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Saint-Laurent Boulevard (The Main) Montreal

4.4
·143 reviews·Montréal, Canada

Montreal's iconic 'The Main' – a vibrant boulevard rich in multicultural history, stunning street art, diverse food, and unique shops.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Street art & festivals bloom

CrowdHigh
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Club Muzique Rooftop Terrace

Saint-Laurent Boulevard (The Main) Montreal

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Street art & festivals bloom

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Montreal's iconic 'The Main' – a vibrant boulevard rich in multicultural history, stunning street art, diverse food, and unique shops.

4.4
(143 reviews)

"Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a living tapestry of Montreal’s past, present, and future – rich in food, art, culture, and neighborhood flair."

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TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Length

Explore 'The Main' on foot to discover its diverse neighborhoods and hidden street art gems.

🚲 Bike the Boulevard

Utilize Bixi stations for a scenic and efficient way to cover more ground along the boulevard.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Art Wonderland

Street Art Wonderland

Various sections, especially during MURAL Festival

Vibrant murals adorn buildings, turning the boulevard into an ever-evolving outdoor art gallery.

Culinary Melting Pot

Culinary Melting Pot

Chinatown, Little Italy, Plateau, Mile End

From iconic smoked meat and bagels to pho and authentic Italian, 'The Main' is a foodie's paradise.

Vintage Shopping Haven

Vintage Shopping Haven

Plateau and Mile End sections

Discover unique fashion finds and retro treasures in a plethora of second-hand and vintage boutiques.

Historic Immigrant Corridors

Historic Immigrant Corridors

Throughout the boulevard

Experience the rich multicultural history that shaped Montreal, evident in the diverse neighborhoods.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe of 'The Main'

Saint-Laurent Boulevard, affectionately known as 'The Main,' is Montreal's vibrant cultural artery. It's a historic immigrant corridor now brimming with diverse food, unique shops, and lively street art. Plan to explore on foot or by bike to truly soak in its dynamic atmosphere and discover hidden gems.

Timing is Everything on The Main

While 'The Main' is always buzzing, certain times offer distinct experiences. Weekends are peak for shopping and dining, while weekdays offer a more relaxed pace. Check for festivals like MURAL, which transform the street into an open-air art gallery.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Street art & festivals bloom
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Lively dining & nightlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Bagels & brunch buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

First time ever in Montreal. I’m around saint Lauren downtown area biking around. What food places is worth the money?

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Length

Explore 'The Main' on foot to discover its diverse neighborhoods and hidden street art gems. Reddit

🚲 Bike the Boulevard

Utilize Bixi stations for a scenic and efficient way to cover more ground along the boulevard. Reddit

reddit.com

St Laurent & Beaubien is the best corner to eat at in the city

reddit.com

Visiting Montreal for First Time-Suggestions Please

🎨 Seek Out Murals

Keep an eye out for stunning street art, especially during and after the MURAL festival. Reddit

🍽️ Taste the Diversity

Don't miss iconic Montreal foods like smoked meat and bagels, plus international flavors. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Length

Explore 'The Main' on foot to discover its diverse neighborhoods and hidden street art gems. Reddit

🚲 Bike the Boulevard

Utilize Bixi stations for a scenic and efficient way to cover more ground along the boulevard. Reddit

🎨 Seek Out Murals

Keep an eye out for stunning street art, especially during and after the MURAL festival. Reddit

🍽️ Taste the Diversity

Don't miss iconic Montreal foods like smoked meat and bagels, plus international flavors. Reddit

🛍️ Hunt for Vintage

The Plateau and Mile End sections are treasure troves for unique second-hand clothing and goods. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(143 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Saint-Laurent Boulevard, 'The Main,' is celebrated as an iconic and dynamic Montreal street, lauded for its vibrant multicultural history, incredible street art, and diverse culinary scene. Visitors rave about the unique shopping experiences, especially vintage finds, and the sheer variety of food options. Some find parking challenging and certain areas can be very crowded, particularly during events.

"An iconic Montreal street!"

