Parc Ex
MontréalIntroduction
Parc Extension (usually shortened to Parc Ex) is a long rectangular neighbourhood in the North-East portion of Montreal's downtown core, and part of the larger Villeray-St-Michel-Parc-Extension borough. Geographically, it stretches between Acadie Boulevard, splitting its streets off from the Town of Mount Royal next door, and the train tracks to by Jarry Park. North to South, it stops at Highway 40 and Beaumont Avenue.
Lifestyle
Living in Parc Ex can feel quite a bit different than elsewhere in the city. While the neighbourhood looks like the surrounding areas architecturally and geographically, it’s the people who live here along with the restaurants that really sets it apart. Most of the residents are of South Asian descent, and the boutiques reflect the demographic. Fans of spicy food, Indian an dPakistani cuisine and atypical grocery stores will feel right at home and immediately fall in love with the area.
The Vibe
Parc Ex has a very multicultural vibe and a bit of storied history. It used to be the working class home of the Montreal Expos, back when we had a baseball team. Now, cricket is the sport of choice thanks to the recent influx of Indian, Pakistani and other ex-pats who now call this neighbourhood home.
Meet the Neighbours
Parc Ext used to home to a large portion of Montreal's Greek community. Nowadays, the borough has the city's largest concentration of South Asians - notably Punjabi. It's more common than not to see women out in Saris walking along Jean Talon Street, going about their business, at any time of year.
In the Area
There aren't many schools or other institutions inside the neighbourhood, but fortunately you aren't far from the ones in the surrounding boroughs. There's plenty of dining and shopping though, and the Rockland Centre is just next door in the Town of Mount Royal. Plus, Jarry Park is just on the other side of the tracks.
7.5 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Parc Ex offers a lot of options for getting around town. There are two metro stations, a bus depot and a train station. The highway and Acadie Boulevard also offer quick and easy ways in and out by car. Some of the streets inside the area are a little narrow and parking can be a challenge.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
In terms of urban planning, Parc Ex is your average grid-based city neighbourhood. It's easy to find your way around, but there isn't a lot to grab your attention along the average street. Most of the buildings are simple semi-detached homes, missing the colour and variety the rest of the city offers.
Dollars & Sense
This is definitely one of the cheaper areas to live and shop in the Metro zone. There are plenty of genuinely good restaurants, with competitively low prices, as well as cheap eats and bargain-priced grocers. Also, there are plenty of Laundromats and other services for renters and home owners throughout the area.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Malhi
Malhi is a tiny little Punjabi restaurant known particularly for its sweets and light desserts. It was one of the first Indian restaurants to open in the area, and is definitely one of the most well-known.
more infoMaison India Curry
This lunchtime hotspot is known for its fast service, large portions and competitive prices. They specialize in Thali – assorted plates of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Very accessible, and not too spicy either.
more infoSana
A little Indian-Pakistani restaurant off Jarry. You can find some of the usual suspects for Indian fare, as well some less common delights straight from the grill. Be warned: they tend to not hold back on their spices if you ask for them.
more infoJarry Park
The massive Jarry Park borders a good chunk of this neighbourhood, and is accessible by a crossing in the tracks. Great for walking the dog, having a picnic or spotting some cricket games in the summer.
more infoElatos
One of the few remaining gyros spots in Parc Ex, and for good reason. Their souflaki has a bit of a die-hard following, their service is fast and the prices are next to unbeatable.
more info