Best Places in Montreal - According to locals

When travelling to new places, I always try to find recommendations from locals as they tend to lead to more genuine experiences. So, I’ve asked other Montreal bloggers to see what are their favourite places! This way, you can also find these hidden gems that only locals know!

For other tips to visit Montreal like a local, click here!

Fabergé Restaurant

by Annie from She’s a Leo

One of my favorite places in Montreal is the fabulous Fabergé Restaurant, an adorable hole-in-wall nestled deep in the heart of the historic Mile-End district. The eatery takes its name after the famous royal egg of Fabergé, a jewelled egg created by the House of Fabergé all the way in St-Petersburg and has strategically placed reminders of its origins in the stylish interior.

The place is always packed so don’t let the outside queue change your mind although it’s good to arrive before or after the 1 pm rush to not salivate from the delicious smells for too long.

Once you’re seated and perusing the menu, please do me a favor and order a dish containing their crispy yet tender and melt-in-the-mouth potatoes - they alone are worth the wait and the best you will find in Montreal. Trust me on this you won’t be disappointed!

If you’re not a savory person and insist on ordering from the sweet side, their Banana and Peanut Butter French Toast will be sure to give you a sugar rush and satisfy your cravings for a little while. Then you’ll want to recreate this level of deliciousness and you’ll keep trying to match it elsewhere always ending up frustrated and returning to Faberge. Not that this has happened to me or anything ;)

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The boardwalk in Ste Anne de Bellevue

by Tristan from Get Old Stay Young

Though there are so many sights and interesting, charming places in Montreal one of my favourites is the boardwalk in Ste Anne de Bellevue. At the very tip of the island, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, summer on the boardwalk is an eclectic mix of energy and serenity. Boats line the docks waiting their turn to go through the locks, with people barbecuing on board and music coming from the restaurants. Families and couples stroll along, enjoying the late afternoon sun and eating their ice cream. Taking in a meal or drink on a terrasse offers a soothing respite from the summer heat as you bask in the breeze from the water. The mix of smells emanating from the restaurants is enough to instantly make your mouth water. This is where I grew up, running along the boardwalk and pier with my friends, trying to get into the bars underage and smoking cigarettes on the pier far from the prying eyes of our parents. The boardwalk is a busy tourist area in the summer, hundreds if not thousands of people taking in the small town where it’s situated. But to me, it will always be home.

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4e Mur cocktail bar

by Sarah from Red lips talk

If you're ever in Montreal, don’t miss the chance to visit the 4e Mur bar. It's one of the city's premier cocktail bars and one of my favorite places for a date night or a night out with the girls.

Once you find the entrance to this speakeasy-themed bar (hidden behind a secret wall), you will be immersed in a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of the 1930s prohibition era. The cocktail menu is a combination of highly original and delicious drinks invented and prepared by the bar's owner-mixologists. The selection of drinks is unique and each one is presented as a clue to solve a murder mystery.

Best of all, for those who enjoy a live show, you can indulge in one of the many performances 4e Mur organizes throughout the week. You can stop by for piano Tuesday, burlesque Wednesday or a live jazz band on Thursday.

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Atwater market

by Andrea from Capsule Suitcase

Montreal has so many beautiful and scenic spots but what makes this city unique is the creative energy and passionate spirit of its residents. That's why my favourite place is the Atwater Market, nestled in the residential St-Henri neighbourhood along the Lachine Canal. In the summertime, the market is full of gourmet foods, fresh products, and beautiful flowers lovingly presented by local vendors. It's also a great place to relax. I suggest renting a bike and going for a ride along the water before breaking for a snack purchased at one of the delicious pop-up restaurants. If you're visiting in the winter, it's worth a detour for the smell of the Christmas trees alone.

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Camillien-Houde Belvedere on Mount Royal

By Roslyn From The Travelling Sociologist

Your trip to Montreal is just not complete without visiting the Camillien-Houde Belvedere. The Belvedere is located atop the landmark Mount Royal, a little mountain (hill, really) in the centre of the island after which the city is named. Getting to the belvedere requires a hike up the mountain from any one of three free entrances: the Peel street entrance, at the corner of Doctor Penfield avenue; the Remembrance road entrance, leading off Côte-des-Neiges street; and the Olmstead road entrance, leading off Park avenue.

The hike to the belvedere has the added perk of allowing you to discover the wonderful Mount Royal Park, which embodies the mountaintop greenery, and its activity-filled life including kayaking on Beaver Lake, picnicking among its slopes and plateaus, winter sports ranging from ice skating to cross-country skiing, cycling on numerous trails, and relaxing at the Chalet, which houses a café, vending machines, a souvenir shop, and lots of comfortable seating. Most importantly, when you finally arrive at the belvedere, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking southeast view of the city that will make every moment of your hike worthwhile. The view is simply stunning, extending as far south as the island of Longueuil and east and west for miles and miles. You’ll want to bring your camera and your best smile to capture this #MTLmoment.

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Lachine Canal

by Palo from Moons & Roses

As a Montrealer, deciding on what to do or where to go for a fun time in the city can be a real puzzle sometimes – the choices are simply endless! For that reason, having a go-to spot can come in quite handy on the days when you just can’t decide. Mine is the Lachine Canal!

The Lachine Canal is a 9-mile canal that runs through several southern boroughs of Montreal, namely the Old Port and Lachine. It is the perfect place to visit for a quiet, yet physically engaging day in Montreal. Surrounded by greenery and bike paths, it’s an ideal destination for those who wish to disconnect from the hastiness of city life.

I personally love going there to take a long ride on my bike, sit by the trees and enjoy a picnic with friends. We usually get some fresh fruits and veggies from the neighbouring Atwater Market, stroll around the canal, and do some people-watching as we take in the serene views of the water. If you’re in the mood for a more physically demanding activity, there are many things you can do; kayaking, paddling, skiing (in the winter), boating, and much more.

Even though it can get quite crowded during summertime, I believe it’s one of the less touristy places to go to when in Montreal. So, if you’re in for a more local experience, the Lachine Canal is definitely a great destination!

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BRB acknowledges that Montreal is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodian of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montréal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples.

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