Montreal on a shoestring

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent breakfasts, decent prices, and right next to Mount-Royal park. Look for the door beside the McDonald's, there is no sign- they don't need one.

Description:

This neighborhood institution is best known for its well-prepared breakfasts and lunches, and has been at the same location since 1950. Offering a lunch counter and booths, they have doubled their previously cramped capacity. Breakfast can include the basics or fancier combinations of crepes, sausages, waffles and eggs. Fixed daily luncheon specials are also available, and might include roast leg of lamb, pasta, fillet of chicken or fillet of sole. Only cash payments are accepted.

Our Local Expert Says:

Parc avenue is a culturally diverse and bustling street that runs by the famous Mount Royal park.

Description:

Beginning at Sherbrooke Street, Parc Avenue runs north through a diverse series of neighbourhoods and landscapes. North of des Pins the street widens and runs directly under Mount Royal and Jeanne-Mance Park's bongo players and tobogganing. Further north, Parc is the main drag of the city's Greek area; Milos is just one of many excellent Greek restaurants. The Fairmount and St-Viateur bagel shops, both just east of Parc, are remnants of the once huge Jewish community.

Description:

The diverse hippy and artsy crowd that used to make up the population of the Mile-End has been yuppified over the past few years. Now this once down at the heels area has had its façade brightened with the injection of the young, working twenty-somethings that have moved in droves into the area, following the software development super-firm Ubisoft. The main street, St.Viateur, is lined with small shops and restaurants; and the best bagel shop in town is located a block from the corner of Park Avenue.

Description:

"Fresh to order" is the motto for this unpretentious Guyanese/Caribbean/Indian restaurant in Mile-End. The décor is homey, with some 20 seats. However, more than half the business for this family-run establishment is take-out. Dishes include Roti (shrimp, mutton, boneless chicken, chickpea and potato); it is some of the best in Montreal, especially when you add the house sauce, which is homemade from scotch bonnets.

Description:

On one end of Bernard Avenue, in Outremont, stylish restaurants and shopping dominate the street. Further East, between Park Avenue and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the funky and fun Mile-End attitude dictates the style of the area. Café Romolo, on the corner of Park Avenue, is a great place to go watch a Montreal Canadien's game during the hockey season, and Whisky Café (famous for their ladies toilet), on the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard provides a more sedate atmosphere.

Description:

One of many undiscovered delights along the Mile-End neighborhood portion of Bernard Street, this chameleon-like coffee shop can turn into a rollicking bar at the drop of a hat. While anglophone university students cram for tomorrow's exam over double espressos, some older locals might contest a game of pool or foosball over a local microbrew. The atmosphere is cozy and casual, reflecting Romolo's true neighborhood appeal; it is to Mile-End what the far better known Else's is to the Plateau, and offers a similar menu of pizza and snacks. Only cash is accepted.

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

Get there early- this place serves breakfast and lunch to close by early afternoon. Ask for one of the owner's business cards- if you understand French you'll get a kick out of it.

Description:

This is one of a rare breed of establishments where one can find true Canadian food, or more accurately Quebec food. Haute cuisine it isn't, but well prepared it certainly is. The extremely reasonable menu features Tourtière (a traditional Quebecois meat pie), Fèves-au-Lard (baked beans), pea soup and other wholesome comfort foods. For a fast, cheap bite in friendly but by no means opulent surroundings, this is a great choice. Credit cards will be laughed out the door, towards the cash machine.

Our Local Expert Says:

Go to the Mount-Royal on a Sunday in the early afternoon to see what locals do on a summer afternoon. Bring a Frisbee, a hacky-sac or a friend and relax in the sun. Don’t show up too early- Montrealers take their time waking up on the weekends.

Description:

"The mountain", as Mount-Royal Park is known to locals, is the largest green space on Montreal Island. It was designed by Olmstead, who also designed Central Park in New York City. Mount-Royal Park is the playground for the city. During the week people traipse up and down the paths constantly: cutting across the mountain to work, running late to class toward McGill University and just taking the time to enjoy the moments of privacy that the mountain's hidden paths offer. Sundays during the summer the East side of the Mount-Royal (near the statue) explodes with activity and music. Crowds gather to play music, lounge in the sun and relax with friends in the sweetly hazy heat.

