Montréal Underground City — Attraction in Montreal

The Underground City or RESO network is awesome and marvelous on so many levels! Although I much prefer the beautiful city of Montreal above ground of course, I found this underground network both convenient and quite interesting! The architecture, the wide variety of shops, the wonderful smells and scents of coffee and croissants in the morning as you pass the cafes, access to the metro, and the fact that it connects all the major sections of downtown Montreal makes it a wonderful option when rain or cold temps hamper outdoor walking. The RESO map is easy to study and the network is easy to navigate but I can see why it can be confusing to some...

Here are a few tips I learned while navigating the tunnels of the UC. For reference, we stayed at the Marriott Chateau Champlain, which is in the lower left section of the Reso Map. We used Place Du Canada as our hotel location point on the map.

A quick study of the RESO map focusing on the major sections (i.e. Eaton Center, Complexe Desjardins, Place D'Arms, etc. will help you navigate more easily because of the way the signs are displayed. You need to follow signs to each area, complex, or station, section by section. *For example, if I were looking for my hotel (Marriott Chateau Champlain) while walking around in the Underground City, I would not find any signs until I was right under the hotel! There are many entrances into the UC, at every major section of downtown Montreal, through shopping centers, hotels, train stations and terminals, McGill University (and college), Eaton Center, Hotel Bonaventure, Place Du Canada, The Bell Center, Complexe Desjardins, Complexe Guy-Favreau, Place D'Arms, etc. There are a few sections where the connection goes through a long corridor or section, but if you followed the signs and studied the map, you won't get lost. Trust the map. There was one part where a security attendant had to open a door for us. But the signs led us to him and he made it easy.

Here are a few examples of how we got around in rainy weather during our stay. *When we were looking to get to Centre Eaton from our hotel which was connected to Place Du Canada (for reference on the map), we would not see signs for it as soon as we entered the UC. Instead, we went through Place Du Canada, through Bonaventure, through Gare Central, then Place Ville Marie, and then Eaton Center which is on St. Catherine for reference. If you look at the map, we went section by section. *Another day it was chilly, so we went to Old Montreal through the UC, we went the same way to place Bonaventure and instead of going towards Gare Central we went through Square Victoria, to Place D'Arms, came out of the tunnels at Saint-Antoine, and ended up right by Notre Dame. *From Place D'Arms we went through RESO to Complex Des Jardins, following signs. *Going back to the hotel, we went from Complexe Desjardins, Complexe Guy-Favreau, Place D'Arms, Square Victoria, Bonaventure, and Place Du Canada.

Served us well. Hope you can utilize it and appreciate it as the wonderful convenience and engineering...

(NOTE: Before COVID-19)

I spent just an hour or two in the Underground City during my quick trip to Montreal. At that time, it was FREEZING—snowflakes were bombarding everything in their path, and snow and sludge were amassing over an inch. I did a bit of walking around, but I felt that time could be a little better spent if I checked out the oasis of warmth and energy that Montreal houses under its already-iconic streets. After exploring (and not even seeing all it has to offer!), I can assert that a venture down to the Underground City is a must-do in Montreal if you have the time. It has activities you can appreciate any time of year.

Options for dining, shopping, and entertainment are abundant. I grabbed a bite at a bagel shop, and it was super filling for finishing my adventurous exploration that day. Many more shopping/dining venues can be found in areas I didn’t even manage to see, but where I was, there was plenty to satisfy your needs. Along with these amenities, I must remark that the architecture and atmosphere is truly unique. In Victoria Square, where I spent most of my time, historic brick blended with modern, glass windows to create a stunning ambiance for folks. It all was so open and spacious, a feel that I always appreciate.

As just one aspect I thought could have been improved, as coincidentally with other places I visited in Montreal this trip, I would’ve liked signage to have been clearer and more prevalent. I seriously do possess strong navigation skills, but it took me way more time than it should’ve for me to scout out restrooms, elevators to higher floors, etc. I honestly don’t know why signage has been such a large issue on this trip, but oh well...just saying!

In any case, especially since I only checked out a portion of the Underground City, I hope to prioritize it all when I embark on my next trip to Montreal. It is genuinely a delightful destination to spend time in chilly winter months or for memorable shopping any time of year. Despite poor signage, I still recommend taking at least an hour to stroll around. Kudos to the City of Montreal for establishing such an excellent...

Montreal’s Underground City is a remarkable feat of urban design and a distinctive hub for shopping and leisure. This expansive underground network effortlessly links shopping centers, food courts, and major metropolitan buildings, keeping the city buzzing with activity year-round.

The Underground City boasts a wide variety of stores, from luxury boutiques to everyday essentials, offering something for every type of shopper. The dining options are just as diverse, with food courts featuring everything from quick bites to gourmet meals, making it a great destination for casual dining or a more indulgent experience.

Its true brilliance lies in its functionality, particularly during Montreal’s harsh winters. The Underground City provides a warm, weatherproof environment where visitors can shop, dine, and explore in comfort. The bright, clean walkways are well-marked with signage and maps, making navigation through this vast network a breeze.

Additionally, its seamless connection to major transportation hubs adds unparalleled convenience for both commuters and tourists. The space frequently hosts cultural attractions, including art exhibits and seasonal events, further enhancing its appeal.

Whether you’re in the mood to shop, enjoy a meal, or simply seek shelter from the elements, Montreal’s Underground City offers a unique experience that reflects the city’s innovative spirit and vibrant...