One of the best things about Montreal is that no matter which area of the island you are in, nature isn’t far away. Even surrounding the downtown core, there are several big parks where you could spend an afternoon, Mount Royal, whose summit offers you a beautiful view of the city, and the Lachine Canal, a summer hangout perfectly placed behind Atwater Market. But if you have time on your hands and want to explore an area a little further afield, Parc René-Lévesque should be at the top of your list.
A jetty park jutting out into the Saint-Lawrence River, Parc René-Lévesque in the southwestern part of the island of Montreal in the Lachine borough is another stop to add to your “day trip to Lachine” itinerary along with spots such as Nonina, H8S Cafe, and Makaya. There are pedestrian and bike paths that stretch the length of the park, and it’s an ideal spot for a picnic with friends in summer or seeing colourful leaves in the fall. The outdoor art installations will leave you intrigued, but what keeps me going back are the sunsets seen from the end of the park and the beautiful colours they create throughout the year.
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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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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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134 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 134 Insider Tips from our local Spotters