--°C|Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The Plateau-Mont-Royal is easy to love and hard to exhaust. Here's where to spend your time.
May 20, 2026
Sometimes the most obvious things are the most worthwhile. In the Plateau, the best things to do there—eating, drinking, shopping, and seeing art—all qualify.
For a neighbourhood in constant flux, the Plateau somehow maintains its oft-cited bohemian charm, even as new reasons to wander crop up each season. It's also one of the places that comes first to mind to do pretty much anything: the parks are among Montreal's finest, the café scene punches above its weight, and the thrift stores and bookstores alone could fill an afternoon without trying.
There’s a reason all these things have been drawing locals in either as exciting new arrivals or decades-old institutions. Whatever it is, though, it’ll make you feel like you've reaped something special, whether it's a show that made a lasting impression, a meal that hit differently, or a gallery that reeled you in through the window.
This is what the Plateau has to offer when you know where to look.
As the plateau-located branch of Montreal’s independent movie house collective Cinema Cinema, Cinema du Parc screens a diverse selection of films, showcasing “Des films qui sortent du cadre,” or films that break the mold. Tucked in the basement of Les Galeries du Parc, they lean into a classic movie-theatre style, with red carpeted floors, neon signage, and the typical concessions. Don’t be dissuaded, though, from their air of arthouse pretense—lesser-known productions are accompanied by more mainstream acclaimed cinema and cult classics (think Get Out and Jennifer’s Body). With daily showtimes and student-tickets, it’s a reliable go-to for film buffs and casual movie-goers alike.
La Fontaine is lush, green, and nearly 100 acres—vast compared to most other parks in the heart of the city—making it the ideal spot to lounge in the sun while enjoying a basketful of bites and a drink or two. The artificial pond and chirping birds enhance an already relaxing ambience, and if it’s too cold for to withstand a picnic, the pond transforms into a skating rink come winter. Of course, La Fontaine has an idiosyncratic kind of charm, but it’s not the only Plateau park worth visiting. Parc Jean Mance and Parc Sir-Wilfred-Laurier both house open fields and various facilities; wherever’s closest is likely best.
For a city of residents used to freezing temperatures, Montreal summers can be stifling. On these days, where humidity is high and the sun’s heat is made visible, shimmering and distorted, crowds swarm the (few) beaches surrounding the city, and those who have pools—or know people with them—are among the most envied. Thankfully, public pools are sprinkled around the city’s many boroughs, offering much-needed respite. Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier pool hosts several swim sessions, from free, to lane, to no-music periods. Though this outdoor pool is open only during summers, Piscine Schubert and Pisicne Lévesque provide an indoor alternative when the weather’s not so nice.
If you’ve got time to spare, and a lunch-time hankering for simple Japanese food (okonomiyaki, udon, onigiri, etc.) Noren is a worthy stop. Get there at 11 to escape the long line, or use the wait to catch up with a podcast or whoever graciously agreed to queue with you. Feel like a different type of cuisine? Ma Poule Mouillée does standout rotisserie chicken and a renowned poutine; La Matraca offers humble, essential Mexican food; and Le Violon gratifies those seeking a more upscale dining experience.
Though the Plateau is best known for its restaurants and bars, it is not void of excellent bakeries—Le Toledo being one of its best. The brainchild of former banker Françoise Barrière and seasoned Toulousian baker Riccardo Arnoult, Le Toledo offers everything from a classic croissant to quiches, eclairs, and sourdough loaves. Other favourites include the bakery-deli hybrid Hof Kelsten, and the more pastry-centric Au Kouign-Amann.
Montreal is an ice cream city through and through. With new specialty spots popping up every summer, and old familiars reopening their doors after a long hibernation, a short walk around the plateau will undoubtedly have you running into at least one parlour that claims to be the next big thing in ice cream. Le Blueboy’s menu positions itself similarly, with a ‘50s diner ambience to complement. The soft-serve place rotates flavours and twists, while offering a constant selection of inventive sundaes and other treats. Churros are a menu staple, as are beignets.
If Le Blueboy brings a latin flair to their menu, Kem Coba’s small-batched ice creams lean Vietnamese, with flavours like durian, pandan, and salted butter; Unicone satisfies global palates; and Ripples experiments while maintaining the classics.
A lazy afternoon, or an evening wind-down, is best spent sipping a glass of wine at Le Rouge Gorge’s sidewalk terrasse. The wine bar’s well-curated list of French and global bottles, paired with seasonal bites and an atmosphere that becomes more lively as the sun goes down, fosters the ideal setting for a casual, yet elegant drink. For those in pursuit of a more proper bar night, Star Bar will deliver; Projet Pilote will excite the microbrew fanatics; Big in Japan, the mood-lit cocktail enthusiasts; and Palazo rounds things out with a louder, late-night energy.
