The Plateau is a bohemian district in Montreal that has become gentrified since the 1980s. The neighbourhood is now home to many upscale restaurants and nightclubs, and several trendy clothing stores along St. Laurent Blvd. and St. Denis St. The Plateau is characterized by brightly coloured houses, cafés, book shops, and a laissez-faire attitude that embraces its bohemian nature over the commercialized hipster culture of its Mile-End counterpart.
Understand
editThe Plateau began as a bourgeois community with parts of its extensions as working-class developing around the beginning of the 20th century; the Eastern part being largely Québécois, and the Western part primarily European with a total visible minority estimated at 17%. The neighbourhood was the childhood home of Quebec writers Michel Tremblay and Mordecai Richler and both set many stories in the Plateau of the 1950s and 60s. The Plateau is now a creative, family-oriented, upper-middle-class neighbourhood. Although the Eastern part is still largely Québécois, the Plateau (now nicknamed "La Nouvelle-France") is emerging as an enclave for French expats in Montreal.
In the 1980s, the area's bohemian aura and proximity to McGill University attracted gentrification. As rents increased, many of its traditional residents and businesses were dispersed to other parts of the city. It's the location of some famous attractions on Saint Laurent Boulevard, including Schwartz's Deli (famous for its Montreal smoked meat), and a weekend street fair during the summer that sees extremely crowded streets.
Get in
editThe Plateau is adjacent to the downtown core, so there are many ways to access it. Avenue du Parc, boulevard Saint-Laurent, rue Saint-Denis, and rue Papineau run north/south through the Plateau and are paralleled by dozens of side streets in between. East/west, rue Sherbrooke, avenue des Pins, avenue Rachel, avenue du Mont-Royal, and boulevard Saint-Joseph bisect the Plateau, with Mont-Royal carrying a lot of shops, bars, and restaurants. All of these streets are accessible by car (though Staint-Laurent is one way, going north) and served by many taxi companies.
Each of these streets and a few others are served by bus routes run by the STM. In addition, the Orange line of the Montreal Metro runs underneath rue Berri, adjacent to rue Saint-Denis. Sherbrooke, Mont-Royal, and Laurier Metro stations are also on the Plateau.
Bike routes are few but still useful. There are separated bike lanes on avenue Rachel from Parc Mont-Royal to boulevard Lafontaine and rue Brébeuf from parc Lafontaine to parc Laurier, and there are painted bike lanes along rue Saint-Urbain, rue Milton, rue Prince-Arthur, and rue Saint-Joseph. These lanes are generally not respected by Montreal drivers, so watch out. In addition, several of these lanes are not plowed during the winter, making them all but impassible following heavy snow.
See
editBuildings
editThe most dominant architectural feature of the Plateau is the endless rows of Montreal duplexes and triplexes that house the majority of the Plateau's population. These buildings date from the early 20th century and, with their distinctive exterior staircases and wrought-iron ornamentation, have come to define the visual landscape of the Plateau.
In addition, there are a few buildings of note scattered around the Plateau. The Warshaw building (boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue Bagg) dates from the 1920s and was the Plateau's first skyscraper. Though it has only seven floors, it is a distinctive feature of the neighbourhood. Farther north, 4020 boulevard Saint-Laurent is recognisable by its impressive refinished neo-Art Deco exterior. Also, there are many large churches from the 19th century and the early 20th century. Most notable of these would be the oriental looking St. Michael the Archangel, located at 5590 rue Saint-Urbain at rue Saint-Vincent ouest.
On the southern end of the Plateau, on the edge of the McGill University ghetto, is the Galleries du Parc, a large 1960s-era urban redevelopment project. The Galleries are comprised of four large buildings, three of them devoted to apartments and the fourth devoted to office space. In addition, a former hotel, now a residence of McGill University, and an underground shopping complex are part of the Galleries project. The underground mall, though small, contains a variety of shops and services including the Parc Cinema, showing art-house and second-run films.
