Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier François Legault met Tuesday to discuss a laundry list of issues important to the CAQ government. But first on their list was coffee. The pair — along with what appeared to be some intimidating bodyguards — stopped by Montreal's Café Olimpico for a sip before getting down to the nitty-gritty.
It looks like it was the coffee shop's Old Montreal location.
"Started the day off at [Café Olimpico] in Montreal," an Instagram post on Trudeau's account reads. "Premier [François Legault] and I touched base with some customers and workers — and then we sat down to discuss our shared priorities and the issues that matter most to the people of Quebec."
Those topics, according to Legault, included the French language, migrants entering Canada at Roxham Road, federal contributions to health costs, infrastructure spending and the environment.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
There are three seasons during which almost every Montrealer loves a good daily iced coffee — and there are probably some hardcore Montrealers who love them in all four. That's why we are eternally grateful for all the Montreal cafés that make them.
Here are some of the best spots around the city that make stellar iced coffees to keep you caffeinated!
Address: 1444, rue Ste-Catherine O., Suite A, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: If ever you're spending the day shopping downtown, FARO is an ideal spot to grab a nice cold iced coffee. Plus, FARO has been offering certified Fairtrade coffees for over 20 years now, so you can feel good about your purchase!
Ferlucci has got iced lattes, iced americanos, cold brew, and more. So whatever your flavour is, this spot was got you covered. Not to mention, the staff is also super welcoming and kind — major bonus!
Address: 430, ave. Laurier E., Montreal, QC & 7066, rue Alexandra, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: Noble's coffee floats are out of this world. If you have yet to try one, you may want to add it to your to do list. And during your visit, you can always grab some tasty baked goods for a little sugar rush.
Why You Should Go: This authentic Italian café is a Montreal classic and thanks to its multiple locations in the city, you can get yourself a quality iced coffee to take on your walk around Mile-End, Old Port or downtown.
Why You Should Go: Barley is hands down one of Montreal's top brunch spots. From the unique bowls of cereal to the action-packed toast and waffle options, its menu is no short of action-packed. And to go with your food, there are all kinds of different speciality lattes to try, including iced lavender matcha latte. Or if you're not hungry, you can of course always just get your iced latte to go!
Why You Should Go: The Vietnamese iced coffee aka Cà Phê Sữa Da is an absolute must-try. And if you're hungry, you can always treat yourself to some Phở while there.
Why You Should Go: This adorable café is located in the heart of Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles, making it the perfect spot to stop for an iced coffee before heading to one of the city's many festivals. The gorgeous interior is also worth a visit in itself.
Why You Should Go: This quaint café in the Plateau has a colourful little terrasse for you to sit and enjoy a nice cold brew coffee whenever you feel like you need a moment to yourself!
Address: 9299, ave. du Parc, Montreal, QC & 4126, rue Sainte-Catherine, Westmount, QC
Why You Should Go: At Café Gentile, you can start with an iced coffee and end with a cocktail. Best of both worlds! Plus, there are all kinds of authentic Italian dishes for you to try if you show up hungry.
Why You Should Go: Getting a coffee at Tommy is basically a Montreal rite of passage. Plus the décor in each one of their locations is too pretty not check out!
Why You Should Go: Whenever you're looking for an iced coffee pick me up, Caffe Grazie Mille has got your back. You can also fulfill your cannoli craving while there too — a win-win.
Montreal is a city known for its thriving coffee scene and diverse array of fantastic cafés. From the historic charm of Old Montreal to the trendy vibes of Plateau Mont Royal and Little Italy, coffee shops are a destination not to be missed in this city.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic espresso or a specialty coffee, Montreal's cafés have it all. From locally roasted coffee beans to innovative brewing techniques, the coffee shops listed below offer excellent coffee and creative spaces to enjoy it in. You can find cozy cafés with homemade pastries and Italian treats or hip spaces decorated with plants and beautiful artwork.
So if you're a coffee lover, make sure to explore Montreal's cafés on your next visit. From unique spaces to amazing coffee, you're sure to find a café that suits your style and satisfies your coffee cravings.
What makes Montreal cafés unique?
Montreal cafés are unique for many reasons, from their diverse and vibrant atmosphere to their impressive coffee offerings. With a strong focus on specialty coffee and innovative brewing techniques, Montreal cafés push the boundaries of traditional coffee culture and offer a truly unique experience. From cozy and intimate spaces to large and bustling coffee shops, there's a café in Montreal to suit every taste and preference.
What can I expect from a typical Montreal café?
In a typical Montreal café, you can expect excellent coffee and a cozy atmosphere, with top-notch pastries and Italian treats to enjoy alongside your coffee. From classic espresso drinks to innovative specialty blends, there's a coffee that will please any palate. The cafes in Montreal also offer unique and creative spaces decorated with plants and artwork, creating an inspiring environment for coffee lovers to indulge.
What are some of the best areas in Montreal for cafés?
Montreal is a city full of amazing cafés, but there are some neighborhoods that are particularly known for their coffee culture. Plateau Mont Royal is a hip neighborhood with a plethora of trendy and innovative cafes, while Little Italy boasts classic cafes and local roasters. Old Montreal is home to some of the most iconic cafés in the city, with charming and historic atmospheres. Whether you're looking for a cozy café to relax in or a bustling atmosphere to catch up on work, Montreal's neighborhoods have something for everyone.
Why You Need To Go: Café Olimpico is easily one of Montreal's most classic spots to sip on a delish cup of coffee or snack on a decadent pastry while immersing yourself in quaint and warm dining rooms.
Address: Time Out Market, 705, rue Saint-Catherine O., Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Not only does Time Out Market's go-to coffee spot have amazing cups of java, but incredible pastries, too, for a little sugar rush while you're at it.
