La Cornetteria: Nothing starts a day right like a cornetto dipped in a big steaming cup of caffè latte. Cornetti are Italian-style croissants, which are lightly sweetened. At La Cornetteria, they come in several flavours, including almonds, Nutella and custard. I prefer mine plain, which makes it easier to dunk in my coffee. La Cornetteria is also the perfect place to get a slice of delicious Gluten-free chocolate or lemon cake. La Cornetteria, 6258 Boulevard Saint Laurent, 514 277 8030

Restaurant Brama: Brama is the new kid in town in this neighbourhood, having just opened its doors a few weeks ago. This modern Italian taverna is dishing out some traditional northern Italian fair with a twist. The brunch choices at Brama are all comforting and hearty and are adapted to suit our local and seasonal produce. Try the frittata valdostana with potato, escarole and fontina cheese or the equally delicious biancostato e patate or pulled braised short ribs with potato hash and egg. Delizioso! Restaurant Brama, 6701 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, (514) 270-6701

Caffé San Simeon: This is where you will find me on any given Sunday afternoon perfecting the art of the far niente. San Simeon makes the best Italian-style coffee in town, in my humble opinion of course. The crowd is a mix of regulars who have been coming here for 30 years and young hipsters. There is something very special about Caffé San Simeon that goes beyond their perfect crema or luscious lattes. It’s a certain feeling that transports you to the old country, if only for as long as it takes you to savour that cup. Caffé San Simeon, 39 Rue Dante, (514) 272-7386

Restaurant Inferno: Unfortunately, being in Little Italy doesn’t necessarily guarantee that one will have many options when it comes to excellent Italian fare. Most of the choices available are mediocre but Inferno is one restaurant that does not disappoint. Opened a couple of years ago, Inferno serves homemade Italian market food, with a modern and comforting twist. From pasta to braised meats to their famous trippa (tripe) everything here is made in-house. The portions are generous and satisfying and the neon-lit ambiance is fun and hip. Restaurant Inferno, 6850 Rue Saint-Dominique, (514) 274-0666

Café Via Dante: I have a particular soft spot for this old school, traditional Italian trattoria that has gotten a face-lift by the sons of the original mamma. Café Via Dante nondescript façade doesn’t really attract the eye so it was out of curiosity that I walked in the first time only to discover a restaurant packed with diners. The food was even more of a surprise. The robust and original flavours of Northern Italy cooked to perfection and plated with no frills. Try the homemade gnocchi with Bolognese sauce or the braised rabbit with polenta. Café Via Dante, 251 Rue Dante, (514) 270-8446

And as a bonus 6^th place, I would have to add Pasticceria Alati-Caserta, which has been located in the heart of Little Italy, across the street from the Our Lady of the Defense church since 1968. The place looks like it hasn’t changed since 1968 but I always head that way when I am craving a good, crunchy Sicilian cannolo. The cannoli are filled à la minute with a luscious ricotta cream so the shell stays crunchy. Order a dozen mini ones to bring to a dinner party and you’ll be everyone’s favourite guest. Alati-Caserta, 277 Rue Dante, (514) 271-3013

And of course, if you happen to be in Little Italy then you must visit one of the best food spots in the city: the Jean-Talon Market! Here are my suggestions to nibble your way through that food mecca.

The post 5 PLACES TO EAT IN LITTLE ITALY appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Caffè in Gamba, in the heart of the Plateau’s Mile End district, is a relatively new addition to the list, but for the past few years owner Jean Francois has been pulling some of the best espressos this side of Italy. The café is a part of the Third Wave movement and specializes in espresso (of course), offering some of the world’s finest beans with respect to the Italian tradition. At Caffè in Gamba, you can expect world class beans from roasters like Canada’s own 49th Parallel, Intelligentsia, Zoka, Novo and Vergnano, as well as local beans roasted in Montreal. The coffee is brewed to perfection and served in the comfort of the plush café where you can sit at the bar or cozy up near the fireplace with your state of the art coffee.

Some of the finest coffee this city has to offer is just a short walk from Caffè in Gamba at Café Olimpico, which is nestled on the corner of St-Viateur and Waverly in Mile End. The café has been in business since 1970 and the name has since become synonymous with the best coffee in town. Café Olimpico is a landmark in Montreal and is known for its perfect coffees served in the authentic Italian café. The café itself has been run by the same family since it opened its doors decades ago. Every coffee they make is delicious, but the latte is the staple. The café itself is always packed to the rafters with regulars and nothing beats Café Olimpico in the summer when the terrace is open.