Fatcatter

"Boulevard Saint‑Laurent — or “The Main” — is one of Montréal’s most iconic and dynamic thoroughfares. Here’s a closer look at what makes it special:

🕰 History & Cultural Significance

Origins & Layout: Laid out in 1672 as Rue Saint‑Lambert, it was extended north and officially became Boulevard Saint‑Laurent in 1905. It today stretches about 11 km across the island, from Old Montréal to Rivière des Prairies .

Division of the City: Historically, it split francophone east from anglophone west and was the central corridor for successive waves of immigrants — Jewish, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, Greek and more .

National Heritage: Named a National Historic Site in 1996, “The Main” symbolizes immigration and multicultural urban life in Canada .

🎨 Vibrant Street Life & Events

Pedestrian Energy: Lively all day, especially from Sherbrooke to Mont‑Royal—great for walking, shopping, dining, street art and nightlife .

Festivals: Hosts major events like the MURAL festival (800,000+ attendees nightly), Jazz Fest offshoots, Just for Laughs street shows and more .

Nightlife: South section features trendy bars and clubs, including historic venues like Club Soda at 1225 St‑Laurent .

🍴 Food & Shopping Highlights

Chinatown & Jewish Delights: Historic Jewish presence led to iconic smoked-meat spots like Schwartz’s and Montreal Pool Room; Chinatown offers pho, ramen and dumplings .

Plateau & Mile End: Home to renowned bagel shops (Fairmount & Saint‑Viateur), indie boutiques, vintage and thrift stores — Vogue praises it as a second-hand shopping paradise .

Little Italy: Further north, authentic pizzerias, Italian markets and cafés surround Jean‑Talon Market — Montréal’s largest public market .

🏛️ Landmarks & Architecture

Monument‑National: A grand Renaissance Revival theatre from the 1890s, central to Montréal’s Yiddish and francophone culture .

Peck Building: Historic 1904 textile factory at Saint‑Laurent & St‑Viateur, now home to Ubisoft — a marker of the creative tech renaissance in Mile End .

🚇 Getting There

Metro: Access via Sherbrooke, Mont‑Royal, Laurier, and Saint‑Laurent stations .

Bus: Route 55 runs the length of the boulevard for $3.25 .

Bike: Countless Bixi stations along the Plateau for easy cycling .

✅ Recommended Itinerary

1. Start in Old Montréal with coffee and croissants (e.g. Café Paquebot).
2. Walk through Chinatown — try pho and dumplings early.
3. Explore Quartier des Spectacles, maybe catch a festival or street art.
4. Head into the Plateau/Mile End for bagels, vintage shops, and murals.
5. Continue to Little Italy for espresso or gelato, then stroll around Jean‑Talon Market.
6. Finish with dinner and live music at Club Soda or a late-night bite on the Main.

🛍 Highlights

Vintage shopping: A top second-hand destination with stores like Seconde Vintage and Floh Market .

Smoked meat: Schwartz’s Deli and Montreal Pool Room are essential taste stops .

Bagels & treats: Mile End bagels (Fairmount, Saint‑Viateur), Kem CoBa ice cream, Juliette et Chocolat, Le Majestique hot dogs .

Boulevard Saint‑Laurent is truly a living tapestry of Montréal’s past, present and future — rich in food, art, culture, festivals and neighbourhood flair. Let me know if you want restaurant recommendations, festival dates, or hidden gems along “The Main”!"

Dhruva Kumar

"Saint Laurent (St. Lawrence) is a major boulevard and commercial artery that runs through the heart of Montreal's city centre, beginning at Rue de la Commune (southeast) and continuing 11.25 km to Rue Somerville (northwest). It is referred to as La Main (The Main) locally and passes through numerous quarters within the city.

We spent time on Saint Laurent Blvd in the Little Portugal and Mile End quarter directly northeast of Mont Royal, finding this a charming restaurant district with plenty of interest street art to view as well. Enjoyed an excellent plant-based meal at Aux Vivres on the occasion. Would gladly return to this area of Montreal to spend more time next time in the city."

