Mile End, Canada’s "Hipster Capital" (Self Guided), Montreal

While in Montreal you really should take in Mile End, know as Canada’s “Hipster Capital”. The area isn’t very large – covering around ten blocks, which makes it ideal for leisurely exploring. The neighborhood abounds with interesting architecture and is home to a host of underground artists who regularly put on live shows in the local theatre and in most of the area’s bars. There are also plenty of galleries to discover works by well-known and local artists.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there are two wonderful bakeries which are renowned throughout the city for their delicious goodies and if you are staying on for a meal, you’ll find no shortage of very good restaurants and snack bars. The many coffee houses are frequented by artists, students and even filmmakers and are pretty lively places to enjoy a cup of excellent coffee.

Mile End is a great place for clothes shopping too; you will find something here to suite every taste and purse – from top-range designer fashions to very good second-hand stores where you can be sure of finding a bargain. All in all, Mile End is definitely one of the best areas in Montreal to visit.