In a white and brick building on the corner of Duluth and Drolet lives De Stiil, a bookstore that could convert even the most obstinate Amazon shopper into a local indie loyalist. With a staff passionate and knowledgeable about their (carefully selected) inventory, hand-selling is the standard here. Whether you’re hunting for a specific title, or simply browsing, leave time to chat and explain your preferences. If you’ve still got an itch for perusing shelves, Le Port de tête, is a short 10 minute walk from De Stiil, and offers French language books, as well as a small selection of English.
Café Noble, a small counter-service coffee bar deep in the Plateau, roasts Third Wave brews for Laurier metro frequenters and nearby creatives. The quick, easy grab-and-go spot draws a crowd on its small terrasse during the summer, serving soft serve floats with cold brew, matcha, and earl grey (to name a few) through its window. A few blocks down Saint-Laurent, Bar Darling moonlights as a bar and restaurant, but its sunny café counter, ample seating, and terrasse, is reason enough to stop in before noon. And, a short walk east, Chez Téta imparts care into Lebanese café staples: fresh man’ouché and lattes spiked with cardamom, halva, and rose.
You won’t find any retail chains in this neighbourhood, but it’s an asence that you won’t miss. Instead, thrifts and vintage stores are aplenty, and people from all over the island flock to the Plateau to search their racks. Perhaps the most well-known second-hand retailer on the island is Saint-Denis’ Marché Floh, a three-floor boutique selling a range of styles for all genders. Right next door are Cyber Vintage and Club 777, both with a smaller, more curated selection. Nuage on Duluth favours more true vintage, traditionally feminine pieces, while Renaissance Fripe Mont-Royal is a classic thrift with affordable prices.
In a city (and neighbourhood) teeming with artistic minds, boutique shopping is one of the best ways to discover local creatives and pick up something unique in the process. Kitchenware shop Boutique Crème is just one example of this this, featuring cookware made by local artisans. For those less interested in culinary gadgets, Dime drops carefully designed skateware; Au Papier Japonais provides an assortment of Japanese paper, notebooks, office upplies, and more; and Le Valet d’coeur is a gamer and collector’s dream, with board games, puzzles, and trading cards.
Accomodating a gallery, studios, a school, event spaces, and a boutique, Livart’s mission to democratize art shapes its every move. Visitors can explore exhibitions, take art classes and workshops, and attend cultural events—all under one roof. Ada X, a bilingual feminist art centre nearby, extends that spirit into the digital realm, with shows and programming built around amplifying underrepresented voices. Rounding out the neighbourhood’s cultural offerings, MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels), visitors can catch dance performances, interdisciplinary shows, and community events on rotation.
Théâtre de Verdure has been a fixture of Parc La Fontaine for 70 years, showcasing the best of Montreal’s cultural offerings for free. Nestled among the park’s trees, with the pond in eyesight, this open-air stage revives each summer with live music, theatre, film, and dance performances. Families and solo visitors alike can wander into the amphitheatre and catch a show for free—no ticket needed—coming and going as they please.
What is, today, the product of a 20-year-old dream, realized by founder Firas Harendi, Innocere is a hub for plateau both experienced and amateur yogis. Offering heated and non-heated classes, and, with a lounge and cafe, it is as much a third space as it is a yoga studio—somewhere you can socialize and unwind. While Innocere doesn’t stray from its roots, Fyra dabbles elsewhere, with pilates and barre in addition to yoga. If you prefer something off the mat, try out Spin Energie for some spin or reformer pilates.
Since 2000, with its intimate venue, café, and gallery, united in one lively room, Casa del Popolo has quietly become a staple in Montreal’s indie music scene, a place where up-and-coming musicians play sets for as little as $10 a ticket. Its upstairs sister La Sala Rossa, and Saint-Denis’ Quai des Brumes complete an evening itinerary in one of the city’s best neighbourhoods for live music.
Spa Carré Saint-Louis, with its ornate hammam (Turkish bath), sauna, and water circuit—with hot and cold plunges, a relaxation room and more—provides a tranquil place to relax any time of year. The sensory experience, enriched by holistic architecture and a modern, calming environment, makes for an easy few hours lost to steam, silence, and warm stone. For those looking to go deeper, a menu of massages are also available.
Every place here was visited by someone on our team.