Parks
editThe Plateau is bordered on two sides by large parks. To the west is Parc du Mont-Royal, designed by Frederic Law Olmstead in the 1880s, and a dominant feature of the Montreal landscape. The park is well used for recreation, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing in the winter, as well as the weekly Tam Tams celebration during the summer months. Parc du Mont-Royal is safe and accessible by the adjacent Parc Jeanne-Mance, listed below, and by Ave du Parc. To the east is Parc Lafontaine, also listed below.
- 1 Parc Jeanne-Mance, between ave du Parc, ave du Mont-Royal, ave de l'Esplanade, and ave des Pins (bus 11, 29, 55, 80, 97, 129, or 144). Located in the western part of the Plateau, adjacent to Parc du Mont-Royal. At the corner of Mont-Royal and Parc is an art deco fountain dedicated in honour of Louis Rubenstein, the father of Canadian figure skating.
- 2 Parc Lafontaine, between ave du Parc Lafontaine, rue Rachel, ave Papineau, and rue Sherbrooke (metro Sherbrooke or Mont-Royal, bus 11, 14, 24, 29, or 45). Located in the eastern part of the Plateau, the park is well-manicured and includes an artificial lake, bike paths, sporting facilities, and an outdoor amphitheater. Very popular during summer.
- 3 Carré Saint-Louis (Square Saint-Louis), between ave Laval, rue Saint-Denis, and the two sides of rue du Square Saint-Louis (metro Sherbrooke, bus 24, 20, or 144). A smaller park, Carré Saint-Louis is at the east end of the Prince Arthur pedestrian mall, next to rue Saint-Denis. Though a fraction of the size of either Parc LaFontaine or Parc du Mont-Royal, it is a popular and scenic local destination. Two fountains, bike paths, and easy access to a number of restaurants and shops provide a comforting background and a relaxing setting. On a side note, many of the gags on the television show Just For Laughs are performed in this park. The park is also notable for the colourful Victorian rowhouses that surround it.
- 4 Mount Royal Park, 1260 Chemin Remembrance, ☏ +1 514-843-8240, info@lemontroyal.qc.ca. Has an artificial lake, many paths through the wood, and the best view on the city of Montreal.
Art
editThere are also examples of impressive urban tableaux and graffiti art found throughout the Plateau. The side streets to the east of boulevard Saint-Laurent are well known for this, particularly avenue Duluth.
- 5 Place Roy, rue Roy est and rue Saint-André (metro Sherbrooke, bus 14, 24, 30, or 144). Public art piece in a small square featuring a stone map of the world and several scattered bronze chairs.
Do
editThe Plateau area is a great place to walk around, shop, go to restos and clubs, or just hang out. There is always something interesting happening here, a very cool ambiance. It borders Mile End and Latin Quarter, both very cool areas themselves. Just get off the orange line at Mont-Royal or Sherbrooke and start walking up St. Denis or St. Laurent.
- 1 Maison de la culture du Plateau-Mont-Royal, 465 ave du Mont-Royal est (between rue Rivard and rue Berri; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-872-2266. Tu-Th 13:00-19:00, F-Su 13:00-17:00. Exhibits local artists. Free.
- 2 Théâtre de Verdure, in Parc Lafontaine near rue Duluth and ave du Parc-Lafontaine (metro Mont-Royal or Sherbrooke, bus 11, 14, or 29), ☏ +1 514-872-4041, acces_culture@ville.montreal.qc.ca. 30 Jun-17 Aug, W-Su 19:30. 3000-seat outdoor theater open for a summer program of dance, music, movies, and theater. Plan to line up early for the popular symphonies in the park series or just join the crowd of picnickers on the grass around the lake. Free-$30 depending on the show.
Festivals
edit- 3 Main Madness (boul Saint-Laurent between rue Sherbrooke and ave du Mont-Royal). One weekend in June and August. Two weekends each summer St-Laurent boulevard is closed to cars for the Main Madness street fair. More an overgrown sidewalk sale than fair, restaurants, and shops set up in the middle of the street. Free.
