Lyft is now in Montreal, and here’s why it’s a total game-changer

A true shopping day in Montreal can’t be contained to one neighbourhood. This is a city of walkable, easily accessed boroughs, each with its own scene and range of community-supported independent businesses. Downtown is the place to start for world-class brands and the series of malls interlinked through the Underground City. Follow that up with a clean and comfortable Lyft ride from the centre of town to Sherbrooke Street West, in Westmount, where indie fashion brands will hook you up with luxe basics and cocktail attire alike. Finally, head to the Plateau Mont-Royal’s Saint-Denis Street, Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Saint-Viateur Street for the plethora of uniquely curated vintage shops. Flop into your final Lyft ride of the day to head home—it’s time for a try-on haul.

In addition to Montreal’s newly starred and famous favourite restaurants, there are new kids on the block popping up and snagging attention from every corner of the city. The West Island and Brossard are both a comfortable 45-minute ride from the centre of town (call it an opportunity to chat with Lyft’s friendly drivers!) and are the unexpected sites of some of the coolest new restaurants. Mile End is an obvious destination for casual eateries and the city’s famous bagel shops, and Hochelaga is where the First Fridays happen, when Montreal’s food trucks unite into a huge food fest every first Friday of the warm-weather months.

Why book a spot on a walking tour when you can make your own itinerary and get there affordably without depending on others? Grab your crew and request a Lyft XL to forge your own magical mystery tour of some of the most fascinating Montreal landmarks. Did you know there’s an effigy of Louis Cyr in Saint-Henri? And that the Jean-Paul Riopelle fountain across from Palais des Congrès lights on fire at night?

Coffee culture is a serious thing here, and it’s second only to our wine-bar scene and craft cocktail specialty. Start your trek with a Lyft ride to Wellington Street to discover some of the cutest coffee shops in town, including one in a stunning bookstore. Then why not take a new ride to Mile End, where coffee-shop bookstores are becoming a thing as well? Hop into one of the local wine bars when it’s time for a different kind of tipple, then use the easy app to schedule another ride and head to Little Italy if you managed to make a reservation at the city’s most lauded wine bar. If not, fear not—just ride back south to Old Montréal or westward to Griffintown and Little Burgundy, where there are more speakeasies and secret bars than you can shake a swizzle stick at.

Montreal’s parks are many-splendoured spots to while away a day, and the variety is worth experiencing. Explore the hidden treasure of the Monastery Garden, behind that great big stone wall at the foot of Mount Royal. Hike up the mountain for a look at the Montreal Cross, then schedule a Lyft ride to take you from Beaver Lake Pavillion to another park, whether it’s the beautiful Jardin des Floralies botanical garden on Parc Jean-Drapeau, the hidden mountain trail in Upper Outremont that leads to the back entrance of the Notre-Dame Cemetery or Parc René-Lévesque on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, just off Old Lachine.

We’re not called “festival city” for no reason—with dozens of festivals happening throughout the year, a majority of which celebrate music, Montreal is a true destination for culture vultures. Get from outdoor festival destinations like Parc-Jean-Drapeau or Place des Festivals to smaller club areas easily with the Lyft app. Check out the indie music clubs of Mile End, of Saint-Henri, of Rosemont or of Downtown Montreal, each of which have their own flavour, and most of which feature live music most days of the week. This city never sleeps.

Speaking of which, the nightlife in Montreal is so rich, you’ll need Lyft to make sure you don’t miss a beat. Travel from party to party and club to club in full safety, style and security, and ensure you get home exactly when and how you want to after your night out.

Cheers to a better way to experience the city!

With the arrival of Lyft, anyone can experience Montreal’s cultural wealth like a local, while locals themselves can zip about and explore more easily than ever. Leave no hidden gems unmined and no discovery unmade—and don’t forget, as a new rider you get 50% off your first 5 rides with the code TM50. Max $10/ride. Terms apply.