulevard René-Lévesque from the CCA is a sculpture garden with works designed around the theme of architecture. Guided tours available.

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

  phone: +1 514 285-2000
  address: 1380 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  Permanent exhibitions free for under 30s. Many prominent travelling exhibits. There is a fee for over 30s, and for special exhibitions.

• McCord Museum

  address: 690 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  Museum dedicated to Canadian history, next to McGill University.

• Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal

  phone: +1 514 847-6226
  address: 185 rue Sainte-Catherine ouest
  Contemporary art museum at the Place-des-Arts complex.

• Redpath Museum

  phone: +1 514 398-4086
  address: 859 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  A museum of natural history on the McGill campus.

• Windsor Station

  phone: +1 514 287-8726
  address: 1160 rue de la Gauchetière ouest
  This Romanesque Revival building served as one of the city's main railway stations until it was cut off from the rail network by the construction of the Bell Centre nearby.
• Matthew Peter-Davis
  Pont de Victoria (French; translation: Victoria Bridge) is the one of the oldest crossings of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and definitely the oldest bridge in Montreal that is still standing. While there is no pedestrian access on the bridge, it is still a must-see, especially for those interested in architecture.

• Habitat 67

  phone: +1 514-866-5971
  address: 2600 avenue Pierre-Dupuy
  This visually striking residential building was created by architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67. The result was an amazingly modern dwelling that challenged the way architects created urban homes. Compared alternately to a beehive, a Taos pueblo, and a crystalline growth, the complex's 154 units are composed of prefabricated concrete cubes assembled on site. The apartments here are highly prized and a number of prominent Montrealers make Habitat 67 their home.

Chinatown

Montreal's Chinatown (Le quartier chinois) mostly runs along rue de la Gauchetière between rue Jeanne-Mance and rue Saint-Dominique (this section is mostly pedestrianized), and also along rue Saint-Urbain and boulevard Saint-Laurent between rue Viger and boulevard René-Lévesque. It is the third largest Chinatown in Canada, behind those in Vancouver and Toronto, and is known best for its many restaurants and gift shops.

• Place Sun-Yat-Sen

  address: rue de la Gauchetière and rue Clark
  A small public square in the middle of Chinatown. There are murals made of grey slate along the north and east side of the square; also at the square is a pavilion selling typical Chinatown tourist souvenirs.

Parc du Mont-Royal

The Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is a park surrounding Mount Royal, the city's namesake. Most locals refer to it as a mountain even though it just looks like a hill to most visitors; its highest peak is only 233 metres (764 feet) above sea level.

• Chalet du Mont-Royal

  address: up the stairs from Redpath Crescent
  Built as a make-work project in 1932 during the Great Depression. The interior features artwork depicting various scenes from Canadian history.

• Kondiaronk Lookout

  address: next to the Chalet du Mont-Royal
  Offers panoramic views of the downtown Montreal skyline.

• Croix du Mont-Royal

  address: along chemin Olmsted
  A white illuminated cross installed in 1924 at the site where Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve planted a wooden cross in 1643. He allegedly planted it there after praying to the Virgin Mary to spare the city of Montreal from a flood.

• Lac des Castors

  address: off of Chemin Remembrance
  Man-made lake in a former marsh. Paddleboats are rented out in summer; in winter the lake becomes an ice skating rink.

• Monument à George-Étienne Cartier

  address: along chemin Olmsted on the east side of Parc du Mont-Royal
  A 1919 monument sculpted by George William Hill in honor of Georges-Étienne Cartier, one of the fathers of Confederation.

• Belvédère Camillien-Houde

  address: voie Camillien-Houde across from Cimetière Mont-Royal
  Another lookout point.

• Maison Smith

  address: near Chemin Remembrance and voie Camillien-Houde

• Bell Centre

  phone: +1 514 790-2525
  address: 1260 rue de la Gauchetière
  Home of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team, commonly known as the Habs. Also hosts larger concerts.

• Molson Stadium

  phone: +1 514 398-7017
  address: 475 ave des Pins ouest
  An outdoor Canadian football stadium on the McGill campus. The McGill Redmen (Quebec University Football League) and the Montreal Alouettes (Canadian Football League) play here.

