Montréal is a city of unique neighbourhoods, and three of the coolest up-and-coming areas are grouped together as the Quartiers du Canal: Griffintown, Saint-Henri and Little Burgundy. Named for the Lachine Canal of which runs alongside the three boroughs, the Quartiers du Canal are home to a vibrant scene of startups and innovators – plus some of the city’s most exciting event spaces sure to elevate your next meeting to next level status.
A shared waterside history
The neighbourhoods of the Quartiers du Canal have a long history of working-class ingenuity and creativity. Populated by Irish immigrants who played a major role in building Montréal’s infrastructure and industry, Griffintown has since grown into a multicultural neighbourhood with sleek new condo towers next to refurbished factory spaces that house galleries and design-savvy boutiques. Neighbouring Saint-Henri was historically nicknamed “Les Tanneries” due to the local artisanal leather tanning shops there, and has blossomed into one of Montréal’s most exciting quartiers, driven by a youthful populace with groundbreaking ideas. Last but not least, Little Burgundy was home to many of Montréal’s canal-side factories – now repurposed as stylish office spaces, arts centres and bistros – as well as the city’s legendary jazz scene, with both Oliver Jones and Oscar Peterson learning their chops in the neighbourhood. The Quartiers du Canal is also home to the Cité du Multimédia, a gathering of information technology companies making waves in tech.
From retro chic to trend-setting modernity
When it comes to picking a venue in the Quartiers du Canal, the only struggle is picking just one. Here’s 14 great choices ranging from remodelled factories to ultra-modern galleries that you and your attendees will love.
New City Gas
950 Ottawa Street
Originally built in 1859 and re-opened in 2012, New City Gas blends cutting-edge technology with history, its rejuvenated spaces perfect for events both large-scale and intimate. With capacity up to 977 people and four available spaces (not to mention two terraces with beautiful city views), New City Gas even offers an on-site technical director assigned to every RFP to ensure a seamless event.
ALT Hotel Montréal
120 Peel Street
One of Griffintown’s premiere accommodation choices, the ALT Hotel Montréal also offers brightly-lit meeting spaces with spectacular views for 10 to 180 guests in style. Rooms are stocked with multimedia equipment and comfy seating, and the Terrace is a perfect choice for an outdoor event for up to 50 attendees – who’ll also love the comfort of an on-site room.
Corona Theatre
2490 Notre-Dame Street West
The iconic Corona Theatre has been at the heart of Little Burgundy since opening in 1912. A concert venue popular with indie rock lovers, the interiors of this converted historic movie theatre add dramatic flourish to any event. A multi-faceted venue great for presentations, cocktail events and even banquet sit-down dinners, the Corona is a true gem by the canal.
Arsenal Contemporary
2020 William Street
An arts space with top-notch programming and 80,000 square feet of wide-open spaces, Arsenal Contemporary is a converted 19th-century shipyard that’s hosted trendsetting events like C2, screenings by the Massimadi Film Festival and TD Cultural Tuesdays.
Îlot Charlevoix
Located at the corner of Charlevoix Street and St. Patrick Street
An outdoor green space with room aplenty for up to 2000 guests, the Îlot Charlevoix is part of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, right next to the iconic Charlevoix Bridge capable of turning to let ships pass. Perfect for outdoor film screenings, concerts or corporate gatherings under the sunshine and stars, the Îlot Charlevoix is a uniquely Montréalaise spot.
L’Ambroisie and The Canal Room
4020 Saint-Ambroise Street
Right on the banks of the Lachine Canal, L’Ambroisie is more than just a waterside bistro specializing in French cuisine. While the dining room is available for events for up to 120 people, the stunning Canal Room holds up to 275 seated and also includes access to the 3000 square foot terrace. There’s also the Gardens and Private Club available for events with a touch of exclusivity.
Escritoire
642 de Courcelle Street Suite 303
A coworking space that caters to young startups in bustling Saint-Henri, Escritoire also offers meeting space for those looking for a vibrant environment bursting with ideas to host intimate groups.
Entrepôts Dominion
3968 Saint-Ambroise Street
Built in 1899 as a cotton mill warehouse, the Entrepôts Dominion soon became part of the Dominion Textile Company, at that time employing over 3,000 people in Saint-Henri. Offering two rooms – which can be used separately or together – there’s option for either empty space rental or turnkey assistance from the on-site planning assistant. While the Large Room capacity ranges from 250 for a banquet and 550 for cocktail, it can be added seamlessly with the Small Room to welcome a further 150 for cocktails or 75 in banquet formation.
Le Salon 1861
550 Richmond Street
Constructed in 1861 as St. Joseph’s Church, Le Salon 1861 has long been a cornerstone of the Little Burgundy neighbourhood. A creative hub for the community, Le Salon 1861’s Event Hall maintains the grandeur of the chapel with full technological capacities for cutting-edge presentations. There’s also few venues quite so epic for a memorable banquet or cocktail.
Parisian Laundry
3550 Ssaint-Antoine Street West
Parisian Laundry exhibits avant-garde visual and installation art in a gorgeously minimalist gallery space perfect for smaller gatherings and cocktail events. Their presence at international art fairs and roster of artists both Canadian and international also gives your attendees something to talk about back home.
Darling Foundry
745 Ottawa Street
The rooms of the Darling Foundry combine industrial distress chic with vanguard art to create unique spaces well suited to lend originality to any gathering. The Main Gallery offers 4000 square feet (370 m2) and 38 foot (13 m) ceilings, while the Small Gallery offers 1800 square feet (180 m2) and the option for an artwork rental and installation service drawing from the foundation’s collections. During the summer months, the charming La Place publique takes over the street out front closed to traffic, for performances and events.
Restaurant Le Richmond
377 Richmond Street
A local favourite for gastronomics and happy hour-lovers alike, the Restaurant Le Richmond is the perfect spot for group dining, unwinding and casual networking.
Terrasse St-Ambroise
5080 St Ambroise St
Created by the McAuslan brewers, the Terrasse St-Ambroise offers stunning open-air views over the Lachine Canal towards one of Montréal's most iconic vistas. Featuring locally brewed beers, shade-giving umbrellas and unforgettable atmosphere, theTerrasse St-Ambroise is available for group bookings of 50 or more.
M2
3800 Notre-Dame St W
A culinary high point in the Quartiers du Canal, M2 is not only capable of entertaining the most discernable of tastebuds but also large groups for dining, networking events and cocktails. And the premises are outfitted with all the necessary technology for presentations in a comfortable and modern environment.
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