Description:

The setting is tiny and the décor is simple, but the ambience is as hot as it comes in this Brazilian-Mexican gem tucked beneath the shadow of Mount Royal. Service is personalized, thanks to the effervescent presence of the owner. Dishes include the usual fajitas and quesadillas, but these are complemented by Brazilian specialties like crevettes à baiana (shrimp cooked in coconut milk and spicy tomato sauce). It's usually packed, so be sure to reserve.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nestled away in a quiet corner of the Plateau, this gem of a pub serves specialty hot ciders and grog. Remember that you will be required to buy a little something to eat with your drinks.

Description:

This quiet, smoky pub is a neighborhood institution, attracting locals from all walks of life with its friendly and familiar staff, cool music and excellent beer from St-Ambroise and other local microbreweries. Their liquor license, which requires the purchase of finger food to accompany the drinks, is all part of the charm. On tap they feature an excellent local cider that is quite difficult to find elsewhere. Come back a few times and they might have your drink waiting for you.

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

A funky take on breakfast food takes you east of the tourist traps and right to the hearth of Madame Bolduc; be careful as you squeeze you way into this restaurant not to bump too many people.

Description:

This cozy East End neighborhood restaurant wears its Quebecois heart on its sleeve, or rather on its menu. It is a family affair here, and the kids are welcome to share in the festivities. You cannot go wrong with an all-day breakfast menu and genuine Quebec culinary specialties such as Meatball Stew and Shepherd's Pie. Throw in an inexpensive pitcher of locally brewed beer and the experience is complete. It's a little-known Montreal institution.

Description:

Saint-Laurent Boulevard is the home of both the glitzy and the gritty sides of nightlife in Montreal. The street is known for its bars and clubs ranging from dive bars (like Miami) to the more upscale venues clustered around Sherbrooke Street (like Buonanotte or Sofia's) which often serve as restaurants earlier in the evening and turn into clubs as the night wears on. Saint-Laurent Boulevard stretches from the Old Port, and continues North through many different neighborhoods including Chinatown, the East-end of downtown, the plateau, the Mile-End and Little Italy. It divides the city in two, literally, with the East – West addresses starting at zero at Saint-Laurent and increasing as you move away from the street. Remember to always check whether an address is East (Est) or West (Ouest) of Saint-Laurent, or you might find yourself on the wrong end of town!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best places to get decent food at a decent price.

Description:

It's hard to go wrong at this downscale, trendy, cafeteria-style Italian eatery, which is well-populated morning, noon and late at night. Various pasta and sauce combinations include the tortellini with pesto, eggplant and cheese lasagnas, manicotti and so on. Also on offer are thin-crust pizza, calzones, sandwiches and antipasto, though there is a fair contingent of customers that comes just for coffee and biscotti. Cash only.

Description:

An often overlooked square in the heart of downtown, just south of Rue Ste-Catherine, this splash of colorful flowers and green grass is an oasis in the middle of an always-crowded area. The monument in the center is to King Edward VII; various street vendors on the north side include a wonderful flower market in the summer. Le Grand Comptoir, one of the city's best values in French cuisine, lies on the east side; Birk's jewelers is on the northwest corner.

Description:

This incredibly diverse street could be considered the city's chief east-west artery. At its western extreme lies the posh boutiques and restaurants of Westmount. It then runs through the heart of the downtown shopping district, past Simons, the Eaton Centre and Birks' Jewellers, to name just a few. Farther east, the street becomes the main drag of the Gay Village, with its charming bistros and seething nightlife.

Our Local Expert Says:

A comfortable and stylish bar that has dangerously delicious Chocolate martinis.

Description:

This is combo lounge/bar is great place to grab a drink and shot a game of pool. The main room is done up like a British pub with fantastically red walls. There are plenty of different beers on tap to enjoy. The second room has pools tables and a stage were live bands play on Fridays. There's a terrific terrace where you enjoy a pint under the summer stars.