Brad

What People Like

Vibrant street art
Diverse food options
Unique shopping

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Crowded areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily access Saint-Laurent Boulevard via the Metro, with stations like Sherbrooke, Mont-Royal, and Laurier serving different sections. Bus route 55 runs along the entire length of the boulevard, offering a convenient option. Cycling is also popular, with numerous Bixi bike-sharing stations available.

Yes, Saint-Laurent Boulevard is very well-served by public transport. The Metro lines and numerous bus routes make it simple to reach various points along 'The Main' from different parts of the city.

For a comprehensive experience, walking is highly recommended to explore individual shops and street art. For covering longer distances, consider using the bus route 55 or renting a Bixi bike. The Metro is great for reaching specific neighborhoods along the boulevard.

Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours and events. Many sections have metered parking or street parking regulations. Public transport or cycling are often more convenient options.

Absolutely! Many sections, particularly between Sherbrooke and Mont-Royal, are very pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks, making it ideal for strolling, shopping, and enjoying the street life. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Saint-Laurent Boulevard itself is a public street and does not require tickets for general access. You can freely walk, bike, and explore its shops and public spaces.

While the boulevard is free to access, individual attractions like museums, galleries, or specific venues may have their own admission fees. For example, Club Soda has ticketed events.

The best time depends on your interests. Summer offers vibrant festivals and street art (MURAL Festival), while evenings are great for dining and nightlife. Weekends are busiest, with weekdays offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

Shop hours vary greatly. Most boutiques and restaurants are open from late morning to early evening, with many staying open later, especially on weekends. It's best to check the specific hours for any particular establishment you plan to visit.

The MURAL Festival itself is largely free to experience, with the large-scale murals being publicly visible. Some associated events or workshops might require tickets.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse range of shops, including independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, art galleries, bookstores, record shops, and specialty food stores. The Plateau and Mile End sections are particularly known for their unique vintage finds. Reddit

Iconic Montreal foods like Schwartz's smoked meat and Mile End bagels (Fairmount and Saint-Viateur) are essential. You'll also find excellent pho and dumplings in Chinatown, authentic Italian cuisine in Little Italy, and diverse international options throughout. Reddit

Yes, Saint-Laurent Boulevard is renowned for its vibrant street art, especially in the lead-up to and during the annual MURAL Festival. Many buildings are adorned with large, colorful murals by local and international artists. Reddit

The atmosphere is dynamic and multicultural. It's a lively street with a mix of historic charm and contemporary energy, bustling with shoppers, diners, artists, and residents. Reddit

Yes, the boulevard is a National Historic Site and features landmarks like the Monument-National theatre and historic buildings that reflect its past as a central corridor for immigrants. The Peck Building is another notable structure. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Main offers a huge variety! For iconic Montreal smoked meat, Schwartz's Deli is a must. Mile End is famous for bagels from Fairmount and Saint-Viateur. Chinatown offers delicious pho and dumplings, while Little Italy boasts authentic Italian pizzerias and markets. Reddit

Aux Vivres in the Mile End section is a highly-regarded plant-based restaurant. Many establishments along the boulevard are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan choices, so it's worth exploring menus.

You can find a wide array of international flavors, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, and more, reflecting the boulevard's history as an immigrant corridor. Reddit

Yes, numerous cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries are scattered along the boulevard, perfect for a coffee, pastry, or a quick lunch. Look for spots in the Plateau and Mile End for trendy cafes and bakeries. Reddit

Chinatown offers budget-friendly options like pho and dumplings. Montreal Pool Room is a classic diner with affordable eats. Many delis and casual eateries also provide good value for money. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant street art murals are prime photography subjects. Also, capture the diverse architecture, bustling street scenes, and iconic food establishments. The sections in the Plateau and Mile End offer charming streetscapes. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the boulevard's character. Daytime is great for vibrant street art, while evenings offer a lively nightlife ambiance for photos.

