Montreal — Work + Wander: Mile End Bagels & Indie Vinyl Circuit (3 days)
A laid-back, productivity-friendly 3-day loop for remote workers who want reliable cafés and coworking, the best Mile End bagels, and indie vinyl breaks. Each day balances dedicated work sessions (good lighting, comfy seating, plugs), short transfers, tasty local meals, and neighborhood wandering.
Highlights
- Work-friendly cafés and coworking spaces with reliable Wi‑Fi and good light
- Mile End bagel pilgrimage (St-Viateur & Fairmount)
- Indie vinyl shops and quiet browsing breaks
- Neighborhood strolls in Mile End & Plateau for local shops and murals
Itinerary
Day 1
Settling in: productive morning downtown, bagel pilgrimage to Mile End, afternoon coworking at a local hub, evening vinyl browsing and a relaxed Mile End stroll.
Morning focused session — Crew Collective & Café
Start the trip with a crisp morning work block in Crew Collective & Café — high ceilings, natural light, reliable Wi‑Fi and plenty of table space for a laptop and notebook.
Local tips:
- Best seats: aim for a window table on the main floor for natural light and easier access to power outlets near the pillars.
- Wi‑Fi & plugs: the café has stable guest Wi‑Fi; bring a long cable — outlets are concentrated along the perimeter and can be limited during mid-morning.
- Noise note: mornings are calmer before the lunch crowd; headphones recommended if you need full concentration.
Transfer: Downtown → Mile End (to St‑Viateur)
Metro/walk or rideshare transfer north to Mile End for bagels — choose the quickest option based on your energy and luggage.
Local tips:
- Transit tip: from Crew (downtown) take the Metro (Orange line) to Mont‑Royal station for a ~20–25 min journey, then a short walk north to the bakery.
- If you have a lot of gear, a quick rideshare (10–15 min off-peak) drops you right in front; ask to be dropped at the Saint‑Viateur corner to avoid searching.
- Peak commute windows (8:00–9:30, 16:30–18:30) slow things; schedule transfers just outside those times when possible.
Mile End classic — St‑Viateur Bagel (grab & sample)
Quick bagel run: grab a sesame (or plain) fresh from the wood-fired oven. Great as a takeaway or a quick standing bite.
Local tips:
- Order strategy: ask for a bagel 'from the oven' (au four) — they're best warm; make it a sandwich if you need a more filling work lunch.
- Seating & accessibility: counter service and limited standing room; if you need a chair and table, plan to walk to a nearby café or park.
- Payment & queue hacks: card is accepted but small cash helps; mid‑day is busy — come just after noon or late afternoon for shorter lines.
Transfer: short walk to Notman House (co‑working hub)
Make your way to Notman House for a longer, quieter coworking block — a well-known local tech and remote-work hub.
Local tips:
- Walking route: enjoy the Mile End streets — it's a 12–20 minute walk depending on exact start point; it's flat and pedestrian-friendly.
- If you prefer transit, a short bus ride can cut time — check local schedules (STM) on your phone.
- Bring a small backpack: Notman House may require ID for access or a day pass; have a digital photo of your ID ready.
Afternoon cowork: Notman House — focused block
Longer productive session in a community-focused workspace with meeting rooms (book in advance) and dependable Wi‑Fi.
Local tips:
- Booking: reserve a quiet desk or meeting room in advance if you need private calls — drop-in areas fill quickly mid‑afternoon.
- Power & USB: bring an adapter strip — outlets can be in clusters; rechargeable accessories are handy if outlets are scarce.
- Community advantage: mingle with local founders — quick conversations can lead to helpful local tips or coffee buddy invites.
Indie vinyl break — browse Phonopolis (Mile End)
Short browsing session at a local indie record shop — perfect for a low-pressure distraction and to pick up a local pressing.
Local tips:
- Ask the staff: describe what you like and they’ll point to hidden gems or local pressings; staffers often curate great recommendations.
- Quiet browsing: late afternoon (after 4:30) usually quiet; avoid weekend mid-day crowds for the best browsing time.
