Get ready to discover some really cool and unknown facts about Montreal! This incredible city has so much more to offer than just the famous sights. You won’t believe the amazing things we found out! From movies being filmed in the underground city, called the RÉSO, to hidden staircases and secret gardens on rooftops, Montreal has surprises around every corner. Join us on this journey as we uncover these amazing and lesser-known facts about Montreal that will make you see the city in a whole new light!
1. The Underground City’s Movie Connections: Montreal’s underground city, the RÉSO, has been featured in several movies, including “The Whole Nine Yards” and “War of the Worlds.” It has served as a unique filming location due to its extensive network of tunnels and interconnected spaces.
2. Hidden Outdoor Staircases: Montreal is home to several hidden outdoor staircases, known as “Escaliers.” These staircases, often tucked away between buildings or hidden in neighbourhoods like The Plateau, offer a charming and alternative way to explore the city.
3. Secret Rooftop Gardens: Montreal is known for its rooftop gardens, known as “Les toits-terrasses,” which provide green spaces and stunning views. However, there are also a few hidden rooftop gardens accessible only to locals or by invitation, adding a touch of exclusivity to the city’s urban landscape.
4. The Oldest Building: The oldest building in Montreal is not the well-known Notre-Dame Basilica or the Old Port. It is actually the Maison Saint-Gabriel, a 17th-century farmhouse located on the Saint-Paul Street. It now serves as a museum, showcasing the city’s history and heritage.
5. Ping Pong in the Park: During the summer months, several parks in Montreal, such as Jeanne-Mance Park, set up free public ping pong tables. It’s a fun and unexpected activity for residents and visitors to enjoy while soaking up the sunshine and fresh air.
6. The “Redpath Effect”: The Redpath Museum, situated on the campus of McGill University, is known for a peculiar phenomenon called the “Redpath Effect.” The museum’s architectural design causes sounds to amplify and echo, creating an unusual acoustic experience for visitors.
7. The Annual Pillow Fight: Each year, Montreal hosts a massive pillow fight event called “La Grande Bataille d’Oreillers.” People of all ages gather in a public space armed with pillows to engage in a lighthearted and playful pillow fight, creating a memorable and entertaining spectacle.
8. The Farine Five Roses Sign: The iconic Farine Five Roses sign, situated along the Lachine Canal, is a recognizable symbol of Montreal. What many may not know is that the sign is not purely decorative—it was originally used to inform bakers about the quality of flour and is still an integral part of the city’s industrial history.
9. The Underground Library: Montreal is home to the Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec (BAnQ), a library and archives complex. While its above-ground building is impressive, it also has a secret underground section that houses millions of books, documents, and historical artifacts.
10. The “Lanterns of the Dead”: In Montreal’s historic district of Old Montreal, you can find stone structures called “Lanterns of the Dead” or “Les Tourelles.” These enigmatic towers, once used as funerary monuments, are remnants of the city’s early religious and burial practices.