Montreal - See the City on a Pub Crawl

	A Cobblestone Street in Old Montreal1

Perched along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations. With a history dating back to the middle of the 17th century, the metropolis has developed into a lively, sophisticated and fun locale offering a mind-boggling variety of things to do. One reason why many flock to the city is for the hours of excitement on offer at its restaurants, lounges and music clubs. Montreal's pub and nightclub scene is so vibrant and eclectic, the city has gained a reputation not only for having the best nightlife in Canada but easily one of the best in the entire world. It is often said that Montreal has a certain joie de vivre and nowhere is this more apparent than after the sun goes down and the nightlife starts up. With relaxed Irish pubs, pricey supper clubs, trendy lounges, heaving clubs and, perhaps most importantly, licensing laws that allow establishments to sell alcohol until 3am (the latest last call in the country), Montreal offers something and somewhere for everyone.

Often one of the best and most entertaining ways to experience Montreal and see the sites is a pub crawl. There are a range of pubs in Montreal and the following excursion allows participants to roam downtown Montreal and check out some of the best. In addition, visitors can check out some of the city's most popular landmarks along the way. The longest distance between pubs and the majority of sites are located within range of the first few drinking locales, so the tour will not be lost on those who have imbibed a pint or two.

Pub St-Paul is Located in Historic Old Montreal2

OLD MONTREAL

Begin at Pub St. Paul, a drinking establishment with a rustic interior that is situated along the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. Perched on the river's edge, it is a great place with a friendly staff and clientele where visitors can enjoy a beer as well as the view on a sunny afternoon.

After a drink or two, head for the next establishment by walking up (away from the river) Rue St. Vincent. Turn left on Rue Notre-Dame and pass the Palais de Justice, a courthouse built in the 1970s that seems out of place amongst the centuries old buildings of Old Montreal. Carry along Rue Notre-Dame to Rue St. Sulpice/Rue St. Urbain and Notre-Dame Basilica, one of the oldest Cathedrals in North America. Turn right and head up Rue St. Urbain for several blocks past Complexe Guy-Favreau and onto Rue Ste. Catherine and make a left turn. The Place des Arts, a performing arts complex where a variety of popular events including the Montreal International Jazz Festival are held, as well as the Musee D'Art Contemporain, are located on this block (Rue Ste. Catherine between Rue St. Urbain and Rue Jeanne-Mance). Continue along Rue Ste. Catherine for approximately six more blocks to the Rue University where the Christ Church Cathedral and Eaton Centre are situated on opposite sides of the street. Turn left down Rue University and after a block those who have made the trek through this section of downtown can reward themselves with a pint at the second pub.

The Old Dublin, one of Montreal's oldest and best-loved Irish pubs, was a popular destination among locals long before Olde Worlde-style pubs became the rage. The interior, which consists of brick and dark woodwork, is modelled on a traditional Irish public house. The fact that it is friendly to visitors despite feeling like someone's local only helps the sense of authenticity. On any given afternoon or evening visitors may walk in and find a quiet pub with a few regulars enjoying a game of darts, or they may find a loud and rowdy place with a crowd packed in to hear live Celtic music. All of this, along with the range of imported beers on tap and a tasty traditional pub menu, make The Old Dublin a must-visit locale.

After sampling a Guinness or a Harp, hit the pavement and head down a block on Rue University and make a right onto Boulevard Rene-Levesque. On the left side of the street catch a glimpse of the Cathedrale Marie-Reine du Monde, a 19th-century cathedral modelled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, then pass by Square Dorchester and Place du Canada. Continue on for approximately five more blocks and make a right onto Rue Crescent, a street known as one of the best places to spend a night out in Montreal.

	The Interior of Cathedrale Marie-Reine du Monde3

RUE CRESCENT

It is only a few blocks long, but Rue Crescent features an abundant selection of bars and nightclubs. Due to the close proximity these establishments, the street can get incredibly busy with people headed for a fun night out, from trendy club-kids to fashionable lounge lizards. When the weather gets warm, the restaurant and bar terraces that line the street are packed with those who want to relax with a drink and do some people watching on a nice summer evening. Many of the clubs on Rue Crescent require a cover charge and dress-code from patrons who queue out the door hoping for a chance to get in and join the party. While there are a number of fancy bars and clubs on the street, it also includes a range of casual, laidback and fun establishments that can be included on this pub crawl. Spend time in one or two or try to visit each remaining pub on the tour.