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Description:

Consistently voted Montreal's best brunch spot, this legendary diner is a must-visit, provided that you can deal with enormous weekend lines. Beauty's is neither hip nor health-conscious, but for wonderfully prepared breakfast standards it has few equals. Piles of fresh fruit accompany every meal, though regulars have been known to leave it on the plate. On Sundays, aim to arrive before 10a or expect to wait upwards of an hour in line.

Description:

The boutique of the contemporary art museum sells much of what might be expected, including poster-size reproductions of paintings and prints, postcards, and art books. Added to the mix are tasteful design pieces and unusual gifts as well as souvenirs that eschew the lowest-common-denominator standards of too many Vieux-Montréal shops. The museum's bookstore, Oliveri, has a wide selection, in both French and English, of monographs on Canadian and international artists since the 1950s.

Our Local Expert Says:

The 1000 de la Gauchetière is both a hub of the Montreal underground and a great destination of its own right, thanks to its indoor skating rink and restaurants.

Description:

One of the most striking buildings on the city's skyline, this high-rise office building is also well known for the many shops and services housed within its magnificent atrium. Walk through the Underground City and suddenly you will come across a skating rink, restaurants and an overall sense of warmth even in the depths of winter. A fitness center is among the many other services at Le 1000, as it is known. Bell Canada Enterprises, the Royal Bank and Lucent Technologies are among the many high profile tenants.

Description:

Completed in 1859, this beautifully restored neo-Gothic edifice is the home of the Anglican church in the city. Attractions inside include a painting of the Last Supper rescued from the cathedral's original location and a magnificent organ, which attracts musicians from far and wide.

Description:

Founded in 1821 with a bequest from Montreal fur trader and merchant James McGill, this world-renowned English-language university is located on 80 acres of land in downtown Montreal. The downtown campus consists of a fusion of modern architecture with turn-of-the-century landmark buildings. It is also a pleasant expanse of green in the otherwise urban landscape, with playing fields, large trees and benches where both visitors and students can sit to soak in the sun and the ambience of higher learning.

Our Local Expert Says:

For the best view of the city, head up to Altitude 737's bar or restaurant. Don't forget to head out onto the terrace in summer.

Description:

When this complex was constructed in the late 1950s, it marked not only a revolution in modern building methods (portable cranes rose with the structure), but also the beginning of modern architecture in the city. Seen from the air, the central building resembles a cross, in honour of the Virgin Mary. The building features commercial offices, banks, shops and restaurants, including the 737 terrace on the roof. The concourse level features many shops and services, and is connected to the Underground City.

Our Local Expert Says:

In the trendy Plateau area of Montreal this restaurant will satisfy your craving for a hearty meal.

Description:

Very few restaurants boast the kind of successful split personality found at this Plateau Portuguese establishment. One side is a softly lit dining room for romantics; the other a loud, rambunctious tavern where shouting and cheering is the order of the day. The food, however, is uniformly good, from the restaurant's famous grilled chicken to Carne Alentejana, a typical Portuguese dish of pork and clams. Service is either relaxed or frenzied, depending on your choice of room.

Our Local Expert Says:

Expects laid back locals and an excellent venue for people watching as well as a decent DJ.

Description:

A cheerfully hip energy pervades this extremely popular Plateau Mont-Royal watering hole. The décor is thoroughly unique; it's sort of a "Prague café" theme accentuated by ostrich heads poking out of the walls, high ceilings and excellent music (live during the days, DJs every night). Youngish journalists and other left-of-center professionals enjoy very reasonably priced micro-brews (including the full line of Cheval Blanc beers), and it's usually packed. The name is pronounced "Billy Coon."

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

Make sure to walk through the Jean-Talon Market in its entirety before making your purchases if you want to get the best price on your produce. Costs vary from vendor to vendor.

Description:

If you are the type of person who likes wandering among the vegetables, and their vendors, the Market is a great place to spend a day, or plan a meal. Cheese shops, organic meats and vegetable and fruit vendors crowd into their stalls in this market that on the weekends is overflowing with not only the inhabitants of the nearby Little Italy, but people from all over the Island of Montreal. Parking is available under the market, bicycle racks are conveniently placed around most entrances, and it is less than a five minute walk from Jean-Talon metro.

