Montreal, the most European influenced city in Canada, has adopted many old world elements that give it a distinct flavor—but none more enticing to the adventurous visitor than the tradition of cabaret. The varied, performance/entertainment show with a large helping of music, a dash of political commentary and a liberal sprinkling of risqué bawdiness, takes many forms in the city. There is literally something for everyone. For those yearning for the traditional bill of fare of music, dance and a bit …More

How many cities do you know can boast a world-class roller coaster only a short subway ride from the downtown core? Well, if that’s the kind of thrill you crave to offset those hours of sightseeing and gallery hopping, then Montreal is your city. Just southeast of downtown, nestled under the Jacques Cartier Bridge is Ile Sainte Helene. This tiny island in the St Lawrence River was the original site of Expo ’67, the most successful World’s Fair of the 20th Century. For those of you old enough to …More

Who doesn’t want to kick back in the coolest Canadian city and soak up some jazz on a laid back evening. But where to do it? In the city that once boasted the hottest Jazz scene north of the border, the Montreal Jazz Festival is now the best time to hear swinging sounds in the heart of the city. But what about the other 50 weeks of the year? Fortunately the best hotspots are to be found downtown and the grub they serve is both tasty and affordable. The gold standard by Montrealer reckoning is Upstairs. In …More

Tucked away in Montreal’s gay village on rue Ste Catherine, placed conveniently above a drug store and beside the Berri-UQAM Metro station is one of the city’s hottest, wildest weekend party experiences you’ll find. Now in its sixth year, Circus After Hours celebrates the carnal and the carnival, with three rooms filling over 20,000 square feet of high-energy hedonism. Call it Ringling Bros meets Roxy. Top hatted barkers invite passersbys to climb the stairs to two dance rooms featuring trance, …More

Amidst the rich Arts and Culture landscape of Montreal the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts stands out as unique. Nestled in the largely residential neighborhood of Cotes-des-Nieges-Notre-Dame-de-Grace, on the west side of the landmark mount, the Segal Centre has been a beacon of Jewish Arts and Culture since it first opened as the Saidye Bronfman Centre in 1967. In 2007 the theatre underwent a major face-lift (and the name change), losing a gallery space and some arts studios to facilitate the addition of a …More

Montreal is a shopping tourist’s mecca. You can find everything from the obscure to the opulent and pick up tchotchkes for everyone you left at home. A good place to start is Old Montreal, the original port town from the 1600s, these days centered around rue St Paul Ouest.  The old stone buildings now house a collection of cafes, boutiques and, of course, art galleries carrying works of varying sizes and quality, from the subtle and stylized to the downright kitsche.  Also on St Paul is a growing …More

Waiting at the airport for a flight is usually thought of as something really boring. But it doesn’t have to be. A few hours at the Montreal Pierre Elliott International Trudeau airport is an experience in and of itself. Eat at fine restaurants, shop for trendy clothing or just browse on the Internet using the free Wi-Fi. First stop—the airport florist, located in the arrivals section, is a perfect way to spend an hour or so. Visitors can look for the perfect bouquet of flowers to put a big smile on …More

  Nestled just north of Montreal’s famous Mont Royal is the borough of Outremont (literally “beyond the mountain”). This is the smallest of Montreal’s boroughs and is home to a sizeable Hassidic Jewish community, which comprises 20% of Outremont’s population. Its other claim to fame is less appealing to visitors from the south—it was the first place in the world to use a snow blower to clear snow from the streets in winter. A visit to Outremont might feel a little like …More

Any visitor to Montreal cannot help but end up on Blvd Saint-Laurent eventually. It has been the central north-south artery for the city since the 1600s and has been the main boundary between the east and west halves of the city ever since, adopting the nickname “the Main” in the process. Traditionally, it has also marked the divide between Anglo and Franco Montreal, with the English community (including a sizeable Jewish community) settling to the west of Saint-Laurent and the French community to the …More

Sure you can walk around Montreal to get a feel of the city but what better way to get to know a new city than bike riding? So go ahead—rent a bike, and then let the wind go through your hair. You’ll feel a new sense of freedom like you never have before.  There are several tour companies in Montreal, so make sure you do your research so you pick the right one for your needs.  Montreal On Wheels is Montreal’s largest rental center in Montreal. Rent a bike if you like going solo. Each …More

Montrealers rise to see the sun glinting on the iconic cross at the top of the Mount. The hardier ones go for a run up Mont Royal, while most just trudge their way to breakfast at inviting haunts like La Binerie Mont Royal, a Montreal establishment that has been serving the Montreal staple of beans and toast since 1940.  While the city does have a Metro (subway) system, the stations always seem to land about five blocks from where you actually want to go, so most working folks wait in long queues for the …More

If you really want to experience Montreal’s authentic coffee—try skipping all the Starbucks and the Starbucks wannabes including Second Cup, Van Houtte, Tim Hortons, and try some of the many authentic cafes around town. You’ll drink better coffee, taste better desserts and really get to experience Montreal like a local.  Want to hang out in an artist community and drink wine? Cluny Artbar located in an artist coop called the Darling Foundry serves coffee, tea, wine, and has an amazing drink …More