- Payment & condition checks: inspect used records for sleeve/vinyl condition; the shop will often let you play snippets on request.
Mile End neighborhood stroll — murals, small shops, coffee caches
A relaxed walk to soak up Mile End’s creative streets, murals, and independent shops — great for pacing down after work.
Local tips:
- Photo ops: look for murals around Saint‑Viateur & Bernard — early evening light is flattering and crowds thin out on weekdays.
- Café fallback: note small cafes and benches in case you want a quick 20‑minute email check outdoors.
- Local shopping: many indie stores close earlier on weeknights — if you spot something you like, consider a prompt browse or pickup.
Dinner — Olive et Gourmando (relaxed local bistro)
Casual, neighborhood-favorite dinner spot with hearty plates — a comfortable place to close Day 1.
Local tips:
- Reservation advice: the place gets busy; reservations are limited — aim for an earlier table or expect a short wait.
- Work wrap-up: use the meal as a final offline block; service is friendly and the room is cozy for relaxed conversation.
- Accessibility & seating: ask for a quieter corner if you need to continue a short call while winding down.
Day 2
A Mile End & Plateau loop: early bagel, cafe-based morning work, indie record digging, a green break, and a relaxed evening bistro dinner.
Breakfast pilgrimage — Fairmount Bagel
Start early at the other iconic bagel bakery — try the classic sesame or the 'everything' and take it to a nearby table or to-go.
Local tips:
- Best time: arrive early (before 9:00) for the freshest bagels — ovens run all morning but early batches are prime.
- Order tip: ask for 'fresh from the oven' and try a simple schmear to taste the proper texture.
- Carry plan: Fairmount’s counters are small — take your bagel to a nearby café or park table to work through the morning.
Morning focused cafe session — Café Myriade
A bright, well‑lit café with a reputation for reliable Wi‑Fi and consistent espresso — ideal for a longer work block.
Local tips:
- Seating & light: choose a corner table by the window for consistent natural light and easy laptop setup.
- Outlets & plugs: limited plugs — pick a spot near the wall or bring a compact battery pack for longer sessions.
- Noise & calls: this café is friendly to laptops but can get a steady hum; use headphones for focused work or take calls into a quieter corner.
Transfer to Aux 33 Tours (vinyl shop)
Short transit to a well-regarded indie record shop for an afternoon crate-digging break.
Local tips:
- Timing: midday is usually steady but not crowded; plan transit so you arrive when the shop opens/refreshes new stock.
- Transport: walking in Plateau is pleasant; if you’re carrying heavier records, consider a quick rideshare.
- Local ask: call ahead if you’re hunting for a specific pressing — staff may hold it for a short window.
Vinyl browsing — Aux 33 Tours
An hour of relaxed crate-digging in a local shop that specializes in indie, used, and local pressings.
Local tips:
- Browsing tip: take your time in the local and used sections — you’ll often find Montreal pressings and small-run releases.
- Payment & carriage: bring a reusable bag or small tote for purchases; some shops prefer card but smaller sellers may be cash-friendly.
- Time your call: if you’re planning any video calls, this is a solid offline break — treat it as a mental reset.
Park break — Parc La Fontaine (rest & short walk)
Take a mid-afternoon outdoor break — benches and shaded lawns are ideal for reading, a quick inbox check, or a power nap.
Local tips:
- Benches & shade: head to the pond side for shaded benches and quieter pockets for a focused 15–30 minute email triage.
- Connectivity: cell service is generally fine but plan offline tasks if you want a true disconnect; there are shaded picnic tables for laptop work on dry days.
- Local snack stops: several cafés and kiosks line the park — grab a sparkling water or coffee to sip while you stroll.
Afternoon cafe cowork — Café Névé
A cozy, low-key café known for comfortable seating and forgiving table time — perfect for an afternoon work block with light music.
Local tips:
- Seating: ask for a table away from the doors for fewer interruptions; some tables have benches suitable for extended laptop use.
- Power & speed: Wi‑Fi is stable but outlets can be limited — plan a 2‑hour session or bring a portable charger.
- Quiet hours: mid‑afternoon weekdays are the calmest; if you need long, uninterrupted time consider a corner seat.