The first pub patrons will come upon after turning off Boulevard Rene-Levesque and onto Rue Crescent is the Brutopia Brew Pub (#1219). Established in 1997, this microbrewery specializes in English ales, but also serves lager, stout, porter and various seasonal specialties, all of which are created onsite. Patrons can spend their time indoors or, on a warm day, enjoy a beverage on one of the pub's two terraces. The next place for pub crawlers to try is the Madhatter Saloon (#1220), an establishment that prides itself on its un-trendy, weird atmosphere. Having moved from an old location on Rue Drummond, the present spot was chosen due to Rue Crescent's party reputation. The saloon attracts a loyal customer base with its range of Molson, microbrewed and imported beers on tap, its simple menu of sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, poutine (french fries with cheese curds and gravy) and various veggie options and its unpretentious, wacky attitude.

Sir Winston Churchill's is One of the Many Pubs Located On Rue Crescent4

From the Madhatter, move on to another of Montreal's most popular Irish pubs, Hurley's (#1225). The place to be for whiskey drinkers, they also offer a number of beers on tap including several from Quebec's McAuslan Brewery. Patrons who have come out for a bit of craic curl up by the fireplace in winter and spend some time in the sunshine on the terrace in summer. There is also a small dance floor, but be aware that it gets packed quickly so once the music starts, those up for a dance need to grab their drinks and find a spot. Pub crawl participants who have a particular fondness for Irish pubs can make their next stop at Claddagh (#1433) and grab a seat at one of the giant street-facing windows that open to give patrons a better view of the people passing by.

The next stop on the tour is Sir Winston Churchill's (#1455), established in 1967 and one of the first bars on Rue Crescent. Visitors can choose to shoot pool at Churchill's, which is modelled on a traditional British public house and has a sidewalk terrace that is open year-round (it is enclosed in winter). Those looking for something a bit different should head upstairs to Winnie's, a restaurant that includes a cigar lounge and also has a terrace. On the top floor, Katrina's wine bar caters to patrons who are looking for something other than the beer and pub experience. The final stop on Rue Crescent is London Pub where the menu of deep fried pub fare might be just the thing for those who have hit all the pubs on this route. Featuring booths and oak panelling, this locale is a favourite among those who aren't into Rue Crescent's buzzing club scene. Known for its laidback yet lively attitude and upbeat crowd, London Pub is a friendly and cozy place to enjoy a beverage with friends.

	Pub Crawlers Can Sample Beers Created by Local Micro-breweries5

DOWNTOWN

At this point, it is possible to venture into one of the many bars and nightclubs on Rue Crescent. Visitors will be spoiled for choice on the vibrant street so just pick the establishment that looks the busiest or the most exciting. Those determined to carry on to another pub or two can leave London Pub and go right on Boulevard de Maisonneuve for one block, then left on Rue Bishop to McKibbins. Located in a sandstone mansion built in 1904, the pub contains relics from the pub's namesake McKibbins family who emigrated to Canada aboard doomed passenger ship, The Lusitania. In addition to a bit of history, those who make it to this point will find three floors full of upbeat partiers, a sidewalk terrace packed with revellers out for a fun night, big screen TVs playing sport matches, an extensive pub menu and live music. To reach the final stop on the tour, venture down Rue Bishop, go right on Rue Ste. Catherine and then left on Rue MacKay to Cheers. While it might be best at this point to stay away from the video lottery games and the dart boards, those who take part in the pub crawl on a Tuesday can summon up the liquid courage gained at the other bars and entertain fellow patrons by performing some karaoke. It gets packed full on Wednesday's for Ladies Night, and on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights a portion of the second level gets turned into a dance floor so pub crawlers can attempt to burn off some of the alcohol and calories gained throughout the day by making shapes to the beatsechoing out from the sound system.

An entire day of drinking out-on-the-town may be enough Montreal nightlife action for some, however, for visitors that are still up for more the day after the pub crawl there are numerous bars, lounges and nightclubs to check out throughout the city.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Lauren Greschner; c/o WorldWeb.com; See the Best Parts of the City, Including the Cobblestone Streets of Old Montreal, On a Pub Crawl; Montreal, QC, Canada
2. Lauren Greschner; c/o WorldWeb.com; Pub St-Paul is Located in Historic Old Montreal; Montreal, QC, Canada
3. Lauren Greschner; c/o WorldWeb.com; Pub-Crawlers Can Take a Break From Raising Pints and Spend Some Time in the Cathedrale Marie-Reine du Monde; Montreal, QC, Canada
4. Lauren Greschner; c/o WorldWeb.com; Sir Winston Churchill's Pub (aka Winnies) is Located on rue Crescent, a Street With a Variety of Busy Nightspots; Montreal, QC, Canada
5. Photos.com; A Pub Crawl Gives Visitors the Perfect Opportunity to Try Out Beers Created by Local Micro-breweries; Montreal, QC, Canada