The 15 Best Things to Do in Saint-Henri

The Lachine Canal spans 14.5 kilometres, starting in the Old Port and concluding in Lachine. Perhaps the most serene strip of the canal abuts onto the edges of Saint-Henri. Bike and walking paths provide a calm, accessible route along which you can stroll or cycle, enjoying the scent of the water and the distant hum of the city. Complete the whole stretch, or stop somewhere along the way, and relax on the grass for a scenic picnic.

With a lovely view of the Lachine Canal, Saint-Henri is the perfect neighbourhood for a relaxing afternoon, especially when the weather is warm. There are few things more mellow than parking yourself at a picnic table and having a drink or two in the sun. The St. Ambroise Terrasse is perhaps the best spot in Montreal to do just that. Grab a beer flight or a pint, a pub snack, and enjoy.

Messorem, a microbrewery that specializes in IPAs, sours, and aged beers, boasts another great neighbourhood terrasse.

Though Saint-Henri’s non-residential area is limited, it has no shortage of caffeinated beverages. Perhaps most significantly, it is the location of the Canadian Roasting Society, a multi-purpose centre that houses a production lab, educational space, café, and creative studio. Roasters from across the city craft their own blends here, which you can witness while grabbing a coffee at the in-house Dreamy Café.

If you’re into a more leisurely café experience, with more than just local roasts, Savsav is a great option. In addition to coffees, teas, and other beverages, they offer a menu of homemade breakfast and lunch fare that makes for a satisfying morning or midday meal.

Along Saint-Henri's Rue Notre-Dame are many of Montreal's best restaurants. Among them is Tuck Shop, a modern bistro that rotates its menu based on the Quebec market. Local seafood, meats, and produce are prepared and presented with elegance, while imported wines and a seasonal cocktail list round out the meal.

Also along this strip are the famous Arthurs, a Jewish brunch place known for their fluffy cottage cheese pancakes and latke smorgasbord; La Spada, a more recent addition to the neighbourhood, specializing in Roman-Italian food; and Satay Brothers, a Singaporean restaurant that emerged from an Atwater Market stall.

When one thinks of Saint-Henri, they might not immediately think of the nightlife scene. And yet, the neighbourhood is home to some of the city’s best spots to grab a drink, dance, and chill. At the top of the list is Atwater Cocktail Club, named the 7th best bar in Canada in 2026, for its exciting and inventive beverages and modest snack menu.

If you’re in it less for the well-crafted cocktails and more for the dancing, head to Bar Baby. Bon Délire will satisfy those eclectics searching for a laid-back, yet stylish setting for the night’s antics.

At Foiegwa, brunch is a decadent, hearty affair. Chocolate French toast with homemade cocoa brioche and caramel sauce, chicken and waffles with maple cream, and Croque Madame on milk bread—there’s an elevated element in each of their menu items, though they keep the prices relatively affordable.

Greenspot, a nearly 80-year-old casse-croûte, contrasts the Parisian diner ambience of Foiegwa, with its red leather banquettes and ‘40s decor. On the menu is more typical, simple breakfast fare, like omelettes, waffles, and crêpes, though they also have classic Québécois dishes like poutine and steamés.

Whether you want a bite to eat, seasonal produce from local farms, or specialty stores with fresh breads, gourmet cheeses, hard-to-find spices, and cured meats, Atwater Market has it all. Stop at one of their many food stalls—Montreal favourites like Satay Brothers, Campo, Aylwin Deli, and Falafel Yoni—and grab a quick lunch. Peruse the stands of fresh fruit and vegetables, or walk in rows of flowers of all different varieties. Pick up your favourite cheese at Fromagerie Atwater, or a cut of beef at Boucherie De Tours.

At Bernice, a Saint-Henri bakehouse, delicious cookies and cakes are made from scratch—served in singles or by the slice, as well as by boxes of 6 (for cookies) and in 6” or 9” (for cakes). While they specialize in birthday cakes, you can also find specialty cakes like lemon-raspberry cream and chocolate brown butter. On the cookie side, s’mores, salted caramel pecan, peanut butter & jam, and white & dark chocolate chunk make up just some of the options.

If you want something other than cookies and cake, try out the patisseries at Velora Café and Maison Aïdo, or grab a doughnut at Léché Desserts.

Rotating twists and specialty hard ice creams with funky flavour combinations are standard for Dalla Rose. Founded by Nora Gray alumni Michael Dalla Libera and Dick Rosati, the crémerie churns classic vanilla and chocolate, alongside scoops like thyme, ricotta, and olive oil; matcha; and strawberry shortcake.

If you’re closer to Atwater Market, head to Havre-aux-Glace, another artisanal ice cream shop that uses high-quality, local ingredients.

For a slower-paced activity, Saint-Henri has a few galleries worth perusing. Bradley Ertaskiran is a small space on Saint-Antoine that showcases emerging and mid-career artists. Contemporary art is their focus, as are works that challenge traditional form and concepts. BBAM! also exhibits contemporary art, made by emerging and mid-career artists, with a special interest in promoting underrepresented voices and art that engages with cultural identity.

In their one-room store on Notre Dame, Librairie Saint-Henri Books presents an array of English-language titles, ranging from literary classics to local zines. Their contemporary fiction section is especially well-curated, though you can also find solid cookbook and kids/young adult picks. Grab a coffee at the next-door Campanelli, and browse the shelves at your own pace.

Era Vintage Wear is a sustainable vintage boutique in Saint-Henri that transforms clothing from the 1920s to ‘90s—repairing, redesigning, and reconstructing existing garments. Their contemporary creations, inspired by their vintage beginnings, emerge as one-of-a-kind pieces, ready to be worn for whatever you desire.

Sidneys Friperie is a more classic thrift store, with racks of second-hand finds, while Marché Underground boasts an array of homeware from vintage sellers and local artists.

For a homemade sandwich on fresh sourdough bread, there are few places better than Miette Sandwicherie. Emerging from the acclaimed Saint-Henri Boulangerie of the same name, they focus on simple sandwiches made with quality ingredients. While Miette leans French, Club Abierto is proudly Italian, constructing and serving sandwiches on homemade focaccia with a side salad.

If you want something a bit less grab-and-go, Club Social PS provides a great option, with its menu of hoagies, pizzas, and salads. And, at Atwater Market, Aylwin Deli offers American barbecue from its open-air stand.

Cove Beauty is a Saint-Henri nail salon housed in a warm space on Notre Dame. A red brick wall, light wood furniture, and a green-tiled front desk all lend to the calming atmosphere within which their team of manicurists work their magic. Manicures, gel extensions, and pedicures are available, all completed using Canadian-made nail polish.

For those interested in a more passive activity, Montreal Improv presents shows at its theatre to audiences seeking entertainment. They specialize in comedic performances, fostering space for actors and comedians to hone their talents while also inviting spectators into the spontaneity of the moment. Each performance is unpredictable and unrepeatable, shaped in real time.