Buy
editThough shops are dotted throughout the neighborhood, there are a few principal commercial avenues. Boulevard St-Laurent, known as "The Main" or "La Main", is the largest and most famous, with a cornucopia of restaurants, shops, bars, and other services. Below Ave des Pins, St. Laurent tends to be more upscale, particularly at the junction of Ave Prince Arthur. Further north on St. Laurent there are a variety of clothing stores, hearkening back to the street's history as the center of Montreal's garment district.
As for price, the Plateau has experienced a long stretch of gentrification, which has pushed prices upward in many locations. However, there are still bargains to be found in main places, particularly for vinyl records, books, and second-hand clothing.
Clothing
editDespite on-going gentrification, St-Laurent near Rachel and Mont-Royal west of St-Denis, still have a number of vintage and second-hand frips where you can pick up 1950s prom dresses and '70s T-shirts. Local designers have claimed several spots on St-Laurent including Blank.
- 1 [dead link] Quartier Mode (Fashion Neighborhood), 4276 boul Saint-Laurent (between rue Vallières and rue Rachel; metro Mont-Royal, bus 29 or 55), ☏ +1 514-843-5555, info@quartiermode.com. Here you can find over 32 locally made independent Montreal designers; clothing for women, well made dresses, pretty accessories and a view into Montreal's fashion community. The owner is a passionate local designer who loves making people happy and finding the right piece for her customers. Locally made accessories $18-60, locally made quality, well made dresses $80-189, mostly under $200. Except for more detailed, fully lined winter coats $168-289.
- 2 Lustre, 4068 boul Saint-Laurent (between rue Villeneuve and boul Saint-Joseph; metro Laurier, bus 46, 51, or 55), ☏ +1 514-288-7661. A local designer boutique
- 3 Friperie, 3976 boul Saint-Laurent (at ave Duluth; bus 29 or 55), ☏ +1 514-842-3893. M-W 11:00-18:00, Th F 11:00-21:00, Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00. Vintage.
Music
edit- 4 Beatnick, 3770 rue St-Denis (between rue Roy and ave des Pins; metro Sherbrooke, bus 24, 30, or 144), ☏ +1 514-842-0664. M-W 11:00-19:00, Th F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 11:00-18:00. Used records and CDs.
- 5 Primitive, 3828 rue St-Denis (at rue Roy; metro Sherbrooke, bus 24, 30, or 144), ☏ +1 514-845-6017.
- 6 Paul's Boutique, 112 ave du Mont-Royal est (between rue de Bullion and ave Coloniale; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 55, or 97), ☏ +1 514-284-7773. Sa-W 12:00-18:00, Th F 12:00-21:00. Used CDs, records, and vintage T-shirts.
Eat
editCoffee
edit- 1 [dead link] Vélo Québec, 1251 rue Rachel est (at rue de Brébeuf across from Parc Lafontaine, bus 11, 14, or 29). M-Th 08:30-19:00, F-Su 09:00-20:00. Good coffee and espresso, plus maps, bicycle kit and free air. Outside seating and plenty of free bicycle parking.
Ice cream
edit- 2 Cremerie Meu Meu, 4458 rue Saint-Denis (between ave du Mont-Royal and rue Marie-Anne; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-288-5889. Daily 12:00-00:00. Ice cream and gelato is sold in this little shop.
- 3 Les Givres, 3807 rue Saint-Denis, ☏ +1 514-373-7558, info@lesgivres.ca. This artisanal ice cream shop sells gourmet organic products including tasty cakes. The sorbets like the handpicked rhubarb or the "bleuets" are as good as the café or the chocolate choices.
- 4 Ripples, 3880 Boul Saint-Laurent, ☏ +1 514-842-1697. mid-April - mid-September. The little shop serves homemade ice cream.
