--°C|Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Restaurants, bars, record shops, street festivals, a spa day, and a surf 'n' beach break: Verdun rewards the curious.
June 9, 2026
The best things to do in Verdun handily demonstrate that it’s one of Montreal's most rewarding neighbourhoods to spend a day in. Sure, Wellington has been named “one of the coolest streets in the world” in the past, but there’s much beyond (and within) that strip to explore.
The strip earns its reputation, lined with some of the best restaurants in Verdun and a bar scene that keeps getting more interesting, but the neighbourhood runs well beyond it. There's a surf break on the Saint Lawrence, a Nordic spa on Île-des-Soeurs, ceramics studios, record shops, and a stretch of riverfront parks that’s home to one of the best beaches in Montreal.
Whether you're after a long lunch on one of the best terrasses in Montreal, a morning spent at one of the best cafés in Montreal, or an evening at a cocktail bar with live music, Verdun has a version of it.
Wellington is Verdun's main artery and one of Montreal's most rewarding streets to explore on foot. The appeal is cumulative: specialty coffee, local fashion, bakeries, natural wine bars, and some of the neighbourhood's best restaurants are layered across a walkable stretch built for lingering. It's a working main street with destination-level pull, and the balance between the two is what keeps it worth returning to. The street also shifts with the seasons, from summer pedestrianization and patio culture to winter art installations and Cabane Panache, the free open-air sugar shack festival that takes over the strip every March.
Beba is a Michelin guide restaurant and number seven on Canada’s 100 best restaurants, both for good reason. This small Argentinian spot is a hard reservation to get, but if you’re lucky to grab one, it doesn't disappoint. A rotating menu crafted with local ingredients strikes balance with dishes that appear no matter the season, like a potato knish with Osetra caviar, and a montadito of mackerel with sesame and horseradish.
If you’re in the mood for something less upscale, try out Cambodian fare at Street Monkeys, the pizza at Welldun, Chinese cuisine at Hong Mere, Mexican at El Sabor de Mexico, vegan food at Archway, and contemporary Italian at Rita.
BENELUX offers locally brewed beers at their Verdun pub, the perfect place to grab a quick pint or settle in for a night of chatting and cards. They have a lovely terrasse area, with tables and chairs in addition to circular booth-style seating, making room for small and large groups alike, while the brewpub’s inside evokes an industrial atmosphere, without feeling sterile. With this welcoming ambience and a menu that spans beyond beers, it’s a great place to hang out with anyone.
Verdun Beach is a quaint natural wine bar on Wellington with an eclectic variety of wines and cocktails. Hang out on their terrasse or sit inside at their bar, with its funky mid-century modern style. Nibble on some of their small plates while sipping on a glass, or grab a drink before heading to dinner. During the day, you can head to their next-door Verdun Beef for lunch, or to peruse their wine shop, which offers a selection of natural and organic wines.
For a neighbourhood with ample access to the Saint Lawrence, it’s no surprise that Verdun has a solid beach scene. Unlike some Montreal beaches, Verdun Beach has a calm swimming area in addition to ample sand space where you can lay down towels. Vague à Guy, the eternal wave near Parc des Rapides, provides the perfect break from relaxation. Bring a board and surf without going anywhere.
If the river isn’t quite your speed, the Natatorium de Verdun, in Parc de l’Honorable-George-O’Reilly, has swimming and wading pools.
Sometimes all you need is the smell of an old leather booth mixed with gravy and french fries. What Casse-Croûte Normande lacks in diner-style booths, they make up in copious amounts of poutine and burgers. Whether you’re nursing a hangover or are just plain ravenous, they serve with the charm and ease of a place that’s been around for a while (which they have since 1964).
Chevalier Blanc is another local diner, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while New Verdun unites Montreal staples like poutine and smoked meat with a menu of Chinese classics.
Parc Arthur-Therrien rests at the top of a line of parks that border the Saint Lawrence. While the whole stretch spans just about seven kilometres, the walk from the top of Parc Arthur-Therrien to the bottom takes just about fifteen minutes. But, really, it can take however long you’d like. Weave in and out of the river-side paths, have a picnic, or head to the play fountains or skatepark. If you want to keep going, just walk south along the river and you’ll hit Parc Monseigneur-J.-A.-Richard, Parc Desmarchais, and more.
