{"id":8427,"date":"2024-01-26T16:25:33","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T21:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/?post_type=what-to-do&p=8427"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:58:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T19:58:05","slug":"montreals-underground-city-tour-a-guide-to-hidden-treasures","status":"publish","type":"what-to-do","link":"https:\/\/montrealcentreville.ca\/en\/what-to-do\/montreals-underground-city-tour-a-guide-to-hidden-treasures\/","title":{"rendered":"Montr\u00e9al’s Underground City Tour: A Guide to Hidden Treasures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Regardless of the season, shopping malls – perfect shelters against bad weather – become favorite places for weekend shopping. Montreal’s famous underground pedestrian network, known as the R\u00c9SO<\/strong>, offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of the metropolis.<\/p>\n

Connecting metro stations to numerous shopping centers over a distance of 32 kilometers, the R\u00c9SO is located mainly in the city center. This playful and fascinating journey is ideal for an outing with friends, a shopping session as a couple, or a moment of relaxation sheltered from the rain, snow, or cold.<\/p>\n

Here is our recommended itinerary for a relaxed stroll full of unique discoveries in Montreal’s underground walkways, featuring our current favorites.<\/p>\n

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Le Complexe Desjardins: An ideal starting point<\/h2>\n

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

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Complexe Desjardins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Historic Mural by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Back at Place-des-Arts<\/h2>\n

Just a few steps from <\/span>Le Complexe Desjardins<\/span> is the entrance to the Place-des-Arts metro. There, you will discover a <\/span>mural<\/span><\/a> dating from 1966 designed by Quebec artist Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Back, which tells the story of music in Montreal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The work visually represents important moments and prominent personalities from the city’s music scene, from the first concert held on the island in 1535. It features emblematic figures such as Guillaume Couture, Calixa Lavall\u00e9e, and Emma Lajeunesse, alias La grande Albani.<\/span><\/p>\n

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An original tasting at Place Montr\u00e9al Trust<\/h2>\n

After admiring <\/span>Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Back’s work<\/span> at the Place-des-Arts metro, head to <\/span>Place Montr\u00e9al Trust<\/span><\/a> where a unique experience awaits you: The <\/span>Carlo\u2019s Bakery<\/span><\/a> Cake ATM!<\/span><\/p>\n

Each generous slice, carefully prepared in the original bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, is a true feast for the taste buds. With an enticing choice of flavors such as rainbow vanilla, chocolate fudge, funfetti, and the famous carrot cake, there is something for everyone’s taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Place Montr\u00e9al Trust<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Montr\u00e9al Bagel Factory at Carrefour Industrielle Alliance<\/h2>\n

Located in the <\/span>Carrefour Industrielle Alliance<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>La Fabrique de Bagel<\/span><\/a> offers a selection of fresh bagels with various flavors. An authentic taste experience for bagel enthusiasts. No more room after your generous slice of <\/span>Carlo\u2019s Bakery<\/span> cake? No problem, you can take them to go for a tasting later, thus adding a delicious touch to your Montreal gourmet tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 La Fabrique de Bagel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Harry Potter-themed Candies and Barbie Exhibition at Cours Mont-Royal<\/h2>\n

Continue your walk by passing through <\/span>Les Cours Mont-Royal<\/span><\/a>, a must-visit place for those who love cultural discoveries and unique shopping. This destination offers an experience blending art, history, and fashion, with its diverse boutiques and fascinating exhibitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, a stop at <\/span>Carr\u00e9 Confiseries<\/span><\/a> is an absolute must. This shop will delight both children and Harry Potter fans with its range of candies inspired by the iconic characters of Hogwarts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Les Cours Mont-Royal also hosts the <\/span>Expo Barbie<\/span><\/a>, a free exhibition celebrating one of the most beloved dolls. With over 1000 figurines on display, including unique models inspired by Hollywood stars or dressed by major international designers, this exhibition is sure to please a wide audience, including those who are not particularly fans of Barbie.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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A social break at Le Cathcart<\/h2>\n

Le Cathcart<\/span><\/a>, located near the Bonaventure metro in Montreal, is the ultimate epicurean space for locals. This spacious 35,000 square feet area, located in Place Ville Marie, offers a variety of food counters, full-service restaurants, cafes, and a Biergarten.<\/span><\/p>\n

You will also be charmed by its large garden flooded with light thanks to the glass pavilion that overlooks the place. This location offers a perfect setting for a coffee break or an evening drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Le Cathcart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Atrium Le 1000 Skating Rink: Year-Round Skating Joys<\/h2>\n

End your journey with a wow effect at <\/span>Atrium Le 1000<\/span><\/a> de La Gaucheti\u00e8re! This venue boasts a year-round skating rink beneath a glass dome, delighting both skating aficionados and families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Located on the ground floor of the tallest building in the city center, the rink operates from Thursday to Sunday, providing a distinctive urban skating experience<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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