Budget
edit- 5 Aux Vivres, 4631 boul Saint-Laurent (between rue Villeneuve and ave du Mont-Royal; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 46, 51, 55, or 97), ☏ +1 514-842-3479. M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa Su 10:00-23:00. The restaurant serves fresh vegan cuisine. There are many sandwich choices including the classic coconut grilled BLT or salads. Many things can be taken for the go. In the backyard there is a small outside terrasse.
- 6 La Banquise, 994 rue Rachel est (at ave de la Parc LaFontaine; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 14, or 29), ☏ +1 514-525-2415. 24 hours daily. La Banquise consistently tops locals' lists for best poutine in town (and not just because it's open for post-bar-hopping munch fests when judgment is slightly impaired). Maybe it's because they've been at it since 1968. The clientele is hip and clubworn, the walls and tables are brightly coloured, and the staff is friendly. 25 varieties of poutine make up most of the menu, but if you insist there are hamburgers and other fast-food fare, as well as a bar. $7-18.
- 7 La Binerie, 367 ave du Mont-Royal est (at rue Saint-Denis; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-285-9078. M-F 06:00-18:00, Sa Su 07:30-15:00. A small unpretentious eatery that became a legend. It features traditional meals for under $10, especially fèves aux lard (beans cooked overnight with bacon).
- 8 Frite Alors!, 433 rue Rachel est (at rue Rivard; metro Mont-Royal, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-843-2490. Su-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-04:00. Pommes frites with a choice of a half-dozen toppings. Poutine. Burgers. Salads. Part of a small local chain.
- 9 Juliette et Chocolat, 377 ave Laurier ouest (at ave du Parc; bus 51 or 80), ☏ +1 514-510-5651. M-Th 11:00-23:00, F 11:00-00:00, Sa 10:00-00:00, Su 10:00-23:00. A chocoholic's paradise! The thick menu at this favourite dessert restaurant, chocolaterie and creperie consists of chocolate in all of its forms, from cakes to thick "grandma's style" hot chocolates to salad dressing! Busy on Saturday nights, a great date or dessert spot. Everything here is sinful.
- 10 Maam Bolduc, 4351 ave de Lorimier (at rue Marie-Anne; bus 10, 29, or 97), ☏ +1 5146527-3884. M-F 7:30-22:00, Sa 08:00-22:00, Su 08:30-22:00. Quebecois food include what just may be the best poutine in town, served in a dozen different varieties ranging from traditional to bourguignonne (with mince, mushrooms, and red wine sauce). The portions are huge and the $10.99 régulière is plenty for most ordinary people.
- 11 Santropol, 3990 rue Saint-Urbain (at ave Duluth; metro Mont-Royal, bus 29 or 55), ☏ +1 514-842-3110. 11:30-22:30 daily. This favorite Montreal spot serves a great selection of creative, gigantic sandwiches, soups, coffees, teas, and breads to appeal to any veggie palate. With a funky decor, a great outdoor garden in the back in the summer, bookshelves stocked with used books, and a food service for the needy, this casual restaurant is a veritable Montreal institution. Casual. Popular among students. $10-20, cash only.
- 12 Schwartz's, 3895 boul Saint-Laurent (at rue Napoléon; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29 or 55), ☏ +1 514-842-4813. 09:00-00:00 daily. Famous delicatessen for smoked meat, served up in huge, juicy, peppery slabs. Cash only. No reservations. Expect to wait for a table at most times, but the queue moves fast. Smoked meat sandwich $6.22 (with tax). A good tip: locals get their sandwiches at the take-away counter to the left of the restaurant entrance. It moves a lot faster, it's a bit cheaper - and you get the exact same sandwich!
- 13 Soupesoup, 80 ave Duluth est (at ave Coloniale; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29 or 55), ☏ +1 514-380-0880. M-Sa 11:00-17:00. Best soup and sandwich in town. Not cheap, but great quality and definitely original.
