Montréal’s massive Underground City — known locally as the RÉSO, i.e. “network” en français — connects museums, universities, office towers, hotels, shops and the city’s convention centre, the Palais des congrès de Montréal. It serves as an all-weather transport link for 500,000 people per day beneath the city’s streets. With 33 kilometres (20.5 miles) to explore, here’s how to get a taste of “the other Montréal.”
But first, a quick history lesson
In 1962, Place Ville-Marie, one of downtown Montréal’s crown jewel high-rises, was connected to both the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel and the central train station by interior passages. The idea of connecting more buildings through an underground network came with preparations for Expo 67 and the construction of the city’s beloved metro (subway) system.
Flash-forward to today, and Montréal’s RÉSO is more than just a transport method to beat the cold in the winter months or the humidity of the summer’s hottest days. It’s an altogether different side of the city, offering shopping, dining and hundreds of public art works, including a piece of the Berlin Wall and an epic stained-glass musical tribute to the city.
Ok, let’s go!
Descend into the RÉSO system at Complexe Desjardins, and after a quick tour of the centre’s multitude of shopping options, head for the mammoth Place des Arts. Music lovers should make a point of taking in a performance by the Opéra de Montréal or the Montréal Symphony Orchestra.
Hop on the metro to ride one station west and disembark at McGill for a dose of retail therapy at the multi-level Montréal Eaton Centre, a premier fashion destination offering 100-plus boutiques over five levels. Head to the first Time Out Market in Canada showcasing the very best the city has to offer in terms of food and culture. To relive a piece of Montréal history, drink in hand, head to the fully restored Art Nouveau Restaurant Île de France.
Next, head for the Place Ville Marie, which has transformed from a typical skyscraper to a business campus at the core of Montréal’s commercial and creativity sectors. Modern art fans should note that the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal is temporarily located here. For nibbles with a view, head to the luxury food haul Le Cathcart, or to the restaurant-with-a-view Hiatus for brasserie-inspired dishes as you an unparalleled vantage point of the city.
After eating, check out the stone murals portraying a cross-Canada rail journey at the city’s Central Station.
Head back east through Place Bonaventure and the ICAO building to the World Trade Centre Montréal, home to the piece of the Berlin Wall gifted to Montréal by the German city. Next, make your way back towards the Palais des congrès, the perfect place for a colourful selfie in front of the rainbow windows.
By now, it’s possibly time to eat again! Reward yourself with one of the city’s best eating options connected to the RÉSO system, such as the Provençal flavours of Osco! or the gastronomic offerings at Rosélys Restaurant, both a perfect way to recharge before heading back for more exploration — whether underground or above.
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