Montreal Famous Street
The montreal famous street is one of the most iconic places in the city. This narrow cobblestone street is lined with historic greystone buildings that are filled with shops and restaurants. Whether you are just passing through or are planning to spend the day exploring this area it is a must see.
The street is full of life, bustling with people from all walks of life. It is familiar ground for native-born Montrealers, visited by other Quebeckers making a pilgrimage to the big city and even by visitors from far and wide who read about it in guidebooks. It is a street with a rich history, stretching more than 11 kilometres from the heart of downtown to Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
A number of major department stores, specialty boutiques and office buildings are located on Sainte-Catherine. Many of these are known to visitors for their distinctive architectural styles, including art deco and neo-classical. In addition, the street is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafés. It also features theatres, concert halls and entertainment venues as well as numerous urban spaces, from the imposing Place du Parlement to the dazzling Theatre Royal de la Monnastère.
Montreal's first mayor, Jacques Viger, is believed to have named the street after his daughter Catherine. Another theory is that the name derives from a Roman Catholic religious holiday celebrated on November 25th. Whatever the origin, the name stuck and continues to be a vital part of the city's identity.
Throughout the years, the street has seen economic good times and bad, enjoying moments of glory as well as some trying times. Nevertheless, it has never given up and remains a mainstay of the city's cultural, commercial and residential life.
There are several major shopping centres and malls along Sainte-Catherine, as well as a series of interconnected underground city tunnels. These are particularly useful for those who wish to escape the sweltering summer heat. For more details please visit montreal famous street
When the weather is warm, a number of restaurants on or near Sainte-Catherine serve alfresco sidewalk dining. Rue Saint-Paul, the section of the street that runs through Old Montreal, is a must-see for those interested in taking a step back in time. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are crowded with historic buildings that now house artisanal boutiques, designers' shops and artists' studios. The nearby Marche Bonsecours market and Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel are also must-see attractions.
For more modern shopping and entertainment options, head to rue Ste-Catherine in the downtown core for internationally recognized brands and prominent shopping centres. It is also where the city's major banks and financial institutions are located. Rue Ste-Catherine is a great place to shop, but it is best to avoid it on weekends when the area becomes overcrowded. The more intimate Avenue Laurier Ouest is a better choice for those who prefer local designer and small boutiques. This avenue is a good connector to the neighborhood of Outremont and trendy Mile End, both uphill from Old Montreal. It is also where you will find a selection of the city's best coffee shops and made-in-Montreal streetwear stops, such as Pony.