Heading North to Little Italy is a sure way to find a great cup of coffee. The gem of Little Italy is Caffè Italia on St-Laurent. The café opened in 1956 and like Café Olimpico, it’s an institution. There are usually clusters of men in their golden age playing cards and drinking coffee all day long. It’s also a popular lunch joint because they serve delicious sandwiches at a good price. Being at Caffè Italia feels like travelling back in time, the TV is the only clue that you haven’t found a wormhole to a classic cappuccino. Of course, I had the cappuccino and it was nothing short of perfection. The foam was frothy and thick and the coffee itself was bittersweet. This café is not to be missed.

Downtown Montreal also has lots of delicious coffee, you just need to know where to find it. Simply look for the throngs of people at Café Myriad and you’ll know you’re in good company. Café Myriad is a West Coast café bringing a relaxed, West Coast vibe to the heart downtown Montreal. It’s a scene for a younger crowd but that doesn’t mean that they don’t take coffee seriously. Café Myriad is considered one of the best new cafés in Montreal and it’s not hard to find out why. It’s always packed (it’s across the street from Concordia University) but the service is competent and the coffee (Ritual and 49th Parallel among others) is worth it. Magically, at Myriad they’ve got coffee down to a science, so it’s never burnt and always delicious. Go to Café Myriad for a pastry and one of their many varieties of coffee, or if you’re not in the mood for a caffeine, try their chocolate water (seriously).

Nocochi is a sleek and modern café/patisserie located on Sherbrooke and Mackay in downtown Montreal. They’re known for their fine selection of coffee and tea and their complimentary mini cookies that they pair with your coffee. The menu offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course dessert. Go to Nocochi to indulge. Everything at this café is made to perfection with a great attention to detail. I ordered a café mocha which was robust and sweet without being saccharine. This place knows how to do it, without over doing it.

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THE DETAILS

Caffè in Gamba, 5263 Parc, (514) 656-6852

Café Olimpico, 124 St-Viateur West, (514) 495-0746

Caffè Italia, 6840 St-Laurent, (514) 495-0059

Café Myriade, 1432 Mackay, (514) 939-1717

Nocochi, 2156 Mackay, (514) 989-7514

The post 5 COFFEES IN 5 MONTREAL CAFES appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Whether your chosen pet companion is a cute canine or a fabulous feline, there are plenty of travel options in Montreal to choose from. From pet friendly hotels, grooming services, dog friendly cafes, green parks for walking and more! Check out my guide to the very pet best of Montreal…

HOTELS

Loews Hotel Vogue: Loews loves your pets as much as you do. It treats your animal as an important guest of the hotel. Loews offers luxurious amenities such as gourmet room service for cats and dogs prepared by their award-winning chef! They provide specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes, rawhide bones, catnip, scratch poles and more. Holy, it’s almost nicer to be an animal at Loews than a human at some unmentionable hotels… Loews charges an additional $25 per stay for the extra cleaning that comes with having an animal in the room. Sounds pretty fair to me!

Le Saint-Sulpice: Le Saint-Sulpice is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Montreal. They are a proud member of the “Pets Can Stay Program”, which means they must follow guidelines to providing premium 5-star service to all guests in the hotel including animals, while still maintaining professional standards. Your pet even gets a treat with check-in! All pet amenities are there like food and litter, but no pet services like grooming are offered however information is easily available.

The W Hotel: So if your pet is so spoiled that it loves luxury as much as you do, then the W Hotel is it. Upon check in, you get a gift basket complete with a pet toy, pet treat, a W pet tag, clean up bags and a list of services. Waiting in your room is a custom W pet bed, food, water and a floor mat, a “pet in room” sign and a special treat at turndown. 24 hours a day you can request leashes, toys, food, treats, litter and more. The W Hotel is even making a difference- everytime you stay with your pet they donate $5 to the SPCA! Note that they charge $25 tacked on top of the room rate, plus a $100 cleaning fee at the end of your stay. Pets no more than 40 lbs are allowed.