Why You Need To Go: This Plateau spot is one of those places that brings you a sense of calm from the second you walk in. Be sure to give the matcha tea latté and Earl Grey donuts a try — you'll thank us later.
Why You Need To Go: This must-try spot makes authentic Mexican coffee and pastries that will really put some pep in your step, and they even have a community fridge outside.
Why You Need To Go: Ferlucci makes delicious coffee that you can sip while feeling like you're on the set of a Wes Anderson film. The affogato is a must-try in the summer.
As yes, the time has come where herds of students join at cafes to study for the next big exam coming up. Well, instead of all invading the closest Starbucks, I suggest checking out these insanely cute cafes located all across Montreal! Not only are these cafes absolutely adorable, but they are perfect for that study grind.
So, get that coffee money ready because you will become addicted to these honestly amazing Montreal cafes! Maybe you'll actually enjoy studying... or maybe these cafes will just make it more bearable. Either way, you will be getting 100% on all those exams!
This simply cute cafe is honestly perfect for a study session! They are super simple and you won't be attacked by plants like in other cafes. Their ambiance is very relaxing so you won't feel stressed as you study your life away! In other words, it's perfect for you to get that 100%!
For a fun and just about as cute as it can get coffee, then I recommend checking out Moustache café! All their drinks come in a cup that has a mustache on it and you can even get moustache cookies! It's a perfect study toom cafe and it's also great for those cute pictures we know you want to take. They have a fun-loving atmosphere with unique drinks and beautiful plants. They even have a superb terrasse in the summer!
If you happen to be in Verdun and you are in need of a quiet place to get some homework done, then cafe Baobab is the place for you! They have a cute backyard terrasse and a large indoors seating area as well. It is filled with colors and it is perfect for +A marks! It’s unique and they have a light-hearted ambiance.
This cute AF cafe is honestly perfect for those who enjoy a quiet time studying along the Lachine Canal. At this cafe you can enjoy a sweet tasting coffee that is perfectly accompanied with your pile of homework! You can even walk down the canal afterward and enjoy a stress-free walk!
For some absolutely perfect coffee and perfect studying with your friends, I suggest checking out Larue & Fils! They have great freshly brewed coffee for fresh essays! They are simply perfect and they offer a great relaxing environment making your studying more bearable.
Café Sfouf is best known for their “sfouf,” a Middle Eastern cake made with semolina and turmeric. But what you may not have know is that they are also a great location for studying and writing last minute essays. These cakes are amazing with a freshly brewed coffee or latte. You will enjoy the cozy atmosphere and your delightful food with someone who needs to study just as much as you.
For those who love free things, this is the place for you! They have free coffee, free cookies, high-speed internet, and a beautiful view of the city. All you need to do is contributing $3 for the first hour and $2 for each consequent hour that you spend here.It’s a perfect working location for students since it is a quick environment that serves strong coffee to keep the juices flowing.
For a bakery cafe where you can snack and study, Arhoma is the perfect place to be. They have a beautiful seating area, great caffeine, yummy pastries, and delectable sandwiches to accompany you with your school work. It’s all homemade and absolutely delicious! They have a beautiful terrasse that is perfect for fall.
If you want that 1 am coffee with your last minute essay, then La Croissant Figaro is the place for you! They have a stunning terrasse and honestly the best snacks! Whenever I go, I can honestly say that it feel like I am Paris all over again which makes studying extra "fun" !
This cute Mile End spot if perfect for a quick afternoon study session! You can enjoy Italian delights with you Psychology paper or Economics exam. So, make studying more fun at Cafe Olimpico! It's cute, delicious, and perfect for melt-downs!
Located in Côte-des-Neiges, Caravane is known for amazing coffees and perfect grades! This cafe is perfect for assignments, essays, and well.... meltdowns since their treats can comfort you in any situation. So bring your laptop and get on that study session!
When you happen to be in Monkland Village and are in need for a quiet place to study, I recommend heading to Melk! This hipster cafe is absolutely adorable and I can guarantee you that you will be super proactive!
For a large group of friends who are all struggling with their Cal 2 homework, Cafe Osmo is great! They are known for accommodating large groups and supply a great learning atmosphere with delightful coffee to keep you awake!
For some Australian treats in the Plateau Area that will help you with you Western Civilization assignment, this is the place for you! You can munch on some yummy grub and enjoy a superb coffee in this absolutely adorable cafe where you can study hard.
Le Couteau is a simply adorable cafe where you can sit, open up your laptop, and get down to business with a fresh cup of coffee. They have adorable cacti on each table and a calming environment. It is insanely cute and perfect for getting down to business.
For some cute and yummy sandwiches that pair perfectly with your homework, I recommend heading down to Dispatch cafe. You can nibble on delicious treats while you pour your heart out into one of your 25 paper essays! Don't worry, you can do this!
For a cozy outdoors study group this fall, I recommend checking out Santropol! Their cute outdoor garden is perfect for a relaxing study session. The garden is beautiful and absolutely perfect for an adorable study date!
For a stylish vintage cafe tat is perfect for discussions and essay peer edits, I recommend checking out Arts Cafe! They serve breakfast and it then transforms into the perfect study location. I suggest having a well-needed breakfast and then using all your energy studying for that exam coming up!
This funky AF cafe is perfect if you like rustic vibes while you are getting down to business. It's a great place to pull out your laptop and get things done! So, head down to the Plateau when your eyes are in need of something interesting!
This cafe is perfect for when you just want a naturally cute study vibe. The cafe is adorable and absolutely perfect for a quiet study time. So, when you just need to get away from everyone and need some alone study time, this is the place for you!
