The Explorer

Discovery of Montreal

Path length: 8 km
Recommended duration: 5 to 6 hours
Recommended transportation: Walking and bus
To discover in this itinerary:
Poka’i, Lac aux castors & Café des amis, The Ring, Old Port & Grand quai

Discover Montreal from the mountain to the Saint Lawrence River! From the essential to the unexpected, just like the SDC Côte-des-Neiges! This discovery itinerary presented in partnership with Tourisme Montréal, offers an enriching and memorable day of exploration. Get ready to discover Montreal’s historic, cultural, and natural gems, all in one day!

Begin your adventure at Poka’i, on chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges and pick up a delicious bahn mi or the road. You can also have it at the placette just across the street with a wonderful view of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory. Now, the walk begins! Follow chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges to the East, alongside the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges cemetery up to chemin Remembrance. The latter will take you straight up to Lac-aux-Castors, where you’ll be able to relax with a little snack from the Café des amis. Then, fill up your water bottle and continue on chemin Olmstead to the East, followed by the steps that will take you back down to Peel Street. Make your way through McGill University’s campus and down the street that bears its name. You will come across the Ring, a symbol of the city inaugurated for Place Ville Marie’s 60th anniversary. When facing North from the plaza, the Ring serves as a frame, encircling the modern and historic architecture of Montreal as well as its greenspaces and lively streets. Your next destination is the Old Port, passing by Old Montreal. Walk through its paved streets while admiring the historic buildings’ façades. This picturesque neighbourhood is sure to charm you. Finish your discovery on the terrace of the Grand Quai which offers a stunning view of the city skyline, Jean Drapeau Park, and Habitat 67. Don’t forget to take a souvenir picture with the giant Bonjour Montréal sign!

To view the full itinerary on Google: click here

Getting around with public transit

From Côte-des-Neiges Mount-Royal Park
Bus 711 Est:
Queen Mary/Gatineau → Lac aux Castors

From the Ring (Place Ville Marie) to Old Montreal
Bus 150 Est:
René-Lévesque/Mansfield → René-Lévesque/De l’Hôtel-de-Ville and head South