Mile-Ex Montreal
Mile-Ex: Montreal's bohemian heart, famed for wood-fired bagels, vibrant street art, and a lively, artistic atmosphere.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect bagel runs
Mile-Ex Montreal
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect bagel runs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mile-Ex: Montreal's bohemian heart, famed for wood-fired bagels, vibrant street art, and a lively, artistic atmosphere.
"A true Montreal gem, Mile-Ex captivates with its iconic bagels and colorful street art."
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Mile-Ex is super walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring its charming streets.
🥯 Bagel Pilgrimage
Try both Fairmount and St-Viateur bagels – a true Montreal rite of passage!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Montreal Bagel Experience
Fairmount & St-Viateur Bagel
Taste the iconic Montreal-style bagels, hand-rolled and wood-fired to perfection. A must-try culinary pilgrimage!
Street Art & Murals
Throughout the neighborhood
Wander through vibrant streets adorned with stunning murals and captivating street art. A feast for the eyes!
Local Boutiques & Cafes
Bernard Avenue & Laurier Avenue
Discover unique independent shops, cozy cafes, and artisanal bakeries. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Mile-Ex
Best Bites in Mile-Ex
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mile-End & Mile-Ex : #1 of he 15 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World in 2016 | How I Travel
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Mile-Ex is super walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring its charming streets.
🥯 Bagel Pilgrimage
Try both Fairmount and St-Viateur bagels – a true Montreal rite of passage!
Need help in my own city
Help with Montreal Neighbourhoods
🎨 Street Art Hunting
Keep your eyes peeled for incredible murals around every corner.
🍽️ Book Dinner Ahead
Popular Mile-Ex restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your table!
Is the mile-end/plateau safe for a woman living alone?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Mile-Ex is super walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring its charming streets.
🥯 Bagel Pilgrimage
Try both Fairmount and St-Viateur bagels – a true Montreal rite of passage!
🎨 Street Art Hunting
Keep your eyes peeled for incredible murals around every corner.
🍽️ Book Dinner Ahead
Popular Mile-Ex restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your table!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mile-Ex is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food scene, and unique artistic character. Visitors rave about the iconic bagels and the charming street art. Some find parking challenging and popular restaurants can be crowded, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Mile-Ex from downtown Montreal via the Metro. Take the Orange Line to Laurier or Outremont station, or the Blue Line to De Castelnau or Outremont station. Buses are also a convenient option.
Yes, Mile-Ex is very well-served by Montreal's public transport system, including multiple Metro lines and numerous bus routes, making it easy to navigate the city.
Street parking is available in Mile-Ex, but it can be challenging to find, especially during peak hours. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services if possible.
Absolutely! Mile-Ex is a highly walkable neighborhood with tree-lined streets, vibrant shops, and numerous cafes, perfect for exploring on foot.
Walking is the best way to experience the charm of Mile-Ex. For longer distances within the neighborhood, consider using the BIXI bike-sharing system or local buses.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mile-Ex is a neighborhood, not a ticketed attraction. You don't need tickets to wander its streets, browse shops, or enjoy the atmosphere.
There are no entrance fees to explore the Mile-Ex neighborhood. Enjoy the public spaces and vibrant street life freely.
As a residential and commercial area, Mile-Ex is accessible 24/7. Individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours.
Yes, exploring the streets, parks, and public areas of Mile-Ex is completely free. You only pay for purchases at shops or dining establishments.
You don't need reservations for Fairmount or St-Viateur Bagel. You can walk in and purchase bagels, though there might be a line during busy times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The absolute must-try is the Montreal-style bagel from Fairmount or St-Viateur. You'll also find excellent delis, bakeries, and diverse international cuisine.
Mile-Ex boasts a fantastic restaurant scene. Explore Bernard Avenue and Laurier Avenue for a wide array of options, from casual eateries to upscale dining.
Yes, Mile-Ex has a growing number of restaurants offering delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Many establishments are accommodating to dietary needs.
Dining costs vary. You can grab a bagel for a few dollars, enjoy a casual meal for $15-25, or have a fine dining experience for $40+.
For popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings, reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street art, iconic bagel shops, charming residential streets, and bustling cafes for memorable photos.
Yes, Mile-Ex has a unique charm at night with its glowing shop windows and illuminated street art, offering a different photographic perspective.
A versatile lens like a 35mm or 50mm prime is great for street photography. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing murals.
Don't miss capturing the steam rising from the bagel ovens or the intricate details of the neighborhood's diverse street art.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for street photography. Midday is great for capturing the vibrant colors of murals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day to enjoy the street art and browse local shops. Parks like Parc Jeanne-Mance (nearby) offer playgrounds and open spaces for children to run around. The general safety of the neighborhood makes it a comfortable place for families to explore.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Opt for public transport or walking to save on transportation costs. Look for casual eateries and bakeries for affordable dining options. You can easily spend a day enjoying the atmosphere and sights without breaking the bank.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Many of these are large-scale and incredibly detailed, offering a unique urban art experience. The area also boasts independent galleries and creative studios. Beyond visual arts, the neighborhood has a rich cultural fabric. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of local cafes, browse unique boutiques, and soak in the bohemian vibe. The blend of artistic expression and community life makes Mile-Ex a truly engaging destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Montreal Bagel
The experience of visiting these bagel shops is as much a part of the attraction as the bagels themselves. Expect a bustling atmosphere, the comforting aroma of baking bread, and friendly staff. While you can buy them by the dozen, many people opt for a single bagel with cream cheese or butter for an immediate taste of Montreal. It's a simple yet profound culinary experience that defines the neighborhood's food identity.
Pro-tip: While both are excellent, locals often have a fierce loyalty to one over the other. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or try a sesame bagel from one and a poppy seed from the other to form your own opinion.
Exploring Mile-Ex's Artistic Soul
The best way to discover this art is simply by walking. Turn down side streets, explore alleyways, and keep your eyes peeled. Many of the murals are commissioned as part of local festivals or initiatives, adding a layer of community engagement to the urban landscape. The art often tells stories, celebrates local history, or simply brings color and life to the urban environment.
Key areas to explore for street art include the vicinity around Bernard Avenue and Laurier Avenue, as well as the streets closer to the Jean-Talon Market (though technically just outside Mile-Ex, it's a common starting point). The art is constantly evolving, so each visit can reveal something new and exciting.
The Vibe of Mile-Ex
The community in Mile-Ex is diverse, attracting artists, students, young professionals, and long-time residents. This mix contributes to a lively yet relaxed ambiance. You'll often see people enjoying coffee on patios, browsing in bookstores, or simply strolling and taking in the surroundings. It’s a place that encourages lingering and discovery.
Safety in Mile-Ex is generally considered good. As with any urban area, it's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. However, residents generally feel comfortable and safe in the neighborhood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit