About Montreal

 
 

SSUNS is hosted in the beautiful city of Montreal, QC. As the second largest francophone city in the world, Montreal is a unique and diverse cultural center with lots to offer in terms of cuisine, art, and architecture. In between committee sessions, we invite you to explore all that the city has to offer. Here are some of our favourite attractions and restaurants in Montreal!

 
 

Things to Do

Take a hike up Mont Royal! Spend an afternoon in the gorgeous and green Mont Royal Park, featuring several fun and the sparkling Beaver Lake. Catch a spectacular view of the city from the Mont Royal Chalet. See if you can spot the mural of Leonard Cohen or the Sheraton hotel from the lookout!

Explore the Underground City (officially the RÉSO), the largest underground pedestrian network in the world! Visit one of the major shopping centers or check out the smaller boutiques that populate the complex, check out the many and diverse restaurants and food courts, or just use the many passages of the RÉSO to get from place to place, free from the occasionally harsh Montreal weather.

Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, just a short walk from the Sheraton! This historic neighborhood features exciting attractions including the incredible Notre Dame Basilica, the Grand roue de Montreal ferris wheel in Old Port, and dozens of shops and restaurants housed within picturesque 17th century architecture.

One of the most iconic buildings in Montreal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is an incredible sight as well as an important historical landmark. Go inside and see the stunning art deco interior, or hang out on the steps and appreciate the spectacular view of the city!

The Museum of Fine Arts (also known as the Musée des Beaux Arts or MMFA) is the largest art museum in Canada, located just a few blocks from the Sheraton! The MMFA has numerous incredible exhibits featuring art from all over the world, including First Nations and Quebecois art!

 

Places to Eat

  • Check out Chef on Call, a McGill classic with burgers, fries, shakes, and more that are sure to hit the spot after a long committee session.

  • Poutine is an iconic Quebecois dish, and no one does it quite like La Banquise. Check out their specialty poutines and steamer hot dogs!

  • If your cravings include an iconic Montreal smoked meat sandwich, visit the iconic Schwartz’s Deli on Rue St. Laurent or Dunn’s Famous on Rue Peel!

  • If you are in need of a quick and easy lunch in between committee sessions, visit Joe’s Paninis on Rue Drummond!

  • Montreal bagels are some of the best in the world, but don’t take our word for it! Take a trip to Fairmount Bagel to see for yourself.

  • Olivia’s Chicken might have the best chicken sandwich in town… and it’s super close to the Sheraton!

  • If your group cannot seem to decide what they want, visit the Time Out Market! Located on the top floor of the Eaton Center on Rue Saint Catherine, just minutes from the Sheraton, Time Out features dozens of booths with all kinds of food.

 

Fun Facts

  • Montreal has more bike paths than any other city in North America, and more restaurants per capita than any other city in North America except for New York City.

  • The city used to be Canada’s capital (back when it was still a British province) until the parliament buildings were burned down in 1849 in protest.

  • Montreal is the biggest member of the Hochelaga Archipelago, a system of over 200 islands.

  • The city famously hosted Expo ‘67, held during Canada’s centennial. Structures built for the Expo that still remain today include the Biosphere, the Casino de Montreal, and the Montreal Metro!

  • Legally, no building in the city can be taller than the cross at the top of Mont Royal!

  • The only Summer Olympics ever hosted in Canada was held in Montreal in 1976.

  • On average, it snows 60 days a year!

  • The sister city of Montreal is Hiroshima.