Travel Guide: Explore the Diversity and Multiculturalism of Montreal
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Montreal: A Brief History
Montreal is a metropolitan city located in the province of Quebec in Canada. It has a population of almost 2 million people, living not only on the island of Montreal itself, but also in the GMA (Greater Montreal Area). The GMA includes other islands like Laval and the South Shore.
Historically, Montreal, as was the case across North America, was home to multiple Indigenous groups, including the Iroquois. The Iroquois cultivated maize and other grains along the St. Lawrence River, which is a major waterway that runs across the city.
In 1603, French explorer Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) arrived in Quebec, pushing the Iroquois out of their lands and passing on deadly European diseases like Measles, Typhus, Smallpox, and Cholera that saw the deaths of many. Unfortunately, much of Canadian history includes mistreatment of Indigenous groups. It is worth mentioning that they occupied lands like Montreal before European colonization to show respect and recognition for their ancestral and territorial histories.
Initial contact and trade with Indigenous groups meant that diseases that Europeans had become immune to were transmitted quite easily. Likewise, many Europeans developed diseases like Scurvy, to which Indigenous groups were immune. Scurvy is often a product of a lack of vitamin D/sunlight. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/06/how-europeans-brought-sickness-new-world
By 1642, Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve (1612-76) founded the city of Ville-Marie, which eventually became known as ‘Montreal’ by 1665. The city was not only a missionary site of Evangelics hoping to assimilate Indigenous groups to European culture and convert them to Christianity, but it also became a major trading post. In fact, until the 1960s and into the 1970s, Montreal was the largest and most prosperous commercial centre in all of Canada.
Since Montreal was colonized by the Europeans, it is still influenced by European culture. Despite the negative effects of Indigenous colonization, European architecture, food, and culture continues to permeate Montreal in significant and meaningful ways.
Montreal is known for its stunning architecture, much of which is inspired by European styles and construction. Especially in Old Montreal, the historic trading centre of the city, which connect to the Old Port, the cobble-stone streets and ornate building furnishing give off a characteristically European flare.
Another popular feature of Montreal’s architecture is the structure of apartment buildings that line bustling streets like St. Denis. These homes are narrows and known for their spiral staircases. They can be a hassle in the wintertime when icy weather strikes but they are a unique feature of the city that cannot be missed.
For a taste of traditional, stone and brick buildings, take a stroll through Old Montreal. This sector is full of artisanal shops, cafes, restaurants, and even high fashion stores, which are all located within stunning buildings that are often centuries-old.
Montreal also boats exquisite modern architecture. The city’s urban engineers have flawlessly meshed old and new structures in a way that is both remarkable and breathtaking for Montrealers and tourists alike.
Habitat 67: one of Montreal’s most famous modern architectural structures. It was originally meant to house the Olympic athletes for the 1976 summer Olympics. The complex now operates for community housing. It was designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. https://www.afar.com/travel-tips/a-tour-of-montreals-modern-architectureAnother famous modern structure in Montreal: The Palais des Congres. It is located in the international Quarter of the city and hosts a number of events and conferences since 1983. It is currently being used as a Covid vaccination centre. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/montreal-highlights-slideshow
Foods to Try and Where to Find Them
Montreal is not only aesthetically beautiful, but it is home to amazing culinary dishes from a number of cultures. From cafes, to restaurants, to pasty shops, the city is worth visiting for the food alone.
Perhaps the city’s most iconic dish is ‘poutine.’ Consisting of thick-cut fries, gravy, and cheese curds, poutine is a classic French Canadian dish that has become a tourist favorite for its addictive saltiness and unique flavors. https://www.timeout.com/montreal/restaurants/best-iconic-montreal-food
Coffee and Pastries
Bakery and Pastry shop Alati-Caserta is a must-visit spot on thr east-end of Montreal. It sells one of the city’s best and authentic Italian-style cannolis. The cannoli is a popular Italian dessert that consists of a hard shell filled with either sweetened ricotta cheese or vanilla custard. https://www.alaticaserta.com/Cafe and bakery Olive et Gourmando is a classic breakfast and lunch spot with a number of delicious baked goods and dishes. For breakfast, an almond croissant paired with the coconut chia pudding is delicious. For lunch, you cannot go wrong with the grilled cheese. The cafe is situated in Old Montreal and prides itself on serving fresh, Parisian style foods. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155032-d1022618-Reviews-Olive_Gourmando-Montreal_Quebec.htmlTommy Cafe has a number of locations across Montreal. It is a trendy spot serving yummy food, from coffee, to croissants, to avocado toast. All the locations are striking and known for their abundance of greenery. https://www.tommymontreal.com/notre-dame/?lang=enCafe Vasco de Gama is located on Peel Street, in the core of downtown Montreal. They serve delicious coffee and a number of Portuguese delicacies like natas, which are custard filled cups of soft dough. The cafe also serves a mean omelette with fillings of your choice. It also provides a number of decadent pastries, from mini apple tarts to classic french croissants. