You can see it from many places, from far away, it's so big you may think you are close to it, but no, you are still far away from it. Luckily it's easy to reach by bike following Rachel street from Jeanne-Mance park and public transport on the green subway line.
There is some retro-futuristic vibe around the young remains of the 1976 Summer Olympics. The curves in concrete are at the opposite of what you may have seen of Montreal, the reddish bricks houses, but like many cities with their iconic buildings, the Olympic Park is Montreal.
It reminds me of three things, two cities where I grew up and lived. One is Paris, because soon after arriving in Montreal, I realise the architect Roger Taillibert of the Olympic Park also designed the PSG football stadium in Paris, something with the concrete and the curves. Second is Berlin - it's a type of construction that makes me think of these cities - Montreal and Berlin - they're both built on a giant spacecraft we can only see the top of.
Finally there is something very organic or animal-like about this stadium, like a giant scorpion. I recommend walking in park Maisonneuve behind which seeing the top of the spike above the big trees is always impressive.
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Trois Disques by Calder" in Montreal is one of the few remains of the 1967 Expo. Together with the others, like Habitat 67, it makes for a great bike ride...
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Their mission is to “help educate patrons on the brewing process & above all else, to brew quality, an independent beer that Montrealers can be proud of”.
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"Comptoir St-Jo" in an old building in Lachine, Montreal, has plenty of green spaces & a range of food options - I love the pistachio croissant!
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"Wishbone Art Gallery" is an oasis of freshness & gentleness in Old Montreal. It opened during the pandemic, and they're doing pretty well! Nice area too.
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"H8S Coffee Bar" is a laid-back cafe in Lachine, Montreal, is small, cozy and with an interesting decor. A great way to spend a Sunday morning!
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"Pikolo Espresso Bar" in Montreal is the place I go to for an afternoon escape from the office. I love it for all seasons. It looks like a coffee machine!
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"Cheap Thrills" in Montreal is a music store from the early '70s! If it looks chaotic on the outside, it's organised chaos inside, as a cool shop can be...
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"Summit Circle Lookout" amazing viewpoint on Montreal toward the East from Westmount, St-Henri, Verdun and more. I discovered it while jogging...
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"Léché Desserts" in Montreal hides many promises behind its pink benches and brick building! I recommend getting donuts here and going to watch the trains.
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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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"Nonnina Panini and Gelato" in Montreal is a café that offers Italian snacks & desserts - get your chocolate & peanut butter tartelette and explore Lachine!
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There are bird spotters, trainspotters... and plane spotters - and this is where they meet in Montreal! Ready for some plane spotting in YUL?
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135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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