Winter is coming and Montreal is about be cold for about six months (we wish we were joking). Despite the looming winter, we've put together some of our team member’s Montreal recs (hi Izzy, Evelyn, and Clara) so you can maybe discover something new or have your great taste validated!! Split into different categories so you can easily mix and match to create the perfect day, these recommendations will ensure that you have a great time in the city. 

Shopping

Evelyn: Annex Vintage and Take Three

I live and die by Annex Vintage!! This is one of my favorite stores in all of Montreal and every time I have even a cent in my pocket I’m heading to Annex Vintage to spend it. This store is located in the Mile End area on Saint Laurent and it features the perfect mix of new goods, like candles, various print publications like apartamento, hair clips, etc and an amazingly good curated selection of vintage clothes. I’ve found so many great things there and that’s why I keep coming back. Also, Take Three is one of my best kept secrets– incredible vintage finds and lots of new designers. 

Clara: Eva B

I’m not a huge shopper in Montréal but Eva B is a vintage shop that I always love! They have multiple floors and tons of items to sift through, like cheap jewelry bins, winter coats and cute blouses. They’re located on Saint Laurent and are near tons of local cafés for a post-shopping break!

Izzy: Meubles Bazar Grand Berger and Friperie Kapara Vintage

I also don't do that much shopping in Montreal, but I love the thrill of the hunt rather than super curated stores. One of my favorite places that I have found so far has been Meubles Bazar Grand Berger near Atwater market. My perfect day would be grabbing a delicious pastry and coffee from Atwater, admiring all the fresh fruits and veg, and then hitting the grand bizarre to find some really affordable and unique pieces. It is kind of a diamond in the rough kind of places filled to the brim with racks and bins of clothing. It is not for the weak, but I have found amazing stuff! Another place that is smaller and a little more curated, but still relatively affordable is Friperie Kapara Vintage on St. Denis! They have a great selection of jackets and little slip dresses!

Bars/Clubs 

Evelyn: Sans Soleil, Datcha, Rockette, Bar L’Esco 

I don’t go out that much (I’m very partial to house parties), but when I do go out I love to dance. Sans Soleil is one of my favorite clubs for just this reason. They’re a vinyl club in the basement of a building in Chinatown (hence the name "sans soleil" or no sun in english) that always plays such good music. Another one of my favorites is Datcha, a bar that sometimes has a club-like vibe, and always has amazing drinks. I’ve also had good nights at Rockette and a couple of other bars/clubs on St. Denis street like Bar L’Esco or Pow Pow.

Clara: Cabaret Vol de Nuit, Sans Soleil, Le Darling, La Voûte, Flyjin

Le Darling is one of my favorite bars in the plateau. They have a cozy and intimate aesthetic which is perfect for casual drinks with friends, if you’re feeling too tired to club! If you’re feeling hungry after, the bar is located near Patati Patata which is a famous poutine place in Montréal. Flyjin is a smaller club located in Old Port, and a new favorite of mine. They have more ‘formal’ attire, so if you’re looking to dress up and listen to good house music, this club is the place to be. I highly recommend going to Flyjin only on Wednesdays, as those are their best nights. Another one of my recent favorites is La Voûte, located in Old Port. If you’re looking for a ‘true club’ experience, I would definitely recommend checking out this club on Saturdays! The club is pretty big and has multiple performers on stage throughout the night. 

Izzy: PowPow and Bar Furco

This year has been filled with more bars and house-warming parties for me and my friends, but if you are in Montreal for one weekend only and want a classic McGill student experience, Pow Pow is a great option. With free admission and good music, it is an eventful night at PowPow. One of my favorite bars is Bar Furco, located more in the downtown area of Montreal. I love their cocktail list (I get the #1 as I am partial to anything with grapefruit!!) and the atmosphere is always super lively and cozy, great for a colder Montreal night. I like sitting at the bar to chat with friends. If you like the interior, go back in the morning and get mimosas and brunch at their attached restaurant, Cafe Parvis! I haven't been yet, but I have heard great things about the Atwater Cocktail club also. I shall report back once I have made it over there.

