Slicing through the heart of Montreal, Saint-Laurent Boulevard is one of the city’s trendiest streets. Known by locals simply as “The Main”, the strip is lined with an inspired string of bars, cafes and restaurants. For gastronomes, a food tour of Saint Laurent Boulevard is a must. For a taste of Montreal’s famous BYO restaurant scene, branch off Saint Laurent Boulevard and explore the offerings on Prince Arthur Street.
The Boulevard is rich in cultural heritage, with some fabulous historic buildings located along the strip. People watching from a pavement café is a Montreal rite of passage, and for those in search of unique souvenirs, designer threads, vintage gems and on-trend accessories, Saint Laurent Boulevard is a shopper’s paradise.
Officially, Saint Laurent Boulevard begins on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, near De la Commune Street. It stretches for 11 kilometres, with several metro stations along the way. For the full Saint Laurent Boulevard experience, dedicate 1.5 hours to walking the entire strip. Of course, don’t forget to stop for coffee, bagels and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches along the way.
Historically, Saint Laurent Boulevard divides the city by language, class and ethnicity. For decades, English speakers lived to the west, French Canadians to the east and immigrants somewhere in-between. Today the boulevard is an inclusive melting pot that celebrates Canada’s multicultural past, and present.