Main artery of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, avenue du Mont-Royal is one of the liveliest streets in Montreal. Shops, thrift stores, bookstores, cafes, restaurants, and terraces line up for kilometers. Every summer, it becomes pedestrian-only and transforms into a large meeting place, with artworks, gardens, and performances. Here's how to enjoy the Avenue, whether for a day of shopping or a simple stroll.

Avenue du Mont-Royal, the commercial heart of the Plateau

Avenue du Mont-Royal runs through the Plateau-Mont-Royal from west to east. Its commercial section stretches from the foot of the mountain, near avenue du Parc, to rue Frontenac. Its western part borders the Mile End neighborhood. East of boulevard Saint-Laurent, it is referred to as avenue du Mont-Royal Est, the most commercial section.

Formerly known as chemin des Tanneries, the avenue likely takes its name from Mount Royal, towards which it leads. According to the Société de développement de l'Avenue du Mont-Royal (SDAMR), there are currently 465 local businesses.

What to do: shopping, thrift stores, and treasures to discover

The pleasure of avenue du Mont-Royal is to wander from one shop window to another. You'll find:

  • independent fashion boutiques and thrift stores;
  • bookstores and record stores, ideal for searching for used books or vinyl records;
  • bakeries, cheese shops, and gourmet grocery stores;
  • cafes, bars, and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

Local fashion enthusiasts will be delighted: at the end of summer 2026, the Avenue even hosted a fashion show featuring 14 independent boutiques from the street, as part of the Festival M.A.D. In short, whether you're looking for a unique piece of clothing, a gift, or a good meal, the Avenue is full of treasures.

Pedestrianization: the longest summer pedestrian street in North America

Since 2020, avenue du Mont-Royal becomes pedestrian-only every summer. With about two kilometers of activities between boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue De Lorimier, the SDAMR presents it as the longest summer pedestrianization in North America.

In 2026, the Avenue was pedestrian-only from May 28 to September 7 between rue Saint-Denis and rue De Lorimier, and it remains until October 12, 2026, between boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue Saint-Denis. Reopening to traffic is done gradually. Check the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough map for the exact route.

On the pedestrian street, pedestrians have priority. Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are allowed at low speed, but electric scooters are prohibited. Benches, chairs, and about fifty terraces allow you to take a break at any time.

Events and installations on the Avenue

What events take place on avenue du Mont-Royal? The summer season 2026 opened with the Avenue du Mont-Royal Commercial Fair, from May 28 to 31, which brought together nearly 350 merchants. The RU festival, presented at parc des Compagnons from July 8 to 12, 2026, was the highlight of the summer with concerts, dance, circus, and theater.

All summer long, the Avenue also hosts installations and artworks by artists:

  • Le Tube de l'été, at the corner of rue Saint-Hubert, a giant misting station decorated with a mural by artist Bosny;
  • Rêve profond, in front of the Mont-Royal metro station;
  • Du nuage au feuillage, "cloud trees" providing shade over benches;
  • Le Jardin nourricier, between rues Fabre and Garnier, with about 750 plant species.

The installations change from year to year: check the SDAMR website for next summer's programming.

Practical info: how to get there

  • Metro: Mont-Royal station (orange line) is directly on the avenue, at the corner of rue Rivard, at place Gérald-Godin. For the western part, boulevard Saint-Laurent is nearby.
  • Bus: during pedestrianization, some lines take a different route; check the STM website.
  • Accessibility: during the summer, free transportation services are offered to help seniors and people with reduced mobility get around the pedestrian street.
  • Car: parking is limited in the neighborhood; parking meters on cross streets remain in service.

Frequently asked questions about avenue du Mont-Royal

When is avenue du Mont-Royal pedestrian-only in 2026?

From May 28 to September 7, 2026, between Saint-Denis and De Lorimier, and until October 12, 2026, between boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue Saint-Denis.

What events take place on the Avenue?

The Commercial Fair at the beginning of summer, the RU festival in July, and various fashion, public art, and entertainment activities throughout the season.

Where to eat on avenue du Mont-Royal?

The Avenue has numerous restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bars, many with terraces during pedestrianization. The business directory is on the SDAMR website.

How to access avenue du Mont-Royal?

The easiest way is by metro: Mont-Royal station, on the orange line, leads directly to the avenue.

Also discover in the Plateau and Montreal

Continue your stroll with rue Prince-Arthur and square Saint-Louis, rue Saint-Denis, or the Chalet du parc La Fontaine. In spring, don't miss the Avenue du Mont-Royal Commercial Fair.