Au Papier Japonais is a shrine to traditional Japanese paper and craftsmanship, quietly holding court in the Mile End for decades. The shop specializes in washi, a type of handmade Japanese paper, with over 800 varieties lining the shelves in a dizzying array of textures and patterns. The collection doesn’t stop there: you’ll also find specialty papers from around the world, Rhodia notebooks, letter-writing sets, calligraphy tools, and sleek office supplies. Beyond paper, there are tea cups, bento boxes, and small decorative objects—each item carefully curated with a strong thread of Japanese design. When workshops are running, they dig into the art of origami, bookbinding, and calligraphy. Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift or looking to reconnect with the tactile, analogue world, this place offers a quiet kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else.

What started as a tiny storefront on Fairmount has grown into one of the busiest—and most community-minded—bakeries in Montreal. Boulangerie Guillaume made its name by taking the bones of traditional French baking and adapting them to the city’s rhythms: crusty bâtards, Mediterranean-style ciabattas, airy fougasses, and the now-famous apple buns based on the baker’s mother’s recipe. Founders Guillaume Vaillant and Valériane Lamirande-Gauvin launched the operation in 2010, living above the shop and building out a model that prioritizes worker ownership and creativity. As demand grew, they expanded down the Main, turning multiple adjacent spaces into a seamless production and retail hub. There’s even a public green space out front—part park, part terrace—open to anyone, 24/7. On any given day, the bread wall alone offers 80-plus options, and the viennoiserie team keeps things experimental without losing sight of flavour. It’s a place that runs on skill, generosity, and the kind of structure that lets good ideas rise.

Cinéma Moderne isn’t just a movie theatre—it’s a Mile End gathering spot that folds film, conversation, and good food into one sharp little package. Opened in 2018 by Alexandre Domingue and Roxanne Sayegh, the 54-seat micro-cinema screens an eclectic mix of auteur films, international festival circuit gems, shorts, and documentaries year-round. Equipped with 4K laser projection, 16mm and 35mm projectors, and Dolby Atmos sound, the room is built to do justice to any era or genre. Out front, the café-bar serves up local coffee, cocktails inspired by classic films, and easygoing plates like steamed buns and charcuterie, with everything priced to stay accessible. You can take your drink into the theatre, linger on the sunny terrasse, or stick around after the credits roll for a post-film debate. In a neighbourhood that’s no stranger to hybrid spaces, Cinéma Moderne stands out as one of the city’s most inviting.

When Kem Coba’s pink awning goes up, it’s a sure sign that summer has hit Mile End. Since 2010, Ngoc Phan and Vincent Beck have been drawing lines down Fairmount Avenue with their small-batch ice cream and sorbets, crafted without preservatives or shortcuts. Phan, a pastry and chocolate chef trained at Montreal’s ITHQ, and Beck, a French pastry chef turned ice cream maker, channel their restless creativity into flavour combinations rarely seen elsewhere—think durian, pandan, coconut-mango, or salted butter caramelized in-house. The shop’s name, meaning “third auntie’s ice cream” in Vietnamese, hints at the intimacy behind the operation: a neighbourhood institution built on personal history, family ties, and obsessive attention to craft. With a second location now open in the east end, Kem Coba’s fanbase only continues to grow—and yes, the wait is part of the ritual.

Wedged just across from Laurier metro, Café Noble is small, fast, and serious about its coffee. Opened in 2015 by engineer-turned-barista Marc-Antoine Paquin and his partner Marie-Hélène Choquette, the tiny counter grew out of a West Coast road trip and a love for Third Wave coffee. The house blend, roasted by Toronto’s De Mello Palheta, is always on deck—bright, balanced, and built for everyday drinking—while guest roasters rotate through the grinders every few days. Hof Kelsten pastries round out the offering, and in summer, an ice cream stand and cold brew floats take over the terrasse out front. Inside, there’s just enough room to grab your espresso or latte before getting back to it. With discounts for reusable mugs and bulk coffee buyers, Café Noble keeps it simple: Good coffee, quickly, and with just enough space to breathe when the weather’s good.

