In Paris there is the Eiffel tower, in Montreal there is the bridge Jacques Cartier, originally opened in 1930 and named for the first four years the Harbour bridge. If you love large steel structures that look like giant lego, then this bridge is for you. It connects the island of Montreal to Longeuil with a possible exit and/or entrance on St-Hélène Island. And if you can take it by car you can as well cross it by bike and on foot! No need to say that the view is amazing and the wind situation real. But be aware that from November and for duration of the winter only cars are allowed.
By night the bridge is often lit, but for me the best way to experience is to actually walk on it or cycle on it of course. You don’t have to do it all along its length, a part of it is enough, let's say from the subway station Papineau to the island and then return by subway from the island by the Jean-Drapeau station. Don't rush it either: once you have left the sidewalk you are actually almost facing the entrance of La Ronde amusement park where more metal structures of various shapes are waiting for you.Â
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Zab Café is a coffee roaster from Montreal that has an interesting story, four locations, and good coffee. It's small and smells of good coffee.
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Housed in an art deco building in Old Montreal, the PHI Foundation is focused on making contemporary art accessible to the largest number of people.
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I really recommend their cortado, where the rich, chocolatey espresso meets a dose of milk in a really satisfying combination.
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Sit on the sidewalk and eat the most delicious gnocchi for only $5, with a rich tomato sauce and imagine whatever you want in your own alternate reality.
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I was struck by the enthusiastic staff and the very tender exhibit about window coverings that invited us to consider what is shown and what is hidden.
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Here you will find a strange pyramid of benches that doubles as an art gallery, small fields & greenhouses tended by students from the nearby university.
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Olimpico attracts the young and beautiful. And Club Social feels like it's been there longer, and remains true to its roots. Both have terrific bombolini!
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The cannoli! A crisp shell that shatters a bit as you bite into it, first-class ricotta cheese. Not too sweet. Somehow light and filling at the same time.
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Caffe Italia has been popular with Italian families for decades & it never lost the homey feeling. The coffee is delicious. The vibe is welcoming and loud.
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Jean Talon market is the kind of place where there is a vast choice, but I'd bet that most regulars end up with their favorite sellers.
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The exhibits are free to the public, and very well curated by Isabelle de Mévieus and her team. The converted post office is worth a visit on its own.
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Somehow in the race to make everything chain stores Duluth has remained pretty much a family-run affair, skewed towards the hippy/punk end of the spectrum.
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