Côte Saint-Luc is a large, self-contained suburb located along the western edge of downtown Montreal, wedged in between Montreal West, Hampstead and NDG. To the northwest and down to its southern boundary, the neighbourhood is boxed in by Montreal train yards. Côte Saint-Luc Road marks the southeast boundary, running from Pinedale Avenue down to the train tracks just beyond Meadowbrook Golf Club.
Côte Saint-Luc can feel somewhat isolated from the rest of the city as the train yards form a boundary around most of the neighbourhood. There aren't many routes out to nearby areas and there is a lack of metro stations. Still, there are many family attractions and spots for recreation. It has its own shopping mall, numerous restaurants and some of the best maintained parks and streets on the island.
Côte Saint-Luc feels different than the rest of Montreal, with a vibe that would be more at home in, say, Ottawa. It's spacious and green, with plenty of open sky and gorgeous parks. The community feels close-knit, and there's plenty of culture that marks it as its own self-contained neighbourhood.
Côte Saint-Luc is a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, with residents hailing from a number of nationalities and backgrounds. Many of the residents are families who moved out here to raise their kids. There is also a large retirement community in the area. Unlike the rest of the island, there are fewer students.
In the area, you will find plenty of hotspots for families, such as large parks and sports fields, indoor arenas for hockey and ice skating, and the mid-sized Cavendish Mall. There are also numerous synagogues and community centres, along with private and public residential schools for elementary and primary levels.
Despite its proximity to so many train tracks, there's no stop in the area, nor is there a metro station. Fortunately, there are bus routes that can take you to nearby metro stops and help you get around, but it definitely helps to have a car to get in and out of the neighbourhood.
The Côte Saint-Luc neighbourhood is an isolated, upper middle-class suburb, for better and for worse. It is safe, friendly and well maintained, and it caters to families and couples. For young adults, it might feel like wandering around in someone else's ideal community as there isn't much for them to do.
You can find everything you need for your home and family within the neighbourhood, but there isn't a ton of variety for shopping or dining. You have your standard grocers and pharmacies, and a handful of restaurants, but for cheaper shopping and bulk purchases, you'll want to hop in the car and head elsewhere.
A bustling park right next to the local area, you'll find plenty to do and see here throughout the year. The park hosts outdoor concerts in the summer, and ice hockey in the winter.
more infoThis unassuming little bakery offers some of the best bagels in the area. Baked on the spot from their wood stove, the bagels are always fresh. Buy by the dozen and save them for later.
more infoRenowned Montreal-style deli that's been a staple for generations, Famous Delly Boys serves up many favourites on the spot or on the go, including smoked meat on rye, pickled veggie platters and roast beef sandwiches.
more infoLarge, always bustling kosher pastry shop and grocer. Pastries are fluffy and filled with flavour, and come in a good variety. They also have quite a few options on hand for vegetarians and vegans.
more infoCôte Saint-Luc isn't crawling with pizza options. Fortunately, the few they have are quite good. Offering poutine, smoked meat subs and other standards, this place is a cut above the usual slice in the city.
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