Dinner — L'Express (classic French bistro)
An iconic Plateau bistro for a comfortable, unfussy dinner to close the day — good for decompressing after a productive day.
Local tips:
- Reservations: walk-ins are possible but busy nights fill; reserve if you want a predictable dinner time.
- Solo working note: the bistro atmosphere is friendly for a solo dinner; avoid bringing a laptop as tables fill quickly.
- Dietary requests: staff are used to tweaks — ask for simple swaps if you have diet restrictions.
Day 3
Final day loop: energizing cafe work in Mile End, vinyl discoveries, a last coworking block, sunset at Mount Royal, and a classic Montréal send-off.
Morning coffee & work — Café Olimpico (Mile End)
Caffeinate and tackle your morning inbox at a long-standing local espresso spot known for friendly service and reliable coffee.
Local tips:
- Seating & timing: Olimpico is lively but early mornings (09:00–11:00) offer pockets of quieter seating for focused work.
- Power situation: outlets are limited — use a high-capacity battery pack if you plan a long block.
- Local order tip: try a ristretto or lungo — staff are quick and the café supports longer laptop stays when it's not busy.
Lunch & light reset — Café Parvis
A bright, plant-filled café that's good for a light lunch and short email triage before an afternoon of browsing.
Local tips:
- Seating for work: the interior has large tables with good light — choose a corner table if you need to open a laptop briefly.
- Food & speed: menu items are straightforward and served quickly — perfect for a focused 30–45 minute break.
- Quiet hours: weekdays lunchtime is moderate — aim slightly earlier or later if you need a quieter table.
Transfer to Nice Price Records (vinyl)
Short transit to another well-loved record store — good for last-day souvenir vinyl and crate-digging.
Local tips:
- Timing & transport: mid‑afternoon weekday visits are usually quiet — if you have large purchases, consider a quick rideshare home.
- Ask staff about local pressings: staff often know which Montreal labels have new releases or limited runs.
- Bring small change and a tote: some purchases are small but you’ll appreciate a bag for multiple records.
Vinyl browsing — Nice Price Records
An hour to browse affordable and curated selections — ideal for picking up a record that reminds you of Montreal.
Local tips:
- Insider pick: look in the local/Canadian section for small-run and indie labels from Montreal.
- Check condition: inspect sleeves and vinyl before buying used items; staff will often play a quick check if asked.
- Time your purchase: if you’ll be carrying records on flights, consider shipping options or protective sleeves available at the shop.
Afternoon cowork — Notman House (wrap-up session)
One last focused block in a friendly coworking environment to finish tasks, sync notes, and prepare for departure.
Local tips:
- Last-day logistics: use the session to finalize travel details and upload backups; meeting rooms can be booked for 30–60 mins for calls.
- Quiet corners: ask the front desk for the quietest area — they’re used to helping visitors find low-traffic spots.
- Printing & packing: Notman and local hubs can often help with a quick print or packing question before you head out.
Sunset lookout — Mount Royal Park (Kondiaronk Belvedere)
Short hike or taxi to the Kondiaronk lookout for panoramic city views — a calm, inspiring spot to stretch and photograph the skyline.
Local tips:
- Best angle: arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to catch golden hour and grab a bench before the viewpoint gets busy.
- Access & comfort: the walk uphill is moderate — take a taxi if you're carrying luggage or want to save energy for dinner.
- Quick work check: mobile coverage is fine for a last-minute email check, but treat this as a final offline moment.
Farewell meal — Schwartz's Deli (classic smoked meat)
End with a Montréal institution: a casual, iconic deli experience that’s a cultural must — quick, flavorful, and memorable.
Local tips:
- Cultural note: Schwartz’s is iconic and busy — expect a lively crowd; embrace the communal deli vibe for a relaxed final night.
- Order tip: try the smoked meat sandwich 'medium' and pair with pickles — portions are generous and satisfying after a day of walking.
- Seating & timing: go earlier (before 19:00) to avoid the longest waits; it's not a laptop-friendly spot — perfect for switching fully offline.