Springtime in Montreal usually doesn't feature palm trees, but for the next few weeks, Sainte-Catherine East near Beaudry metro will. Part of the Montreal Village is now doubling as a sunny Californian city from decades ago. A slice of San Diego circa the 1980s has mysteriously sprouted in the neighbourhood near downtown.
Trees are covered in fake leaves ziptied onto branches that look real at first glance. And ginormous tropical trees line the sidewalks — not your typical Montreal flora.
A close-up of the fake leaves ziptied to real branches. Right: Otherwise bare trees now look realistically full.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
"Welcome to the Gaslamp Quarter, The Historic Heart of San Diego" signs began dotting the area late last week, marking a nostalgic transformation that now spans several city blocks.
Shop fronts along the street have flipped back a few decades. Neon signs, retro fonts, and window displays now adorn the facades of places like the "Mirage Bookstore" and the "Heath Hotel."
Mirage Bookstore more than lives up to it's name, borrowing the facade of a local restaurant for a few weeks.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
Playful new business names like "Rebel Rita Tattoo" and "Lampshade Labyrinth" can be spotted near these vintage setups. Even the new Korean restaurant, "La Table de Jo," has been transformed into a "Fresh Press" laundry service.
You can bet the language watchdogs at the Office québécois de la langue française are having a field day with all the English shop names popping up.
Massive palm trees by the side of Sainte-Catherine Street East.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
The Village revealed in a Facebook post just how extensive the transformation has been: "Magically, leaves have appeared on trees, a dozen businesses boast new facades, retro signage, and 30-foot tall palm trees... A film set is taking over our neighbourhood… for another week or two. Who knows, you might even bump into a Hollywood star!"
The film set is likely part of the new Ryan Reynolds movie set in 1987, Mayday, filming under the working title "Blackbird." Signs in the area indicate the project as "BB."
Korean restaurant "La Table de Jo" is now "Fresh Press" laundry, while "Table Village" Indian restaurant is "Mireya's Tacos."Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
For those looking to see the action, yellow signs along the road not only alert passersby to the ongoing filming but also reassure that all businesses are open during the shoot.
Whether you're looking for a trip back in time, a peek behind the scenes of Hollywood magic, or a cool spot for some Instagram-worthy shots, the Village promises a fun detour.
A retro blue sign for fake storefront, "Lampshade Labyrinth."Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
"Here's hoping the palm trees stay all summer," quipped one person on social media, clearly enjoying the change of scenery.
The faux-San Diego scene is scheduled to vanish by May 10, but fortunately you still have time to enjoy the slice of the '80s in Montreal.
