AL OLD MONTREAL
WHY GO? Cobbled streets, contemporary galleries, high-end restaurants and neoclassical buildings come together in Old Montreal – the original part of the city, founded by French settlers in the 17th century. Crowds gather at its central square, Place Jacques-Cartier, where artists and street performers draw the crowds, while the Old Port of Montreal flanking the St Lawrence River is perfect for a stroll or cycle. WHAT TO DO Unmissable here is the Notre-Dame Basilica – an opulent, 19th-century church whose interior is genuinely mesmerising, with an electric- blue colour scheme and striking stained-glass windows. Wander Rue Saint-Paul, home to boutiques, galleries and eclectic cafes, and stop by bakery-cafe Olive et Gourmando, renowned for its Italian delicacies. Delve into the past with a visit to the Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière), then swing by Marché Bonsecours to see one of the city’s foremost markets, established in 1847 and marked out by its huge columns and elaborate dome. When you’ve had your fill of culture,
head to the Old Port (pictured) to see where Europeans arrived in the 1600s. Climb aboard the Grande Roue de Montreal – Canada’s tallest observation wheel – for sweeping views, and if you’re feeling adventurous, harness up for a zipline ride over the harbour. Stay into the evening to try some of the
city’s best restaurants. Gibbys is known for its steak dishes served in an atmospheric, 18th-century stable, while fine-dining seafood spot Le Garde-Manger has garnered acclaim under celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. The neighbourhood is also a hotspot for speakeasies such as The Coldroom, tucked away underground.
DESTINATIONS MONTREAL | CANADA
MILE END
WHY GO? One of Montreal’s trendiest and most creative neighbourhoods, Mile End’s array of coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants reflects its diverse cultural heritage. Part of the wider, plusher Plateau- Mont-Royal district, it’s home to colourful murals alongside vintage stores that make it a hotspot for off-beat shopping. WHAT TO DO Any visit here should start with a stroll along Saint-Laurent Boulevard (aka ‘The Main’), home to a smattering of cafes and quirky boutiques. Wander over to Rue St-Viateur to check out a 1,400sq m mural by artist Ola Volo, then head to St-Viateur (pictured), one of the city’s oldest and most popular bagel shops. Stop by Vietnamese ice cream shop Kem Coba for standout scoops and unique flavours – try durian, if you dare – and when night falls, head to hipster hotspot Casa Del Popolo for live bands and DJs.
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travelweekly.co.uk
17 OCTOBER 2024
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PICTURES: Shutterstock/Firefighter Montreal, JHVEPhoto
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