St-Henri and Little Burgundy are two neighborhoods linked by Montreal culture, the Lachine Canal and Notre-Dame Street, the main thoroughfare that winds its way to the Old Port. Brimming with stores, cafés, restaurants and green spaces, it’s a must for visitors, locals and Montrealers alike. Welcome to this incredible neighborhood!
1. Visit the Atwater Market
One of Montreal’s most popular public markets, the Atwater Market is located on the banks of the Lachine Canal. In summer, it’s the perfect place to shop, buy flowers and find an incredible selection of fresh produce from artisan boutiques and ephemeral restaurant kiosks. Depending on the season, vendors also offer pumpkins, fir trees, fertilizer and plants. The Atwater Market is also home to a number of events, including Guinguettes oktoberfest and the unmissable Christmas Village.
Address: 138 Atwater Avenue, Montreal
2. Stroll along the Lachine Canal
With 5 locks and a 13.5 km pathway, the Lachine Canal is an urban oasis like no other. Cycle or walk along it to get from St-Henri to the Old Port. You can also rent watercraft such as electric boats, kayaks and pedalos, sipping an aperitif in a boat bar or enjoy a drink on the St-Ambroise terrace, one of the largest of Montreal. All this, on the edge of the canal!
3. Line up for a worthwhile brunch
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St-Henri is renowned for its long lines at brunch time. An indomitable restaurant, which is what makes it so charming, Arthur’s Nosh Bar is one of the worst offenders in this respect, but it’s also a delicious little eatery with mouth-watering pancakes, latkes and gravlax. At worst, cross the street for a coffee at Campanelli or do a little shopping at the boutique Gank. If Arthur’s is been there done that, we suggest the decadent brunch at Foiegwa the friendly atmosphere of September Café and Barley or the delicious gluten-free crêpes from petit Spanel.
4. Explore the little stores
From St-Rémi to Guy, small boutiques abound on Rue Notre-Dame. If you’re looking for handcrafted accessories, jewelry and more, stop by Peridot. No matter who you’re shopping for, you’re sure to find a gift (or new earrings). For fans of quality, Silk Laundry offers silk garments made here, and STOCKMARKT a range of clothing for men and women. If you’re more into vintage, stop by the Underground Market the largest grouping of vintage dealers in the Southwest.
5. Stop off at the many stops along the Cultural Corridor
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Visit Cultural Corridor it’s a 3.6 km run along the Lachine Canal. “An initiative to bring together cultural players from the South West to Old Montreal to offer an alternative and unique experience in Montreal,” according to the website. It’s also a unique way to discover the neighborhood’s art on foot, and learn more about its historic buildings. Just follow this interactive map to know where to go!
6. Stop by the Drinkerie for the perfect toast
A local landmark, the Drinkerie Ste-Cunégonde (drink’rie by its p’tit name) is a favorite spot for a well-watered drink. A quiet bar that becomes an impromptu dance club as the evening progresses, it’s also the perfect place to meet friends and dine out grill next door. If you’re more of a beer-in-the-park type, stop by the Lejeune et Frères the new convenience store-microbrewery of its former owner.
Address: 2661 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal
7. Visit a friendly neighborhood café
Like bars and restaurants, the small, friendly cafés are numerous in the neighborhood. Among our favorites, of course, is the famous Lili & Oli, offering locally roasted coffee with friendly waiters and unpretentious tables. Don’t miss a stop at Café St-Henri, worth a visit for its large windows, church pews and, of course, delicious homemade microbrewed coffee.
8. Stop by Pikliz
The area offers incredible restaurants on every corner, but you can’t go far wrong Pikliz deserves a place of honor for its delicious menu of Caribbean fare. Founded by two Haitian brothers and offering a typical menu with poul griyé, bannan pesées and shwimps, the restaurant creates its own sauces with unique flavors. A little pikliz (half sauerkraut, half hot sauce) with this, and it’s a gastronomic explosion in your mouth. Don’t miss griyo, fried pork that melts in your mouth. All in a colorful, cheerful and inviting setting!
Address: 4206 Rue Saint Jacques W, Montreal
9. Take a selfie like no other
Visit Saint Motel is hidden at the end of a sober corridor behind a modest black sliding door, inside a jewelry store. Indeed, if you didn’t see the neon sign that says “SAINT MOTEL”, you might think you’re in the wrong place. A selfie studio that lets you step into your biggest Instagram fever dreams, the Saint Motel is a unique place to do a very extra selfie photo shoot. With its hyper-stylish multi-dimensional rooms, it offers 12 themed spaces to take your best photos. Located in the canal-side Château St-Ambroise, it’s also a St-Henri classic.
Address: 4000 rue Ste-Ambroise suite #278, Montréal
10. Stroll through the local bars for an unforgettable evening
Restos that become bars, bars that become clubs, and clubs that become late-night eateries abound in St-Henri and Little Burgundy. A few must-sees: Loïc and its burgers, the dive bar de Courcelle with live music, Barbara for a cool wine bar, Vin Papillon for refined tastes, Foxy’s for a late-night seafood supper, and of course, the Atwater Cocktail Club for a late-night trendy speakeasy. Continue a little further, and you’ll arrive in the famous Griffintown…
Enjoy your visit!