• Montreal Forum / Pepsi Forum

  address: 2313 rue Sainte-Catherine ouest
  An entertainment complex at the site of the former home of the Canadiens from 1926-1996. It is home to an AMC Cinema (22 screens) and The Montreal Comedy Nest.

Rue Sainte-Catherine offers all the brandnames (Gap, Zara, Roots, Payless, etc.) and is packed with shoppers on nice days. Much more shopping happens out of sight in the hundreds of small stores in the "Underground City".

• Eva B Cafe-Boutique

  phone: +1 514 849-8246
  address: 2015 boul Saint-Laurent
  Selections from local designers, vintage, and a bistro/bar thrown in for good measure. It's mostly just a thrift shop.

Budget

• Café Presto

  phone: +1 514 879-5877
  address: 1244 rue Stanley
  The best downtown deal for a very inexpensive and very satisfying casual/cozy Italian fare (main courses are all $5.95. Calculate approximately $20 if you add a glass of wine and an espresso). Very busy during lunchtime on weekdays. Arrive before noon or after 1:30PM to avoid the longest lines. Cash only (no credit or debit cards, but there are a few ATMs on the same block).

• Café Crystal

  phone: +1 514 866-3338
  address: 1216 ave Union
  Light meals for breakfast and lunch. $5-7, close to the rue Sainte-Catherine shopping district.

• Cafe Dizengoff

  address: 3460 rue Stanley
  Kosher cafe on the ground floor of the Hillel House, on the McGill campus.

Mid-range

Splurge

• SAT

  phone: +1 514 844-2033
  address: 1201 boul Saint-Laurent
  This one-of-a-kind venue is supported by the province of Quebec and the federal government to display and promote digital art. With high ceilings and low couches, it has the feel of a funky, uber-hip techno club. In fact, there is quite a bit of great club music on weekend nights. But there's also fascinating computer art installations going on at all times, with some video and live performances. A great place to meet people in Montreal.

• Bar des Pins

  phone: +1 514 845-6760
  address: 3714 ave du Parc
  Blue-collar bar invaded regularly by beer-pong-playing university students. Sells only cheap beer. Hottest night of the week is Tuesday.

• Vinyl

  address: 2109 rue de Bleury
  Vinyl is a small, intimate club with frequent specials including $3 Rhum-n-Tings on Sunday nights and a diverse range of music from Reggae to Techno on different nights. Also, couches in the bathroom and an outdoor terrace around the back.

• The Cock n' Bull

  address: 1944 rue Sainte-Catherine ouest
  Inexpensive pub with a small kitchen, live bands, a single pool table and a couple of active dart boards. Known for their cheap 4 Liters beer pitchers (16 $). Friendly and sociable, for the most part English-speaking patrons, from age 18 to 60. Arts and crafts on Monday nights!

• McKibbin's Irish Pub

  phone: +1 514 288-1850
  address: 1426 rue Bishop
  Being next door to Concordia University may or may not be a point in its favor, but there's no denying that this friendly pub is a great place for a pint. The food is above-average for a pub, too. McKibbin's is known for their ladies night every Wednesday with its all night open bar ($10 cover for girls and $25 cover for guys).

• Hurley's

  phone: +1 514 861-4111
  address: 1225 rue Crescent
  Probably the best Irish pub in Montreal, with live traditional music every night and excellent food at fair prices. There's an upstairs for the busy nights, in addition to outdoor patios in the front and back. A part of the pub is non-smoking. Very cozy with a highly authentic feel and friendly professional staff.

• Brutopia

  phone: +1 514 393-9277
  address: 1219 rue Crescent
  Brewpub with their own beers on tap on the busy Crescent strip. English-speaking college crowd.

• Peel Pub

  phone: +1 514 844-7296
  address: 1196 rue Peel
  Montreal legend. Sports bar. Dirt cheap specials. Good time, particularly on $1 shooter Thursdays.

• Reggie's Bar

  address: 1455 boul de Maisonneuve ouest
  Concordia University's bar. Features special Hockey nights, and cheap Thursday beer and shots ($1). Great part of student-life experience.