Located in Old Montreal, Tommy Café is a cozy place to go to on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you want to be productive. You can enjoy a delicious latte and some great biscuits! So, bring your books and some close friends for some hardcore studying and reading.
If you and your friends have some studying to do, then I suggest going to the Crew Collective Cafe! The location is absolutely stunning and perfect for a cute study date! The architecture is actually breath-taking and you will 100% be able to focus here!
If you happen to go to Concordia University, then you have probably heard of Cafe Aunja and if you haven't then you need to get there ASAP! This is an adorable cafe that is absolutely perfect for you to get your work done. I recommend heading here after school for a long night of studying!
The city of Montreal is truly amazing. Whether you're coming from out of town to visit for the first time, you've already been and couldn't help but come back, or you've lived here your whole life, this is the perfect time for you to explore what this city has to offer. There's some great things to find here in Montreal, from cafes to restaurants, to bars and everything in between!
The Mile End is a very special area of the city, and though a lot of people associate it with the Plateau it really is it's own neighbourhood, bringing it's own unique charm to the city. If you haven't had a chance to discover what the Mile End has to offer, or even if you have and you're looking for new inspiration, this is the perfect time to do it.
I've compiled an itinerary for a day's worth of awesome activities, where you can pick and choose your favourite suggestions. I guarantee you'll have the best time discovering one of Montreal's most beloved areas!
First Stop: Morning Coffee
The first stop on your Mile End tour will begin with a good coffee. Here in Montreal, we take our coffee very seriously, so expect some of the best coffee you've ever tasted. Choose any of the following cafes for a delicious morning latte, filtered brew or tea lattes!
This unique cafe is a mix of Japanese and French cultures all rolled up into an unreal cafe. It is located in an industrial warehouse on one of the many hip side streets in Montreal. They serve syphoned coffee, which is a very unique and fresh way to enjoy your morning brew!
This is definitely one of the best cafe that Montreal has to offer. It is an Italian cafe, which features the best espresso you've probably ever tasted. The interior is large and spacious perfect for an early morning coffee. It is very popular among Montrealers because we all know how special it really is.
This hip cafe is located inside the Frank and Oak clothing store, so you can enjoy a quick shopping trip while you sip on your perfect latte. The quality of the coffee and espresso is high end, you won't be disappointed with a classic cappuccino or latte here!
Second Stop: Fuel Up With Brunch
After you've woken up with your delicious morning coffee, now it's time fuel your body with some much-needed food to get you through the rest of the day. Try out any of the following brunch spots for some amazing and unique breakfast foods!
Faberge is one of the most popular brunch spots in Montreal, and for very good reason. They have some of the most unique brunch foods you'll find. Try their PB&J french toast, which is stuffed with peanut butter and drowned in jelly, or try their mac and cheese eggs benedict, which is exactly what is sounds but tastes so delicious! Enjoy a nice mimosa as well if you want to start the day off right.
This adorable breakfast spot is serving up the best new breakfast trend: toast! They have some super stylish and of course, delicious toast that you must try while you're here. Their most popular is the zucchini cream with ricotta, poached egg and greens on top of their homemade bread!
This brunch spot serves some unique breakfast foods that are so unbelievably good! You must try their Turkish breakfast plate, which comes with eggs, bread, jams, and a whole bunch of delicious vegetables or their Shakshuka, which is a skillet filled with two poached eggs, in a Moroccan spiced tomato sauce served with sourdough toast!
Next: Explore the neighbourhood
Now that you've fueled up with your morning coffee and brunch to end all brunches, it's time to get out there and explore the neighbourhood that you came here for! Whether you love art, books, flowers or shopping there's something for everyone in the Mile End!
This is clearly the cutest flower shop in Montreal and yes it's right here in the Mile End. The outside is decorated with white painted bird cages and it looks like it's exploding with plants. Even if you aren't interested in purchasing any flowers on this trip, it's still worth it to walk over to this cute little shop and enjoy walking through the isles of fresh smelling flowers!
This cute little bookstore located in the Mile End is the perfect stop for book lovers. This shop features many local authors, graphic novels and indie comic books! It has a wide variety of interesting reads, you could spend a while looking through the isles of these colourful stories!
This wouldn't be a trip to Montreal if you didn't enjoy some well-deserved shopping in some adorable boutiques. If you're looking to splurge on some high quality clothing, you've come to the right shop, if not this boutique is still so much fun to walk through and browse!
If you're an art lover, you'll love Galerie Simon Blais. Enjoy walking through this gorgeous art gallery, with white walls, big windows, and bright natural light! It features mostly contemporary and modern art and they always have new and upcoming exhibitions.
After That: Enjoy a mid-afternoon lunch
You just spent a whole lot of time walking and exploring the neighbourhood so you're probably peckish again. Now it's time to enjoy a mid-afternoon lunch, but keep it light! You'll be enjoying a big dinner later in the evening.
This spot is perfect for a light lunch after a packed morning of exploring. They serve a tapas style lunch where you can share different dishes. They also serve a delicious beef tartar! Take a relaxing afternoon break from your exciting day in this stylish restaurant
If you're looking for a light, healthy lunch this is definitely the spot. Their meals are $7, where you can choose from a bar full of salads, light meals and Greek pastries! Their salad bar is to die for, which usually isn't the way you would describe a salad bar, but honestly the options are seemingly endless and they're all so good!
This Italian style bakery and pizzeria has some of the best food you'll find here in the city. They have basically anything you could want, from a light Italian salad for lunch, to a delicious, creamy pasta or a cheezy pizza! All of their pasta and pizza dough is homemade and so amazing you'll want to come back again, I guarantee.