Activities

Evelyn: MMFA, pottery class at Atelier Forma 

I love love love art museums and have to go to one every time I’m in a new city. I recommend the Montreal Museum of Fine Art which has free admission for anyone under 25. They always have excellent exhibitions and there’s so much to see. Also, if you have a lot of time, taking a pottery class at Atelier Forma is an excellent way to spend it. They offer excellent workshops for beginners or anyone who wants to learn a new skill. 

Clara: Cafe Chaga, Spa Carré, Tututu Space, Mosaic Art Studio

Cafe Chaga is a pottery studio and by far my favorite activity in Montréal. They offer multiple types of workshops depending on what you’re looking to make - definitely a fun fall activity to do! If you’re looking for other types of crafts, Tututu Space and Mosaic Art Studio are also cute spaces to check out. If you’re looking for a relaxation day, I highly recommend Spa Carré St Louis. Since they are relatively new, they're space is small and usually not too busy. They also offer student discounts from Monday-Thursday for their thermotherapy session, which has a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, jacuzzi and nap space!  

Izzy: walking!!!

Honestly, my favorite “activity” in Montreal is just to walk. I have found so many cute neighborhoods, parks, cafes, and art this way. Montreal is adorned with so many murals dotted all around the city. I think there is an official Montreal mural tour, but whenever I walk around the city I make sure to try and spot them for myself. When it's nice out I always stumble upon live music whether it's a small jazz group or an entire Salsa Festival. There is always something outdoors and open to the public happening in Montreal and I only discovered them from simply walking past!

Cafes 

Evelyn: Larry’s and Aux Angles Ronds

I don’t spend too much time at cafes and when I do it's normally spontaneous so I don’t have a ton of recs. I like Larry’s because they have excellent coffee and a really good breakfast. Aux Angles Ronds makes my favorite chai latte and it's a perfect place for studying. If you ever happen to need a break, they have books and art supplies that you can use for free!

Clara: Sophie Sucrée, Café Leo, Café Santropol

Since moving to the Plateau, Sophie Sucrée has become my absolute favorite café/bakery for a Saturday morning sweet treat! All of their items are vegan and they offer typical French pastries (different flavored croissants and pain au chocolat) as well as desserts/cakes. Café Santropol is another one of my plateau favorites - their lunch menu is delish and diet-friendly, with a list of vegan sandwiches to choose from. They also have a gorgeous outdoor garden that is open for seating in the Spring/Summer! For a study/work sesh, I recommend checking out Café Leo: they have a smaller, intimate space that is perfect to spend all day at. 

Izzy: Cathcart, Osmo, Iso, Cafe Aunja, September Cafe

While I always find myself at Cathcart or OSMO x Marusan (the best Matcha) doing work for school, Montreal really has some amazing cafes that I can't wait to explore. My friend Luka makes a point of trying a new cafe every Saturday morning all around the island (see the graphic below!!). One of my favorites is September Cafe in St. Henri. Their pancakes and matcha are to die for. For a more cozy, studying kind of vibe, I love Cafe Aunja right in Sherbrooke near the MMFA. Their Iranian inspired desserts and drinks are delicious and the decor makes you want to hunker down and write your essay. Cafe Iso is another cute pit stop in the Plateau on Duluth. It is in a prime location if you're having a day wandering around the Plateau.

Restaurants 

Evelyn: Foiegwa, Mae Sri, Greenspot 

I lived in St. Henri last year and both Foiegwa and Greenspot are located there. Foiegwa is a small restaurant that serves amazing food. Think of the classics like burgers, pasta, oysters, etc. I can’t live without their bechamel fries. Greenspot is a historical diner type spot and has my favorite poutine in the city. I also love Thai food and Mae Sri always hits the spot for me. It’s very close to McGill campus and has the most amazing thai tea latte. 

