The bilingual, maximalist bookstore bar serving romance and fantasy in the Mile End

For 20 years, the Montreal-based indie publisher has connected Quebec writers with international audiences and brought global voices to local readers.

For 66 years, Dominique Perrazino's Plateau barbershop has been where hockey legends, Expos players, and neighbourhood regulars all gather to talk, connect, and get a trim.

How climbing gyms like Café Bloc have become neighborhood hangouts—complete with coffee, bars, and saunas—that offer a compelling alternative to traditional gym culture.

Traditional styles and apprenticeships keep the faith to the craft, while monthly block parties bring hundreds to the neighbourhood.

90.3 FM has been the mic for the mic-less for nearly four decades, kept alive by 300 volunteers and the belief that a homemade sound can be a beautiful thing.

Last year, we wrote about how the city should make the Ugly Tree official. This year, we're actually trying to make it happen.