A Village With a Vocation

The birthplace of Montreal, its original economic hub and social heart, Old Montreal has recently been made new again by trendsetting locals enamoured by its heady history and enduring charm. Little by little, one terrace, boutique-hotel and funky supperclub at a time, Old Montreal has re-emerged as one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in the city. Its appeal has as much to with its hidden courtyards, shadowy alleyways and petite gardens, as with the fantastically restored heritage buildings that now house everything from designer boutiques to designers themselves, cool ad agencies to destination cafés.

Overlooking the Old Port

Old Montreal stewards the city’s waterfront, doing so with style, class and a dash of devil-may-care. This is where the working set let loose during Montreal’s sacred quitting time tradition: the “5 à 7.” Romantics are immediately drawn toward the eastern end, where the Quays of the Old Port marina overlooks the landmark clock tower. All along de la Commune, restaurant terraces invite you to linger, Mediterranean style, and watch the parade of people on bikes, rollerblades or riding in horse-drawn calèches, as well as the odd passing ship that together, maintain the rhythm of port life.

Surrounded by this much history, the urge to explore is both irresistible and