This Afternoon: De-stress after your busy day
At this point you're probably slowing down, it's been a big day already so I suggest treating yourself to something relaxing this afternoon. Whether that's an hour or two pampering yourself at the spa, relaxing in a peaceful park or enjoying an afternoon cocktail, you deserve to unwind and de-stress now!
This adorable spa in the Mile End has some awesome services that will definitely help you destress after your busy day so far! Enjoy a facial, massage, or any one of their unique spa packages because you really deserve to pamper yourself. They also offer some amazing health foods such as smoothie bowls and chia puddings!
Take some time to stroll through this lusciously green park right here in the big city. Grab another coffee or simply bring a nice novel and sit on one of the abundant benches and relax! This park is one of the best in the city and it's definitely worth spending some well-deserved 'you' time in.
Stop by this insanely cool Mile End bar for an afternoon cocktail or beer, which is their specialty. Dieu du Ciel brews their own impeccable beers and they have some seriously unique flavours if you feel like trying something new! Chill out on their patio on a sunny day or enjoy the cool indoor setting.
Next: Dinner Time!
The most anticipated time of the day is always dinner time, and in the Mile End there's an unlimited number of amazing restaurants to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for sushi, high-end cuisines, or classic Italian foods you're bound to find something you'll love at one of the following restaurants!
Hotel Herman is the perfect place if you're looking to dress up and enjoy an upscale meal. They serve delicious small plates perfect for sharing multiple different meals, with Montreal-inspired foods and their presentation is what really takes the cake. They have a super cool U-shaped bar, which is the best part of dining at this restaurant, it creates an intimate atmosphere where you can fully enjoy your amazing meal!
This is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants you can find in the Mile End. The interior of the restaurant is all stone walls, with white table cloths and flowers and candles on each table. The food here is also unreal, enjoy a delicious lobster, a braised ham and creamy pasta dish, or a flaky salmon! You won't be disappointed here.
Saint Sushi Bar makes some the best looking sushi in all of Montreal. Seriously, their sushi is so stylish you'll probably want to admire it for a little while before you dig in! If you're bringing a friend or your special someone with you, I suggest the Maki tasting platter so you can share a little bit of everything! Make sure you come with an empty stomach so you devour as much of this unreal sushi as you possibly can!
Datcha is a super cool club in the Mile End, which features unreal DJs and events happening all the time. If you're up for an awesome night filled with great electronic music and endless dancing, this is the place for you! Their bar also makes some unique and delicious drinks for everyone to enjoy.
This bar is definitely one of the most hip places to hang out in all of Montreal. If you're looking for a cool place to spend your night in the Mile End with great drinks, music and great people, this is definitely the place for you! This bar also brings something extra fun, they have a ping pong table and foosball! This creates a super fun and relaxed atmosphere for everyone to enjoy while they're hanging out and drinking.
Has it always been your dream to try riding one of those mechanical bulls and totally kicking a$$ at it?? Well, now you can make that dream a reality at the Mile End's super fun bar, Chez Serge. The most popular attraction is obviously riding the bull, but they also have some awesome dancing, and giant drinks out of plastic buckets! If you're looking for a crazy night that you definitely won't be able to find anywhere else, this is definitely the place to come.
If you've ever been to Montreal's Mile End, then the chances are very high that you've passed by Cafe Olimpico (124 Rue St-Viateur Ouest). It's pretty much an institution in the area - and in Montreal in general.
There's something about the friendly, familiar atmosphere and awesome~ coffee that just get me every. Single. Time.
And I know I'm not alone. When it comes to cafes in Montreal, it's really obvious that Olimpico has a winning recipe. Especially considering its recent expansion into Old Montreal (419 Rue Saint Vincent).
As someone who's at Olimpico frequently, I personally couldn't help but wonder how this pretty famous Montreal spot came to be. It's been around for as long as I can remember, and I'm pretty sure it didn't just shoot out of the ground, Italia flag and espresso machine at the ready. (Well, maybe, but probably not).
So, after doing a little research, I managed to learn a little bit of the history about one of my fave Montreal coffee shops.
A while ago, parts of the Mile End were hotspots for Italian immigrants to settle into when they came to the city. (See: Little Italy, for example).
Rocco Furfaro, who immigrated from Rome to Montreal in 1960, actually opened Cafe Olimpico in 1970. But before that, he just so happened to own the very first pizzeria in Montreal, along with his wife.
Rocco eventually sold the pizzeria... But, shortly after, he opened up Cafe Olimpico. His goal with the coffee shop? Make it an awesome meeting space for everyone, which I think has been more than achieved.
He also wanted to make sure to preserve and pass down his special Italian espresso blend, which remains unchanged since Olimpico opened in the 1970s.
So, if you've ever tried one of Olimpico's signature lattes, cappuccinos, affogatos, or espressos, then you know you're tasting something that's lasted for about four decades. I think that's super chill, TBH.
Also, if you've ever been to the Mile End in July, then you might have noticed the San Marziale feast taking place. Funnily enough, Olimpico owner Rocco Furfaro would actually threw the San Marziale parties himself, as a way to catch up with other Italian immigrants who had moved elsewhere in the city.
I don't know about you guys, but I think the whole story is pretty amazing. My grandparents were Italian immigrants too, and having lived with them for most of my life, I've heard stories of their struggles forever. The fact that someone in that situation could go on to create one of the most successful coffee spots in the city is mindblowing to me... but, anyways, that's a little bit off topic.
Oh, and cute little anecdote time: if you've been to Olimpico, you might have noticed that their slogan is "open da night." That's because it was originally "open day and night", but a few letters fell off. And just like that, their cute, funny, famous pseudo-slogan was born.
