One of Montréal’s most famous treasures is the “Underground City, an underground pedestrian network right under the heart of the city that links metro stations to shopping plazas for over 32 kilometres (about 20 miles). It’s a lifesaver when you want to stroll, shop and eat away from the hot blazing sun or the freezing snow, but it’s also a go-to destination for the whole family anytime because of the world of entertainment it opens up. Your stating point? The Montréal Eaton Centre, a glittering multistory shopping centre uniting 175 shops and restaurants on Sainte-Catherine Street, connected directly to McGill metro station.
Souvenir central
If you’re looking for goodies to remember your trip by, Eaton Centre has got the made-in-Montréal shops for you: Rudsak leather goods, Squish gourmet artisanal candies, DavidsTea and Caroline Néron’s Swarovsky-enhanced jewellery are all great for gifts, whether they’re for yourself or your lucky loved ones. Sports fans will find everything they want in terms of Montréal sports teams regalia at Édition Limitée, while shoe fiends will want to check out L’intervalle, a Montréal-based women’s footwear label, or the Montréal-based, internationally famous ALDO shoes.
Head-to-toe style
Looking for a new look? Create your own extreme makeover at Eaton Centre’s many, many clothes, shoes and accessories shops—you can even get your nails and hair done here! Shopped so much your new threads won’t fit into your luggage? Stop by World Luggage on the ground floor. And to avoid your bags weighing you down as you trek the Underground City’s other malls (Place Montréal Trust, Promenades de la Cathédrale and Place Ville-Marie are all worth checking out), lockers are available on the Tunnel level, in the food court. For just $1, you can securely store coats, bags and other personal effects.
Entertainment district
When you want a break from all the shopping, the fantastic wax lookalikes of Grévin Montréal Museum await on the Eaton Centre’s 5th floor. Come take selfies galore with the likenesses of your favourite stars at one of Montréal’s most entertaining museums, and then take a breather: Café Grévin is a wonderful spot to sip a coffee, munch of first-rate pastries by chef Christian Faure and catch some quiet time. If you’re looking for more of a meal, head down to the food court, where 30-plus restaurants await.
Always wired
Ran out of international data? The Montréal Eaton Centre provides all visitors with free Wi-Fi throughout the food court, on the Tunnel level and on the 4th floor in the Espace Services. If your cell phone battery is low, stop by the Information Desk on the street level to borrow a portable charger for the length of your visit, or plug yourself into the Espace Services charging station on the 4th floor. Want your own charger, or any other electronic device? There are nearly a dozen electronic stores onsite to serve you.
Family friendly
If you’re visiting with the kids, they’ll love Grévin Museum and the many kids’ clothes stores onsite. A breastfeeding room is available for mothers in the women’s restroom on the Tunnel level, in the food court. You can also find strollers at the information desk located at the Sainte-Catherine entrance, on the street level. If the tots need to run and let loose, the Espace Services on the 4th floor is the perfect spot for them to expend some excess energy.
At the centre of it all
The Montréal Eaton Center is at the heart of the RESO network—find the RESO signs throughout the Underground City to figure out where you’re heading on the underground pedestrian network. And keep in mind, the Eaton Centre is only the beginning: explore the whole 20 miles for lots more shopping, movies, activities and unforgettable good times.
Up next: Where to find Wi-Fi when travelling in Montréal
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