Mile-End
MontréalIntroduction
Iconic unlike any of the city’s other neighbourhoods, the Mile-End is flanked by Mont-Royal to the south, Van Horne to the north, Saint-Laurent to the east and Parc Avenue to the west (although some say Durocher). And within this 5-square kilometre arrondissement lives a history rich with culture, and a present full of possibility.
Lifestyle
History, culture and a hip crowd of residents has created an entirely alluring community. There area has plenty of cachet for its style and active community life. Everyone belongs, and many languages mingle in the street among residents and visitors. It's quite a popular destination as well as residential enclave because it's got so much activity. From summer festivals to eating, shopping and just enjoying, this area, including the green expanses of Mount Royal offer a taste of everything.
The Vibe
Although recently crowned the epicenter of hipster life by the New York Times, Mile-End manages to fit in a little something for everyone when it comes to community and way of life. Bordering with Outremont and one of Montreal’s largest Hassidic community on one side, and the maturing Plateau neighbourhood to the south, these handful of blocks are true mélange — high-end grocers rub elbows with the bagel institutions, while iconic coffee shops evolve along with the neighbourhood and offer hot chocolates for the new kids (literally) in town.
Meet the Neighbours
And like any area that offers such an incredible breadth of culture, there is no one typical Mile-end resident. Young single professionals mingle with young families and older couples alike during several of the summers’ street fairs and language is fluid, from French to English within a single conversation with ease, bringing to life the joy of this neighbourhood’s diversity.
In the Area
Unlike other Montreal enclaves, there is no defining measure of money here. The countless coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques and specialty shops range in price from a $1.50 allong? at Caf? Olimpico to a latt? with housemade donuts at Caf? Sardine, making everything seemingly accessible, at least in terms of way-of-life.
4.5 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Bicycles are a common mode of transportation, weather permitting, no matter the time of year. Personal bikes are de rigueur, but there also are a fair number of Bixi stands (Montreal’s bike share program) in and around, as well as car share parking for CommuneAuto and Car2Go. Although driving around the neighbourhood is easy, parking isn’t always. Transit in the area is primarily the bus service, which runs on many of the major streets including the 80 Parc bus and the 55 St. Laurent. The metro also services the neighbourhood at Rosemont and Places-des-Arts (both situated outside of the neighbourhood), offering bus service directly into the heart of it.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Just beyond the borders of Mile-End is Mount Royal AKA “the mountain”, a focal point of the city. The 692 acres of green space offers walking and running trails in the summer, as well as cycling, and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Additional neighbourhood parks can be found dotted throughout. Other amenities including both English and French schools are also available in the area along with banks (TD Canada Trust, ScotiaBank), grocery stores, a post office and pharmacies (Jean-Coutu, UniPrix).
Dollars & Sense
Over the past several years, rents have increased, requiring some of the area’s artist residents to move to more affordable neighbourhoods, but many of the areas charm remains. Classics like lunch counter Wilensky’s and bagel factory Fairmont Bagel keep Mile-End rooted in Anglophone history and new comers like the revamped restaurant Nouveau Palais and phyllo bar Malina’s ensure the neighbourhood stays relevant for residents.
Featured Homes for Sale in Mile-End
A hand-picked selection of new home and condos for sale in Mile-End. For those who love the thrill of anticipation of getting into a brand new home or condo.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Latina Épicerie Gourmet
One of the city’s greatest grocery stores, their butcher counter is bar none and the selection of cheeses and prepared foods will harken back to the day when people had a grocer they could call by name.
more infoOpen da Night
Officially called Caf? Olimpico, this old-school Italian sports caf? has been a must-do in the neighbourhood for decades. The nickname comes from a decrepit “Open Day and Night” sign that used to hang over the door. Even though it doessn’t look like much, the patio is perfect for people-watching and they serve some of the best coffee in the whole city.
more infoKem CoBa
In the grand scheme of the neighbourhood, this ice cream shop is a relative new born. Opened in 2011 by husband and wide team Vincent and Ngoc, the tiny shop is only open from April to October each year and is a must-do in the summer months. http://kemcoba.com/
more infoWilensky’s Light Lunch
Made famous outside of the Mile-End regulars thanks The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Montreal author Mordecai Richler, this sandwich shop is best known for its egg creams, and The Wilensky Special (several slices of grilled meat including bologna and salami) on a bun with mustard which they have been making since 1932.
more infoLocal 23
Vintage shopping is Mile-End is plentiful, but if time is limited, a stop at Local 23 is a must. A fixture in the neighbourhood for over 10 years, the selection changes constantly, the garments are always in fashion and the staff knowledgeable.
more infoLibrarie Drawn & Quarterly
What began as a single-issue magazine has grown into a thriving publisher bringing the world’s best cartoonists to the masses. And in the Mile-End neighbourhood, they also have a brick and mortar bookshop where you can find independent gems and harder to find titles.
more info