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155032-d953982-Reviews-Cafe_Vasco_Da_Gama-Montreal_Quebec.htmlBoulangerie and Patisserie Tillemont is another east-end Italian spot to visit for amazing pastries and bread. Definitely try their round baguette-style loaf or classic baguette for an authentic taste of Italian bread. Their bread is fluffy on the inside but crunchy on the outside and is absolutely irresistible. https://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Quebec/Montreal/Boulangerie-Patisserie-Tillemont-Inc/2133589.htmlPattiserie Rhubarb serves delicious French pastries. From classic berry tarts, to passion-fruit eclairs, this spot is a little pricey, but you will not regret taking a visit. https://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Quebec/Montreal/Boulangerie-Patisserie-Tillemont-Inc/2133589.htmlServing arguably the best bread and baked goods in the city, Guillame on Saint-Laurent boulevard is easy to miss, but worth your while. From their classic french baguette, to their white chocolate muffins, they serve fresh baked goods that will leave you wanting more with every bite. https://en.guillau.me/
Salads and Foods for Health Nuts
Mandy’s has several locations across the island of Montreal. The salad joint has become an iconic and trendy staple food stop throughout the city. Don’t be fooled by the salads and power bowls on the menu, they also offer some absolutely delicious desserts, including their famous chocolate chip cookies. If you want a more upscale dining experience, be sure to visit the location in Old Montreal, where wine is served table side. https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2020/02/montreal-salad-restaurant-mandys-coming-toronto/Freshii is an up-and-coming franchise that originated in Toronto, another major metropolitan city in Canada. Freshiis serves a number of delicious wraps, salads, and smoothies, with a number of vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Their energy bites and frozen yogurt are perfect compliments to any meal. https://www.yelp.ca/biz/freshii-montreal-4Green Panther in the Mount Royal borough of Montreal is a great vegetarian/vegan spot serving creating takes on typical dishes like tacos and burritos. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155032-d6654164-Reviews-The_Green_Panther-Montreal_Quebec.htmlCafe Lola Rosa is another great spot serving vegetarian options. Their motto is about showing non-vegetarians that a plant-based meal can be equally as delicious, filling, and nutritious as a non-plant-based meal. https://www.restomontreal.ca/resto/lola-rosa-montreal/3532/en/Lov is a trendy restaurant with several locations throughout Montreal. The Gnocchi and Mac and Cheese are great options with healthy twists. Their desserts, coffee, and matcha are also delicious. https://lov.com/en/restaurants/lov-centropolis/Another great spot with a number of vegetarian and vegan options is Venice, located in Old Montreal. Their surfer aesthetic and kind staff make the experience eating there vibrant and enjoyable. be sure to try out their tacos or any of their power bowls.https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155032-d10154104-Reviews-Venice_MTL-Montreal_Quebec.html
Smoked Meat
Schwartz Deli is an iconic spot to get a classic smoked meat sandwich. If you’re looking to pair your sandwich with fries or a hot dog, this is not the place. Schwartz prides itself on serving authentic smoked meat, and only smoked meat. Smoked meat is similar to baloney or pastrami. It is usually smoked with a layer of pepper crust and the best kind always includes some fat for tenderness. https://tastet.ca/en/2018/03/11/schwartzs/Snowden Deli is an iconic spot located in the Notre-dame-de-Grace/Cote-des-Neiges region of Montreal. As a typical Jewish deli, it also serves matzo ball soup and fresh latkes. https://www.yelp.ca/biz/snowdon-deli-montr%C3%A9al-3Dunn’s is a truly famous smoked meat joint in Montreal. Although it is pricier than places like Snowden Deli, you cannot go wrong with the smoked meat here. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g155029-d5107544-Reviews-Dunns_Famous-Laval_Quebec.html
Baloney Sandwiches
Wilensky’s stands alone, serving authentic boloney sandwiches just as they did fifty years ago. The interior is full of paraphernalia from the past that takes you through a time warp. Never ask for your sandwich to be modified, and especially do not ask for ‘no mustard.’ Be sure to check out their selection of sodas, including cherry and vanilla cola options as well as a number of fun twists on the classic root beer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilensky%27s
St. Viateur Bagel sells wood-oven baked sesame bagels. They have been a Montreal staple for decades and have multiple locations in the Plateau borough as well as in Laval. https://www.stviateurbagel.com/en/locationsFairmount Bagel is located around the corner from St. Viateur. Their bagels are equally as delicious and they also often fun alternatives like blueberry and cranberry flavors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairmount_Bagel
Montreal is home to a number of stunning parks and natural habitats. Mount Royal is by far the most popular visited spot in the city. It is an inactive volcano that has become a key location for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Overall, Montreal is a stunning city. It champions diversity, multiculturalism, and social progress in admirable ways. So much about the city was missed in the short article, but it truly does offer a great taste of different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. From restaurants, to architecture, to its own history, the city is certainly worth visiting the next time you take a trip to Canada.
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