Montreal, Quebec is a city that features many diverse neighborhoods. This should come as little surprise to anyone who has been there or has any knowledge of Canada's unique culture. Sitting on something of a spiritual border, Montreal incorporates the best of English Canada and French Canada's best aspects, making for a unique cultural experience that is Canada at its multicultural best. In order to wrap our heads around some of the major differences we spoke with JustFly, an online travel agency with ties to Montreal. While there are many great candidates, they gave me a rundown on three of Montreal's most well-known and interesting neighborhoods. These places range from swanky and hip, to truly historic.
The Plateau
First on JustFly's review is The Plateau. The Plateau is Montreal's hipster capital. Featuring row upon row of quaint shops and unique cafes, The Plateau is a top pick if your choice is to take it easy, walk around, and experience something less tourist-y. In addition to shops and cafes, you can also scope out Montreal's best antique and second-hand shops. This is especially true when it comes to vintage clothing. If shopping isn't your thing, The Plateau is loaded with some of Montreal's best parks. Two you can't miss include Mont Royal Park and LaFontaine Park. Mont Royal is essentially a massive green space located at the top of Mont Royal. This means great lookouts, hiking opportunities, and skating in the Winter on Beaver Lake. LaFontaine Park is great for those who like to jog, play softball, or, in the Winter, get some skating in.
The Old Port
Montreal's historic quarter, The Old Port is essentially Old Montreal. This means plenty of historic buildings, churches, and other keepsakes from the past. In addition to this, The Old Port features many of Montreal's best dining experiences to go with your typical tourist stops like shops and bars. Want to check out the waterfront? The Old Port is located right on the Saint Lawrence River, giving you a great view of this large river. For those looking to experience some interesting exhibits, The Science Center is located right on the waterfront and features a rotating cast of themed exhibits to check out.
Saint-Henri
A recently revitalized area of Montreal, JustFly is just starting to fall in love with Saint-Henri. Located just West of Montreal's downtown core, Saint-Henri is highlighted by Rue Notre Dame's row of new restaurants, bars, and shops. In addition to the usual trade, Atwater Market is a major fixture of the area. This market features great local produce and meats and is a great place to stock up on food. Lastly, the Lachine Canal is a great place to spend a lazy day reading, relaxing, or cycling.