Mile End is a unique neighborhood at the intersection of Montreal’s immigrant communities, culture and art, gastronomy and lifestyle in all its forms. It’s an inimitable neighborhood: with its Orthodox Jewish community strolling the same sidewalks as the metropolis’ most avant-garde artists, you never know who you’ll bump into on the corner of Parc and St-Viateur. What’s more, Mile End is ranked in the top 5 coolest neighborhoods in the world… and we’ve got at least 10 ideas why!
Here are our suggestions for not-to-be-missed activities in this great neighborhood:
1. Eat a bagel
Montreal’s famous bagels live within a few blocks of each other, right in the heart of Mile End. And before you ask-yes, they’re better than New York bagels. Either you are a team St-Viateur or team Fairmount but whatever your allegiance, it’s important to visit both institutions and give them a try! Take a stroll along the streets of the same name to enjoy the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked pastry. Bonus : St-Viateur is open until midnight, while Fairmount is open 24 hours a day, so it’s the perfect stop for your late-night cravings.
2. Visit the neighborhood’s classic restaurants
Mile End is a tiny neighborhood, but it’s brimming with unique eateries that give it its urban, community charm. Here are a few places that have become Montreal institutions over the years, and are a must-see:
đWilensky’s a charming snack bar serving the best salami and bologna sandwiches in Montreal since 1932. Step back in time with the quasi-original dĂ©cor: cash register with bell, old-fashioned soda fountain, Coca-Cola clock… A real jewel of a historic district, a must-see!
đNew Palace opened as “The Palace” in 1950, became “The New Palace” a few years later under new ownership. With the introduction of Bill 101, it became “Le nouveau palais” in 1977. This classic diner has retained all its original, authentic, retro charm, with its banquettes and wood-panelled walls. It’s a charming little eatery, casual and above all delicious.
đCafĂ© Olimpico a cafĂ© that has been part of Montreal’s history since 1970. This small, welcoming, authentic space is a great place to have a coffee, watch people go by and, of course, watch the soccer matches.
3. Explore the neighbourhood by bike
If you’re looking to (re)discover Mile End, what better way than with a guided tour that takes you off the beaten track to explore the neighborhood’s unique nooks and crannies? Fitz MontrĂ©al offers a guided tour of Mile End and the surrounding neighborhoods: alleyways, parks and lots of typical Montreal landmarks you wouldn’t have the chance to discover otherwise. A great experience!
Click here to find out more and book your guided tour.
4. Discover Mile End neighborhood events
Throughout the year, many events take place in the heart of this culturally vibrant district. Here are a few not-to-be-missed festivals in the heart of Mile End:
- Yatai MTL the annual street market that celebrates Japanese culture with must-taste street food, and a fiery program at the Marché des possibles
- The MURAL festival which is inaugurating its new “Block Party” party space this year in the heart of Mile End, at the corner of Bernard and GaspĂ©
- MAPP_MTL a unique festival offering breathtaking projections, musical evenings and much more at the famous Van Horne skatepark
5. Attend a show in a historic theater
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Built in 1923, the Rialto theater was originally a neighborhood cinema. Having retained its original form, the theater was officially designated a historic monument in 1988 by the City of Montreal. Since 2010, it has been an event space offering a variety of shows. This magnificent place is well worth a visit, immersing you in the grandeur of the 1920s and the resemblance to a Parisian theater.
For the schedule of upcoming shows, click here.
6. Visit a picturesque neighbourhood park
Visit lahaie Park located just a few minutes from Laurier metro at the corner of St-Joseph and St-Laurent, is a neighbourhood gem. During the summer, a huge fountain takes pride of place in front of the Saint-Enfant-JĂ©sus Catholic Church. It’s also a favorite spot for Instagram photoshots, as the park is really quite charming. What’s more, you can stop here for a picnic, a moment of relaxation or simply to people-watch.
Address: 4921 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
7. Explore the nightlife
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Mile End may be a small neighborhood, but it’s not short of life… especially once the sun goes down! Its surface area of less than 2 km2 is bursting with excitement and nightlife. Here are a few places not to be missed on your next visit:
- Ping Pong Club a sports bar that lives up to its name, with ping pong tables and lively weekend crowds!
- Bar Henrietta a magnificent, uncluttered bar in a mid-century, art deco style, offers delicious cocktails, wines and a menu of perfect dishes to share
- Chez Simone bar the place to be for happy hours, get-togethers with friends and evenings that go on and on over a glass of wine
- Bar Waverly a friendly neighborhood bar where you can stay up late with good DJs in an atmosphere enhanced by a rich, warm design
8. Visit a Mile End neighbourhood café
There’s no shortage of cafĂ©s in Mile End, where one of people’s favorite activities is undoubtedly strolling the streets… and stopping off at a terrace for a good cup of coffee! Here are the places to visit:
- Dépanneur Café is a small, friendly neighbourhood restaurant on Bernard Street that offers local products and a menu perfect for brunch with friends
- Pastel Rita a delicious, colorful coffee and wine shop with the look of a Wes Anderson film, well worth a visit
- Café Olimpico a must in the neighbourhood to meet up with friends and spend some time on the convivial terrace
9. Admire street art in Montreal
- The murals which you can discover all along the Main by strolling along the buildings
- Romeo’s the urban art museum hidden in a stairwell on avenue de GaspĂ©, which is free to visit and unique in its kind
- Dragon Flowers a unique florist on Bernard Street that’s more urban art than boutique: with its countless birdcages hanging from the storefront, it’s a work of art not to be missed on your visit to Mile End
10. Store vintage boutiques
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Mile End offers a wide range of boutiques all along and around the Main. If you’re looking for vintage finds, this is the place. Here are a few suggestions:
- Vintage Annexe for all your trendy, avant-garde and uniquely stylish finds
- Empire Exchange a boutique that buys your old clothes to give them a second life, and offers you other people’s reupholstered garments as stylish masterpieces
- Citizen Vintage a store that recycles vintage materials into stylish fashion pieces to combat fast-fashion
- Vintage Bohemia a high-end thrift store offering unique, authentically vintage pieces, selected and preserved with great care
- Jeans Jeans Jeans not quite vintage, but definitely worth a visit, with thousands of jeans, on-site adjustments and a personal advisor