The gateway to the next weekend getaway is only a couple blocks from campus at the McGill Metro Station. Grab a pal and an STM day pass and enjoy a day-long expedition with The McGill Tribune’s five-stop green line itinerary.
First stop: Lionel-Groulx
8:30 a.m.: Situated by the Lachine Canal, the Saint-Henri neighbourhood brings the small-town charm to Montreal. Fuel up for the day at Restaurant Greenspot on Rue Notre-Dame Ouest. You can choose from their selection of classic breakfast food, sip on your morning coffee, and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this old-school diner. In addition to eight-dollar breakfast platters, face-sized pancakes, and classic omelettes, this spot also offers top-notch lunch and dinner menus, including an exhaustive poutine selection, served after 11 a.m.
9:30 a.m.: Before winter begins, take advantage of Atwater Market’s outdoor area. The popular farmers market buzzes with an assortment of fresh produce, plants, local delicacies, and bakeries—everything you need for this week’s grocery trip. Grab a panini and coffee for a second breakfast at Brûlerie Aux Quatre Vents, pick up your bulk food essentials at Le Vrac du Marché, and stop and smell the roses at Angel Jardins.
Second stop: Place-des-Arts
10:15 a.m.: Squeeze in a study session at the Anticafé on Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest. This public workspace charges you by time increments, rather than amount of food and drinks consumed, and is perfect for the student on a budget. Three hours at the café costs eight dollars, with an infinite array of cookies, bagels, lattes, and espressos all at your disposal.
Next, visit the Musée D’Art Contemporain de Montréal and take a gander at their collection of contemporary art from Canada and around the world. The fall exhibition, “Manifesto,” featuring artists Françoise Sullivan and Julian Rosefeldt, will open on Oct. 20.
Third stop: Saint Laurent
1:30 p.m.: Satisfy both your shopping needs and your stomach at Eva-B, an eclectic thrift store always overflowing with the latest vintage trends. With two floors full of clothes, it won’t be hard to find your fall wardrobe while still keeping your student budget in mind. Additionally, their in-store café features lunch options such as soups, sandwiches, and dumplings, each under 10 dollars.
Fourth stop: Beaudry
3 p.m.: Located in the Gay Village, indulge in dessert from Cacao 70 on Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, an eatery that specializes in chocolate delights. Between dessert pizzas, cheesecakes, waffles, fondue, and ice cream, you’ll want to save some room for a post-lunch treat. The restaurant also serves brunch until 4 p.m. as well as savoury options, such as crepes, until closing time if you aren’t craving sweet food.
Fifth stop: Pie IX
4 p.m.: Once the stage for the 1976 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park hosts a diverse array of attractions, events, and activities. Attend an outdoor event, such as the “First Fridays” food truck festival that convenes on the first Friday of every month at the Esplanade Financière Sun Life. Alternatively, explore ecosystems from around the world at the Biodome, or take a ride up Montreal Tower, the tallest inclined tower in the world. Illuminate your evening at the Botanical Garden’s “Garden of Lights,” featuring dazzling light displays and sculptures in the First Nations, Japanese, and Chinese Gardens.