Sheraton: The Sheraton Hotel offers a bowl, food, and a pet bed, but also an adorable little Sheraton scarf! What a classy touch! And… drumroll please… Sheraton does NOT charge any additional fees for bringing one pet with you. A room inspection is done at the end of your stay and if a significant mess has been made a cleaning fee will be charged, but if your pet behaved then it’s free! Kudos Sheraton for treating pets like gods!

Le St-Germain: One of Montreal’s most comfortable, charming and beloved boutique hotels is also one of its pet-friendliest. For $35 per night they’ll provide a pet food mat, bowls for food and water, and a bed. And given that their human beds are AMAZING, your dog or cat is in for a great night. Because no way do you ever let them sleep in your bed, of course not, that would be silly. Perhaps most amazing is that you can spoil your pet, who is already staying with you in a luxury hotel so obviously they totally deserve it, with items from the tres luxe Germain Collection.

PET HOTELS

These are not hotels that allow pets… they are hotels that are for pets. NO PEOPLE ALLOWED.

Hotel Balto: If any traveling guests need to put their animal up for a short-term stay in one of the most ultra-posh luxurious pet hotels around, the Hotel Balto is it. Yes it is a hotel just for animals. Rooms include heated floors with individual control, a plasma TV (?!?), music, hand-crafted cast iron beds and a camera system that allows your to check in on your pet via the internet. Their services include grooming, daily, walks, limousine service, play time and get this: an artist to do a personalized painting of your pet during their stay. How special.

Muzo: The most chic, urban pet hotel that rivals even human hotels is Muzo. Muzo is a self proclaimed “pet resort for urban cats and dogs”. Although Muzo doesn’t have the heated floors, limousine and painting services that Balto offers, this place looks to be the trustworthiest place for an animal. They accept both cats and dogs, there’s a gym for exercise, grooming is offered and the place is located right near downtown! It’s good to be a pet!

PET WALKS & PARKS

Take your little furry friend out for a stroll in these picturesque and animal-friendly parks. I would suggest leaving the cats and alligators at home (or hotel) though.

Parc Lafontaine: This park is for exploring, meeting other dog owners and taking in the beautiful Montreal scenery. Dogs and people are friendly and there’s plenty of trash bins and benches!

Lachine Canal: I often see dog walkers along the canal walking five or six dogs at once! Filled with families, and lots of water fountains with those little doggie attachments. Perfect for exercising along the long canal trails.

Mont Royal: Dogs are supposed to remain on a leash and be picked up after at all times on Montreal’s famed mountain, but they will still love the forest paths and mountain trails. What an adventure!

SHOPS AND CAFES

Montreal is filled with top fashion brands from all around the world that make Montrealers some of the most stylish people around. But what about man’s best friend? What luxury boutiques do they get to shop at? There are some pretty unique places in Montreal for your and your pet! My favourite is definitely Le Doggie Bag Cafe!

Bark & Fitz: The snazziest most fancy pet store ever. Gourmet handmade food, fresh baked treats, top quality toys imported from around the world, and grooming. This store is for the divas and divos of the animal kingdom. Located in the heart of Westmount on Sherbrook, this boutique has a rule that they would never sell anything that they wouldn’t let their own dogs eat or play with!

Le Doggie Bag Café: This is like an indoor dog park. Two-legged humans can bring their four legged children to hang out and play. Health code forbids the sale of human food, but there are plenty of doggie treats to go around!

Little Bear Animalerie: Co-owned by Doobie the dog, this is a popular pet supplies store in Westmount. Trendy clothes, high-quality food and toys, and of course – pet friendly.

The post PET FRIENDLY MONTREAL: HOTELS, PARKS, SHOPS AND MORE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

If you’re starting the day in the area, I recommend brunch at either fancy-schmancy Lemeac, which is celebrated for their classic bistro style and celeb-spotting (wearing Chanel for breakfast is not extraordinary here), or Toi, Moi & Cafe, who serve the “La Parisienne” breakfast of two boiled eggs, baguette strips for dipping, a stewed/baked apple and slices of cheese. If you just need a coffee and a croissant or a hot soup, look north to Gascogne, where the attendants wear little black hats and long aprons just like they do in Paris.

