Looking for ideas on how to start exploring Montreal? Do you like coffee? I’m guessing yes and that makes my article much easier to pursue… Zab Café is a coffee roaster from Montreal that has an interesting story, four locations, and good coffee. When I was working in the old port I used to go regularly to the Paquebot du Vieux, their location in this area, to get fresh air by taking a little walk to it, refilling my mug, and often ordering one of their delicious wraps from the menu as well. But what I loved the most, I think, was the turntable always playing music selected by the baristas, always an eclectic mix of old classics and new releases. I admit I have been there sometimes just to get a new playlist for my Spotify.
Since I changed jobs in 2022 I also changed some of my routines in the city and I used that to discover other locations. For example, when I decide to go visit the ArtMûr gallery I now stop at the latest coffee place they opened on St-Denis street between the subway station Beaubieu and Rosemont. It's small and smells of good coffee, ideal for a small break before continuing your city exploration.
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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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"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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Most belvederes offer views from above - this one is different and offers views to Montreal's skyline!
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The "Montreal Olympic Park" is so big, you can never tell how close to it you are. Its retro-futuristic vibe reminds me of some kind of animal; a scorpion?
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135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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