La Petite Patrie
MontréalIntroduction
La Petite Patrie is a large, grid-based neighbourhood located between Rosemont, Villeray, Mile-End and Le Plateau. It stretches from Papineau in the east, to Parc in the west. North, it runs between Rosemont and Jean-Talon. St-Denis, St Laurent and Christophe Columb act as the main arteries taking you through the neighbourhood, while St-Hubert Street sits in the middle as the business heart of the area.
Lifestyle
Living in La Petite Patrie is fun. It’s in a fairly central location, getting you downtown or into neighbouring areas quickly. You can take an active part in the culture here if you like, hitting the parks, the pubs and the brunch places on a regular basis. Even if you aren’t really the social type, you can still do tons of shopping and come home to some peace and quiet.
The Vibe
La Petite Patrie has a great vibe, especially in the summer. You'll spot tons of cyclists, people out for walks, and all kinds of crowds and visitors moving along the Plaza. During the day, it's filled with life, and well on into the evenings too. There isn't too much nightlife, but it’s close enough to the neighbourhoods that offer it.
Meet the Neighbours
The neighbourhood has large Vietnamese and South Asian populations and, thanks to the little time it takes to get downtown, La Petite Patrie is also home to quite a significant student population too. However, as you walk these streets you’ll likely come across a whole variety of people, including young families and retired couples.
In the Area
There's plenty to see and visit in the area. The Plaza along St Hubert is an essential stop for anyone looking to shop. Elsewhere, you'll find some of the nicest old churches and cathedrals in the city. La Petite Patrie is also adjacent to some large parks and the Jean Talon market, a local farmer's market filled with fresh produce all summer.
6 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
It's easy to get around this neighbourhood by foot and bike. There are plenty of wide sidewalks, and quiet side streets. There are also buses that run along the major avenues and several metro stations throughout the area. Car owners might have a hard time getting through some sections and finding parking is tough especially near the plaza promenade.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
La Petite Patrie is overall a gorgeous neighbourhood. It doesn't suffer from some of the crumbling buildings and constant construction that neighbouring boroughs are currently experiencing. If there's anything to complain about, it's the traffic congestion near the plaza and along St-Denis at pretty much all hours of the day.
Dollars & Sense
La Petite Patrie offers plenty of locations to dine and shop for both the budget crowd and people with a few more bucks to spend. You can find some fine dining establishments and luxury clothing stores just as easily as some amazing cheap eats and bargain shopping outlets. You can get by spending as much or as little as you like.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Plaza St-Hubert
This is the main shopping strip in the neighbourhood. You can easily spot it by the covered sidewalks. You'll find plenty of brand name stores, dining and even a few curiosity shops along the street.
more infoCafe Idee Fixe
A creative cafe located just along the South edge of the neighbourhood. They offer great coffee and bistro-style meals, including some gourmet breakfast options. In the summer, you can sit out on the front patio.
more infoGainzbar
Gainzbar is a bar/lounge/jazz hall on the main strip with a menu of tapas and great beer on tap, with music most nights. The swanky, early century decor on the inside is well worth experiencing.
more infoPark Pere Marquette
There's plenty to do at this large park in La Petite Patrie: sports fields, a community garden and a skating rink in winter. It's a great place for dog walking and meeting other pet owners.
more infoRoi du Smoked Meat
Montreal is known for its smoked meat, and Roi du Smoked Meat puts it on the map. Not as well-known as some other spots, in this neighbourhood this is the destination for local comfort food.
more info