Montreal Olympic Park Montreal
Sleeping concrete scorpio
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
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Montreal
H8S Coffee Bar
Cool and comfortable
"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!
by
Dasilva
Arthur
Pikolo Espresso Bar
Coffee with charm
"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!
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Cheap Thrills
Classic music shop
"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...
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Summit Circle Lookout
Amazing viewpoint
"Summit Circle Lookout" amazing viewpoint on Montreal toward the East from Westmount, St-Henri, Verdun and more. I discovered it while jogging...
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Léché Desserts
Sweet spot
"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.
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Zab Café
Good coffee roaster
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.
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Nonnina Panini and Gelato
Italian snacks
"Nonnina Panini and Gelato" in Montreal is a café that offers Italian snacks & desserts - get your chocolate & peanut butter tartelette and explore Lachine!
by
Dasilva
Arthur
YUL Plane Spotting
Giant steel bird observatory
There are bird spotters, trainspotters... and plane spotters - and this is where they meet in Montreal! Ready for some plane spotting in YUL?
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Ground-level Belvedere
Hidden viewpoint
Most belvederes offer views from above - this one is different and offers views to Montreal's skyline!
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Big Wheel
Giant outdoor public art
The "Big Wheel" in Montreal is a surprise! It's big, it's fun, and it's a nice highlight to visit while exploring...
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
The Belgo Βuilding
Gallery nest
"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
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Artistic Shortcut
Open-air exhibition
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!
by
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Heading to Montreal?
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Montreal
Get to know our other Spotters from Montreal
As featured on:
