Step Into Montreal’s Golden Square Mile: Where Whimsy Meets Luxury
Picture this: you step off the street and into a world where luxury, art, and a touch of whimsy collide. Welcome to Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, a neighborhood that’s anything but ordinary. At its heart stands the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, a glamorous base camp for anyone looking to taste the city’s creative pulse.
A Hotel That Dazzles: Art, Glamour, and Unexpected Touches
From the moment you enter, the Four Seasons sets the stage for something special. Rosé-hued velvet wallpaper greets you in the lobby, while cheeky photos of Margaret Trudeau line the halls, adding a dash of local flair. Each floor bursts with ever-changing art installations, and whimsical surprises—like a crystal infinity crab sculpture—draw smiles and selfies.
Upstairs, the third-floor lounge dazzles with German crystal windows and Italian marble accents. Meanwhile, the after-hours bar transports you into a leafy, forest-inspired hideaway, where deep-green leafed wallpaper curves onto the ceiling for a moody, intimate vibe. And let’s not forget the women’s washroom—pink stone, gold accents, and lighting so flattering, every selfie is a winner.
Culinary Magic: A Chef’s Table Experience Like No Other
Jason Morris, executive chef at Marcus restaurant, turns dinner into a performance. His six-course tasting menu—paired with fine wines—is a front-row seat to culinary artistry. Think creamy potato latke with two kinds of caviar, sustainably caught tuna with Quebec horseradish cream, and cod with white asparagus and Champagne sauce. “The kitchen is the stage everyone can see,” says general manager Richard Feldman. “It’s like a performance.”
Spa and Serenity: Recharge in Style
Need to unwind? The Guerlain Spa Care offers a rare treat: Kneipp hydrotherapy. Dip your feet into a hot bath lined with smooth stones, then take the plunge into cold water. Walk the reflexology path for a Zen-like calm that boosts your mood and your immune system.
Art, Music, and Murals: A Walk Through Montreal’s Soul
Just outside, Crescent Street features the towering “Tower of Songs” mural honoring Leonard Cohen. The legendary singer-songwriter gazes down from the wall, keeping watch over the city he loved.
A short stroll leads you to Les Quartiers du Canal, where Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and Saint-Henri await. These neighborhoods brim with murals, 18th-century architecture, and a vibrant arts scene. Griffintown’s bike and walking paths wind past cafés, shops, and antique stores. Don’t miss Nora Gray, a local favorite known for its southern Italian cuisine and rare ramp dishes—spring’s most coveted ingredient.
Little Burgundy, once known as the Harlem of the North, celebrates its jazz roots with murals of Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones. Montreal’s streets are a living gallery, with over 3,500 murals and counting.
Hidden Gems: Speakeasies and Local Delights
Atwater Market, housed in a stunning art deco building, is a feast for the senses. Nearby, the Atwater Cocktail Club—a speakeasy-style bar tucked in an alley—offers a cozy, sophisticated escape.
Costume Balls and Couture Barbies: Where History Meets Play
Just a short walk from the hotel, the McCord Stewart Museum showcases Montreal’s social history. Its “Costume Balls, Dressing History, 1870-1927” exhibit features over 40 lavish costumes from the city’s elite parties and skating carnivals.
But the real showstopper is Expo Barbie, the world’s largest permanent Barbie exhibit. With more than 1,000 dolls—each dressed in custom couture, movie costumes, or even as pop culture icons—this free exhibit is a must-see for anyone with a sense of fun.
