Travel Guide: Montreal for Design Lovers

[ProposMontréal]

Source: Houzz

(Le copier-Coller est tellement long, ça ne me tente pas de l'éditer, allez voir l'article pour une lecture plus facile)

 

Residents of Montreal didn't UNESCO's crowning it the City of Design in 2006 to reaffirm their love affair with their city. Referred to as Canada's cultural capital, Montreal can claim bragging rights to a summer full of international festivals along with world-renowned architecture and stylish bars and restaurants.

 

As you read through this guide, put together by myself and fellow Montreal native Laura Garner, visualize yourself admiring the unique art installations of each metro station, walking through more than 32 kilometers (20 miles) of tunnels in the Underground City or riding in a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets in the very European area of Old Montreal. No matter how you choose to get somewhere in the city, Montreal always has a way of surprising you along the way.

 

More city guides for design junkies

 

This view of the St. Lawrence river shows off the beauty of the Montreal skyline at night and includes the Bell Center (where the Montreal Canadiens play hockey). This photo was taken from one of the bridges that connects Cité du Havre (a strip of land where the Habitat 67 community is located; see below) to the Île Sainte-Hélène, which houses La Ronde amusement park and is home to the popular indie music festival Osheaga and the Formula 1 racetrack.

 

A couple notes on the information that follows: We have included the nearest metro stop and have highlighted design destinations by neighborhood.

 

Must-Sees

 

Mount Royal Park: A 200-hectare (about 500-acre) park in the heart of the city

Location: From Côte-de-Neiges Road to Park Avenue, between avenue des Pins and Voie Camillien Houde (metro: Mont-Royal)

Noteworthy: Lookout points throughout the park offer the best views of the city, day or night.

 

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the designer of New York's iconic Central Park), Mount Royal is a year-round congregating spot for residents and tourists alike. Summertime brings long walks around the pond and picnics under the trees, while winter offers ice skating.

 

If you're in Montreal on a Sunday in the summertime, head to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument to see the free, unofficial event known as the Tam-Tams, where hundreds of people gather to drum and dance under the sun.

by Laura Garner »

Habitat 67: A stunning 12-story apartment complex designed by architect Moshe Safdie

Location: 2600 avenue Pierre-Dupuy (near the casino)

Noteworthy: The apartments are designed with lots of privacy, terrace gardens and multiple levels that face the St. Lawrence river.

 

Designed in 1967 by Montreal architect Moshe Safdie for his master thesis, and debuting at the Expo 67 world's fair, the revolutionary 146-residence housing complex places single-family dwellings in an urban environment.

 

More info: Habitat 67

by Laura Garner »

Palais de Congres: Montreal's convention center

Location: 159 rue St. Antoine West (metro: Place-D'Armes)

Noteworthy: Located between the downtown core and Old Montreal, the Palais features 113 rooms and venues. Its multicolored glass facade is made up of 332 colored glass panels and 58 transparent panels.

 

More info: Palais de Congress

by Laura Garner »

Grande Bibliothèque: Montreal's largest public library

Location: 475 boulevard de Maisonneuve East (metro: Berri-UQAM)

Noteworthy: Built in 2005 and located in the bustling Latin Quarter downtown, with direct access to the metro and Underground City, this contemporary six-story building has large horizontal plates of glass running along the complete exterior.

 

The space includes an exhibition hall, a theater and a complete floor for children as well as top-of-the line audiovisual equipment.

 

More info: Grande Bibliothèque

by Laura Garner »

Notre Dame Basilica: Centuries-old basilica

Location: 110 Notre-Dame Street West, corner of Saint Sulpice Street (metro: Place D'Armes)

Cost: $5 Canadian (about U.S.$5) for adults; $4 for ages 7 to 17; free for children 6 and under

Noteworthy: Its opulent and colorful interior hosts about 100 weddings each year, with Celine Dion being among those who have tied the knot here.

 

This is a beautiful example of the Gothic revival style of architecture; it was the first of its kind to be built in Canada. The basilica displays stained glass windows that feature the history of religion in Montreal, which is not typically done.