• Le Vieux Dublin

  phone: +1 514 861-4448
  address: 636 rue Cathcart
  Don't let the Vieux Dublin sign outside fool you — this pub is not one bit Irish. There's not a lot of Emerald Island schlock around, but the pints are good, and home-style meals for lunch and dinner really hit the spot. There's live music on weekends on the minuscule stage, but during the week it's quiet and comfy. Staff is polite and nice.

Budget

• Abri du voyageur Hotel

  phone: +1 514 849-2922
  address: 9 rue Sainte-Catherine ouest
  Charming hotel for budget-conscious travellers. Renovated historical building recommended by many guides as an excellent value with a personal touch.

• HI-Montréal

  phone: +1 514 843-3317
  address: 1030 rue Mackay
  Friendly and helpful staff. Activities organized every day (pub crawls, bike tours, urban walks, etc.) Dormitories and private rooms.

• University Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 514 842-6396
  address: 623 rue Prince-Arthur ouest
  Private rooms with shared bathroom and apartment suites with private bathroom, kitchenette and private entrance.

• Hotel Villa

  phone: +1 514 849-5043
  address: 57 rue Sainte-Catherine est
  Continental breakfast.

Mid-range

• Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel

  phone: +1 514 878-2000
  address: 1201 boul René-Lévesque ouest
  Offers 825 renovated rooms, free internet use in the Link@Sheraton lobby connectivity hub.

• Marriott Residence Inn Montreal Downtown

  phone: +1 514 982-6064
  address: 2045 rue Peel
  With fully equipped kitchens and complimentary daily hot and cold buffet breakfast, Free WiFi access, rooftop terrace, laundry facility, friendly multi-lingual staff,
• Major hotel chains like Holiday Inn (155 boul René-Lévesque ouest), and Delta Hotel (475 ave du Président-Kennedy) have locations in the heart of downtown Montreal.

• Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

  phone: +1 514 861-3511
  address: 900 boul René-Lévesque ouest
  Offering 1,037 rooms, of which 100 are suites. Offers a health club, an indoor pool, and three restaurants: Les Voyageurs lounge, Le Montréalais bistro-restaurant and Beaver Club.

• Hotel Novotel Montreal Centre

  phone: +1 514-861-6000
  address: 1180 rue de la Montagne

• Hotel Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville

  phone: +1 514 788-3888
  address: 1025, rue de Bleury
  Modern hotel with spacious rooms and a high level of service, within walking distance of the Old Town and modern city centre. Rooms are equipped with tea/coffee service, an Apple TV unit, and a computer. Rates include breakfast, newspapers, and wireless Internet access. Substantial discounts available for booking through the hotel’s web site.

Splurge

• Hotel (10)

  phone: +1 514 843-6000
  address: 10 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  A modern hotel with great design near boulevard Saint-Laurent.

• Hotel Le Germain Montreal

  phone: +1 514 849-2050
  address: 2050 rue Mansfield
  A chic and intimate boutique-hotel designed for a hip clientele of leisure and business travelers.

• Loews Hotel Vogue

  phone: +1 514 285-5555
  address: 1425 rue de la Montagne
  Close to the corner of rue Sainte-Catherine.

• Le Meridien Versailles-Montreal

  phone: +1 514 933-8111
  address: 1808 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  This boutique hotel is in the chic Golden Square Mile neighborhood. This hotel features 108 rooms.

• Hyatt Regency Montreal

  phone: +1 514 982-1234
  address: 1255 rue Jeanne-Mance
  Attached to the Complexe Desjardins.

• Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

  phone: +1 514 284-1110
  address: 1050 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  This five-star, four-diamond luxury hotel is centered amongst fashionable boutiques, museums, fine dining, and the exciting nightlife of Montreal's chic rue Crescent.

• Ritz-Carlton Montreal

  phone: +1 514 842-4212
  address: 1228 rue Sherbrooke ouest
  A historic luxury hotel, opened in 1912, that has played host to many famous figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.

• Le Mount Stephen

  phone: +1 514-313-1000
  address: 1440 Drummond Street