For fine lingerie, the top spot in the city is surely Lyla, where the first floor is devoted to high-end brands such as Simone Pérèle and Princesse Tam Tam. Upstairs you’ll find designer sportswear, like the colourful little Missoni dress I saw not too long ago. There is also swimwear up there; a treasure trove for daring bikinis by Jean Paul Gaultier or more classic styles such as Eres.

For more haute labels (albeit outerwear) like Armani, Yamamoto and Sonia Rykiel, Henriette L caters to a sophisticated business woman, or the many ladies who lunch in the area before getting their nails done at Lio Fratelli, a luxurious mani and pedi salon. Younger styles can be found at Billie or BCBG, which are just across the street. Men will want to browse the trendy racks filled with the likes of Neil Barrett, Costume National and more at Michel Brisson, who recently moved just a few blocks west to this bigger location.

For more domestic divas, Les Touilleurs is a kitchen paradise with all the All Clad pots, pans, gadgets and cookbooks (in both English and French) you could ever dream of. The store’s all-white decor seems to be a magnet for foodies, particularly ones with deep pockets. From the kitchen to the baby’s room, you’ll find everything thing you need to build your little angel’s new nest at Bouton Jaune– from the softest sheets and pillows to plushest cradle toys and onesies. A colourful place to buy one-of-a-kind gifts (for your loved-ones or yourself), Royer (207 Laurier Avenue West) sells art objects and creative decor pieces made with love from a large roster of Montreal artists and artisans. You’ll find treasures such as pretty coin purses crafted from Japanese kimono to modern ceramic vases.

Finally, if you’re shopping for a little “me time,” why not get a pampering hair treatment at Salon Orbite, the headquarters (literally) for many of the city’s well-known tresses. Their in-store boutique also carries a lot of high-end, hard-to-find beauty products such as the Shiseido hair collection, OPI, Aveda and MD Skinare. It’s not cheap, but I’m pretty sure you deserve it.

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DETAILS

Royer Objets Et Trouvailles, 207 Laurier Avenue West

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Photo Credits: © Tourisme Montréal- Stéphan Poulin, © Royer Objects/ © Royer Objets et Trouvailles

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Birks has been a Montreal institution for fine jewellery since 1894. Last September, the chichi store opened an equally chichi resto-boutique on the mezzanine level called Birks Café par Europea. Ladies who lunch can now “take tea,” as they say, overlooking a dazzling array of jewels and designer watches.

I was happy to hear that heading this gastronomic endeavour was none other than Montreal top chef Jérôme Ferrer whom many locals know from his chain of restaurants, including the haute cuisine Europea, as well as Andiamo, Beaver Hall, and Espace Europea.

And why do tea for two when you can do three? I decided to enlist my Montréal Buzz colleagues – and noted foodies – Alexandra Forbes and Melora Koepke. Phil, our charming waiter, started our afternoon on a bubbly note: Anderson Valley sparkling wine, $73, by Roederer Estate (the same folks who bring you Cristal) was served to us in sleek, pinstriped etched flutes. Likewise, we sipped our water in Birks Living Murano glass tumblers, ate off Montgolfier plates from France, and manoeuvred sweet and savoury treats into our mouths with ultra-contemporary silverware – all of it (make note shoppers) is available in-store.

In lieu of the traditional tiered plating, Phil presented a rectangular silver tray upon which our delectable bites were smartly arranged. My first nibble was on the scones; we had to ask for extra Devonshire clotted cream, which was so thick and creamy, I could’ve downed a whole tub of it like ice cream.

Sweets included layers of fruit and cream en verrine; chocolates made by famed pastry chef Christophe Morel, each bearing a tongue-in-cheek name, such as l’or (gold), le diamant (diamond), and le rubis (ruby); and cotton candy-coloured macarons. I should also mention that the chocolates ($2.40 each), macarons ($1.90 each) and other sweets are also available for take-out purchase at the long glass display along the back wall opposite the stairway entrance. Not that I’m dropping hints or anything.

On the savoury side, we munched on artful shrimp and cucumber sandwiches, foie gras and chutney bites, a mini-club with prosciutto, and smoked salmon crackers topped with caviar.

Of course, we had to have tea. Paris import Thé Mariage Frère was presented in cast iron Chinese teapots. We decided on the Marco Polo, with flowers from China and Tibet, but more traditional tea-drinkers can order a classic like Earl Grey Impérial.