Clara: Shay, Satay Brothers, Coco Rico, Jellyfish, Au Pied de Cochon

My friend’s family runs the most delicious Lebanese restaurant called Shay, located near Griffintown. They’re dishes are so flavorful and they have a very warm atmosphere that is perfect for a girls night! If you stop by this restaurant, I highly recommend trying the zaatar cauliflower and hummus shawarma. For fun and upbeat vibes, Satay Brothers is a great spot for bigger parties. They have authentic Singaporean/Malaysian dishes and also brew their own beer. If you want an upscale dinner, Jellyfish and Au Pied de Cochon are great spots to check out. Jellyfish has a lot of good tapas and seafood, and Au Pied de Cochon is best known for their foie gras (my favorite is the duck temaki). Last but DEFINITELY not least is Coco Rico - since moving to the Plateau, Coco Rico has become my favorite dinner spot, especially when I don’t have time to cook on the weekdays. They’re a portuguese chicken joint and perfect for a casual, cheap bite to eat. 

Izzy: 2$ Chow Mein, Bar a Flot, Chez Teta, The Dumpling Hut, Bloom Sushi

If you happen to find yourself out and about on St. Laurent looking for a cheap and cheerful option, I would highly recommend the 2$ Chow Mein place. While they are cash only, and I do not know the name of the establishment, their Chow Mein will hit the spot. Just looking for the neon yellow sign on the street. For a nicer dinner I really like Bar A Flot on Parc in Mile End. It is a really nice place to get a few dishes and share. Their burrata is amazing and their drink selection is great. Their decor is super cute and inviting for a catch-up. Chez Teta in the Plateau has AMAZING middle eastern food. I seriously could eat here every day, I can't even pick what is my favorite there because I love it all. This is a perfect casual lunch spot. Another McGill classic and my ultimate comfort food are dumplings from The Dumpling Hut on Rue Clark. While a staple for most students, the quality of the food and intimacy of the space is unparalleled. It feels like you are sitting in someone's dining room. Their cucumber salad is a must. My mom (whole food plant based) always begs me to go to Bloom Sushi which has a location in the Old Port and in Place-des-Art. Their menu consists entirely of vegan sushi which makes for some super imaginative and delicious combinations. I like the Old Port location as it feels a little bit cozier, but the other location has super beautiful hanging floral decor as well that makes for a super memorable dinner.

Extras

Evelyn: sidewalk/garage sales in mile end and the plateau on weekends 

This might be something that fades with the good weather, but one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning is walk around mile end and the plateau in search of garage and sidewalk sales. There constantly seems to be one and they always have such gems!!! One of my favorite finds has been this mirror which is now up in my entryway. 

Clara: Old Port for brunch/walk along the river, Mont-Royal & Jeanne-Mance for nature/hikes, Mile End & Plateau for thrifts & shopping

If you’re planning a chill day in Montréal, my favorite activity is to picnic and hang around Jeanne-Mance Parc and then go for a bike ride around the city. Mont-Royal and the plateau are nice for weekend walks, and you’ll be sure to see a lot of people out strolling too. The Plateau is probably my favorite neighborhood in Montréal because of the colorful wall art, cafes and people. If you like older, European architecture, I would stop by Old Port. In the Fall, my favorite thing to do is walk along the river in Old Port and then make my way to Chinatown. 

Izzy: Jean Talon, Rest Stop, Grande Bibliotéque-BAnQ

Something I love to do on Sunday to feel a little bit more like a Montreal local is go to Jean Talon Market. They are open every day, but it just feels right to go to a weekend market. Even if you don't need produce, the market is a beautiful spot to stroll around and people watch. I like to grab a coffee and sit at Cafe Marche with my book and sit and watch the people go by for a few hours. If you’re in the market for a new tattoo while in the city, my friends have had really great experiences with Rest Stop, a studio rental space for tattoo artists both traditional and hand poke. Because I spend a lot of my time studying, I often have study spot recommendations. One of my recent favorites was the Grande-Biblioteque-BAnQ. It was so beautiful that even if you're not studying, it is so worth checking these national archives out.