The Plateau-Mont-Royal is easy to love and hard to exhaust. Here's where to spend your time.
May 20, 2026
Sometimes the most obvious things are the most worthwhile. In the Plateau, the best things to do there—eating, drinking, shopping, and seeing art—all qualify.
For a neighbourhood in constant flux, the Plateau somehow maintains its oft-cited bohemian charm, even as new reasons to wander crop up each season. It's also one of the places that comes first to mind to do pretty much anything: the parks are among Montreal's finest, the café scene punches above its weight, and the thrift stores and bookstores alone could fill an afternoon without trying.
There’s a reason all these things have been drawing locals in either as exciting new arrivals or decades-old institutions. Whatever it is, though, it’ll make you feel like you've reaped something special, whether it's a show that made a lasting impression, a meal that hit differently, or a gallery that reeled you in through the window.
This is what the Plateau has to offer when you know where to look.
As the plateau-located branch of Montreal’s independent movie house collective Cinema Cinema, Cinema du Parc screens a diverse selection of films, showcasing “Des films qui sortent du cadre,” or films that break the mold. Tucked in the basement of Les Galeries du Parc, they lean into a classic movie-theatre style, with red carpeted floors, neon signage, and the typical concessions. Don’t be dissuaded, though, from their air of arthouse pretense—lesser-known productions are accompanied by more mainstream acclaimed cinema and cult classics (think Get Out and Jennifer’s Body). With daily showtimes and student-tickets, it’s a reliable go-to for film buffs and casual movie-goers alike.
La Fontaine is lush, green, and nearly 100 acres—vast compared to most other parks in the heart of the city—making it the ideal spot to lounge in the sun while enjoying a basketful of bites and a drink or two. The artificial pond and chirping birds enhance an already relaxing ambience, and if it’s too cold for to withstand a picnic, the pond transforms into a skating rink come winter. Of course, La Fontaine has an idiosyncratic kind of charm, but it’s not the only Plateau park worth visiting. Parc Jean Mance and Parc Sir-Wilfred-Laurier both house open fields and various facilities; wherever’s closest is likely best.
For a city of residents used to freezing temperatures, Montreal summers can be stifling. On these days, where humidity is high and the sun’s heat is made visible, shimmering and distorted, crowds swarm the (few) beaches surrounding the city, and those who have pools—or know people with them—are among the most envied. Thankfully, public pools are sprinkled around the city’s many boroughs, offering much-needed respite. Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier pool hosts several swim sessions, from free, to lane, to no-music periods. Though this outdoor pool is open only during summers, Piscine Schubert and Pisicne Lévesque provide an indoor alternative when the weather’s not so nice.
If you’ve got time to spare, and a lunch-time hankering for simple Japanese food (okonomiyaki, udon, onigiri, etc.) Noren is a worthy stop. Get there at 11 to escape the long line, or use the wait to catch up with a podcast or whoever graciously agreed to queue with you. Feel like a different type of cuisine? Ma Poule Mouillée does standout rotisserie chicken and a renowned poutine; La Matraca offers humble, essential Mexican food; and Le Violon gratifies those seeking a more upscale dining experience.
Though the Plateau is best known for its restaurants and bars, it is not void of excellent bakeries—Le Toledo being one of its best. The brainchild of former banker Françoise Barrière and seasoned Toulousian baker Riccardo Arnoult, Le Toledo offers everything from a classic croissant to quiches, eclairs, and sourdough loaves. Other favourites include the bakery-deli hybrid Hof Kelsten, and the more pastry-centric Au Kouign-Amann.
Montreal is an ice cream city through and through. With new specialty spots popping up every summer, and old familiars reopening their doors after a long hibernation, a short walk around the plateau will undoubtedly have you running into at least one parlour that claims to be the next big thing in ice cream. Le Blueboy’s menu positions itself similarly, with a ‘50s diner ambience to complement. The soft-serve place rotates flavours and twists, while offering a constant selection of inventive sundaes and other treats. Churros are a menu staple, as are beignets.
If Le Blueboy brings a latin flair to their menu, Kem Coba’s small-batched ice creams lean Vietnamese, with flavours like durian, pandan, and salted butter; Unicone satisfies global palates; and Ripples experiments while maintaining the classics.
A lazy afternoon, or an evening wind-down, is best spent sipping a glass of wine at Le Rouge Gorge’s sidewalk terrasse. The wine bar’s well-curated list of French and global bottles, paired with seasonal bites and an atmosphere that becomes more lively as the sun goes down, fosters the ideal setting for a casual, yet elegant drink. For those in pursuit of a more proper bar night, Star Bar will deliver; Projet Pilote will excite the microbrew fanatics; Big in Japan, the mood-lit cocktail enthusiasts; and Palazo rounds things out with a louder, late-night energy.