Today, Olimpico serves up yummy espresso-based drinks, biscotti, pastries, and more, all in their signature green-roofed spot at the corner of St. Viateur and Waverly. It's one of the hottest spots to go to watch soccer, chill with friends, enjoy a latte, and basically do just about anything.
So, Cafe Olimpico, keep doing you. Because you're awesome.
This summer, my money went out from my bank account as fast as alcohol did from my stomach. And it probably did the same for you. The sad thing about being broke is you can’t do anything. My friends are planning to go on vacation during Labor Day or even during another week-end. Like, don’t you work ?
All my weekends are booked until next summer with amazing long shifts at my job. I, like most of you, just can’t afford to go on vacation this season. I even tried asking my parents for money. The answer came quickly. A big fat no.
Luckily, Montreal can be fun in Fall. Seriously. It can.
Here are some activities that you can do in Montreal if you’re drowning in debts and have a small budget :
From September 2 to October 31, 2016, you can see beautiful lanterns illuminating the Botanical Garden. It is really cheap and you get to walk across some wonderful pieces of art. Basically, you get to visit China. Minus the 1500$ for the plane ticket.
A lot of cool groups are coming to town this fall. Tickets can be pretty expensive, but just be smart. Don’t buy the VIP package that includes sitting in the floor section, lights toys, stickers, and other useless things . The vibe at any concert is really nice no matter where you sit. Even if it’s in the far back.
But I’m 25... So what ? Never miss an opportunity to get free candy. Plus, the big houses in Westmount have a lot of stairs. No 5 years old wants to climb a hundred stairs, so it leaves us with no more choice : these candies are yours to take. Those houses are meant for grown-ups. You could end up with a giant garbage bag full of candies.
4. Add new photos from Plateau-Mont-Royal’s streets to your Instagram
If you love movies, you should definitely go to the Cinemania Films Festival (November 3 to November 13). Only the best French-languages films are allowed.
The Mount-Royal in fall is simply breathtaking. All the leaves are full of colors. And you can enjoy a totally different view of Montreal at the Belvédère.
7. Get healthy by going apple picking at Le Verger Labonté
OK, it is not technically in Montreal but really near. The entrance is free and you can get so many apples that you’ll have a reserve for at least the coming year. With all your apples, you could cook an apple pie, an apple popcorn balls, an apple crostini, an applesauce... Just to name a few.
If you ever want to feel like an Italian, the Café Olimpico is for you. Situated at the heart of the Mile-End, this café, placed in a warm and authentic setting, offers the same quality that you can find in Italy !
Fall means back to school for most of us. The BAnQ is such a pretty library and a good place to study with your friends. You’ll want to spend all your time there. Wich is really goodfor your GPA.
Carabins or Redmen ? Fall is the football season and the Molson Stadium is just like a US campus. You get to experience what is like to be living in the United States. Without the fear of a mass shooting happening. Isn’t that cool ?! Also, tickets are half price is you’re a student. Be there or be square.
Been working all summer and couldn’t attend the Piknic Électronik ? No worries, the last Piknic is in October so you still have time to listen to electronic artists while drinking their giant buckets.
In November you can taste different wines from all around the world. You can also buy (and I know you will) wines that are not even available in Québec yet, so for your next dinner, you could WOW everyone at the table.
Try to impress your family with a delicious Thanksgiving meal. You can get the perfect turkey at the Marché Jean-Talon and make your family thankful that you’re one of them. Oh, you’re vegan ? Just get yourself the biggest pumping or some vegetables and it will be fine.
Do you ever wonder what an apocalypse would look like ? I do. This fall, you can dress as a zombie and walk around Montreal. It is totally free. The only thing you have to do is dress like a zombie. But if you’re already one, blend yourself amongst those fake zombies. No one will notice. The meeting is on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 at Place des Festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles.
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean you have to stay inside and cry your balls out. The weather is not too hot, so you won’t end up sweating like a pig.
Fall in love this Fall. Bring your date to the Old Port and take her see the ancestral houses. The Old Port is like entering a totally different world. You’ll make her feel like a heroine from a romance novel.
I'm sure most of you reading this article are coffee lovers like myself so I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. I recently discovered a little thing called 'affogato' which is basically heaven in a cup. Imagine the most amazing ice cream you've ever had, now imagine adding a shot of espresso on top of that. Sounds perfect right?
Well, it honestly is. It's really perfect for any kind of occasion you could imagine. Maybe it's your day off and you want to treat yourself, try an affogato! Maybe you want to impress that special someone on a first date, buy them an affogato! Maybe it's a sweltering summer day and you need something delicious to cool down with, try an affogato!
There really is endless possibilities with this dessert and you don't even need to consider it a real dessert, since it's mostly coffee! For whatever kind of day you're having today, take my advice and add an affogato to it, you won't be disappointed.
This bustling Italian cafe has some seriously amazing coffee. If you haven't been here yet I'll give you one more reason you should, affogato! They make their affogato with fresh and delicious vanilla ice cream,their amazing espresso and a cookie on the side. If you want dessert with your coffee, this is the place to get it!
A super bonus is that Fairmont Bagels is right down the street, so you can grab a freshly baked bagel, your affogato and enjoy a perfect Montreal morning!
Located right in the Old Port, this super cute cafe basically speaks for itself. With a rustic atmosphere and amazing coffee, you won't want to miss this one. If you need one more reason to come here, it's their amazing affogato. It's impeccably made and deliciously fresh for your perfect treat!
This cafe has so many amazing things going on it's hard to talk about just one. I'll mention first that their affogato is out of this world amazing! If you're an affogato lover you've got to try theirs.
If you're looking for more than one reason this place is the best, they also serve their amazing homemade donuts and crazy donut sandwiches! So get over here as soon as possible to try this treat.