Don't miss the large-scale murals, especially if you visit during or shortly after the MURAL Festival. Capturing the iconic signage of places like Schwartz's Deli or the unique storefronts in the Plateau is also recommended. Reddit

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the murals, and a prime lens can be good for low-light evening shots. TikTok

While specific 'The Main' photography tours might be rare, consider joining a general Montreal street photography tour that might include sections of Saint-Laurent Boulevard, or explore independently.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saint-Laurent Boulevard offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The vibrant street art provides visual stimulation, and many sections are pedestrian-friendly for easy strolling. Consider visiting during the day to explore shops and grab kid-friendly treats like bagels or ice cream. Reddit

Chinatown offers accessible and often affordable dining options that appeal to younger palates. While some nightlife venues are on 'The Main,' focusing on the daytime activities in areas like the Plateau or near Jean-Talon Market (further north) can make for a more family-appropriate outing. Look for parks or public spaces along the route for breaks.

💰 Budget Travelers

Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers. The boulevard itself is free to explore, and its diverse neighborhoods offer many affordable food options. Chinatown is a go-to for inexpensive and delicious meals like pho and dumplings. Reddit

Vintage shopping in the Plateau and Mile End can yield great finds at reasonable prices. Utilize public transport (bus 55 or Metro) and the Bixi bike-sharing system to save on transportation costs. Many of the street art murals are free to admire, offering a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank.

🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts

For art and culture lovers, Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a must-visit. It's a living canvas, especially renowned for its incredible street art, a highlight of the annual MURAL Festival. Spend time exploring the diverse murals that adorn buildings throughout the boulevard. Reddit

Beyond the visual arts, 'The Main' is steeped in history as a former immigrant corridor, evident in its diverse neighborhoods and landmarks like the Monument-National. Explore the unique boutiques, independent galleries, and soak in the multicultural atmosphere that has shaped Montreal's identity.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Heartbeat of 'The Main'

Saint-Laurent Boulevard, or 'The Main,' is more than just a street; it's a National Historic Site that has served as Montreal's central artery and a crucial gateway for immigrants for centuries. Laid out in the late 17th century, it officially became Boulevard Saint-Laurent in 1905 and has since stretched over 11 km, dividing the city and welcoming waves of diverse communities, including Jewish, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, and Greek populations. This rich history is palpable as you walk its length, with each neighborhood offering a unique cultural imprint. Reddit

The boulevard's significance as a multicultural hub is celebrated through its architecture, businesses, and festivals. It symbolizes Canada's diverse urban life, a testament to the melting pot of cultures that have shaped Montreal. From the historic Jewish delis to the bustling Chinatown and the vibrant Little Italy, 'The Main' continues to be a living narrative of immigration and urban evolution. Reddit

A Canvas of Color: Street Art on The Main

Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a world-renowned destination for street art, particularly famous for hosting the annual MURAL Festival. This event transforms sections of the boulevard into an open-air gallery, featuring massive, vibrant murals created by artists from around the globe. Even outside of festival times, the street is adorned with captivating artwork, making it a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience. Reddit

Exploring 'The Main' offers a chance to discover a diverse range of artistic styles, from photorealistic portraits to abstract designs. The murals often reflect local culture, history, and social commentary, adding depth to the urban landscape. It's a photographer's dream and a must-see for art enthusiasts looking for an authentic Montreal experience. Reddit

Culinary Adventures Along The Main

Food lovers rejoice! Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a gastronomic paradise, offering an incredible diversity of culinary experiences that mirror its multicultural heritage. From iconic Montreal staples to international delicacies, there's something to satisfy every palate and budget. Reddit

No visit is complete without trying Montreal's famous smoked meat at Schwartz's Deli or indulging in the legendary bagels from Fairmount or Saint-Viateur in the Mile End. Chinatown beckons with authentic pho and dumplings, while Little Italy offers a taste of true Italian cuisine. Beyond these highlights, you'll find trendy cafes, bustling bistros, and international eateries serving everything from Portuguese pastries to modern fusion dishes. Reddit

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