Little Burgundy is located in the Sud-Ouest borough of Montreal bordered by Griffintown, Pointe-Saint-Charles, and Saint-Henri. The area was once highly-industrial, and has since undergone several phases of gentrification. Little Burgundy now offers a mix of upscale restaurants and cafés, upscale antique stores, and boutiques. In the first installment of the “In the Neighbourhood” series, The McGill Tribune has compiled a list of suggestions for an excursion in Little Burgundy.
EAT
September Surf Café
Catch a break from Montreal’s winter weather and stop by September Surf Café, a minimalist, hip coffee shop that radiates coastal vibes. Founded by surf-enthusiasts eager to express their passion for the sport, the café is adjoined by a workshop dedicated to crafting boards. Diners can order from a selection of coffee, pastries, and light fare. With the recent edition of a bar, September Surf Café is also a great spot to unwind and grab a drink.
Patrice Pâtissier
This fresh, modern bakery serves gourmet pastries, coffee, and a variety of more substantial meal options for a sit-down late breakfast or lunch. Some of the locals’ favourites at Patrice Pâtissier include the banana bread, homemade scones, and the Breton cake kouign-amann. With such a widely-appealing selection, it is hard to go wrong at this top-rated dessert spot.
Liverpool House
Sister restaurant to Joe Beef and, more famously, Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau’s date-night spot Liverpool House is located in the heart of Little Burgundy. The restaurant is known for its oyster bar as well as its flavourful and eclectic shareable dishes. Liverpool House is a top-notch destination for fine dining with fewer lines that you might find down the street at Joe Beef.
SEE
L’Arsenal
This open-concept art exhibition space was recently converted from a 19th-century shipyard. L’Arsenal hosts a permanent collection of contemporary art, temporary exhibits, and a program called TD Cultural Tuesdays — a series of experimental events designed to encourage a dialogue between artists and audience members. Véronique Duplain’s Selfie Project, which consists of a series of creative photos that the artist took every day throughout the month of February, is currently on display.
Lachine Canal
Lachine is a popular tourist attraction, offering a scenic getaway from the busy city lifestyle to the serene waters of the canal. It stretches 14.5 kilometres from Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis, and there are plenty of parks, architectural sites, and skyline views to explore along the way. This spot is perfect for a midday break to walk or take a bike ride along the canal, or, once the weather gets a little warmer, kayak or canoe along the waterway.
St. Irenaeus Church
The historic church’s towering green domes are impossible to miss from the streets of Little Burgundy, and its interior architecture is equally stunning. Located a block away from the Lionel-Groulx metro station, St. Irenaeus is a must-see destination for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
DO
Stroll around Atwater Market
The year-round market buzzes with some of the best grocers, boulangeries, florists, and food stands in the city. Stop by Atwater to browse the selection of locally-produced food, people-watch, and chat with local shoppers.
Shop at Rowntree Antiques
Little Burgundy is known for its offbeat vintage stores, and Rowntree Antiques is one of the most popular. Rowntree sells unique European home decor and is a perfect stop for window shopping.
Catch a show at the Corona Theatre
The Corona Theatre has been a cultural hotspot in Little Burgundy since its opening, and it stands as one of the best concert venues in Montreal. The theatre was built in 1912 for silent films and has retained its vintage movie theatre ambiance. It is most popular for its concerts but also hosts occasional film screenings and burlesque performances.