This little cafe is known for their amazing ice cream treats. They offer some great ones like a cookie dough ice cream sandwich, classic soft serve in various flavours, and their unreal affogato! They have an adorable terrasse outside, perfect for you to grab your tasty affogato treat, sit back and watch plateau life pass you by.
This is another Italian-style cafe located in Little Italy. When you hear the words Italian Cafe, you know they're going to have some amazing affogato! This place has some delicious affogato. With amazing service and a cute terrasse to sit on while you enjoy your summer treat, what more could you ask for?
This cute little spot has some of the best affogato in the city. It offers unlimited gelato options, such as chocolate, pistachio or hazelnut which you can choose for your tasty treat! Pick your favourite flavour and then they'll add their amazing espresso on top.
Definitely the most adorable dep in all of Montreal, also dubbed a cafe/ice cream shop. They offer some crazy ice cream treats for the summer such as their 'cool donut' which is half a donut with soft serve ice cream inside, and their amazing affogato!
They place a scoop of their homemade soft serve in an adorable cup, then they'll pour a shot of delicious espresso on top and voila: your perfect summer snack!
This cafe is perfect for affogato lovers. You've got to try this delicious treat with their classic hazelnut ice cream. This cafe also offers many vegan options including vegan ice cream. So all you vegans rejoice! They have some amazing desserts and snack as well, and most of those contain vegan options also.
This experimental Montreal cafe is so worth the visit. Their coffee is so amazing you're guaranteed a delicious cup every time you go. This summer you've got to try their creamy affogato. They call it their 'vietnamese coffee' affogato, made with chicory, coffee and condensed milk ice cream, topped with their espresso!
Another vegan-friendly cafe, Pourquoi Pas Espresso Bar is an amazing spot in Montreal. They use vegan-friendly ice cream to make their amazing affogato as well! Check out this spot for this delicious summer treat.
Alright, guys, the heat has finally landed. Summer's definitely starting, and with it comes good vibes, fun activities, and some hot, lazy days.
What does all of this spell out? I'm glad you asked. As we all know, Montreal is an amazing city to be in if you adore coffee - and although there's nothing like grabbing a latte, there's just something extra special about an iced latte. Or a cold brew. Or an iced coffee. Or any caffeinated beverage, as long as it's served up cold AF.
And, if you happen to love your caffeine served up frosty, then you're in luck. Montreal's got tons of fantastic places to enjoy a nice, cold cup of the best drink in the whole world.
If you're a coffee-loving Montrealer, then the chances are very high that you know all about Cafe Olimpico. This Mile-End coffee spot has been in the city for ages, and has been serving up some serious, top quality coffee for just as long.
Although their hot coffees are bae (shoutout to their cortados, BTW, which are amazing), their iced coffees will absolutely change your life. They've got a few different iced varieties, and they're honestly all awesome - but check out their mind-blowing "Remix" (a mix of iced coffee, crema di caffe, milk, foam, and pure, concentrated happiness), and prepare to be totally blown out of the water.
Alright, who here has been to the Plaza St. Hubert recently? If you have, then you might have noticed that a couple of awesome, new places have moved into the Plaza - and one of them is Candide Cafe, having set up shop with its iconic (adorable) sheep logo and gorgeous terrasse about a year ago.
Despite the fact that it's relatively new, this spot has been making a huge splash on Montreal's coffee scene. They specialize in tasty smoothies - like their "Le Jardin", featuring kiwi, banana, spinach, dates, and fennel - and some seriously smooth, rich coffee. Protip? Try their Quebec rose (iced) latte, featuring their signature awesome espresso, milk, and real life rose petals.
Located in Ahuntsic, Le Brûloir is not only pretty much known as one of the best places in the neighbourhood to go and get a rich, tasty cup of coffee, but it's also one of the top places to enjoy your fave cup of joe in the whole city.
Why is that, you ask? Well, it all has something to do with Le Brûloir's high-quality coffee beans, which are home-roasted by the owner. They've got a huge selection of coffee beans, so if you want to take a bag or two home, you totally can. Or, you can chill at their bright, welcoming shop, and enjoy one of their mouthwatering iced lattes, which feature their smooth and tasty espresso. Oh, and bonus points for offering N7 Café - a tasty, cold-brewed coffee with a little bit of a chilly twist.
Okay, we need to talk about the cold brews at Pikolo. To be completely honest, I was never a huge fan of cold brewed coffee... but then I tried the one at Pikolo, and I was forever changed. Other than being the perfect treat for a hot summer day, the cold brewed coffee here is incredibly flavourful.
It packs a seriously tasty punch, all while managing to tone down that slightly more acidic flavour that some coffee can't seem to shake; and, with a splash of cream for added richness, this is pretty much my go-to for a refreshing summer cold brew.
Of course, Pikolo's coffee menu doesn't just feature this awesome beverage. They've got tons of high-quality hot and iced coffee to choose from - and if you're not feeling a cold brew, go for their iced cortado. Smooth, tasty, and rich - with just a little splash of milk - this drink really does hit the spot.
Situated right in Montreal's Sud-Ouest, this adorable and welcoming spot has some of the most ace ice coffee you'll ever try, bar none.
I honestly don't know what it is specifically that makes the Sud-Ouest's Lili & Oli such an awesome spot. It's not one thing, TBH - it's more like a combination of many, many awesome factors that makes this coffee shop so amazing. Their vibe is trendy, yet incredibly welcoming and friendly, and their coffee is straight-up delicious. Their iced coffee in particular is amazing - especially since they've got you covered with coffee ice cubes, so not to dilute that rich, flavourful taste of their cold coffee.
One of Little Italy's most popular spots for a nice espresso, there's one super clear reason why San Simeon's got such a strong devotion of fans. Their coffee? Yeah. It's out of this world.