Le Billy is a cocktail bar, but they’re best known as a music venue. With shows nearly every night, both live performances and DJ sets from local and emerging artists—there’s always something to see and listen. Verdun Cultural Centre also has rich programming, ranging from music, dance, theatre, film, and more. The 300-seat theatre cultivates an intimate air of cultural engagement, at low prices or free of charge, making it an affordable and interesting activity no matter your budget.
Pulp Books & Cafe is an English bookstore and coffee shop, with book selections across many genres, from bestselling romance to indie literary fiction darlings. The store is inviting, and small, with bookcases along the walls and special picks on display tables in the centre. Sip and browse, or buy a new book and enjoy it with a coffee in the cafe area. Independently owned, with warm, helpful staff, you can browse the stacks by-day, and head to one of their many events (think book launches, book clubs, and more) at night.
Les Bons Débarras is a record store on Wellington that buys and sells French and English vinyl. The shop is small, but well-stocked with a constant stream of new inventory. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll have to search for hours through the stacks, but you’ll always find something interesting. It doubles as a used bookstore, so it’s a great stop for physical media of many kinds, whether you’re picking up a new read or a new album.
Just across the Saint Lawrence, on Nun’s Island, is Strøm Spa Nordique, with an array of facilities and treatments, perfect for a day of relaxation. Hot and cold baths, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, Finnish saunas, relaxation areas, and a restaurant make up only a fraction of what the spa has to offer. Stretch out on an infrared bed, or get a massage in a room surrounded by trees. You could spend an entire day exploring, and there’s no reason not to.
From the Patrick Hébert, formerly of Café Olimpico, Lili & Oli is a cafe with a comforting Italian flair (espresso, pizza, and a special apero menu). They’re not afraid to stray from tradition, though. Cafe lattes share space with matcha and seasonal pumpkin spice, and their generously sized space invites conversation, but doesn’t necessitate that you finish your coffee before heading out the door. It’s a great, contemporary spot, whether you’re meeting friends, doing work, or grabbing a cup to-go.
While Lili & Oli have an Italian foundation, La Base café takes more international inspiration, and is equally a place to get a bite with Japanese soufflé pancakes and Beirut-style satay, plus a drink (or two). Le Patio is a classic third-wave spot, Fluffy’s unites community with good coffee and vegan doughnuts, and Café Après Soleil transforms the laidback atmosphere of surf culture into a community hub.
Boutique Brock-Art epitomizes what it means to shop local. Showcasing the works of over a hundred Quebec creatives, the shop is a haven for ethical, eco-responsible products. There’s a careful curation of various goods, like jewelry, natural cosmetics, kitchenware, stationery, and more. They also offer creative workshops where you can work with experienced artisans and create your own piece.
Also worth a visit are: Harricana, selling locally designed and handcrafted hats; Boutique Atelier Marigold, a made-in-Montreal women’s clothing store; and Boutique Reunion, a home goods store inside the Verdun Bookstore.
Step into Lillipot, and you’re surrounded by green. Plants sprawl across the room, some compact, newly sprouted, others reaching to the ceiling, leaves hanging. A variety of florals add in colour, from potted pieces to intricate arrangements. Whether you’re searching for something new to take care of—and spruce up the living room—or for a bouquet to gift, they’ll wrap it up nicely, and for a good price.
A thirty minute walk down Wellington is Atelier Floral Les 4 Saisons, a staple in the neighbourhood for over 25 years. They sell a diverse array of plants, succulents, cacti, and flowers (both fresh and artificial).
Just off Verdun street, on 4th avenue, rests Atelier Union. Part boutique, part ceramics studio, the shop is a local favourite for pottery classes. They offer courses in two formats, the most popular being three hours of instruction a week for six weeks total. Shorter, occasional classes are also offered, though less frequently. Try your hand at shaping clay or throwing on the wheel. All classes are taught by a diverse array of ceramicists, and students of all levels are welcome to participate.
Every place here was visited by someone on our team.
