Old Montreal isn’t exactly off the beaten path. In fact, it’s the most visited place in the city.  But you can get away from the crowd with these three hang-out spots with views and history. So grab a coffee or a slice of pizza and head to one – or all – of these parks for a unique take on the area.

First stop: A public three-arched sculpture at the Grand Quay de Montreal. The Yann Pocreau sculpture, titled “Leurs effigies” celebrates three women who contributed to the founding of the European presence in Montreal: Jeanne Mance; Marguerite Bourgeoys, and Margarite d’Youville. The sculpture is at the maritime entrance to the city and is surrounded by the river on all sides.

Second stop: Place d’Youville is an elegant little square, a few blocks inland from the sculpture. Sit on a park bench, and enjoy the fashionable locals with their designer dogs and designer clothes. This park is especially nice in the fall when the locust trees turn yellow and coat the ground with their fallen leaves.

Third stop: An embankment on the Lachine Canal. On one side are the celebrated Five Roses grain elevators, whose shapes inspired Le Corbusier. On the other, the canal with its locks and little waterfalls. The spot is tucked away, and usually you’ll have the whole embankment to yourself.