Lafleur’s Hochelaga location carries the weight of decades of Quebec fast-food history. What started as a simple “voiture à patates” in LaSalle back in 1951 has since grown into a chain that’s cemented itself as part of Montreal’s roadside culture. Denis Vinet’s vision, rooted in a family dairy farm, evolved into a brand synonymous with steamies, fresh-cut fries, and unapologetically old-school poutine. The Hochelaga outpost stays true to the formula: no-frills counter service, golden fries prepared on-site, and hot dogs done the classic Quebec way. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best food experiences aren’t about reinvention—they’re about getting it right, time and time again.

La Taquería d’Hochelag brings the spirit of a family-run Mexican kitchen to the heart of Hochelaga. The menu sticks to the essentials—tacos, nachos, quesadillas—executed with a focus on authenticity and generous portions. Their brunch lineup introduces a deeper dive into regional Mexican flavours, with chilaquiles, tostadas de tinga, and huevos rancheros drawing a loyal following.

Regulars swear by the salsa verde, while others praise the restaurant’s ability to pull off last-minute catering miracles. The vibe is casual, with a no-fuss dining room that doubles as a showcase for axolotl-themed Indigenous artwork. While consistency in portion sizes has been a point of debate, the spot remains a go-to for those craving comforting, straightforward Mexican food, whether dining in or ordering out.

Bric à Brac Jouets is a haven for toy lovers of all ages. This independent shop in Hochelaga is packed with everything from classic board games and building sets to plush toys, puzzles, and intricate figurines. Whether you’re on the hunt for an educational game, a nostalgic throwback, or a last-minute birthday gift, the selection is deep enough to keep you browsing for hours.

Beyond the sheer variety, what sets Bric à Brac apart is its service. The staff knows their inventory inside and out, offering thoughtful recommendations without the hard sell. Regulars appreciate the personal touch—if you need something set aside, a quick call gets it sorted. Even the layout makes for a fun visit, with treasures tucked into every corner, including a basement filled with surprises. For those who believe toys aren’t just for kids, this place proves the point.

Saputo Stadium is Montreal’s dedicated soccer venue, standing in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium’s iconic inclined tower. Originally built in 2007 for the Montreal Impact’s NASL days, the stadium opened in May 2008 with a capacity of just over 13,000. But when the club secured its spot in Major League Soccer in 2010, expansion became inevitable. A $23 million investment from the Quebec government brought capacity to nearly 20,000, adding corporate suites, a partial roof, and upgraded seating—transforming it into a true MLS-caliber venue.

Designed with a natural grass pitch that quickly became a favourite among players, Saputo Stadium remains CF Montréal’s home turf and headquarters. While its history isn’t as extensive as its neighbour, the stadium has seen its fair share of memorable moments, including a dominant 4-1 victory against the Seattle Sounders in its post-renovation debut. Compact but purpose-built, it’s an essential piece of the city’s soccer culture.

Feu Hochelaga is more than just a vintage thrift store—it’s a carefully curated collection of retro gems with a distinct nod to pop culture and old-school sportswear. Set beside Le Rond-Point café (and directly connected to it), the shop offers a tightly edited selection of clothing that leans into nostalgia without feeling outdated. Expect everything from classic jerseys and worn-in denim to rare finds that make you wonder how they ended up in Montreal in the first place.

Le Rond-Point is a cornerstone of Hochelaga’s community life. More than a spot for coffee and breakfast sandwiches (which, by the way, are served all day), this self-managed cooperative operates with a clear mission: inclusivity, accessibility, and a commitment to fostering local culture. Founded by Héloïse Lanouette, the space has evolved alongside the neighbourhood, adapting to shifting demographics and economic realities while staying true to its roots.

The café’s menu leans into comfort—think grilled cheese, homemade syrups, and seasonal brunch specials—while the space itself doubles as a gathering place, offering a mix of sofas, work-friendly tables, and even a kid-friendly corner. Prices remain deliberately affordable, and the café shares its walls with a vintage clothing store, a natural extension of its DIY ethos. Whether you’re here for a long work session, a quick coffee, or just to check out what’s new in the neighbourhood, Le Rond-Point is a spot that feels like it belongs to everyone.

Z Bookstore is a comic shop, but it’s also a full-fledged cultural space where literature, art, and community collide. Since opening in 2016, this Hochelaga-Maisonneuve staple has evolved from a specialty store into a dynamic hub for graphic storytelling in all its forms. Stocking everything from American and European comics to manga, manhwa, and indie gems, Z Bookstore caters to casual readers and hardcore collectors alike, with selections in French, English, and even Spanish and Japanese.

Beyond the shelves, their second-floor Zone Z transforms the space into a creative nerve centre, hosting exhibitions, signings, podcasts, and even food events inspired by graphic novels. Their online pull-list system ensures fans never miss a release, while in-store events keep the local comics scene thriving. Browse, discover something new, or just soak up the energy of a space dedicated to the art of storytelling.

L’Épicerie & Café Ste-Madeleine is part neighbourhood grocer, part café, and entirely a reflection of what makes a local spot worth returning to. Stocked with organic and locally sourced produce, dairy, and prepared foods—including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options—it’s a go-to for anyone looking for quality ingredients without the markup. The shelves also carry an impressive selection of fair-trade coffee, craft beers, and specialty goods, blending the essentials with a few hard-to-find treats.

Beyond the groceries, the café side offers expertly brewed coffee, matcha, and fresh pastries, plus a menu of hearty sandwiches and empanadas that have earned a loyal following. The space is unpretentious, warm, and run by a team that knows its regulars by name. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso, picking up a few ingredients, or lingering over a croissant, Ste-Madeleine delivers a simple, well-curated experience that feels increasingly rare in the city.

