Montréal’s Underground City Tour: A Guide to Hidden Treasures

In downtown Montreal, the underground pedestrian network makes it easy to move from one place to another without worrying about the weather. Stretching over 30 kilometres, the RÉSO connects metro stations, shopping centres and office towers across a large part of the city’s core.

More than just a way to get around, it’s also a different way to experience downtown. Between food stops, cultural moments and places to explore, the route is full of surprises.

Here’s an itinerary to help you navigate Montreal’s underground network and discover some of our current favourites.

Le Complexe Desjardins: An ideal starting point

With an area of 4 million square feet, Le Complexe Desjardins is the most spacious building in Montreal. It houses the prestigious DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, three office towers, 110 shops and restaurants, as well as one of the most beautiful food courts in downtown. Impressive indeed!

The large public square at the heart of the complex, modernized and functional, offers a space for relaxation near a spectacular fountain. There, you can take a pleasant break while admiring the luminous water jets dancing up to the ceiling.

Centre Eaton de Montréal: a central stop to eat and move

As you make your way to the Centre Eaton de Montréal, the energy picks up. Directly connected to McGill metro and the REM, it’s a key hub right in the heart of the underground network.

Time Out Market brings together a lineup of local spots under one roof, perfect when you want to decide on the spot. Other food halls worth exploring downtown are also well worth a visit.

For something a bit more fancy and relaxed, Île de France, located on the 9th floor, serves French cuisine with a beautiful view over downtown.

Feel like moving a bit? Playbox Center adds a fun twist to the route with interactive games, a great way to break up the pace between stops.

Les Cours Mont-Royal: a new go-to for entertainment

Just a short walk from the Eaton Centre, Les Cours Mont-Royal is where the route shifts gears. It’s quickly becoming a go-to stop to keep the experience going, blending shopping with a strong entertainment angle.

Inside, you’ll find one of the largest EB Games locations in the world, a must for video game fans, along with La Joué, a newly opened toy store built around discovery and play.

Looking for something more interactive? Les Trois Monkeys brings an arcade-style experience that completely changes the pace.

Les Cours also hosts the Barbie Expo, a free exhibition featuring over 1,000 Barbie dolls, including many inspired by pop culture and fashion.

Place Ville-Marie: where the route turns social

As you make your way to Place Ville-Marie, the pace shifts. It’s less about moving through and more about taking a moment, whether it’s for a quick drink or a longer pause.

At Cathcart, counters line up in a light-filled space at the heart of Place Ville-Marie. Restaurants, cafés, counters and a biergarten all come together under a large glass pavilion, creating a lively spot to meet, hang out or stay a while.

Newly arrived, Arthur’s adds another reason to stop. You’ll find the classics that built its reputation, with one major perk here: you can actually book ahead. Think pancakes, schnitzel plates and gravlax sandwiches. A well-timed stop before the final stretch of the route.

Atrium Le 1000 ice rink: a finale that stands out

Wrap up the route with a real wow moment. Atrium Le 1000 de La Gauchetière features a year-round indoor skating rink under a glass dome, right on the ground floor of one of downtown’s tallest buildings. Connected to Bonaventure station and the REM, it fits naturally as the final stop on the route.

Just next door, Osteria Schiavio extends the outing with a great option for happy hour or a late dinner. Expect Italian classics like pasta, lasagna, gnocchi and pizza, all served in a setting that feels both relaxed and refined.