 

More info: Notre Dame Basilica

by Esther Hershcovich »

Must-Eats

 

Le Confessionnal: Trendy bar

Location: 431 rue McGill in Old Montreal (metro: Square Victoria)

Cost: From $9 Canadian (about U.S.$9) per cocktail

Noteworthy: Seductive red decor and dim lighting from chandeliers make for a moody atmosphere

 

After a few drinks, Old Montreal doesn't disappoint for foodies. The area is a design lover's paradise. Try the three-course lunch menu for $28 Canadian within the black-painted walls of the popular Les 400 Coups (400 Notre Dame Est). If you're lucky enough to get a reservation, make sure to eat dinner at Garde Manger (408 rue St. François Xavier), owned by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes.

 

Besides bar Le Confessionnal, try an after-dinner drink at the Philemon Bar (111 rue St. Paul Ouest), known for its laid-back yet trendy ambience. Don't forget to admire its decor, done by Montreal interior designer Zébulon Perron.

 

More info: Le Confessional, Les 400 Coups, Garde Manger, Philemon Bar

by Amielle Clouatre »

Bar Pullman: Upscale bar

Location: 3424 avenue du Parc, corner of Sherbrooke downtown (metro: Place des Arts)

Cost: From $4.50 Canadian for a 2-ounce glass of wine to $5 Canadian for tapas

Noteworthy: Upscale yet understated ambience

 

This wine bar is something of a hidden gem in the downtown core of Montreal, offering wine samplers and delicious tapas to accompany them (try the foie gras).

 

If you want a casual meal, check out Lola Rosa (545 rue Milton), a cozy vegetarian eatery in the McGill ghetto that is very popular with university students.

 

Across the city are several locations of the crisp white tea shops called David's Tea, recently lauded by Oprah. Be sure to smell them all.

 

More info: Pullman, Lola Rosa, David's Tea

by Laura Garner »

L'Ambroisie: A popular French restaurant

Location: 4020 St. Ambroise, in the historic Chateau St.-Ambroise, Little Burgundy and St. Henri (Sud-Ouest) neighborhood (metro: Place St. Henri)

Cost: From $19 Canadian for a table d'hôte dinner

Noteworthy: The hallway of the building leading to the entrance displays quirky antique items such as suits of armor and a circus caravan.

 

Housed in the Chateau St.-Ambroise along the Lachine Canal, this charming restaurant displays an eclectic mix of industrial architectural elements combined with Greco-Roman features. Offering French cuisine, this restaurant is something you have to try at least once.

 

Other noteworthy suggestions for a gourmet meal in the neighboring areas of Montreal include Joe Beef and Tuck Shop — make sure to make a reservation.

 

If you're in the mood for a picnic, be sure to stop by the Atwater Market farmer's market to pick up fresh fruits, meats and cheeses.

 

More info: L'Ambroisie, Joe Beef, Tuck Shop, Atwater Market

by Esther Hershcovich »

Baldwin Barmacie: A design-minded bar

Location: 115 avenue Laurier Ouest in Plateau and Mile End (metro: Laurier)

Cost: Drinks start at $7 Canadian

Noteworthy: The design evokes a contemporary pharmacy theme.

 

If you want to feel transported back to the Mad Men era, the decor and drink list at Baldwin Barmacie are sure to please. Midcentury modern decor gets an update with neutral colors and clean lines.

 

If you're a fan of cocktails, a must-try is the hip bar Distillerie (with three locations in central Montreal). The biggest hit? Delicious and creative cocktails presented in mason jars.

 

If you're on the hunt for a breakfast spot in the Plateau, look no farther than Resto Fabergé, a breakfast place with a lounge atmosphere. The interior design, done by the architects at laroche et gagné, is bright and fun and worth a look. Try the breakfast poutine.

 

More info: Baldwin Barmacie, La Distillerie, Resto Fabergé

by Les Enfants Terribles Brasserie »

Les Enfants Terribles: Restaurant and bar

Location: 1257 Bernard Ouest in Mile End/Outremont

Cost: Cocktails start at $10 Canadian, tartare plates start at $14 Canadian

Noteworthy: Rustic wood, chalkboards and murals all add charm to this brasseries and its terrace, designed by architect Louis-Joseph Papineau.

