Things to do when you are in Griffintown

Rejuvenated and reinvented, Griffintown – located near downtown Montreal and the Lachine Canal – is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. With industrial and Irish roots, the area is abuzz with artists, musicians, restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, art galleries, antique shops and residential projects. Check out our list to discover some of highlights that "The Griff" has to offer.

By Stéphanie Létourneau

Marché Atwater

1

138, av Atwater, Montréal, QC H4C 2G3

• Phone Number
  • 514-937-7754Primary
• Directions

Near the Lachine Canal, the Atwater Market is famous for its butcher shops, cheese shops and its variety of fresh produce. Its art deco style architecture makes this building one of the most beautiful in the city. Shops and businesses here are handed down from generation to generation and thus sustain the market's unique vibe and well-deserved reputation.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Experience sugar shack season in Montreal!
• Montreal gardening supply centres

West Elm

2

995, rue Wellington, Montréal, QC H3C 1V3

• Phone Number
  • 514-861-2809Primary
• Directions

Head to West Elm for a little decor shopping! Located in a former fur warehouse in Griffintown, this furniture and decor shop has a distinct industrial feel to it, and appeals to urban loft and apartment dwellers. This is the first West Elm store to open its doors in Quebec. You’re sure to find something at this 15,000 ft2 location!

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Looking for a beautiful lighting fixture in Montreal?

Boutique Stock Markt

3

2664, rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1N7

• Phone Number
  • 514-439-5575Primary
• Directions

Boutique Stockmarkt is a must-see for Montreal's fashionistas. Sister of l'Apothicaire WANT, offers men’s and women’s fashions at discounts of 40% up to 80%. New items come in on a regular basis. We also like its stationery items (pencils, notebooks, etc.).

ALT Hotel

4

120, rue Peel, Montréal, QC H3C 0L8

• Phone Number
  • 514-375-0220Primary
  • 1-855-823-8120Tollfree
• Directions

Modern and comfortable, Hôtel ALT invites you to sleep as if you were floating on a cloud. Its trendy and bright rooms, spread over 18 floors, offer breathtaking views of the river and the city. A snack counter, a bar and a gym are available.

Grinder

5

1708 rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1M3

• Phone Number
  • 514-439-1130Primary
• Directions
• Menu

In the heart of Griffintown, Restaurant Grinder is a neighbourhood must-try. It offers a menu of raw and cooked dishes, including cuts of grilled or braised meats, as well as fish and other seafood. The meats are accompanied by a menu of privately imported wines, always changing with the season. Comfortable and cozy, the space with its original decor blends elements of vintage and modern style.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• A raw deal: The best uncooked dishes in town
• Montreal restaurants to see and be seen in
• Trendy joints in Griffintown

Rien de neuf

6

2660, rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1N7

• Phone Number
  • 514-932-8838Primary
• Directions

A visit to the antique district on Notre-Dame Street West is a must for any visitor to (or resident) of Griffintown. There are several places where porcelain, lamps and antique furniture transport you to another era. The workshop-boutique Rien de neuf offers wood pieces at good prices, ideal for do-it-yourselfers.

New City Gas

7

950, rue Ottawa, Montreal, QC H3C 1S4

• Phone Number
  • 514-879-1166Primary
• Directions

Looking for some live music? Then you’ll want to check out Griffintown's only event hall: New City Gas. Dating back to 1859, the space, with large roofs and stone masonry, still retains its integrity and is protected by Héritage Montréal. It welcomes bands, solo artists and DJs for a unique audio-visual experience.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Sip a summer cocktail on these fine Montreal terraces

More from Stéphanie Létourneau

Stéphanie is a young marketing professional and fashion blogger who lives in the Rosemont-Petite-Patrie neighbourhood. Her obsession with fashion and her passion for writing make her blog, S.O.S. Mode, the perfect go-to destination for a look at the latest trends. She loves Sunday brunches with friends and definitely spends too much time watching Netflix with her cats.

• My Website
• My Twitter
• My Facebook

Go for a show at these art film and independent cinemas

While big action blockbusters may appeal to the masses, there’s something to be said for the more nuanced, dare we say intellectual, productions from independent film houses. You won’t find these artful films playing at your local multi-screen movie theatre; rather, you’ll have to seek out one of Montreal’s handful of independent cinemas. [Image credit: iStock.com]

Dining after your dip: Restaurants near swimming pools

With summer upon us, there’s nothing like a good swim – whether it’s a fun frolic or some serious laps – to cool you off. Of course, the result of any good pool session is a healthy appetite, which is where this list comes in. We’ve done some sleuthing and come up with several outstanding Montreal restaurants situated close enough to a pool to offer immediate post-swim fuel.

Spring break activities to do as a family

It's spring break! Your children are full of joy and energy, while you are racking your brain for ways to occupy them. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Montreal to create lasting memories with the family this spring break.