Mid-range
edit- 14 Au Pied de Cochon, 536 ave Duluth est (at ave de Chateaubriand; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-281-1114. W-Su 17:00-00:00. Modern restaurant with casual ambiance. Huge meals. The place to go for lamb and original Quebec cuisine for a reasonable price; the poutine with foie gras is particularly (in)famous. Advance reservations strongly recommended.
- 15 [formerly dead link] Beautys Luncheonette, 93 Mont-Royal West, ☏ +1 514-849-8883. M-F 07:00-15:00, Sa Su 08:00-16:00. A classic for it's American brunch open since 1942, features a huge line-up. Regular people use to eat salmon bagels. The owner Hymne will seat you. While waiting you'll find postcards and reviews from all over the world including from Albert Prince of Monaco.
- 16 Byblos, 1499 ave Laurier est (at rue Fabre; metro Laurier, bus 27 or 45), ☏ +1 514-523-9396. Tu-Su 09:00-23:00. One of the best unknown restaurants in Montreal. Prices are amazingly reasonable for the food quality. Iranian food.
- 17 Chez Doval, 150 rue Marie-Anne est (at rue de Bullion; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 29, 30, 55, or 97), ☏ +1 514-843-3390. 11:00-00:00 daily. Portuguese grill.
- 18 Chu Chai, 4088 rue Saint-Denis (between ave Duluth and rue Rachel; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-843-4194. M-Sa 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00, Su 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-21:00. A treat for vegetarians, vegans, and those who love them. Chu Chai specializes in Thai cuisine made with soy or vegetable protein to simulate meat. The roast "duck" is delicious, and the tom yum gai (lemongrass soup with "chicken") warms the heart. A bistro and takeout counter next door called "Chuch" has the same dishes in a more casual setting and is "bring your own wine". $15-20.
- 19 Eduardos, 404 ave Duluth est (at rue Saint-Denis; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-843-3330. M-Th 11:00-23:00, F 11:00-00:00, Sa 15:00-00:00 Su 15:00-23:00. Good Italian restaurant, bring your wine!
- 20 Khyber Pass, 506 ave Duluth est (at rue Berri; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-844-7131. 17:00-23:00 daily. Afghan. Bring your own wine.
- 21 L'Avenue, 922 ave du Mont-Royal est (between rue de Mentana and rue Saint-André; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11 or 97), ☏ +1 514-523-8780. Su-W 08:00-16:00, Th-Sa 08:00-23:00. Famous for their eggs Benedict.
- 22 [dead link] Le Poisson Rouge, 1201 rue Rachel est (at rue de la Roche; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 14, or 29), ☏ +1 514-522-4876. Tu-Sa 17:00-22:00. A seafood BYOB with a wonderful prix fixe. The maitre d' is friendly and knows everything about each fish and its preparation.
- Le Majestique, 4105 Boul St-Laurent. Highly rated kitsch-nautical-themed retro diner serving oysters and other tapas-style eats and offerings from a full bar, open late.
Splurge
edit- 23 La Chronique, 104 ave Laurier ouest (at rue Saint-Urbain; metro Laurier, bus 51, 55, or 80), ☏ +1 514-271-3095. Lunch: M-F 11:30-14:00; dinner: 18:00-22:00 daily. Has a casual feel until you see the astonishing creations of master chef Marc de Canck of Belgium. The table d'hôte with wines is perfect in just about every way, but don't get it if you have to ask what it costs. $28-150.
- 24 L'Express, 3927 rue St-Denis (between ave Duluth and rue Roy; metro Sherbrooke, bus 30 or 144), ☏ +1 514-845-5333. M-F 08:00-02:00, Sa 10:00-02:00, Su 10:00-01:00. A real French bistro with a zinc bar. Tartare, moules, quiche, rilettes. A splurge, but worth it.