In a white and brick building on the corner of Duluth and Drolet lives De Stiil, a bookstore that could convert even the most obstinate Amazon shopper into a local indie loyalist. With a staff passionate and knowledgeable about their (carefully selected) inventory, hand-selling is the standard here. Whether you’re hunting for a specific title, or simply browsing, leave time to chat and explain your preferences. If you’ve still got an itch for perusing shelves, Le Port de tête, is a short 10 minute walk from De Stiil, and offers French language books, as well as a small selection of English.
Café Noble, a small counter-service coffee bar deep in the Plateau, roasts Third Wave brews for Laurier metro frequenters and nearby creatives. The quick, easy grab-and-go spot draws a crowd on its small terrasse during the summer, serving soft serve floats with cold brew, matcha, and earl grey (to name a few) through its window. A few blocks down Saint-Laurent, Bar Darling moonlights as a bar and restaurant, but its sunny café counter, ample seating, and terrasse, is reason enough to stop in before noon. And, a short walk east, Chez Téta imparts care into Lebanese café staples: fresh man’ouché and lattes spiked with cardamom, halva, and rose.
You won’t find any retail chains in this neighbourhood, but it’s an asence that you won’t miss. Instead, thrifts and vintage stores are aplenty, and people from all over the island flock to the Plateau to search their racks. Perhaps the most well-known second-hand retailer on the island is Saint-Denis’ Marché Floh, a three-floor boutique selling a range of styles for all genders. Right next door are Cyber Vintage and Club 777, both with a smaller, more curated selection. Nuage on Duluth favours more true vintage, traditionally feminine pieces, while Renaissance Fripe Mont-Royal is a classic thrift with affordable prices.
In a city (and neighbourhood) teeming with artistic minds, boutique shopping is one of the best ways to discover local creatives and pick up something unique in the process. Kitchenware shop Boutique Crème is just one example of this this, featuring cookware made by local artisans. For those less interested in culinary gadgets, Dime drops carefully designed skateware; Au Papier Japonais provides an assortment of Japanese paper, notebooks, office upplies, and more; and Le Valet d’coeur is a gamer and collector’s dream, with board games, puzzles, and trading cards.
Accomodating a gallery, studios, a school, event spaces, and a boutique, Livart’s mission to democratize art shapes its every move. Visitors can explore exhibitions, take art classes and workshops, and attend cultural events—all under one roof. Ada X, a bilingual feminist art centre nearby, extends that spirit into the digital realm, with shows and programming built around amplifying underrepresented voices. Rounding out the neighbourhood’s cultural offerings, MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels), visitors can catch dance performances, interdisciplinary shows, and community events on rotation.
Théâtre de Verdure has been a fixture of Parc La Fontaine for 70 years, showcasing the best of Montreal’s cultural offerings for free. Nestled among the park’s trees, with the pond in eyesight, this open-air stage revives each summer with live music, theatre, film, and dance performances. Families and solo visitors alike can wander into the amphitheatre and catch a show for free—no ticket needed—coming and going as they please.
What is, today, the product of a 20-year-old dream, realized by founder Firas Harendi, Innocere is a hub for plateau both experienced and amateur yogis. Offering heated and non-heated classes, and, with a lounge and cafe, it is as much a third space as it is a yoga studio—somewhere you can socialize and unwind. While Innocere doesn’t stray from its roots, Fyra dabbles elsewhere, with pilates and barre in addition to yoga. If you prefer something off the mat, try out Spin Energie for some spin or reformer pilates.
Since 2000, with its intimate venue, café, and gallery, united in one lively room, Casa del Popolo has quietly become a staple in Montreal’s indie music scene, a place where up-and-coming musicians play sets for as little as $10 a ticket. Its upstairs sister La Sala Rossa, and Saint-Denis’ Quai des Brumes complete an evening itinerary in one of the city’s best neighbourhoods for live music.
Spa Carré Saint-Louis, with its ornate hammam (Turkish bath), sauna, and water circuit—with hot and cold plunges, a relaxation room and more—provides a tranquil place to relax any time of year. The sensory experience, enriched by holistic architecture and a modern, calming environment, makes for an easy few hours lost to steam, silence, and warm stone. For those looking to go deeper, a menu of massages are also available.
Every place here was visited by someone on our team.
