My family was in town visiting for the first time last weekend, and I was struck by the need to show them some tourist things outside of my usual socio-political activities. I brainstormed, took suggestions from friends, and compiled these 30 family-based ideas for the modern Montreal tourist.
LITERARY
Librairie Millénium : Great selection of new and classic comics and graphic novels
Drawn and Quarterly: Cool DIY, indy books and zines. You`ll love their selections!
Concordia Book Co-op : Local authors, indy book crafts and zines galore!
The Word : With a collection of nearly 20,000 tomes, not to mention a heaping fifty cent pile, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed.
FOOD
Le Banquise: For your poutine fix. Over a dozen varieties, including vegan~
Patati Patata: Tiny venue serving up cheap sliders, poutine and other tasty side dishes.
Juliette et Chocolat: Chocolate heaven with appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks all in chocolate!
St. Viateur Bagel: World famous fire-baked bagels.
Aux Vivres: 100% vegan. Great menu with many delicious options.
Jean Talon Market: Pick up local vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats and more.
Cafe Seraphin: 100 % organic and local. Very nice place, but a bit pricey, situated in Old Port.
DRINKS
Le Dieu du ciel : Local microbrewery, small and packed but good atmosphere and great beer.
L'escalier: Colourful rooms to lounge, drink and eat. Live music almost every night.
Divan Orange: Good vibe, with lots of local beers and live music nightly.
St. Elisabeth: Spacious bar in the plateau with good ambience and decent alt rock music.
ACTIVITIES
Tam Tams: On Sundays from May - October check out this weekly festival of fun on the mountain.
Botanical Gardens: A fairly cheap activity with numerous gardens, greenhouses and special events.
Old Port: Great for walking around, admiring old architecture and modern art in any season.
Mont Royal: Climb it, bike it, drive up it, look at it - Mont Royal is a cheap good time.
Art Galleries (such as Monastiraki, or Museum of Fine Arts) : Cheap and cultural. 'Nuff said!
Bixi Bike Tour: Rent a bixi bike from April to November, and tour the city on wheels!
Weekly Community events: www.radicalmontreal.com
RADICAL
Concordia Greenhouse: For the urban gardener, this place offers a variety of themed grow rooms.
Le Belle Epoque: For the social anarchist, this community spaces offers events and zines.
St. Emilie Skillshare: For the DIY artist, this workshop space provides info and resources.
Le Frigo Vert : For the hungry, go here for affordable bulk, organic and vegan food items.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Expozine : North America's largest zine and comic fair every November.
Anarchist Bookfair : Huge selection of books, zines, patches, posters. Workshops all day, Every May.
Jazz Festival : Lots of free events in this mega jazz event every July
Roller derby : During the warm season, catch Roller Derby teams almost every other Saturday.
 |
Denise Buisman Pilger www.denisebuismanpilger.com |
30 WAYS TO ENTERTAIN FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN MONTREAL!
LITERARY
Librairie Millénium : Great selection of new and classic comics and graphic novels
Drawn and Quarterly: Cool DIY, indy books and zines. You`ll love their selections!
Concordia Book Co-op : Local authors, indy book crafts and zines galore!
The Word : With a collection of nearly 20,000 tomes, not to mention a heaping fifty cent pile, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed.
FOOD
Le Banquise: For your poutine fix. Over a dozen varieties, including vegan~
Patati Patata: Tiny venue serving up cheap sliders, poutine and other tasty side dishes.
Juliette et Chocolat: Chocolate heaven with appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks all in chocolate!
St. Viateur Bagel: World famous fire-baked bagels.
Aux Vivres: 100% vegan. Great menu with many delicious options.
Jean Talon Market: Pick up local vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats and more.
Cafe Seraphin: 100 % organic and local. Very nice place, but a bit pricey, situated in Old Port.
DRINKS
Le Dieu du ciel : Local microbrewery, small and packed but good atmosphere and great beer.
L'escalier: Colourful rooms to lounge, drink and eat. Live music almost every night.
Divan Orange: Good vibe, with lots of local beers and live music nightly.
St. Elisabeth: Spacious bar in the plateau with good ambience and decent alt rock music.
ACTIVITIES
Tam Tams: On Sundays from May - October check out this weekly festival of fun on the mountain.
Botanical Gardens: A fairly cheap activity with numerous gardens, greenhouses and special events.
Old Port: Great for walking around, admiring old architecture and modern art in any season.
Mont Royal: Climb it, bike it, drive up it, look at it - Mont Royal is a cheap good time.
Art Galleries (such as Monastiraki, or Museum of Fine Arts) : Cheap and cultural. 'Nuff said!
Bixi Bike Tour: Rent a bixi bike from April to November, and tour the city on wheels!
Weekly Community events: www.radicalmontreal.com
RADICAL
Concordia Greenhouse: For the urban gardener, this place offers a variety of themed grow rooms.
Le Belle Epoque: For the social anarchist, this community spaces offers events and zines.
St. Emilie Skillshare: For the DIY artist, this workshop space provides info and resources.
Le Frigo Vert : For the hungry, go here for affordable bulk, organic and vegan food items.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Expozine : North America's largest zine and comic fair every November.
Anarchist Bookfair : Huge selection of books, zines, patches, posters. Workshops all day, Every May.
Jazz Festival : Lots of free events in this mega jazz event every July
Roller derby : During the warm season, catch Roller Derby teams almost every other Saturday.