What to do in Montreal?
Stroll around Laurier Station and the surrounding area
Credit: Kevin S., google maps
🏞️ Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park (Laurier Park) - 1 min walk from CMKM
A peaceful urban park with large green spaces, mature trees, and paths perfect for chatting, reading, walking, or just enjoying a moment of calm.
🌆 Mont-Royal Avenue - 10-minute walk from CMKM
A delightful place to stroll, lined with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Perfect for a leisurely walk with a coffee in hand, followed by ice cream or a sweet treat with friends.
Credit: Robert Martin, google maps
🍀 Parc La Fontaine - 20 min walk from CMKM
Large green spaces, lakes, paths for walking or cycling (accessible by subway + bus or on foot).
Credit: Montreal Botanical Garden
🌸 Montreal Botanical Garden
(Pie IX Station)
More than 20,000 species, around 30 themed gardens (Chinese, Japanese, First Nations, Rose Garden, Arboretum, etc.) and 10 exhibition greenhouses. Perfect for losing yourself in nature, discovering biodiversity, and enjoying spring flowers.
☕️ Where to drink coffee/tea or grab a bite to eat around Laurier Avenue
(with vegetarian options)
☕ Perfect cafés for a break
Café In Gamba Laurier (5 min walk from CMKM) – cozy, perfect for a morning cappuccino, an after-dinner coffee, or a break between walks.
Lapin Pressé (7 min walk from CMKM) – lifestyle café with grilled cheeses, simple salads, and vegetarian options (grilled cheese and salads).
Méchants pinsons (10 min walk from CMKM) – alternative coffee spot with a local vibe.
🍽️ Restaurants & eateries with vegetarian or flexible options
credit: Byblos
Byblos Le Petit Cafe (9 min walk from CMKM)
– Persian-inspired cuisine, hummus, omelets, tzatziki, etc.
Crédit: Sacha Brassard
Antipode (11 min walk from CMKM) – creative and trendy menu for discovering new flavours, meat-free options available.
Crédit: Aux Vivres
Aux vivres (13 min walk from CMKM) – located on Saint-Laurent, they have an exclusively vegan menu and everything is delicious.
Crédit: Flavie Laplante
Stella Pizzeria (7 min from downtown)
- Italian restaurant offering fresh, tasty, and generously topped pizzas.
Crédit: India Rosa
India Rosa (14 min walk from the centre) - offers tapas and brunch featuring Indian cuisine with a twist in a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Crédit: Chuong Nguyen
Bêden càphê (12 min from CMKM)
- Excellent Vietnamese café offering a variety of delicious dishes and beverages, banh mi, soups, coffees, bubble teas, desserts.
Staying a few extra days?
🎨 Recommended cultural venues
🖼️ Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Peel Station in Downtown)
A cultural must-see: Richard Avedon: Immortal. Portraits of the Passing of Time (1951–2004) — major photography retrospective until August 9, 2026.
The Torlonia Collection: Masterpieces of Roman Sculpture — masterpieces of ancient sculpture until July 19, 2026.
👉 Ideal for a one- to two-hour visit followed by a drink or meal in the cultural district.
Not to mention their permanent collections, which you'll never tire of (Quebec and Canadian art, Inuit art).
🖼️ Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) (Place des Arts station in Downtown)
Contemporary art from Quebec, Canada, and around the world. Currently temporarily relocated to Place Ville-Marie during renovations. -> Ideal for lovers of contemporary art, sometimes daring, sometimes confusing (in a good way). 😉).
🖼️ Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA) (Georges-Vanier Station in Downtown)
Museum and research centre dedicated to architecture, urban planning, and design. Magnificent building + gardens.
Crédit: Lik Shan Wong
🍃 Nature getaways
⛰️ Climb to the top of Mount Royal
This is one of the most iconic and soothing experiences in Montreal. In the heart of the city, this wooded hill offers a true escape into nature, silence, and fresh air.
Once at the top, you arrive at the Kondiaronk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of downtown, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding area. It's one of the most beautiful panoramas in Montreal.
Crédit: Dreamstime
Historic Old Montreal Street and the Old Port
Dating to the 17th century, Old Montreal's narrow cobblestone streets are full of lively plazas and charming shops and cafes. Landmarks include the Notre-Dame Basilica, a soaring Gothic Revival church, and the Pointe-à-Callière museum with city archeological ruins.
Along the St. Lawrence River, the Old Port of Montreal is home to the Montreal Science Centre and the iconic Clock Tower, with views from the top.
Credit: Robert Martin, google maps
🌳 The path
On foot: Several trails offer a gentle climb, particularly from Mount Royal Park. The path winds through the trees, with views of the city gradually opening up. -> By bus (bus 11)
Hiking in Jean-Drapeau Park
25 km of roads and trails for an escape into nature and a different perspective on Montreal. -> Only 15 minutes by metro from the CMKM.
Crédit: MTL Zipline
🎡 The Old Port Zipline
Fly over Montreal's Old Port on this urban zipline circuit. Don't forget to look down and take in the spectacular aerial views of Montreal. This 30-minute activity is very well supervised by a team of professionals and will appeal to thrill seekers and families alike. For the same view with a gentler ride, the Old Port Ferris wheel is a pleasant alternative.