The afternoon tea service also includes a pretty box of macarons for you to enjoy at home (as I am now). Ours were carefully curated by Chef Ferrer himself. Top flavours to taste are: lemon, lychee, Bailey’s liquor, maple syrup, apricot and lavender, coconut, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with passion fruit – did I just mention them all?

On the way out of the boutique, it’s hard to miss the massive, smooth marble pillars, ornate crown mouldings, and sprawling glass counters filled with shiny, happy presents-in-waiting. In French the term for “window shopping” is faire du lèche-vitrines, which basically means, “to lick windows.” Believe me, I had to hold myself back. Move over, Holly Golightly! I say, Why do breakfast at Tiffany’s when there’s high tea at Birks?

THE DETAILS

BIRKS CAFÉ BY EUROPEA

1240 Square-Phillips (corner of Sainte-Catherine Street)
Tel: (514) 397-2468

High tea hours: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost per person: $26.50 (bubbly not included)

Note: The café also serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The chef de cuisine is Olivier Chaussy who used to be sous chef at Europea.

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The concept of traveling with a good book has always been a romantic notion for many of us. A few years ago I actually joined a Facebook group called “All I Really Want to Do Is Read Good Books in Interesting Places” simply because the concept of the group successfully summed up the leisurely lifestyle that I dream of living. “Reading” and “Vacation” go together like… well… parties and poutine.

Montreal, in all its romantic glory, has a ton of interesting places to read good books.

I’ve named ten of my favorite locations, and paired them with an author whose literary landscapes might compliment the Montreal spaces mentioned.

Happy reading!

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[cafés]

CAFÉ NÉVÉ – Since opening it’s doors a year ago, this delightful little Plateau coffeehouse has quickly become a Montreal institution for artful and delicious coffee. Tuck into the couches in the corner, get your caffeine buzz on, and then tackle a chapter of Aldous Huxley. 151 Rachel East.

CAMELLIA SINENSIS – My favorite teahouse in Montreal is tucked on a side street of the famous Latin Quarter. They have a delightful “no computer” policy, which provides the perfect space for unplugging from the Internet and sipping a cup of tea with Jane Austin. 351 Rue Emery.

La CROISSANTERIE FIGARO – Tucked into an unassuming corner of Mile End, when you enter La Figaro, you are stepping back in time to a cozy Parisian bistro. Order yourself a croissant et café au lait, and let the poetry of Mallarmé massage your intellect. 5200 Rue Hutchison.

[libraries]

BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONAL et ARCHIVES du QUÉBEC – This stunning $90 million architectural gem of Montreal has one of the largest book collections in all of Canada. Nuzzle into one of the armchairs on the third floor, overlooking Berri Avenue. Explore an existential moment courtesy of Satre. Corner Berri and de Maisonneuve.

WESTMOUNT PUBLIC LIBRARY – Dating back to 1897, this charming Victorian edifice has beautiful reading spaces bathed in light. You’ll find a large selection of English books. Go compare mythologies with the iconic Leonard Cohen, who was born and raised in the Westmount neighborhood. 4574 Sherbrooke West.

[bookstore]

DRAWN & QUARTERLY – A cherished Montreal space for writers, graphic novelists, artistes and readers. Sample the literary originality of locals such as Sherwin Tjia. You might have to read standing up, or you could buy yourself a treat and cross the streets to Le Depanneur Café to be serenaded as you leaf through your newest find. 211 Bernard West.

[parks]

LAFONTAINE – One of the most peaceful places in the city. The sound of the fountain drowns out any urban noise, and the shade of the maple trees provides a pleasant respite from the hot summer sun. The romance of it all might call for some Jeanette Winterson. Corner Sherbrooke Street and Avenue du Parc la Fontaine.

JEAN-DRAPEAU – A five-minute metro ride from downtown will bring you to Saint Helene’s Island. Look for the pond on the east side of the Biosphere, and install yourself by the waterfall. And if you time it right, you can watch the sunset over the skyline of Montreal. Escape urbainia with Jack Kerouac.  Metro Jean-Drapeau.

[museum]

MONTREAL FINE ARTS MUSEUM – With free admission to the permanent collections, you are able to perch upon the many couches throughout the museum. And if you haven’t yet read The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton, this could be your perfect place to learn about human movement, linked to art history. 1380 Sherbrooke Street West.