 

If you're up for rich French pastries, a walk up the block will take you to Boulangerie Cheskie. On the must-try list is the chocolate babka. St.-Viateur Bagel is another classic stop in the area. Open 24/7, this legendary shop has been mentioned in various books and films.

 

More info: Les Enfants Terribles, St.-Viateur Bagel

 

Must-Dos

 

Place des Arts: A performing arts center

Location: 175 rue St. Catherine Ouest (metro: Place des Arts)

Noteworthy: The center holds festivals throughout the year, including the Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs and Montreal's Nuit Blanche.

 

Want to see Marie-Antoinette performed by les Grands Ballets Canadiennes? Head to one of Place des Arts' 10 halls. The Symphony Hall, with an interior made almost completely of light beech, is the most recent addition to the complex.

 

A metro ride away, on St. Laurent, is the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT), a nonprofit center featuring cutting-edge audiovisual experiences for everyone.

 

More info: Place des Arts, SAT

by Laura Garner »

Canadian Center for Architecture

Location: 1920 rue Baile, downtown (Rene-Levesque Boulevard and rue Saint Marc), (metro: Georges Vanier)

Cost: $10 Canadian for adults; $7 Canadian for seniors; free for students and children; free for all on Thursday evenings

Noteworthy: The Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA) was built in 1979 with the goal of raising awareness of the role of architecture in society.

 

Across the street you can find the CCA Garden, a public sculpture installation by Montreal architect Melvin Charney.

 

More info: Canadian Center for Architecture

by Esther Hershcovich »

Architectural Bike Tour: A guided four-hour adventure through the streets of Old Montreal

Location: 27 rue de la Commune Est (metro: Champ de Mars)

Cost: Rentals starting at $6.50 Canadian

Noteworthy: You can also see it on your own by downloading the Architecture Walking Tour app.

 

Relax after a long day of exploring at Spa Bota Bota, a serene five-deck boat anchored on the St. Lawrence river.

 

More info: Architectural Bike Tour, Spa Bota Bota

by Esther Hershcovich »

Must-Stays

 

Hotel Gault

Location: 449 rue St. Helene (metro: Square Victoria)

Cost: From $178 Canadian

Noteworthy: Minimalistic design contrasted by large French windows on a corner located steps away from the downtown area.

 

This luxurious 1871 hotel has 30 suites and a restaurant. Spend some quiet time in its library, complete with a warm fireplace for the cold nights.

 

More info: Hotel Gault

by Laura Garner »

LHotel

Location: 262 St. Jacques West in Old Montreal (metro: Square Victoria)

Cost: From $135 Canadian

Noteworthy: The collection of artwork on display is fit for a museum.

 

This boutique hotel is in the heart of Old Montreal. Owned by Georges Marciano of clothing brand Guess, the LHotel has become the permanent home for Marciano's extensive personal pop art collection, including works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Damien Hirst.

 

More info: LHotel

by Hotel St. Paul »

Hôtel St. Paul

Location: 355 McGill Street in Old Montreal (metro: Square Victoria)

Cost: From $195 Canadian

Noteworthy: This was Old Montreal's first boutique hotel.

 

Using the four elements of fire, ice, earth and ocean as inspiration, this Old Montreal boutique hotel has a monochromatic color palette and natural textures that give the decor a soft, ethereal feeling.

 

More info: Hôtel St. Paul

by Laura Garner »

Loft Hotel

Location: 334-336 Terasse St. Denis in the Plateau (metro: Sherbrooke)

Cost: From $125 Canadian

Noteworthy: The building was once used as storage space for Canadian Armed Forces tanks.

 

Completed in 1920 by prominent Montreal architect Ernest Cormier, the building that houses the Loft Hotel is one of Montreal's enduring art deco landmarks. The building was recently converted into loft-style hotel rooms, which are as spacious as they are trendy.

 

More info: Loft Hotel

by Esther Hershcovich »

Must-Visit Shops

 

Les Touilleurs: Cooking supply store

Location: 152 avenue Laurier Ouest in the Mile End (metro: Laurier)

Noteworthy: Pick up a free recipe-of-the-week card.