Description:

Located towards the north end of Boulevard St-Laurent, this is the area where the first Italian immigrants settled in Montreal. The district is now crammed with shops, restaurants, social clubs, cafés and bars. There is a festival atmosphere year-round as businesses vie with one another to attract customers and the streets overflow with pedestrians. Take a stroll through Dante Park, where you will find families enjoying a day out, and card and bocce ball players focused on their game.

Description:

Located in a huge hall on the second floor of a nondescript building on The Main, this isn't so much a restaurant as a gathering spot for Montreal's Spanish community. As you'd expect, the food is authentic and the atmosphere lively. Dishes include anchovies in vinaigrette, Spanish Omelette, fried calamari, mussels in tomato sauce and Paella Valenciana. Service is exceptional and prompt.

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

Remember when you go out on St Denis Street in Montreal: a little bit of scruff is in style.

Description:

St Denis Street is a more upscale shopping and dining street. From Sherbrooke Street to Mount Royal Avenue boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants are packed together; and pedestrians clutter the sidewalks. The keyword here is location. People walk along St Denis Street to see and be seen. There is something for everyone along this street. The overall ambience is of affluent consumerism during the day; however, this merges seamlessly into the traditionally more grungy scene of the Montreal nightlife as the sun sets.

Our Local Expert Says:

The relaxed ambiance of this restaurant makes it a great place for a first date. Seats are at the "bar", or traditional Thai style floor seating is available.

Description:

You will find all manner of things exotic at this upper-Plateau noodle house, but you will not find any chairs. Seating is either on the floor or at the bar, where you can watch the expert chefs whip up the various pan-Asian delicacies. Any shortcomings in selection are more than made up for by the quality, serving size and price.

Description:

This non-profit artist-run gallery and centre has been around since 1982; it includes exhibitions, video screenings and performance art, along with an artist residence. Special programs include lectures and concerts. The centre is open to all the arts, be they experimental or traditional, and presents the full spectrum of artistic ideas and forms. Oboro consistently encourages artists from Montreal's various communities and cultures. Recent exhibits have included Éveline Le Calvez's multimedia installation Autel and the primitive audiovisuals of Neam Cathod's Cyber_Mondrian. Admission is free.

Description:

A contemporary art showcase in the St-Laurent and Ste-Catherine area, this gallery concentrates on artists early in their careers. Aside from exhibits and showings, the gallery encourages discussion about the practice of art. With that in mind, it publishes a chronicle for its showings, encourages trips to artists' workshops, and initiates exchanges with other Canadian galleries. The actual art presented ranges from straightforward painting to installations, sculptures and photography.

Our Local Expert Says:

Whiskey is the mainstay of this happy hour hang-out in the Quartier Latin.

Description:

Undoubtedly the quietest pint to be had in the Latin Quarter, this plush Scottish pub features more than a dozen beers on tap, most imported from Britain and Ireland. The aficionado will find even the most obscure scotches, and there are daily single malt specials for those looking to test their palates. Well-appointed far beyond the gimmickry of the average theme pub, its many nooks and crannies are perfect for a romantic cocktail or nightcap.

Our Local Expert Says:

Tucked away on a side street, keep your eyes peeled for this extraordinary restaurant- the food and service are incomparable- but it is so small you might miss it as you pass by! Make sure to make reservations well ahead of time, as it is popular among locals.

Description:

This bring-your-own-wine gem, nestled in a cultural corner of the Plateau Mont-Royal, might be small but the food, service and charming Parisian bistro motif more than make up for the size. Bistro L'Entrepont serves some of the best and most reasonably priced French cuisine in the city. The clientele is a true slice of Montreal society, ranging from locals who enjoy good food to those who have travelled halfway across the city - or further. The waitstaff is chummy and efficient, the ambience warm and romantic.

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the servers live up to their reputation of being a little curt you won't find better smoked meat in Montreal.

Description:

One of Montreal's great culinary institutions, this cramped, somewhat dingy deli, Schwartz's, makes the smoked meat (Montreal's version of pastrami) to which all others are compared. The line can be horrendous on weekends, the service is impersonal at best, and you are likely to be shoehorned into a table with a gaggle of total strangers. That said, the classic meal of a smoked meat sandwich, fries, pickle and a Cott's Cerise Noire cola is a genuinely transcendent experience. If the line seems unreasonable, takeout is a perfect alternative. Only cash is accepted.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are actually looking to buy anything in this area of town look for the shop signs that are not written in either English or in French… Those will be the places that will give you the best bargains.