Not only have they got some of the best lattes and cappuccinos in the city, hands down, but the cold version of their coffee is just as amazing (if not better, especially when enjoyed on their wooden terrasse on a hot summer day). Their freddo (iced coffee) is a thing of beauty, but for an extra special treat, try out their "perfect storm", which is a mix of cold espresso, foam, and pure good vibes.
Iced latte on point, life on point. And the iced latte at Melk? So, so on point.
A refreshingly smooth, sweet beverage - the perfect thing to quench your summer thirst and (daily?) need for caffeine - the iced lattes at Melk should absolutely be on your bucket list of coffees to try at least once in your life. But, seriously? You're going to want more than one of these iced delights. You're going to want so many that it might just become an obsession... Don't say I didn't warn you. Oh, and protip? Try one of their deliciously moist, crumbly scones to go along with your life-giving latte. Get there now, friends, and thank me later.
For me, it's just not summer unless I'm enjoying a deliciously smooth, rich, milky iced coffee on the terrasse of St. Leo's Cafe Milano.
The cold coffee here is one serious work of art: Sweet, creamy, strong, and served up ice cold, this drink has almost a slush-like consistency, which also happens to make it incredibly refreshing. For extra good vibes, pair your tasty cold coffee with one of Milano's beyond delicious chocolate chip cookies. Or, hey, if you're trying to eat well, grab one of their chicken salads, park yourself on the terrasse, and enjoy the true beauty that is summer in Montreal.
Alright, friend, do you appreciate a pure, straight-up, rich cup of joe? Can you detect the subtleties and nuances between two different shots of espresso? If so, then you're going totally fall in love with this downtown Montreal coffee spot.
A super popular Montreal coffee spot - and for good reason - Myriad is known for serving up some seriously tasty caffeinated drinks, totally due to their deliciously roasted and blended coffee beans. The iced versions of their drinks, though, are on a whole other level of awesome: High-quality, delicious, rich, smooth, and the perfect way to freshen up on a hot summer day.
Down to indulge in one seriously tasty, strong cup of your fave (aka, coffee)? Then you know exactly where you need to go, friends. Villeray's Cafe Vito is ace at serving up pretty much the best coffee you'll ever taste, TBH.
And they're even better at serving up one life-changing cup of iced coffee. It's super refreshing, and it's got pretty much the perfect balance of rich, bold, smooth, and creamy - pretty much, if you're a lover of deliciously cold coffee (and you know you are), then you've got to get yourself here. For a super special treat, you should also totally try out one of their crispy, tasty, sweet cannoli... Just trust me on this one, guys.
If you're down to try some iced coffee with a little bit of a twist, then Dispatch is totally your spot. The coffee here has a slightly different taste - almost a little bit lighter - than most other places, which makes for a coffee experience unlike any other.
Which means that of sip of their iced beverages (like their creamy, flavourful iced cappuccino) will leave you totally, 100% hooked. For one seriously special treat, though, try their Vietnamese Coffee Affogato, which is chicory ice cream floating in a delicious combination of Dispatch's awesome espresso, coffee, and condensed milk.
I don't even know where to begin with this awesome spot. First of all, Le Cafe Creme has been around for decades - and one sip of their coffee and espresso-based drinks will tell you why.
First of all, the coffee here is pretty much perfection: bold, not too acidic, expertly balanced, and basically guaranteed to leave you with a big, huge smile on your face - and a spring in your step, of course. For how awesome their hot coffee drinks are, though, their iced coffees are probably even better, offering the same smooth and fantastic taste, but with the added bonus of being incredibly refreshing. Oh, and huge bonus points for their warm, friendly, and casual vibe, making it the perfect coffee spot for studying, chilling with friends, or pretty much anything.
Tourists are a blessing and a curse on any city. On the sunny side of things, tourists inject a lot of revenue into the city. On the bad side, well, in general, tourists kind of suck and are the worst to deal with, especially in Montreal. All of them seem to be perpetually in awe of people speaking two languages, can't stop spouting on about how their home city compares to MTL, and they're always on the hunt for "something to do tonight."
Helping out a tourist is always a good idea, because everyone deserved a good time in Montreal, though be wary. Once you tell one tourists about a Montreal hidden gem, you run the risk of letting the whole tourist community know. One Yelp review can spark a whole tourist migration, making them expand out of the downtown core and into all of the spots we love to go to, mainly because they are never tourists around.
Catch your tongue if you're ever going to namedrop the following places to a visitor, as it these are Montreal spots that should never be ruined by any tourist. Read on and see if you agree.
I'm sure many a tourist walking towards the mountain on a Sunday in the warmer months were justifiably confused to find a bunch of stoners, a giant drum circle, many slackliners, and a medieval melee dominating the park, and proceeded to just walk up the mountain and bypass all the craziness, if they hadn't turned around back to their hotel yet. Prior knowledge to the strange-awesomeness that is Tams definitely prepares your brain for all the weird happnenings of the weekly tradition, which becomes quickly becomes anyone's got-to Sunday plan once you've been once. If tourists on a large scale (you can usually find one or three in the masses) find out about Tams, the mini park-festival would certainly lose its unique charm, becoming a tourist destination rather than a huge chill sesh for the entire city.
Hard to miss, as their is a huge orange ball signifying its presence, the Orange Julep is overlooked by tourists simply because they don't know its a thing. Let's keep it that way. What makes the Orange Julep is great is that you can pop in, grab their signature orange-cream drink and a poutine, see a few sweet cars in the parking lot, then pop out in the span of five minutes. Let's keep it that way, because I also wouldn't be able to handle all of the Orange Julius comparisons that are a inevitability of American tourists visiting.
