Montréal neighbourhood: Discover Côte-des-Neiges
Leisure activities Gastronomy Other neighbourhoods Patrimony and Architecture
Steps away from the mountain and among the most multicultural areas in the city, Côte-des-Neiges is a massive neighbourhood in Montréal’s western quarter ripe with restaurants, shops and community initiatives that’ll expand your sense of this exciting city.
Côte-des-Neiges at a glance
Delineated by Queen Mary to the south, Jean-Talon to the north, Decelles to the east and Décarie to the west, Côte-des-Neiges is a huge neighbourhood on the western slope of beautiful Mount Royal that’s home to one of the city’s treasures: Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. The Oratory makes the perfect destination for a day-long city-wide walk, as suggested in this Explorer’s itinerary. Give it a try to really understand how Montréal is laid out.
Côte-des-Neiges also one of the most densely populated and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in Canada, with over 100 different ethnic communities adding their spice to the social fabric. And it’s a cinch to get to! No fewer than 9 metro stations will drop you off somewhere within the neighbourhood, and the 711 bus takes you directly to the Oratory.
Architecture and demographics
First established in the 1860s by land owner and farmer James Swail (who has a street named after him along one side of beautiful Jean-Brillant park), Côte-des-Neiges is a multilingual neighbourhood that’s pretty posh in the hills and becomes more affordable as we move down, topographically speaking.
The affordable housing — and the Université de Montréal campus — are part of what makes it so attractive to students and newly arrived immigrants. The architecture ranges from imposing two-story semi-detached houses to tall apartment blocks, all from the early 1900s to today.
Côte-des-Neiges: steps away from the mountain and among the most multicultural areas in the city
Why residents love it
Whether it’s in the trails behind the Oratory or the public sitting spaces built along Côte-des-Neiges Boulevard and in Parc Jean-Brillant, Parc Van Horne or Parc Westbury, the spots to chill and soak up your environment are plentiful in this hood.
It’s lushly green while also being active with street life: its side roads are peaceful and residential, but on its main drags, there’s always something going on. To find the centre of the action, start at the Oratory and head northward on Côte-des-Neiges — or pick one of these exploratory itineraries. You’ll also want to explore Victoria Street, Côte-Sainte-Catherine Boulevard, Queen Mary Road and Décarie Boulevard.
Saint Joseph's Oratory
A visitor’s handbook
Côte-des-Neiges boasts one of the most visited attraction in Montréal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, so that’s a great place to start whatever your religious views. And what a view — the sights from the top of its famous staircases are stunning.
Montréal Holocaust Museum
If you’re feeling sporty, both Université de Montréal’s CEPSUM and the YM-YWHA have amazing gyms and pools you can get day passes to. Maison de la culture Côte-des-Neiges is one of the most renowned community art centres, and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, on Côte-Sainte-Catherine near Décarie, is a bustling centre for English theatre (and it’s in a building designed by famous Montréal architect Phyllis Lambert). Right across the way, the Montréal Holocaust Museum is a great place to soak up some history.
Gibeau Orange Julep
And when hunger strikes
The world is your oyster in Côte-des-Neiges, whose offerings span from Vietnamese to Indian to Caribbean to French and Georgian (and more). Gibeau Orange Julep is probably the neighbourhood’s second best-known attraction, and a wonderful place for a hotdog. For a Caribbean feast you’ll have to choose between Tropical Paradise Restaurant and Caribbean Curry House, both offering a kick-ass jerk chicken and rotis.
Côte-des-Neiges Boulevard is food central, starting Middle-Eastern grill at Farhat, Le Kebab, Al-Amine or Restaurant Al-Manar. Pho Lien and Pho Hao are both purveyors of far-out pho, while you’ll find ramen at Kinton Ramen, dumplings at Sammi & Soupe Dumpling, and sushi at Atami Sushi, Posher Restaurant and Sushi Sama. Heart-warming borscht and vereniki have been on the menu at Le Georgia since 1999, and you’ll find comforting Russian dishes at Ermitage.
Coffee seekers can refuel at tea house Beau Thé, boutique coffee shops Brûlerie Urbaine and Caravane Café, Café Ali Baba or Middle-Eastern tea lovers’ dream Café Safran+.
A king of French-style pastry shops in the city, Duc de Lorraine is the perfect pit-stop for éclairs, mille-feuilles, fine chocolates and yummy sandwiches — with a glass of wine, why not? You can also satisfy your sweet tooth at the famous chocolatier Leonidas.
In the warmer months, stop by the pretty outdoor Jean-Brillant Market, where you can score fresh produce, flourishing flowers and local delights.
Isa Tousignant
Isa Tousignant is an editor and storyteller with a curiosity that runs deeper than most. She has chatted life philosophies with celebrity chefs, gemologists, arena rockers and furries. (All were transformative.) Her favourite things include discovering new flavours and celebrating the creativity that defines her hometown, Montréal.