Drink
editThe Plateau is full of watering holes and the best thing to do is just wander and discover for yourself. Starting west and moving east, Bar des Pins (formerly Pines Tavern and featured in Mordechai Richler novels) is famous with the McGill set for Tuesday night beer pong. On southeast corner of Prince Arthur and St-Laurent is Vol de Nuit, a good place to start the night, especially in warmer weather when the terrace is open. Boulevard St-Laurent from Prince Arthur to Mount-Royal has a good mix of bars and clubs, from classy to downright sketchy. Korova (named after the bar in "A Clockwork Orange") is up a flight of stairs, has great music, and is popular with the hippest kids around. Nearby, also on St-Laurent below Duluth, is Frappe, a bar and pool hall, and Jupiter Room. Further north, on the corner of Clarke (one west of St-Laurent) and Laurier Ave. is Dieu de Ciel, a brasserie that brews its own spectacular beer.
- 1 Bily Kun, 354 ave du Mont-Royal est (at rue Drolet; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-845-5392. 15:00-03:00 daily. Bily Kun — the name is Czech, meaning "White Horse" — is an institution in Montreal's Plateau district. Dim lighting, candles, and a huge bar give an intimate atmosphere, but Bily Kun gets hopping after 22:00 with Montreal's hippest Francophones practically every night. Some of the area's top DJs spin experimental or loungey techno, but there's really no dance floor to speak of. Bar staff is kooky and nice, even if no one can quite explain the ostrich heads lining the walls. Upstairs O Patro Vys from the same owners frequently hosts small shows and events. $4.50 draft beers, $5 well drinks.
- 2 Quai des Brumes, 4481 rue Saint-Denis (at ave du Mont-Royal; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-499-0467. Very small and comfy watering hole in the heart of St. Denis near Parc du Mont-Royal. Velvet drapes, wood finish, and a chrome bar. Sometimes has live entertainment, which becomes a very intimate experience due to the small size.
- 3 Casa Del Popolo/La Sala Rossa, 4873 boul Saint-Laurent (between boul Saint-Joseph and rue Villeneuve; metro Laurier, bus 46, 51, or 55), ☏ +1 514-284-3804. Established in September 2000, Casa Del Popolo is Montréal's only family-run neighborhood vegetarian hot-spot! Part fair-trade café, part music venue, part bar, part foosball hall. The Casa and its sister venue, La Sala Rossa, frequently host touring indie artists. Shows are cheap (sometimes free!). Try the goat cheese sandwich!
- 4 [formerly dead link] Le Réservoir, 9 ave Duluth est (at boul Saint-Laurent; metro Mont-Royal, bus 29 or 55), ☏ +1 514-849-7779. Brewpub. Very good snacks and tapas in a beautiful decor, there's a second floor upstairs.
- 5 Bifteck, 3702 boul Saint-Laurent (at rue Guibault; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29, 55, or 144), ☏ +1 514-844-6211. 14:00-03:00 daily. Some of the cheapest beer in town, served with some of the saltiest popcorn in all of Creation, consumed by bohemians and students from near and far (and the occasional honest-to-God rock star). Great place to start or end a St-Laurent pub crawl: to the south, you'll find trendy, relatively expensive places; to the north, some of the best dive bars anywhere. Or you can just stay and get tanked.
- 6 Go Go Lounge, 3682 boul Saint-Laurent (between rue Guibault and rue Prince Arthur; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29, 55, or 144), ☏ +1 514-286-0882. It's on the trendier part of St-Laurent, it looks trendy outwardly, the martini menu is certainly hip and happenin', but there's something missing: attitude. Anyone is made to feel welcome here and if there's a velvet rope and a doorman, it's only because the place really is full.
- 7 Else's, 156 rue Roy est (at rue de Bullion; metro Sherbrooke, bus 29, 30, 55, or 144), ☏ +1 514-286-6689. 12:00-03:00 daily. Small, cozy space with a great selection of draft beers and fine whiskeys. It's a restaurant, but you're better off eating elsewhere and just picking at the mandatory nosh (bowl of olives, etc.)
