Did You Know Montreal Has An Underground City?
Montreal has an underground city, with an extensive network of underground tunnels and passageways. They span over 32 kilometres and connect more than 120 exterior access points. This includes shopping centres, hotels, universities, and office buildings.
The underground city was originally created in the 1960s to provide a solution to the harsh winter weather conditions in Montreal. Because of this, residents and visitors could move around the city without being exposed to the cold. Today, it is a unique tourist attraction. It features many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues located within the network.
The underground city is an engineering marvel, and visitors can explore the tunnels, which are also home to art installations and exhibitions.
What Is The Underground City Called In Montreal?
Montreal’s Underground City is a vast network of tunnels, shopping malls, restaurants, and other facilities that are all located underground. The city spans over 20 miles and connects more than 120 exterior access points.
It’s called the RÉSO, which stands for Réseau Express Métropolitain, and it is one of the largest underground city complexes in the world. The RÉSO was originally created in the 1960s as a way to protect people from harsh winter weather, but it has since evolved into a major tourist attraction and a popular shopping destination.
Why Was Montreal Underground City Built?
As we said above, The Montreal Underground City was built to provide a solution to the harsh winter weather. It allows residents and visitors to move around the city without having to face the cold temperatures outside. The underground city spans over 20 miles and consists of interconnected buildings, shopping centres, offices, hotels, and universities.
It was first built in the 1960s and has been expanded over the years. The underground city is home to more than 120 access points to the Metro transit system, making it convenient for commuters. It also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
How Long Is The Underground City Montreal?
The Underground City in Montreal is about 32 kilometres (20 miles) long, making it the largest underground complex in the world.
Where Is The Entrance to Montreal Underground City?
The entrance to Montreal’s underground city can be found at various points throughout the city. It is connected to many of the major shopping centers, office buildings, and hotels in downtown Montreal.
Visitors can access the underground city through indoor entrances located in places such as Place des Arts, Complexe Desjardins, Eaton Centre, and Place Ville-Marie.
There are also entrances located in the Montreal Metro stations, including Peel, McGill, and Bonaventure. The network is well-marked with signage and maps to help visitors navigate their way around.
Hours
The hours for this popular tourist attraction are listed as:
Monday: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday: 8 AM–6 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–6 PM
Friday: 8 AM–6 PM
Saturday / Sunday: Closed
Fun Things To Do In Montreal’s Underground City
Montreal’s Underground City offers a variety of fun activities for visitors. Here are some things to do:
- Go Shopping: The Underground City is home to over 1,700 shops and restaurants, making it a shopper’s paradise.
- Visit Museums: The Underground City has several museums, including the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and the Montreal Science Centre.
- Enjoy Art: There are plenty of art galleries and exhibits throughout the Underground City, including the Art Souterrain festival.
- Watch a Movie: The Cinéma Banque Scotia Montreal offers the latest blockbusters and art-house films.
- Go Ice Skating: During the winter months, the Underground City has a network of ice skating rinks.
- Dine Out: The Underground City is home to many restaurants and cafes, offering a variety of cuisines.
- Attend Events: There are many events held in the Underground City throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations.
Here are some details for you to enjoy…
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Art Souterrain
Art Souterrain is an annual contemporary art festival that takes place in Montreal’s Underground City. The festival features works by local and international artists, showcased in the underground tunnels, galleries, and public spaces.
Art Souterrain aims to make contemporary art more accessible to the public and encourage people to explore the city’s underground network. The festival also includes guided tours, artist talks, and workshops, making it an immersive and interactive experience for art lovers of all ages.
Cinéma du Parc
Cinéma du Parc is a movie theatre located in the heart of Montreal’s downtown. It offers a diverse selection of independent, international, and art-house films. The theatre is a popular destination for cinema enthusiasts, with its intimate atmosphere and comfortable seating.
As it is located in the underground city, it is easily accessible from many downtown locations. Because of this, it’s a convenient and enjoyable place to catch a film.
Eaton Centre
Eaton Centre is a popular shopping destination located in the heart of downtown Montreal. However, the shopping centre is not only famous for its wide range of shops and restaurants, but also for its underground connection to the Montreal underground city.
The Eaton Centre offers direct access to the McGill metro station. In addition, it links to other popular shopping destinations like Complexe Desjardins and Place Montreal Trust through the underground network. It’s a great place to escape the cold Montreal winter and explore the city’s extensive underground network of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Montreal Symphony Orchestra House
The Montreal Symphony Orchestra House, also known as the Maison symphonique de Montréal, is a modern concert hall located in the heart of Montreal. Designed by architect Jack Diamond, the venue opened in 2011 and features state-of-the-art acoustics and technology.
It serves as the home of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and hosts a variety of performances, from classical music to contemporary and world music. The hall also features a large pipe organ with over 6,000 pipes. Because of this, its unique design allows for an intimate and immersive experience for the audience.
Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal
The Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal (MAC) is an art museum located in the Quartier des Spectacles in Montreal, Quebec. You’ll find it situated near Place des Arts, the Underground City, and several other cultural institutions. The museum’s collection consists of more than 7,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. There is, however, a strong focus on contemporary art.
Additionally, the MAC also hosts several temporary exhibitions each year, featuring the work of both Canadian and international artists. The museum’s building is a work of art in itself, with a distinctive architectural design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding urban landscape.
Related: Speaking of underground… have you heard of Krubera Cave? It’s the 2nd deepest cave in the world.