Mount Royal Park and La Fontaine are often heralded as the city's best spots to chill on a sunny day, though Parc Laurier is the secret star of Montreal's park scene. Incredibly close to a huge grocery store and an SAQ (for snacks and drank) the park also boasts tons of green space and a pool that's free during the week. A lot of Montrealers don't even know how good it gets at Parc Laurier, though all of that would be ruined by the presence of tourists looking to get a "true Montreal park experience." The only silver lining to tourists finding out about Parc Laurier would be the bewildered looks when seeing people openly drinking in the open, which is barely a consolation for how much more packed the pool will get.
Montreal's obsession with certain foods goes well beyond poutine. Case in point: portugese chicken, and especially the PC to be found at Romados. Often cited as the best chicken in Montreal (aka crack chicken) the fantastical foul doled out by Romados is a true eating experience. Not to mention 'dat gravy. Foodie-tourists would no doubt cancel their trip to La Banquise to try out Romados, and with the online food world what it is, with the hcore foodies constantly instagrammin' and posting Yelp reviews, the word on Romados would catch on quick. It's already packed at Romados come lunch/dinner time, so lets keep this food gem to ourselves.
Few places in Montreal are like Salon Daome. For one, people actually dance there, with the music always being pretty legit, with a minimum amount of creepers. Second, drinks and shots aren't grossly overpriced, adding to the fun of dancing. And third while it does get packed on a Saturday night, it's usually not too hard to get in (lines suck) and the clientele is mainly locals with a minimal amount of douchy students. All that could change with a massive upsurge of tourists. Salon Daome, being kind of small, would pack up quicker than Apt. 200, and you just know there would be tons of visiting bros "looking to get some" and ruining the whole vibe.
All the tourists can go to Atwater Market, Jean-Talon is too out of the way for them anyway. Hopefully tourists won't be able to even find the exit to the market within the labyrinthine passages of the Jean-Talon metro stations, and just wander the streets all lost and confused. A little harsh, yes, though we can't have them ruining the JT shopping experience by flooding the place with too many bodies and awkwardly trying to buy produce in French. Why the hell are tourists even at farmer's markets anyway? Not like they have kitchens (unless they're airbnb'ing it) and Montreal has enough restaurants to choose from. God help us if any tourist does come to Jean-Talon Market then lets the world know about El Rey del Taco because I will be miff'd.
Getting a table or a spot on the terrasse at DDC is already hard enough. We don't need tourist bodies adding to the problem. And you just know tourists would make their way to Laurier to drink at DDC so as to experience a "true Montreal bar." Boasting some of the best beer in the city, all brewed in-house, and normally populated solely by locals, DDC fits the bill.
Few places in Montreal boast as much coffee cred as Café Olimpico. Voted the best coffee in Montreal by Cult MTL readers and the winner of the MTL Award for the same category, not to mention the many positive online reviews, Olimpico's reputation precedes itself. Definitely worth the trip to Mile End, even if you don't live in the area, though don't let a tourist know that. Actually though, Olimpico is amazing because it can cater to many caffeine-craving while still rocking a quaint charm. Too many tourists will just make the coffee spot way too busy, and the line in the morning can already get a little crazy.
Let all the tourists stay on St. Viateur and get bagels, because if they knew there was a magical and authentic Jewish bakery only a couple blocks away, they wouldn't be able to resists. That goes double if someone mentions babka. Cheskie's is a staple of the Mile End/Outremont community, satisfying the sweet teeth of old Jewish men and young hipsters alike, and I don't want to think about what would happen if an influx of tourists made the bakeries shelves bare. For real, someone would throw a huge hissy fit if all the cheese crowns are gone, Cheskie's is that good.
NDG is home to only a select amount of bars, meaning if tourists exit their downtown/plateau comfort zone and head west, they'll take up all the seats meant for the locals of the area. It's not impossible. Some random tourists googles "places to watch the Habs game in Montreal," sees Nextdoor Pub as a suggestion, and with the massive amount of user-reviews praising the place, decides to head to the bar, with this entire bachelor party in tow. Oh yeah, that's why he's visiting the city, which seems to be why 40% of males come to Montreal. The end result: a bunch of rowdy out of towners stealing your table at Nextdoor...cheering for the other team. A dark day that would be indeed.
Going to the movies can be such a huge production. Not only are the tickets grossly overpriced, but then you have to deal with getting there early to get a good seat, the massive amounts of people, and the injustice of paying ten bucks for a bag of popcorn. Not at Cinema du Parc, which is one of the only movie theatres in the downtown area of Montreal still able to maintain that intimate, small-time theatre vibe. The screens aren't that big and there aren't too many seats, but at Cinema du Parc it's never really a problem...unless you add tourists to the mix. No doubt trendy and hip tourists would want to check out a local theatre, especially one that screens lesser-known indy films, and just take up all the seating space.
The MTL Awards 2014 officially closed on May 14th, and last week we officially announced the winners at our inaugural MTL Awards Gala (see the photos here). We received more than 100,000 votes for over 150 local small businesses and Montreal personalities!
Today, we would like to officially announce the winners of all 24 subcategories inside the three main categories (Food, Arts, and Nightlife).
You have your early morning workers, your midday park-chillers, and all of the city's party people taking the city into the wee hours of the night and morn. No matter where you are in the city, Montreal is alive anytime of the day.
David Maman decided to document a single day in Montreal, and showcase the city's 24/7 lifestyle. Maman's timelapse video "A Day In Montreal" takes you through Montreal from morning until night and is truly an ode to the city.
Check out "A Day in Montreal" below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6cY1Ah_ExM
How did you like the video?
For more on all things Montreal, follow Michael on Twitter @MDAlimonte