 

The large, open chalet-style kitchen is where you'll find the top cooking supplies for your culinary needs. It was designed by architect Luce Lafontaine with large, open cabinetry to make you feel at home. Classes are offered onsite three nights a week by local chefs.

 

A walk around the corner will take you to Jamais Assez, where you'll find a large selection of locally made furniture and creative accessories. Le Boutique Artisanal Une Monde is a warehouse on a side street that carries a selection of Asian-inspired and restored furniture at affordable prices. If you want to scout for some more boho home accents, Buk&Nola will have what you're looking for. This shop is known for its casual chic decor. The owners offer a decorating service as well.

 

More info: Les Touilleurs, Jamais Assez, Buk&Nola

by Esther Hershcovich »

L'Affichiste: Vintage poster gallery

Location: 471 rue Saint François Xavier in Old Montreal (metro: Place D'armes)

Noteworthy: The largest collection of original vintage posters in Montreal is housed in this gallery, attached by underground tunnels to the Notre Dame Basilica. A storage room is housed in a walk-in vault.

 

If you're still looking for that perfect piece of art, take a walk down to La Rue des Artistes. It might be where you'll find that coup de coeur, French for "favorite find." Keep walking and you'll arrive at the large indoor Marché Bonsecours market, where local artisans sell everything from furniture to clothing and unique umbrellas.

 

More info: L'Affichiste, Marché Bonsecours

by Esther Hershcovich »

Style Labo: Shop selling vintage and new items

Location: 5765 St. Laurent Blvd in Plateau/Mile End (metro: Rosemont)

Noteworthy: The antique lights collection

 

If you're looking for a large collection of industrial-style vintage and new items, this is the place to visit. The store's decor transports you to a different time.

 

If you're looking for a design experience, Les Commissaires doubles as a gallery and boutique, selling bold designer pieces from around the world. It is constantly restocked with a mix of innovative, sometimes provocative items attesting to the city's flair for the mix offered in its design. Monastiraki is another vintage shop; it also serves as a community art center. Search through its cabinets for vintage and locally made prints.

 

More info: Style Labo, Les Commissaires, Monastiraki

by Surface Jalouse »

Surface Jalouse: Print shop

Location: 2672 rue Notre-Dame West in Little Burgundy (metro: Lionel Groulx)

Noteworthy: Surface Jalouse is able to print images (the shop's or your own) onto virtually any surface — including furniture.

 

 

Part furniture store and part studio, this boutique offers funky and highly unique home decor items.

 

While you're on Notre Dame street, head west to explore the strip of antiques stores and curiosity shops.

 

More info: Surface Jalouse

by Esther Gibbons »

Hidden Gems

 

Gibeau Orange Julep: Landmark and fast-food restaurant

Location: 7700 Decarie Boulevard (metro: Namur)

Noteworthy: On Wednesday nights during the summer, the lot fills with classic vintage cars and motorbike enthusiasts.

 

Since the 1960s the Julep has been one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, with its distinct fiberglass orange shape and colored party flags hanging off the side. Roller skating waitresses originally brought food to the cars, but they have been replaced by a top fast-food service. The Gibeau Orange Julep (an orange drink), offered when the shop opened in 1932, is still what attracts most customers.

 

More info: Gibeau Orange Julep

 

Réne Lévesque Park: Sculpture park

Location: 1 chemin de Musee, (metro: Angrignon)

Noteworthy: Admire 22 monumental sculptures at this park, located off the Lachine Canal bike path and offering panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence and Saint Louis rivers.

 

Enjoy a picnic with your family, rent a kayak or enjoy the open and green 4 kilometers of walking trails.

 

More info: Parc René-Lévesque

by Esther Hershcovich »

Spazio: Antiques shop

Location: 8405 boulevard St. Laurent (metro: Jarry)

Noteworthy: Architectural detailing from various time periods can be easily found in this two-story shop that was once a well-known tavern.

 

It's divided into neat sections, so you can discover a room filled with antique doors or sections for stained glass windows, vintage handles or knobs. The owner is continually expanding as the collection grows.

 

More info: Spazio

 

Tell us: What are your favorite places for soaking up design in Montreal?