An easy escape plan from Montreal city downtown? Move away from the center on the opposite direction from Mount Royal, cross the not-so-interesting Griffintown - just my personal opinion - and you will reach the water or the ice, depending on the season. Of course you are not yet on the Saint Lawrence River but in Bassin Peel. Follow the canal in the opposite direction of the old town. You may take a tiny break and enjoy the post industrial landscape, take a few pictures and join the stream of walking, running, cycling people or skiing in the winter.
I really like this flat area, the canal, the bike path and grass or snow in between. It's a great escape path from the city downtown, perfect for jogging toward the unknown following the water and coming back later with the view on Mount Royal and the skyline.
Of course you may not be in a sporty mood; in that case, don’t worry: there are solutions and you don’t need to walk all along the canal. You can simply stop at the Atwater Market or for the more adventurous, go until the Terrasse Saint Ambroise, a local brewery with - you guessed it - a great beer selection and a lovely terrasse to enjoy your drink and the sun. The terrace being closed in the winter, you can still enjoy a hoppy drink indoors at the annexe located behind the terrasse.
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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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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The "Big Wheel" in Montreal is a surprise! It's big, it's fun, and it's a nice highlight to visit while exploring...
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"Belgo Visions" in Montreal is in the Belgo Building, an iconic old building in the center of the city with five floors, zillions of art pieces & galleries
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Ruelle Verte is a local initiative in Montreal for greener back alleys. One artist couple made their own even prettier, by flourishing it with art!
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"Belvédère Outremont" in Montreal is one of my favorite places to go jogging. It goes a bit uphill, but the view is just amazing, especially at sunset...
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"Drawn and Quarterly" in Montreal is now a world-famous bookstore specialized in classic and contemporary comics. Coming here, my addiction comes out...
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"Tennis Jeanne-Mance" in Montreal is one of the best places to get your game in the city. I think it's a very interesting and unique court to play...
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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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