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mount royal

Like any major city, Montreal has two sides — one the tourists see and one they don't.

For folks passing through, essential stops throughout the city often include a handful of bucket list items such as climbing Mount Royal, having a world-famous Montreal bagel, and attending a Canadiens game.

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Montreal's Saint-Henri was recently named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, claiming the title of #1 coolest in Canada. But despite the fanfare, some locals disagree.

Time Out's annual ranking, released last month, was created collaboratively by a global team of writers and editors who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour.

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How does that Earth, Wind & Fire song go? "Do you remember, the 21st night of September? Ba-dee-ya, something, something, something. Ba-dee-ya, never was a cloudy day..." or something like that.

Who really knows what that song means? But it's right about one thing: September 21 (and the surrounding weekend) is worth singing about — not only for its cloudless skies, but for its fun, fabulous, and free events happening in Montreal all weekend long.

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Visitors flock to Montreal's well-known lookouts like the Belvédère Kondiaronk and Saint Joseph's Oratory. But, there are brand-new and lesser-known vantage points also worth your attention. The city is filled with unique nooks that give a different perspective on its buildings, streets, and the St. Lawrence River.

Some locations on Mount Royal, away from the regular tourist traffic, offer a clear and sprawling view of the city — and not just the famed Montreal skyline. Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path scenic spots for a fresh view on Montreal:

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Montreal is pulling out all the stops to help you celebrate Mother's Day in style. You can start the day with an outdoor activity, if you're looking to add a little pep to your mom's step on the special morning. Or, opt for a more elegant gathering where tea and delicacies are the main event, if leisure is more her pace.

A hidden oasis in Old Montreal is offering a unique way to unwind, or, you can plan a picnic in one of the city's most scenic parks. Whether you are looking for a large organized group activity or a small and private brunch, there are tons of things to do this Mother's Day.

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It has been almost 10 years since the Royal Victoria Hospital moved from its original digs — the iconic 19th century stone structures on the southern slope of Mount Royal — to the Glen in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, leaving the site vacant since 2015.

But with the redevelopment officially in motion, we're finally getting more answers as to what the future of this prime piece of real estate holds. In part, the site will become a McGill University campus, with public spaces and a new pathway between downtown and Mount Royal Park.

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Accessibility in Montreal might be a work in progress, but the city seems to be coming around to the fact that it’s rude to stair. At least, not without a ramp or elevator nearby.

From relaxing in a fairytale greenhouse to paddleboarding on the Saint Lawrence River, some of the city's coolest spots are now more reachable than ever. You can lose yourself in floor-to-ceiling digital artworks or sip afternoon tea at the Ritz like royalty.

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Montreal is known for many things – amazing food, a thriving arts scene, and its unique culture. But there's something else that sets this city apart: its winters. While most might prefer to stay cozy indoors, Montrealers are out there, making the most of the cold.

From annual festivals to favourite winter activities, it's safe to say that winter is definitely when the fun is just starting to heat up.

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Popular Montreal festival MURAL will return to the city between June 8 and 18 — and big things are already in the works. On June 5, festival organizers unveiled one of the highlights of the festival: a giant ephemeral fresco by artist Saype on the lawn at the northeast corner of Mount Royal Park.

The biodegradable painting is part of the artist's "Beyond Walls" series, depicting human arms locked in tight embrace. Similar works have appeared in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

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After growing up in Réunion Island, studying in South Africa, working for a bit in Berlin, Germany, then going back home before taking the plunge and moving all the way to rural Quebec for a few months, I finally made it to Montreal!

Arriving at the peak of summer with no COVID-19 restrictions to ruin my festival season, I can honestly say that it was love at first sight — though I wish I had a little "Expat 101" lecture beforehand.

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Montreal, like any city, is full of unspoken rules, factoids and bewildering practices — threads that bind the fabric of urban life and give it its unique texture. That locally known common knowledge can baffle newcomers and visitors.

Inspired by posts on other city Reddit pages, 25-year-old Olivier Alix (u/Spiritual_Panic6924 on Reddit, @oliiivier on Instagram) took to r/Montreal to solicit some of the city's lesser-known facts, asking "what's some basic knowledge about MTL that most people don't know?"

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Montreal's Mount Royal could see some major renovations in the coming years. The city administration is seeking $60 million to carry out improvement projects to the beloved signature park. La Presse was the first to report this story.

In a September 7 meeting, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles borough mayor and executive committee member responsible for large parks, Mount Royal, sports and recreation Caroline Bourgeois outlined some of the proposed projects in the works.

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