For two decades and counting, Jun I has been setting the standard for refined Japanese cuisine in Montreal. Opened in 2005 by chef Junichi Ikematsu, this Laurier Avenue institution has become a go-to for sushi lovers and fine dining enthusiasts alike. Ikematsu, originally from Japan, honed his craft in Quebec before launching his own restaurant, blending Japanese tradition with a subtle French influence—a balance that makes his cuisine both distinctive and deeply satisfying.

The menu reflects this measured fusion: immaculately fresh sashimi and maki sit alongside hot dishes with European accents, all crafted with meticulous technique. Tasting menus showcases the chef’s range, featuring expertly prepared proteins and delicate, flavourful sushi. Beyond its dining room, Jun I adapted to the times by introducing Okini, a gourmet boutique offering house-made sauces, ready-to-eat meals, and private sake imports.

Despite the challenges of rising costs and a shifting industry, Jun I remains a pillar of Montreal’s culinary scene, consistently ranked among Canada’s top restaurants. The secret? Unwavering quality, deep respect for Japanese tradition, and an intimate, welcoming experience that keeps diners returning year after year.

Born from the team behind Jun I, Ôkini is a tribute to Japanese culinary tradition shaped into three parts: a grocery, a counter for ready-to-eat meals, and an intimate omakase experience. On Laurier Avenue West, this small, beautifully pared-down space stocks everything needed for home sushi-making, along with fresh chirashi, katsu sandos, and Franco-Japanese pastries by Tomoko Watanabe. By day, it’s a quiet spot for a pour-over coffee or yuzu lemonade; by night, it transforms into an eight-seat bar where chef Junichi Ikematsu serves an omakase meal piece by piece. Channeling the spirit of Japan’s kaku-uchi—a cross between a bar and a convenience store—Ôkini also offers casual tastings of sake, beer, and snacks. A true extension of Jun I’s craft, it’s a place where exceptional ingredients meet an open-door, no-fuss philosophy.

Mount Royal is the beating heart of Montreal. This Quebec heritage site, shaped by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1876, offers year-round escapades on its 764-foot “mountain”. Divided across three summits—de la Croix, Westmount Summit, and Tiohtià:ke Otsira’kéhne—this iconic destination weaves history, nature, and recreation into an essential urban experience.

In winter, Mount Royal’s slopes transform into thrilling tobogganing trails, while its meandering paths remain accessible for those eager to hike through snow-dappled forests. Summer is when the park truly shines: Beaver Lake is perfect for barbecues and picnics, while the northern side comes alive with Tam-Tams, a weekly Sunday drum circle near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument that has drawn Montrealers for over four decades.

The park’s trails and lookouts cater to all explorers, from leisurely walkers to intrepid hikers seeking ever-changing city views. And for the more rugged adventurer? Stray from the beaten path to discover hidden plateaus and untouched wilderness—where possible, that is, as caretakers don’t want you trampling anything precious.

Whether you’re sledding, biking, jogging, or soaking in the sweeping vistas, Mount Royal remains an evergreen escape—a green lung breathing life into Montreal year after year.

For Montreal’s ça va de soi, knitwear’s a manifesto against the fast-fashion frenzy. This family-run house has spent decades perfecting essentials that are timeless with top-notch natural fibres like Egyptian cotton and New Zealand wool. Every item reflects a commitment to quality, from buttery-soft sweaters to care products like bespoke soaps and repair kits.

Anchored in Mile-End with outposts in Toronto, Quebec City, and Ottawa, ça va de soi creates clothing meant to outlive trends. Their muted palette—think taupe, navy, and black—gets the occasional jolt of lilac or crimson. Founder Antoine Nasri’s mantra, “clothes with soul,” underscores their approach: Slow, sustainable, and human-centered.

Pho MyMy keeps things straightforward: rich broths, quick service, and some of the better-priced bowls of pho and bun bo hue you’ll find around. With four locations—Acadie, Décarie, Laval, and Saint-Denis—this Vietnamese spot leans on slow-simmered broths, fresh herbs, and a no-fuss attitude. Bowls like the #7 pho, loaded with meats and fragrant basil, tend to land fast and steaming hot at your table. The menu stretches beyond soup to include banh mi, poké bowls, bubble tea, and classic desserts like chè ba màu. Some say the service vibe can vary, but most diners agree: when the broth hits right, it’s worth it. Clean, efficient, and satisfying without trying to impress you, Pho MyMy is built for regulars who know a good bowl when they taste one.