Description:

Chinatown in Montréal is only a few streets long. Centred on De la Gauchetière street it runs from St. Laurent Boulevard to past St. Urbain street. It is packed with ground level and sub-basement shops – above which live many of the residents of the quarter. This historic area is demarcated by four gates guarded by stone lions. Although the area is called Chinatown it is actually home to people of many diverse Asian origins, reflected in the diversity of its many restaurants. The quality and affordability of the restaurants are Montreal's Chinatown's claim to fame.

Our Local Expert Says:

This 24 hour joint has lunch specials that make you wonder if they are making any money!

Description:

Some might find it strange to have to wait for a table at 2a. If that's you, then you shouldn't come to this Cantonese restaurant in the middle of Chinatown - especially on a Friday or Saturday night. But the late-night/early-morning crowd really appreciates being able to find reasonably-priced food in a place where the atmosphere is upbeat and the conversation stimulating, no matter what time of day or night. The service is attentive and bustling, with college-bound waiters happy to explain the dishes.

Description:

Located behind the City Hall, this huge public space is a good place to relax, get a great view of downtown, and check out the remains of the old fortifications that surrounded the new city. Though the fortifications themselves were demolished in the 1820s as the city outgrew them, you can still see the pieces in the shape of two lines of stone. It's a fine vantage point from which to view the City Hall.

Description:

Visiting the Old Port area throws visitors back to the days of the city's founding with its narrow cobbled streets and old style of architecture. This tourist-oriented area of town recalls Montreal's history with museums and restaurants set in buildings dating back to the origin of the city – in the mid 1600s. Horse-drawn carriages (calèches) line up to provide transportation to the foot-weary, but the Old Port is pleasantly pedestrian friendly and an exploration on foot guarantees the time to stop and peruse at will.

Description:

Apart from being one of the most historically significant places in the city, this square is also one of the city's most popular and lively. Watched over by Nelson's Column and lined with flowers and gardens, this is where artists, lovers, the hip and the semi-hip meet. It is also the port of entry for most visitors to Old Montreal. The best time to visit this square is in the summer, as it is then a car-free zone. Call or see the website to know more.

Description:

Bonsecours Market, an imposing neoclassical building with a long facade, a colonnaded portico, and a silvery dome, was built in the mid-1800s -- the Doric columns of the portico were cast of iron in England -- and first used as the Parliament of United Canada and then as Montréal's City Hall. The architecture alone makes a brief visit worthwhile. For many years after 1878 it was the city's central market. Essentially abandoned for much of the 20th century, it was restored in 1964 to house city government offices and in 1992 became the information and exhibition center for the celebration of the city's 350th birthday. It continues to be used as an exhibition space and also houses three restaurants with terraces and over a dozen art galleries and high-end but affordable boutiques featuring Québécois products.

Our Local Expert Says:

Old Montreal is a beautiful place to visit, particularly in the wintertime. New Year’s Eve every year there is a celebration in Place Jacques Cartier, culminating in fireworks at midnight.

Description:

Old Montreal is the area immediately surrounding the Old Port. It was the first developed part of the city of Montreal, as reflected through its architecture and narrow cobbled streets. Many of the more historically significant buildings are in this area of town, as well as the Champ-de-Mars, an old parade ground where citizens used to be able to come to enjoy the spectacle of public hangings. It is very tourist friendly. The Place Jacques Cartier, an open square leading from the town hall (Hôtel de Ville) down to the water, is the venue for shows at all times of the year.

Description:

Thanks to the Our Lady of the Harbour statue atop its dome, made famous by poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen, this chapel is known as The Sailor's Church. Inside are original Édouard Meloche (1886) frescoes on wooden slats, and you can look out over the Old Port from an observation tower. The chapel underwent extensive renovations as well as archaeological excavation. The new interpretation center includes artifacts pre-dating the arrival of the New France colonists in 1642.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you have energy to spare and are looking for a funky spot to dance to some music that you won't hear on the top 40 this is it. Sometimes featuring guest DJs, a good night to step into this place is for the Thursday night reggae nights- don't go early- the place only starts filling up around midnight.

