Creative neighbourhood straddling Boulevard Saint-Laurent, home to the rival St-Viateur and Fairmount bagel bakeries, independent boutiques, cafés and murals.
Mile End is a creative neighbourhood in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough of Montreal, Quebec, straddling Boulevard Saint-Laurent around Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest. It is known for its independent boutiques, cafés, music venues, street art and for the rival St-Viateur and Fairmount bagel bakeries, which produce Montreal-style bagels that are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water and baked in wood-fired ovens. Both bakeries stay open around the clock, with St-Viateur at 263 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest and Fairmount at 74 Avenue Fairmount Ouest.
A walk through Mile End takes in several blocks of tree-lined streets, with Boulevard Saint-Laurent forming the main commercial spine. Visitors find specialty coffee shops, record stores, design boutiques, bookshops and a wide range of restaurants, from smoked-meat counters to modern bistros. Murals and street art appear on the sides of buildings throughout the district, and the area has long been home to artists, musicians and writers, giving it a distinct cultural identity. Residential streets feature the outdoor spiral staircases typical of Montreal.
A typical visit lasts about two hours, though many visitors stay longer for lunch or an afternoon coffee. The neighbourhood is free to explore, and costs depend on what is bought. A fresh bagel typically costs a modest amount, and a dozen to take away is a popular souvenir.
Weekend late mornings bring the most atmosphere, with queues at the bagel bakeries and busy café terraces, while weekday mornings are quieter and better for browsing shops. Summer is the liveliest season. Mile End is about a 15-minute walk west of Laurier metro station on the Orange Line, or visitors can ride STM bus 55 along Boulevard Saint-Laurent. A single metro fare is CAD 3.75. Many visitors combine Mile End with Parc du Mont-Royal or the Plateau on the same day.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open-air neighbourhood; St-Viateur Bagel (263 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest) and Fairmount Bagel (74 Avenue Fairmount Ouest) bake around the clock |
| Typical visit | 2 hours |
| Best time | Weekend late mornings for bagels and café culture |
| Getting there | Metro Orange Line to Laurier, then a 15-minute walk west, or STM bus 55 along Boulevard Saint-Laurent; single fare CAD 3.75 (about USD 2.63) |
| Address | Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest at Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T |
Location
Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest at Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T
45.5236, -73.5977 View on map
Highlights
- Rival St-Viateur and Fairmount bagel bakeries, open around the clock
- Independent boutiques, cafés and music venues
- Street art and murals throughout the neighbourhood
- Walkable tree-lined streets with spiral staircases
Tips for visiting
- Try a hot bagel from both bakeries to compare
- Visit on weekend late mornings for the best atmosphere
- Weekday mornings are better for browsing shops
- Take the Orange Line to Laurier, then walk about 15 minutes, or ride bus 55
- Carry small cash for some bakeries and cafés
- Combine with Mont-Royal or the Plateau
When to visit
Weekend late mornings for bagels and café culture, and summer for the liveliest streets. Weekday mornings are calmer.
Accessibility
Sidewalks are generally level, but some older buildings and shops have steps. Visitors with mobility needs may find larger cafés and restaurants easier to enter.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Mile End take?
About two hours for a walk, bagels and a coffee stop, longer with a meal.
Is Mile End good for kids?
Yes, bagels and open streets suit families, though some venues are more adult-oriented.
Is photography allowed?
Street photography of murals and buildings is fine. Ask before photographing people or inside bakeries.
Are the bagel bakeries open late?
Both St-Viateur and Fairmount bake around the clock.