[hotel]

THE NELLIGAN – A charming century-old brick building in European flavored Old Montreal. There is poetry written on the walls. And who better to punctuate the experience than the dashing, precocious poet with whom the hotel is named after? Let Émile Nelligan narrate your Montreal trip. 106 Saint Paul West.

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A perfect day in Montreal’s Griffintown neighbourhood starts with a walk from the Old Port along the Lachine canal, continues with an antique and vintage shopping spree on Notre-Dame street and ends with a comfort food dinner at Griffintown Café (reservation strongly recommended), listening to the live music of Dan Livingstone and The Griffintown Jug Addicts.

Griffintown shopping :

Milord
1870 rue Notre-Dame O. Montreal (Qc) H3J 1M6
514.933.2433 / www.milordantiques.com

L’Écuyer
1896 rue Notre-Dame O. Montreal (Qc) H3J 1M6
514.932.8461

Galerie du Louvre
1752 rue Notre-Dame O. Montreal (Qc) H3J 1M3
514.937.4497 / www.galeriedulouvre.com

E.R.A.
1800 rue Notre-Dame O. Montreal (Qc) H3J 1M5
514.443.8750 / http://www.myspace.com/era_vintage_wear

Ludovik
248 rue de la Montagne, Montreal (Qc) H3C 2A7
514.678.6617 / www.ludovik.ca

Complete Antique Shops and Art Gallery Listing

…..

Griffintown eat & drink :

Griffintown Café
1378 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest Montreal, QC H3C 1K8
514.931.5299

Griffintown music :
Dan Livingstone (The Griffintown Jug Addicts)
Live @ Griffintown Café every Saturday night.

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In an age of the 60-hour workweek, chances are that you might need to reserve a couple of hours of your weekend to bounce those tedious expense reports back to your mulish boss. Or you might just be a Facebook junkie looking to satiate your social media addiction.

Whatever your reason for needing free wireless Internet, here are five Montréal cafés where the locals love to get (and stay) connected…

Laika (4040 St. Laurent Boulevard) – Located on ‘The Main,’ this chic daytime wireless café morphs into a groovy evening lounge with DJs spinning. My fave dish is the Grilled Cheese on nutty bread. Keep your eyes peeled for Michelle Blanc, Montréals most famous transsexual, who is a regular. Three sizes for your java: cup, glass or, for those who really came to work, a bowl.

Caféo (4177 Rue St. Denis) – One of my personal favourites, this little bistro at the bustling corner of St. Denis and Rachel has romantic Parisian influences. The menu is fairly standard, but for $5 you can get a Muffin Anglais (egg on an English muffin) served with a bit of fruit. Espresso-based coffees are average, but the wall of artwork (and cute server) keeps me coming back.

Kilo (1495 St. Catherine East) – THE place for cakes in Montréal (they often supply sweets and treats to many other Montréal restos), Kilo is an institution in the gay village. Depending on the time of day it might be a bit noisy, but that’s only because it’s filled with happy queers having a good time. I recommend the “Bart Simpson” cake, as it has 7 layers of chocolately goodness. It is almost as good as sex…For extra food inspiration in the gay village, check out my Village Culinary Tour.

Le Cagibi (5490 St. Laurent Boulevard) – Located in trendy Mile End, Le Cagibi is an interesting mix of hipsters, granola lesbians and Ubisoft programming geeks. There is a second salon behind the counter if there are no seats left in the front. I enjoy the BBQ Tofu wrap, followed by a cayenne brownie. You decide whether the lesbians or brownies are hotter.

Caffé Art Java (837 Mont Royal East) – After only a couple years on the scene, this Plateau café has quickly become a coffee institution. Espresso meets art as the baristas can do things with crema that makes a Monet look like finger-painting. Consider getting breakfast (even in the afternoon), as Caffé Art Java gets my vote for best home fries in the city.

Insider Info: Throughout the city, you might notice little stickers on windows that read “Ile Sans Fil” – this basically translates to “Wireless Island.” Ile Sans Fil provides free wireless to over 150 hotspots throughout the city. You’ll have to create a free account, but it’s easy and worth it.

Finally, if you’re eager to practice your français while in Montréal, here’s a helpful post by my friend Katerine on How to Order Coffee in Montréal.

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