Restaurants, bars, record shops, street festivals, a spa day, and a surf 'n' beach break: Verdun rewards the curious.
June 9, 2026
The best things to do in Verdun handily demonstrate that it’s one of Montreal's most rewarding neighbourhoods to spend a day in. Sure, Wellington has been named “one of the coolest streets in the world” in the past, but there’s much beyond (and within) that strip to explore.
The strip earns its reputation, lined with some of the best restaurants in Verdun and a bar scene that keeps getting more interesting, but the neighbourhood runs well beyond it. There's a surf break on the Saint Lawrence, a Nordic spa on Île-des-Soeurs, ceramics studios, record shops, and a stretch of riverfront parks that’s home to one of the best beaches in Montreal.
Whether you're after a long lunch on one of the best terrasses in Montreal, a morning spent at one of the best cafés in Montreal, or an evening at a cocktail bar with live music, Verdun has a version of it.
Wellington is Verdun's main artery and one of Montreal's most rewarding streets to explore on foot. The appeal is cumulative: specialty coffee, local fashion, bakeries, natural wine bars, and some of the neighbourhood's best restaurants are layered across a walkable stretch built for lingering. It's a working main street with destination-level pull, and the balance between the two is what keeps it worth returning to. The street also shifts with the seasons, from summer pedestrianization and patio culture to winter art installations and Cabane Panache, the free open-air sugar shack festival that takes over the strip every March.
Beba is a Michelin guide restaurant and number seven on Canada’s 100 best restaurants, both for good reason. This small Argentinian spot is a hard reservation to get, but if you’re lucky to grab one, it doesn't disappoint. A rotating menu crafted with local ingredients strikes balance with dishes that appear no matter the season, like a potato knish with Osetra caviar, and a montadito of mackerel with sesame and horseradish.
If you’re in the mood for something less upscale, try out Cambodian fare at Street Monkeys, the pizza at Welldun, Chinese cuisine at Hong Mere, Mexican at El Sabor de Mexico, vegan food at Archway, and contemporary Italian at Rita.
BENELUX offers locally brewed beers at their Verdun pub, the perfect place to grab a quick pint or settle in for a night of chatting and cards. They have a lovely terrasse area, with tables and chairs in addition to circular booth-style seating, making room for small and large groups alike, while the brewpub’s inside evokes an industrial atmosphere, without feeling sterile. With this welcoming ambience and a menu that spans beyond beers, it’s a great place to hang out with anyone.
Verdun Beach is a quaint natural wine bar on Wellington with an eclectic variety of wines and cocktails. Hang out on their terrasse or sit inside at their bar, with its funky mid-century modern style. Nibble on some of their small plates while sipping on a glass, or grab a drink before heading to dinner. During the day, you can head to their next-door Verdun Beef for lunch, or to peruse their wine shop, which offers a selection of natural and organic wines.
For a neighbourhood with ample access to the Saint Lawrence, it’s no surprise that Verdun has a solid beach scene. Unlike some Montreal beaches, Verdun Beach has a calm swimming area in addition to ample sand space where you can lay down towels. Vague à Guy, the eternal wave near Parc des Rapides, provides the perfect break from relaxation. Bring a board and surf without going anywhere.
If the river isn’t quite your speed, the Natatorium de Verdun, in Parc de l’Honorable-George-O’Reilly, has swimming and wading pools.
Sometimes all you need is the smell of an old leather booth mixed with gravy and french fries. What Casse-Croûte Normande lacks in diner-style booths, they make up in copious amounts of poutine and burgers. Whether you’re nursing a hangover or are just plain ravenous, they serve with the charm and ease of a place that’s been around for a while (which they have since 1964).
Chevalier Blanc is another local diner, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while New Verdun unites Montreal staples like poutine and smoked meat with a menu of Chinese classics.
Parc Arthur-Therrien rests at the top of a line of parks that border the Saint Lawrence. While the whole stretch spans just about seven kilometres, the walk from the top of Parc Arthur-Therrien to the bottom takes just about fifteen minutes. But, really, it can take however long you’d like. Weave in and out of the river-side paths, have a picnic, or head to the play fountains or skatepark. If you want to keep going, just walk south along the river and you’ll hit Parc Monseigneur-J.-A.-Richard, Parc Desmarchais, and more.