Boutique Safran feels less like a store and more like a curated extension of someone’s good taste. Run by owner Marie-Josée, whose warmth is as much a part of the shop as the goods she selects, this Plateau boutique offers a refined mix of home linens, women’s ready-to-wear, jewellery, accessories, fragrances, and occasional second-hand finds. Brands like Bleu Forêt, Ilse Jacobsen, David Fussenegger, and Alexandre Turpault hint at the focus on quality materials and timeless pieces. The shelves are stocked with everything from Frasier Fir scents and Japanese Uchino towels to cozy throws and carefully chosen fashion staples. There’s no rush here—just thoughtful browsing.

Since 2002, Argent Tonic has been a quiet force on Laurier Avenue, where Aaron Maya transforms silver and semi-precious stones into wearable works of art. Originally from Mexico, Maya brings an intuitive, hands-on approach to jewellery, pairing Montreal’s understated charm with bursts of Mexican warmth. Each piece—whether a hammered silver ring, a cascade of stone-set earrings, or a hand-molded pendant—tells a story rooted in craftsmanship and material discovery. Working alongside Teresa Gonzalez, founder of the TEGO brand, Maya continues to refine Argent Tonic’s signature style: exuberant yet grounded, original without ever feeling overworked. Beyond the ready-to-wear collection, the boutique also offers custom design and repairs, welcoming those who want something singular.

Since 2008, Boutique Unicorn has anchored itself on Saint-Laurent Boulevard as a sharp, stylish outpost for women’s fashion with an independent streak. Founded by Amélie Thellen and Mélanie Robillard, Unicorn was among the first shops in Montreal to spotlight local designers alongside select international labels. The focus here is on quality, originality, and pieces you actually want to live in—whether it’s a perfectly cut pair of trousers, handmade jewellery, or a standout accessory. Even through major challenges like the pandemic, the team’s creativity and loyalty to their clientele never wavered, building a strong online presence while keeping service personal. Expect an easygoing, knowledgeable staff ready to steer you towards pieces you didn’t know you needed.

With over thirty years of experience behind it, Fleurs Marie Vermette has quietly built a reputation for crafting some of the Plateau’s most elegant floral arrangements. Located on Laurier Avenue East, this boutique leans on local blooms, high-end products, and a team of designers who understand that the best bouquets balance precision with personality. Whether it’s a wedding, a new arrival, or just a simple gesture, the florists here tailor each arrangement to the occasion, offering contemporary designs with fresh, daily imports and seasonal flowers like Quebec-grown tulips and dahlias. Beyond bouquets, the shop also curates home décor accents, making it a destination for those looking to mark a moment—or just brighten a Tuesday. Personalized service, attention to detail, and a sense of quiet refinement are what keep customers coming back.

Since 1960, the National Theatre School of Canada has shaped some of the country’s most influential theatre, film, and television artists. Based on Saint-Denis Street in Montreal, NTS offers professional training in English and French across acting, directing, playwriting, design, and production. Its model blends tradition with innovation, emphasizing both transmission and creation. Alumni include names like Sandra Oh, Roy Dupuis, and Wajdi Mouawad, and the School’s reach extends far beyond its Montreal campus to stages and screens around the world. In addition to professional programs, NTS now offers community engagement initiatives, artistic residencies, and public workshops, ensuring that its expertise is accessible to a broader range of Canadians. Rooted in Montreal’s creative history and carrying the cultural traditions of the Kanien’kehá:ka territory where it stands, NTS continues to evolve, balancing a deep respect for the craft with a sharp eye on the future of performance.

Over the decades, NTS has built key pillars of its legacy, from acquiring and restoring the Monument-National theatre in 1978 to launching the Écriture dramatique and Playwriting programs in the 1970s and 1980s. In recent years, it established the Artistic Residency Program and rescued the Sears Drama Festival, now known as DRAMAFEST, expanding its commitment to cultivating both emerging talent and broader access to the performing arts across the country.