I have always been intrigued by big city neighborhoods. I believe the soul and character of a city is felt in its neighborhoods. Strolling the sidewalks of these mini-towns within a big town, I can pop-in a small shop or boutique, many family-owned. There are little cafes and restaurant featuring ethnic cuisine from around the world. And I marvel at the architectural styles of homes, apartment buildings, and commercial storefronts.
Need help planning your trip? Click here to find a MAST Travel Advisor near you. MAST Travel advisors are here to help with all your travel plans and needs.
Old Montreal or Vieux-Montreal
Among my favorite neighborhoods in Montreal, I begin with Old Montreal or Vieux-Montreal, with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, art galleries, and French restaurants. The most iconic monument in this neighborhood is Notre Dame Basilica. This gothic revival landmark displays dramatic colors in its deep-blue vaulta with golden stars and a sanctuary colored in azure blues, reds, purples, silver, and golds. The stained glass windows depict Montreal’s history rather than stories from the Bible. The huge pipe organ dates back to 1891 and built by the famous Canadian organ company Casavant-Freres.
The neighborhoods of Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End are on the eastern slopes of Mont Royal overlooking downtown Montreal. The area is known as an artistic community filled with boutiques shops, vintage clothing stores, and independent bookstores. There are diverse dining options and famous bagel shops, popular in Montreal. Visit St-Viateur Bagel Shop, one of the most famous bagel shops in the city.
Explore Montreal’s Underground City of 33 kilometers of pedestrian walkways interconnected to office buildings, metro stations, shopping plazas, and cultural venues. Adjacent to downtown Montreal is Chinatown and Little Italy.
Of course, there are many restaurants, shops, and cultural sights. The Jean-Talon Market in LIttle Italy boasts one of the largest outdoor farmer’s market in North America featuring rows of stalls displaying fresh produce and local delicacies.
The Neighborhood of Villeray and Mont Royal
Nearby is the neighborhood of Villeray, a family-friendly area and one of the trendiest communities in the city.
Mont Royal is the prominent landscape in the heart of Montreal. Parc du Mont-Royal was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park. There are trails for joggin and cycling, Winter activities include skiing and tobogganing.
SaiNt Joseph’s Oratory and Basilica is perched at the top of the mountain, known for its architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, serene gardens, and sweeping views of the city. McGill University sits on the western slope of Mont Royal and plays a significant role in the city’s academic and cultural vibrancy.
Two historic cemeteries are on the slopes of the mountain. Cemetery of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges and Mount Royal Cemetery. Both reflect the rich history and heritage of the city since the mid-1800s.
Conclusion On Montreal
Two of Montreal’s most affluent neighborhoods, Westmount and Outremont are located on the western and southern slopes of Mont Royal. These neighborhoods feature luxurious homes, manicured lawns and gardens, prestigious schools, high-end boutiques, and upscale restaurants. The architecture in the area is a blend of historic and modern. I could spend a day walking the leafy streets gazing at the variety of architectural styles that make both of these neighborhoods among the most beautiful of any I have seen in other cities across North America and overseas.
Montreal is a wonderful city to explore.