- 8 Dieu du Ciel, 29 ave Laurier ouest (at rue Clark; metro Laurier, bus 46, 51, or 55), ☏ +1 514-490-9555. M-F 15:00-03:00, Sa Su 13:00-03:00. One of the best brew pubs in Montreal, it has a nice atmosphere for discussions between friends.
- 9 Le Salon Daomé, 141 ave du Mont-Royal est (at rue de Bullion; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 55, or 97). A little hard to find, small door leads to the nightclub upstairs. Tip: find the door man!
Dance clubs
edit- 10 Muzique, 3781 Boulevard Saint-Laurent. F Sa 22:00-03:00, Su 22:30-03:00. A high-end destination, with 2 dance floors with eclectic DJ–spun beats, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Mount Royal
- 11 La Tulipe, 4530 Papineau Ave. Concert hall & club in a 1913 theatre, with themed dance nights, plus rock & jazz shows.
Sleep
editBudget
edit- 1 Auberge Chez Jean, 4136 ave Henri Julien (between rue Rachel and ave Duluth; metro Mont-Royal, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-843-8279. Backpackers hotel with free breakfast and free wifi. $20 dorms.
- 2 [dead link] Le Bleu Balcon, 4420 rue Saint-Denis (between ave du Mont-Royal and rue Marie-Anne; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-982-0030, toll-free: +1-866-982-0030, info@lebleubalcon.com. Check-in: 16:00-18:00, check-out: 10:30. Small, three-room, bed and breakfast in a typical Plateau apartment building. Shared bathrooms. $79-109 for two people.
- 3 [dead link] Hotel Stay Mont-Royal, 438 ave du Mont-Royal est (at rue Rivard; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-661-0873, customerservice@hotelstaymontroyal.ca. European-style with shared bathrooms, free Wi-Fi. $50-65.
Mid-range
edit- 4 Anne ma soeur Anne, 4119 rue Saint-Denis (between rue Rachel and ave Duluth; metro Mont-Royal, bus 29 or 30), ☏ +1 514-281-3187, toll-free: +1-877-281-3187, fax: +1 514-281-1601, infos@annemasoeuranne.com. Boutique studio-hotel. $72-195.
- 5 [dead link] A la Bonne Heure, 4425 rue Saint-Hubert (between ave du Mont-Royal and rue Marie-Anne; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 30, or 97), ☏ +1 514-529-0179, info@alabonneheure.ca. Charming new bed and breakfast just above Parc Lafontaine, two blocks from Mont-Royal shopping, restaurants, nightlife. Only four rooms, so book ahead. $75-115 shared bath, $105-160 private bath.
- 6 Chez Francois Bed and Breakfast, 4031 ave Papineau (between rue Gauthier and rue Rachel; bus 24, 29, or 45), ☏ +1 514-239-4638, info@chezfrancois.ca. Located in the lower Plateau area, close to Duluth restaurants, Saint-Laurent nightlife and more. Five rooms in a typical Montreal walk up, lovingly maintained by Francois, an accommodating host who has excellent suggestions for tourists, as well as preparing wonderful complimentary breakfasts. Free parking available. $95-125 single occupancy, $120-150 double occupancy.
- 7 The Hôtel de l'Institut, 3535 rue Saint-Denis (at rue de Rigaud; metro Sherbrooke, bus 24, 30, or 144), ☏ +1 514-282-5120, toll-free: +1-800-361-5111 ext 5120, fax: +1 514-873-9893, hotel@ithq.qc.ca. Located between the Latin Quarter and Plateau Mont-Royal, facing one of Montréal’s most charming green spaces, Square Saint-Louis. Free breakfast. From $149.
Splurge
edit- 8 Auberge de la Fontaine, 1301 rue Rachel est (at rue Chambord; metro Mont-Royal, bus 11, 14, or 29), ☏ +1 514-597-0166, toll-free: +1-800-597-0597. Fun bed and breakfast with 25 rooms across the street from Parc Lafontaine. $100-280.