From its distinctly Parisian vibe to its devoutly art-house cafés, the bohemian culture of Montreal is alive and well – most evidently in the hip area of Plateau-Mont-Royal.
The most densely populated area in the city, the Plateau-Mont-Royal is also teeming with creative talent. There is a young population in this area, with students making up the majority of residents – many of whom come from McGill University, one of the best higher education centres in Canada. This has, in turn, attracted some very ‘hip’ businesses to the area, focusing on art, music and culture, with this student crowd as their target market.
Plateau-Mont-Royal is also a beautiful place to spend the day, with a great variety of bohemian galleries, shops, cafés and bars around the area. Visit the famous Schwartz’s Deli to try the classic Montreal dish of smoked meat sandwiches.
The Victorian architecture of the buildings in Plateau-Mont-Royal, particularly in Saint-Louise Square, showcases some of the best in the city, with bright, colourful townhouses lining the streets.
Many of Canada’s most creative talents have come from this area, particularly from the Mile End neighbourhood. Indie rock musicians Arcade Fire and actor William Shatner have both called Mile End home at some point in their lives. The creativity in the area is astounding and evident through the many cool projects and events organised in the area throughout the year.
Head to La Fontaine Park on a sunny day to dip your toes in the wading pools – and watch the hordes of local residents join you as they arrive to enjoy the sun. There is a number of picturesque pathways in the park and many people enjoy cycling through the park, so this really is a place to kick back and relax.
The easiest way to get to Plateau-Mont-Royal is to arrive at Saint-Denis Street and make your way north from there. There are several metro and bus stops that service the area, but parking is limited, so it’s advisable to stick to public transport where possible.
