Montréal neighbourhood: Discover the Quartiers du Canal

Located southwest of downtown, Les Quartiers du Canal is a district comprised of three iconic Montréal neighbourhoods: Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and Saint-Henri. The historic Lachine Canal is the thread that binds them together.

One of Montréal’s most historic architectural projects, the canal opened in 1825 to enable ships to bypass the treacherous Lachine Rapids. Flashforward along a storied timeline, and now the 14.5-kilometre waterway is a National Historic Site.

The pathways and greenspaces along the Lachine Canal are a perfect area for dining and daydreaming, for promenading and pedalling.

The Lachine Canal. The green spaces around the Lachine Canal provide plenty of space for everyone. On any given weekend in the summer, you’ll find people soaking up the sun on blankets, playing pétanque and spikeball, or pushing baby carriages along the paved pathways. In the winter months, you’ll see locals walking, snowshoeing, and riding fatbikes. Due to the 14.5-kilometre length of the park, there is more than enough space to relax. 

Additional activity ideas for the Lachine Canal  

Picnic on blanket. It might sound sort of obvious, but it’s truly the most popular thing to do along the Lachine Canal. Many restaurants offer takeout options. Or build your own feast with products from the Atwater Market (details below). 

Pedal the pathways. In 2009, the Lachine Canal bike path placed third on Time Magazine's list of the Top 10 urban bike paths in the world. Bring your own bicycle or rent from Ma Bicyclette.

Paddle the canal ways. Rent a kayak from Lachine Canal Nautical Centre and see the canal from a new perspective. (Insider tip: they only take online reservations or in person bookings—no email or phone reservations.)

Cruise in a boat. For those with mobility issues, the Lachine Canal Nautical Centre also offers electric boats—enabling a similar experience, but with less splish-splash. Le Petit Navire is a zero-pollution electric propulsion tour boat on the Lachine Canal between the Old Port and Atwater Market.

Riverside. Further down the canal in Saint-Henri, Riverside (5020 rue St-Ambroise) offers a massive outdoor terrace during the summer months, making it perfect place to gather for music, cocktails, and nibbles. It’s a popular ‘fuel stop’ for parched cyclists tackling long kilometres along the canal. Dogs welcome. 

Sir George-Étienne Cartier Square. Another fantastic place for a picnic, this park space was restored in 2003. History buffs take note: different components of fountain that occupies the centre of the square were ordered by catalogue from J. L. Mott Iron Works foundry of New York City. The mist from the fountain is an antidote to the hot summer sun. 

Atwater Market. One of Montréal’s most celebrated food destinations, the Atwater Market (138 Atwater Avenue) is open. The market has been in operation since 1933, and its Art Deco-style architecture places it among the most beautiful buildings in the city. Food vendors offer the full line up of fresh, Québec-grown produce: tomatoes, spinach, strawberries, potatoes, rhubarb, and much more. The butchers offer local meats, the fromagerie has finely crafted cheeses, and the baker has fresh, crusty loaves of bread. (Pillars for a perfect picnic!) Entrance at the southeast corner. You’ll see the signs.

No Montréal itinerary is complete without food. Les Quartiers du Canal have a high-concentration of iconic food options. Here are some classic options! 

Bazart. Specializing in mezze and charcoal grilled foods perfect for sharing, they offer a delectable menu made from local products. 

Elena. Contemporary Italian eatery with outdoor tables, offering pizza, pasta & an ample wine list. 

Arthur Nosh Bar. Jewish classics served with a twist and a whole lot of family pride. Open for takeout. 

Rustique Pie Kitchen. Small, rustic dessert store offering hand-crafted treats, made with the best ingredients.

Crèmerie Dalla Rose. Artisanal ice cream, cookies and ice cream sandwiches made in St-Henri with local ingredients. 

Joe Beef. Internationally-renown Montréal diner offering unfussy French cuisine. 

Sumac. Middle Eastern nook that focuses on traditional Lebanese plates. 

Bonheur d’Occasion. A new addition to the neighbourhood, the cozy space offers shareable plates, an impressive wine list, and an interesting narrative. 

Foiegwa. Generous classics of French brasserie cuisine, such as beef tartare are brilliantly revamped with American flair.

Whether for a jolt of caffeine or a refreshing glass of ale, here are some options for beverages in Les Quartiers du Canal. Most offer takeout and/or terraces. 

Café Saint-Henri. A neighbourhood mainstay. 

Cordova. Low-key cafe offering espresso, cocktails, wine, and Mediterranean-inspired eats.

Lili & Oli. Cute espresso and latte joint with fresh pastries.

September Café. Surfers unite and drink caffeinated beverages!

Burgundy Lion. Popular British pub, serving beers on a breezy terrace. 

Ma Bicyclette Terrace. Coffee, fresh juices, kombucha or unique hand-crafted beer on tap.

Café Redwood. A bright, modern cafe that serves specialized coffees and drinks that can be enjoyed in the cafe or while strolling along the Lachine Canal. 

Art walk. To embark upon an art scavenger hunt, the Quartiers du Canal website offers a map with some of the neighbourhood’s most notable works of public art. Important works include murals of both Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones, the Oeuvre d'Alain Cadieux, and Dendrites (by Michel de Broin). You can explore at your own pace with TourBird - audio walking tours' self-guided audio walking tours: they have a Saint-Henri walking tour, which comes with audio clips at each stop, an interactive map, and easy-to-follow directions. Simply use your phone to access the tours on TourBird's website and enjoy them anytime according to your schedule.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal. A cultural initiative dedicated to the support, promotion, and development of contemporary Canadian art through various projects. These projects include the presentation of Québec and Canadian artists alongside international artists in exhibitions organized by curators, interns, and international guests.

New City Gas. Cleverly disguised as an industrial heritage jewel, New City Gas is, in fact, a happening event venue known for hosting DJs from all over the world. Located in the heart of Griffintown, this 1859 heritage building is now one of the hottest spots for nightlife.

Espace VERRE. Montréal's vibrant glass art center is a place that ignites creativity and celebrates the artistry of Québec. Housed in a former fire station, this unique space is dedicated to promoting and exploring the world of glass art.