Parc Maisonneuve is 63 hectares of wide-open space, a rare expanse of greenery in the heart of the city that shifts with the seasons. Once a golf course—traces of the fairways still visible—it now hosts everything from cross-country skiing and skating in winter to picnics and bike rides in summer. It’s also home to one of Montreal’s more unexpected sights: a small flock of sheep grazing in the park’s northern section, part of an urban eco-grazing project that includes a henhouse, beehives, and vegetable gardens. Just next door, the Botanical Garden, Insectarium, and Olympic Park add layers of discovery. The park also serves as the backdrop for major events, including the city’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations. Whether you’re here for a quiet morning run or a full day of exploring, Maisonneuve offers plenty of room to roam—and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

The Golf municipal de Montréal is a rare find: a public nine-hole course with a driving range, tucked right next to Parc Maisonneuve. What remains today is a scaled-down version of what was once the city’s first public golf course, a sprawling 36-hole layout that hosted the Canadian Open in 1967 before the Olympic Games reshaped the landscape. Originally designed by Albert Murray in the 1920s, the course was a staple for both the city’s English-speaking elite and everyday Montrealers looking to play without country club membership.

Now reduced to a par-3 course with 29 practice enclosures, it’s an accessible and affordable way to work on your game in an urban setting. Private and group lessons are available, and equipment rentals make it easy for casual players to drop in. While its grandeur has faded, its legacy as a democratizing force in Montreal’s golf scene lives on.

Cinéma Starcité Montréal is a modern 17-screen multiplex catering to French-speaking moviegoers looking for the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Located east of downtown, it offers a sleek, high-capacity venue with immersive 3D screenings and spacious auditoriums designed for a full cinematic experience. Unlike some of the city’s older, character-driven theatres, Starcité leans into the blockbuster experience—big screens, big sound, and all the popcorn you can handle. It’s a go-to spot for mainstream releases, late-night premieres, and casual outings where the focus is on spectacle over curation.

Parc Morgan is a fully revamped urban retreat that caters to all ages. Following a nearly $2 million renovation, this Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve park now features two thoughtfully designed playgrounds, a splash pad, and an outdoor fitness area. The splash pad, in particular, stands out: a massive network of ground jets and a meandering water stream create an interactive, almost hypnotic display, making it one of the best in the city.

For kids, the park’s castle-themed play structures offer everything from climbing walls to giant rope webs. The toddler section is tucked into its own semi-fenced area, while the big-kid zone is more open. Adults can take advantage of the fitness equipment, pétanque courts, or simply lounge by the original stone chalet. With picnic tables, nearby cafés, and even a Metro grocery store across the street, Parc Morgan blends convenience with serious outdoor fun.

The Maisonneuve Library is a striking blend of history and modernity, housed in what was once the city hall of the former Cité de Maisonneuve. Built in 1912 in the Beaux-Arts style, the building has seen a dramatic evolution—from municipal governance to a pioneering cancer treatment institute—before becoming a library in 1981. A major $23.2 million restoration and expansion, completed in 2023, transformed it into a contemporary cultural hub while preserving its architectural heritage.

Today, the library offers much more than books. It features a Medialab, tool and seed lending programs, digital resources, and community workshops. Its glass-enclosed expansions create bright, open spaces designed for both quiet study and social interaction. With regular events, exhibitions, and even a podcasting studio, Maisonneuve Library embodies the shift toward libraries as dynamic, multi-use public spaces. It’s not just a place to borrow books—it’s a place to connect, create, and learn.

Maisonneuve Market has been a cornerstone of community commerce in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve for over a century. Originally housed in a grand Beaux-Arts stone building designed by Marius Dufresne in 1912, the market thrived for decades as a hub for farmers, butchers, and fishmongers. Municipal closures in the 1960s forced a hiatus, but thanks to persistent local efforts, it reopened as a farmers’ market in 1980. By 1995, a new, modern building just steps from the original structure restored its full role as a public market.

Today, Maisonneuve Market is a year-round destination for fresh, locally sourced goods, from produce and baked goods to meats, cheeses, and flowers. Vendors bring deep knowledge of their products, making it as much a place for culinary discovery as it is for grocery shopping. Seasonal festivals, tastings, and family-friendly events add to its vibrant atmosphere, ensuring it remains a vital part of Montreal’s market culture.

Restaurant Hochelaga is one of those unassuming neighbourhood spots that delivers where it counts: solid pizza, generous portions, and a few unexpected menu twists. Operating strictly as takeout and delivery since the pandemic, it skips the frills and focuses on thick-crust, cheese-laden pies that locals swear by. Beyond the pizza, the menu leans into classic diner-meets-Greek-joint territory, with burgers, fresh pasta, and hefty subs. The veggie burger with pineapple and BBQ sauce is a standout wildcard—an oddball combo that somehow works. If this place were in Mile End, it would have a cult following and a lineup down the block. Instead, it remains a low-key gem for those in the know.

Bijouterie Saïd is the kind of place that keeps customers coming back—for both the jewelry and the service. A fixture in the neighborhood, this boutique specializes in gold, silver, pearls, and precious stones, offering a carefully curated selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. Whether you’re looking for a standout piece or a subtle everyday accessory, the collection balances modern elegance with classic craftsmanship.

But what really sets Bijouterie Saïd apart is its old-school approach to service. Run by an all-women team, the store has a warm, no-rush atmosphere where customers are treated like regulars, whether they’re shopping for something new or bringing in a beloved piece for repair. The on-site jeweler ensures that everything from minor fixes to full custom creations is handled with care. If you’re into fine jewelry with a personal touch, this is the place.