8 Hidden Spots In Montreal You'll Want To Get On Your Radar ASAP
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Two individuals on a couch in Café Camas by a crate of vinyl records. Right: People pose behind the bar at Fleurs et Cadeaux.
We may live on a small island filled with people who love to go out and explore day in and day out, but there are still so many hidden spots in Montreal that even locals don't know about. From lesser-known parks and secret bars to underground (or way overground) cafés and mystical stories beneath some of the most iconic landmarks, there's always more to discover in the city.
Spa Carré Saint-Louis
Where: 3470, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: While most people tend to flock to spas like Bota Bota and Spa Scandinave, it's Montreal's newest in-city wellness getaway, Spa Carré Saint-Louis in Hôtel Carré Saint-Louis, that should really be on your radar. From the outside, it may look like just another storefront in the Plateau, but head inside and down the stairs and you'll be whisked away to a tranquil haven of rest and relaxation, set in the middle of one of Montreal's quirkiest and most eccentric neighbourhoods.
Magpie Magique
Where: 380, rue Gilford
Why You Need To Go: Everyone knows that one of the best parts of staying at a hotel is heading down to the bar for a drink. Inspired by the great hotel bars of back in the day, one of Montreal's newest speakeasies, Magique Magpie from the team behind Pizzeria Magpie, is bringing the mystery and intrigue of being somewhere new to the city. All you have to do is look for the red light above the door and you'll know you can step inside to sip from one of the cocktails from the team's list of fresh creations while nibbling on sharable snacks, including the team's famous pizzas.
Sundaiz
Where: 4710, rue Saint Ambroise, Unit 130
Why You Need To Go: Everybody knows that any journey is worth it as long as there are cookies involved. In Saint-Henri's Complexe Canal Lachine, you'll find Sundaiz Bakehouse toward the back, a nut- and peanut-free bakery that makes some of the most delicious baked goods you'll find in the city. Inside, there's a retro space filled with nostalgia that will take you back to the days of eating cookies at the kitchen counter after a long day at school. In the summer, take a walk on the canal and head over to the pink window, where you can get a coffee and a cookie for a quick pick-me-up.
Fleurs & Cadeaux
Where: 1002, rue Saint-Urbain
Why You Need To Go: It may seem like a flower and gift shop as its name suggests (which it used to be), but Fleurs & Cadeaux, is actually one of the hottest restaurants in Chinatown. The Japanese spot serves classic dishes, like sushi and okazu, along with a grilled, fried, and noodle menu with sake and wine available. If this "hidden in plain sight" destination wasn't cool enough, downstairs is Sans Soleil, a completely separate concept centred around an impressive collection of drinks and vinyl records played by some of the city's coolest DJs.
Parc des Faubourgs
Where: 1872, rue Dorion
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's parks are such an important part of what makes the city unique, and while Mount Royal and La Fontaine get all of the glory, it's often the smaller parks, like Parc des Faubourgs, that leave the most lasting impression, even on locals. Located in the eastern neighbourhood of Sainte-Marie, Faubourgs evokes calmness away from bustling tourist paths with the stunning Jacques-Cartier Bridge in the distance.
Notre-Dame Bascilica Crypts
Where: 110, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Why You Need To Go: Below the glorious Notre Dame Basilica, you'll find the hidden crypts with centuries of history. You can wander through the crypts to see preserved artifacts and archaeological wonders that will take you back in time. As candlelight flickers against the stone walls, the crypts create a mysterious and mystical experience that helps you get a better appreciation for one of our city's greatest monuments.
Bisou Bisou
Where: 416, rue Saint-Vincent
Why You Need To Go: When it comes to "hidden" bars in Old Montreal, it's easy to think of Cold Room... Although let's be honest, as one of the city's most popular spots, this underground speakeasy is probably one of least secretive bars in Montreal (and for good reason!). But just across the street, one of the latest projects from Kevin Demers behind Cold Room and El Pequeño, along with Robert Weeks from Cold Room and Hawksmoor in London and Gregory Buda from Dead Rabbit and Beagle in New York is Bisou Bisou. Translated to "kiss kiss," the bar serves Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and aperitifs. And while sipping creations from some of the biggest mixologists in the city is a treat, a collection of low-alcohol and mocktail drinks ensures everyone's able to join in on the good vibes.
Camas
Where: 1372, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Why You Need To Go: Despite the sign on the sidewalk it can be easy to walk by Camas, a social club in the heart of Griffintown. But step inside and head to the second floor and you'll discover one of the neighbourhood's coolest cafés, with bright yellow and white decor, hanging plants against exposed brick, and a huge stock of vinyl records playing chilled-out beats and tunes on rotation. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends or bring your laptop to get through your to-do list with a change of scenery, it just goes to show you never know what you can find if you just go beyond street level.
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