VerdunLuv is everywhere we go!
A must-see neighborhood in the southwest, Verdun is the perfect place for a stroll, to visit trendy restaurants and discover lots of amazing local shops. With its many autumnal activities, its pedestrian street and its coveted Poirier Park, Verdun doesn’t leave its mark. Discover this unique neighborhood today!
1. Take a walk on the Well
Wellington Street, named the coolest street in the world by TimeOut, is one of Montreal’s unique destinations. With its bars, restaurants and local shops, the Well is a must in Verdun. In September, you can still enjoy a pedestrian version, an urban oasis and a beach boardwalk, before it is transformed into a North Pole resort. In spring, it transforms into huge sugar shack for the whole community once winter arrives. Activities, festivals and more await you on this neighborhood thoroughfare.
2. Take a tour of the neighborhood’s public art
With Art Public, you can take the interactive map and discover a public art trail in Verdun with a podcast to accompany you. Don’t miss one of the neighborhood’s most emblematic works, the mural entitled Le Montréal de Miyuki Tanobe, by Annie Hamel and Miyuki Tanobe.
3. Spend a day at the spa
For magnificent scenery close to the city, the Strom spa nordique on Nun’s Island offers incredible views, water circuits and many different facilities. This urban oasis is the perfect place to get away for a day in September and feel like you’re in a destination far from Montreal when the new school year starts, while still being just minutes from downtown. Don’t miss their bathing packages, massage therapy and many other treatments.
4. See a Candlelight show
Join us at Église Notre-dame-des-Sept-Douleurs in the heart of Verdun for spectacular candlelit concerts. Whether played by a string quartet or a pianist, you’ll be transported by music drawn from the best contemporary hits and the greatest classics. With a grandiose setting rooted in Montreal culture, this is an evening not to be missed. Choose your show here!
5. Stroll along the St. Lawrence
Verdun borders the St. Lawrence River along its entire length. At the dawn of autumn, it’s the perfect place for a bike ride or a walk, and you can rent a bike or a car for the day watercraft is also available. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing from Verdun to Lachine, a 21.5 km ride along the beautiful St. Lawrence River. A great way to enjoy winter!
6. Go to the beach
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During the summer season, Verdun offers a truly pleasant urban beach. With a clean, relaxed atmosphere that will charm even the most skeptical, the beach is surprisingly idyllic. We’re in the middle of the city, but you can hardly see the cars in the distance, and the water is clean. In winter, join a brave band of cold-water enthusiasts who descend on Verdun beach to “plunge” every weekend… that is jump into the icy water of the St. Lawrence. For those in the mood for a little getaway in the neighborhood, Verdun beach is the place to be!
7. Eat at the best restaurants and bars in the area
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Verdun stands out for its gastronomy, unique neighborhood bars and numerous brunches. There are countless good addresses, but here are a few suggestions. Pass by the must-see Bar Palco for cocktails and dinner, and continue the evening at Bar Social Verdun which also offers a pub-style menu and drag brunches on Sundays. Try Well for a delicious, unpretentious brunch, or Janine Café for a decadent experience. Drop by Kwizinn for an authentic Haitian meal. You can also visit Verdun Beach for a convivial atmosphere in a slightly SoCal setting, especially with the lovely terrace in summer. In short, there’s no shortage of choice!
8. Have a good coffee
As well as bars and restaurants, cafés abound on rue Wellington and in Verdun. Lili & Oli a must-see in the neighborhood, it is located in the center of several charming shops. It’s the perfect place to work and chat in a space that’s both uncluttered and warm, with a delicious cup of coffee. Other places to visit: Café Saint-Henri, which also has several other branches, including one in St-Henri and Station W which offers a delectable menu and brunch. Wherever you decide to take a break,
9. Take a trip to an incredible vegan patisserie
A must for those with a sweet tooth but dietary restrictions, pastries and cakes are a must Audacious Vanilla offers completely gluten-free, soy-free and vegan treats. Take a tour of their charming boutique for a warm welcome and absolutely delicious bites. You can also order cakes, cupcakes, themed desserts and Yule logs for the festive season. But hurry, because the confections are flying off like hotcakes!
10. Discover Verdun’s little stores
Visit verdun bookshop a must in the neighborhood, is a dangerous store because when you go in, you want to take everything! In addition, it is attached to the boutique Réunion which offers practical, decorative and other objects that are both beautiful and useful. You can stroll (and shop…) for hours. The area also boasts a number of fashion boutiques, including Marigold by Marilyne Baril, La Mistinguette and The little Shwap Club a unique and ingenious thrift exchange. In addition, the Centre Wellington boutique sells items created by people recovering from mental health disorders. For a directory of businesses on Wellington Street, click here.