Description:

This hip yet welcoming bar and lounge might suffer from an attitude problem if its clientele and staff was not so down-to-earth and friendly. The décor, after all, is as oppressively kitschy as that of some more intimidating Montreal lounges, while the work of local graffiti artist Omen adds a bohemian edge. DJs entertain nearly every night and the comfortable couches and amiable atmosphere are difficult to find elsewhere. Even better, the drinks are quite reasonable.

Description:

Described as a 1920s urban apartment, this bed and breakfast features a home-like atmosphere influenced by its warm and charming host, Alain. Guests must share bathroom facilities from their single or double room. Located on St-Hubert Street, close to restaurants, bars, the Latin Quarter and Parc Lafontaine, it is minutes from the Sherbrooke Métro and a 15 minute walk to downtown. Handsome natural oak doors and maple floors enhance the apartment's comfortably decorated rooms. It is equally suitable for business people and leisure travelers. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

Empanadas, empanadas, empanadas!

Description:

Like its Plateau neighborhood, La Chilenita is totally unpretentious: a cozy haven for those who are mad for empanadas, Chile's national snack. Here you get 13 varieties, including one with seafood. Chilean sandwiches include the Barros Luco featuring grilled steak and cheese. If you're in a hurry, there's take-out as well. Cash (spare change, really) only.

Our Local Expert Says:

A little dingy on the outside, but there is nothing better than the taste of the food on the inside. Up in the trendy Mile-End neighborhood this restaurant also caters to groups.

Description:

This unassuming Mile End restaurant surprises with affordable, authentic Peruvian cooking. In keeping with the country's extended coastline, the menu emphasizes seafood with dishes such as shrimp bisque, smoked salmon and shark. Occasional live music and an overall sense of good cheer make this one of the area's true hidden gems. Cash and debit cards only.

Description:

Wilensky's has been a Montréal tradition since 1932, and has its share of regular pilgrims nostalgic for its grilled-meat sandwiches, low prices, curt service, and utter lack of decor. This is Duddy Kravitz/Mordecai Richler territory, and the ambience is Early Jewish Immigrant. There are nine counter stools, no tables. The house special is grilled salami and bologna, with mustard, thrown on a bun and squashed on a grill, and never, for whatever reason, cut in two. You can wash it down with an egg cream or Cherry Coke jerked from the rank of syrups -- this place has drinks typical of the old-time soda fountain that it is. Enter Wilensky's to take a step back in time; we're talking tradition here, not cuisine.

Description:

Montréalers are no less enthusiastic about sports, especially hockey, than other Canadians, and fans both avid and casual drop by this three-story sports emporium to catch up with their teams and hoist a few. Games from around the world are fed to walls of TV monitors, and the bar can screen up to 14 events. Food is what you expect -- burgers, steaks, and such.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the sun may be shining remember to pack a sweater if you are planning on spending a day outside in the country.

Description:

A seasonal event, Apple Picking is a great way to spend a crisp fall day outside. Many of the areas just outside of Montreal have apple orchards where you can pick your own fruit, including Hemmingford's Petch's Orchard U-Pick; as well as facilities where ice cider is produced like the orchard Face Cachee de la Pomme in the same town. Ice cider is a little known, but sweetly delicious apple based equivalent of an ice-wine.

Description:

The Montreal Canadiens are an institution in this town. Far from being just a sporting event, seeing a game in person can be described by the most passionate fans as an almost religious experience. Always energy-filled it is worth going to see the Canadiens play even if you sit in the back rows drinking beer with the cantankerous old men who curse at the team in words you won't ever hear outside of the province of Québec. Call it a learning experience.

Description:

Now standing in the ultramodern shadow of the IBM building, this striking neo-Gothic church was completed in 1843. Though the bells are no longer in use, the impressive and unusual clock still tells impeccable time in the bell tower. The interior contains many interesting and beautiful innovations: an open concept space without support columns, intricate woodwork and an architecturally revolutionary roof structure. This church is a wonderful example of downtown Montreal's combination of old and new architecture. Admission is free.