Le Billy is a cocktail bar, but they’re best known as a music venue. With shows nearly every night, both live performances and DJ sets from local and emerging artists—there’s always something to see and listen. Verdun Cultural Centre also has rich programming, ranging from music, dance, theatre, film, and more. The 300-seat theatre cultivates an intimate air of cultural engagement, at low prices or free of charge, making it an affordable and interesting activity no matter your budget.
Pulp Books & Cafe is an English bookstore and coffee shop, with book selections across many genres, from bestselling romance to indie literary fiction darlings. The store is inviting, and small, with bookcases along the walls and special picks on display tables in the centre. Sip and browse, or buy a new book and enjoy it with a coffee in the cafe area. Independently owned, with warm, helpful staff, you can browse the stacks by-day, and head to one of their many events (think book launches, book clubs, and more) at night.
Les Bons Débarras is a record store on Wellington that buys and sells French and English vinyl. The shop is small, but well-stocked with a constant stream of new inventory. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll have to search for hours through the stacks, but you’ll always find something interesting. It doubles as a used bookstore, so it’s a great stop for physical media of many kinds, whether you’re picking up a new read or a new album.
Just across the Saint Lawrence, on Nun’s Island, is Strøm Spa Nordique, with an array of facilities and treatments, perfect for a day of relaxation. Hot and cold baths, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, Finnish saunas, relaxation areas, and a restaurant make up only a fraction of what the spa has to offer. Stretch out on an infrared bed, or get a massage in a room surrounded by trees. You could spend an entire day exploring, and there’s no reason not to.
From the Patrick Hébert, formerly of Café Olimpico, Lili & Oli is a cafe with a comforting Italian flair (espresso, pizza, and a special apero menu). They’re not afraid to stray from tradition, though. Cafe lattes share space with matcha and seasonal pumpkin spice, and their generously sized space invites conversation, but doesn’t necessitate that you finish your coffee before heading out the door. It’s a great, contemporary spot, whether you’re meeting friends, doing work, or grabbing a cup to-go.
While Lili & Oli have an Italian foundation, La Base café takes more international inspiration, and is equally a place to get a bite with Japanese soufflé pancakes and Beirut-style satay, plus a drink (or two). Le Patio is a classic third-wave spot, Fluffy’s unites community with good coffee and vegan doughnuts, and Café Après Soleil transforms the laidback atmosphere of surf culture into a community hub.
Boutique Brock-Art epitomizes what it means to shop local. Showcasing the works of over a hundred Quebec creatives, the shop is a haven for ethical, eco-responsible products. There’s a careful curation of various goods, like jewelry, natural cosmetics, kitchenware, stationery, and more. They also offer creative workshops where you can work with experienced artisans and create your own piece.
Also worth a visit are: Harricana, selling locally designed and handcrafted hats; Boutique Atelier Marigold, a made-in-Montreal women’s clothing store; and Boutique Reunion, a home goods store inside the Verdun Bookstore.
Step into Lillipot, and you’re surrounded by green. Plants sprawl across the room, some compact, newly sprouted, others reaching to the ceiling, leaves hanging. A variety of florals add in colour, from potted pieces to intricate arrangements. Whether you’re searching for something new to take care of—and spruce up the living room—or for a bouquet to gift, they’ll wrap it up nicely, and for a good price.
A thirty minute walk down Wellington is Atelier Floral Les 4 Saisons, a staple in the neighbourhood for over 25 years. They sell a diverse array of plants, succulents, cacti, and flowers (both fresh and artificial).
Just off Verdun street, on 4th avenue, rests Atelier Union. Part boutique, part ceramics studio, the shop is a local favourite for pottery classes. They offer courses in two formats, the most popular being three hours of instruction a week for six weeks total. Shorter, occasional classes are also offered, though less frequently. Try your hand at shaping clay or throwing on the wheel. All classes are taught by a diverse array of ceramicists, and students of all levels are welcome to participate.
Every place here was visited by someone on our team.
