Cultural Corridor: 15 must-see cultural attractions in Montréal
Montréal’s Cultural Corridor is a 3.6-kilometre cultural route located along the Lachine Canal, connecting Old Montréal to the city’s Southwest boroughs. This walkable and bike-friendly corridor brings together 15 cultural, artistic and heritage destinations, offering visitors an immersive way to experience Montréal’s history, contemporary art scene, and vibrant neighbourhood life. Blending industrial heritage, public art, museums, contemporary art spaces, and local food destinations, the Cultural Corridor is a must-see cultural experience in Montréal.
What is the Cultural Corridor?
The Cultural Corridor is a cultural and tourism route stretching between Montréal’s Southwest boroughs and Old Montréal, along the Lachine Canal. It links 15 landmark destinations, including cultural institutions, art galleries, heritage sites and vibrant community spaces that reflect the cultural and social richness of these Montréal neighbourhoods. Designed to highlight local history, contemporary creation, and local artists, the Corridor invites visitors to explore one of the city’s most dynamic areas. Whether you’re passionate about Montréal’s past or curious about today’s art scene, the Cultural Corridor offers an inspiring and accessible way to discover these 15 must-see destinations.
Suggested route: cultural corridor highlights
The journey begins in Old Montréal at Pointe-à-Callière, the archaeology and history museum located on Place Royale, the very site where Montréal was founded. Built over authentic archaeological remains, the museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions that immerse visitors in Montréal’s history, just steps from the Old Port.
Heading west, the walk continues along the Lachine Canal, a National Historic Site and a defining route connecting downtown Montréal to the Southwest. Its 13.5-kilometre multi-use path, popular with locals and visitors alike, offers stunning views of the Old Port, Griffintown and former industrial areas that have been transformed over time.
The route then leads to Fonderie Darling in Griffintown. This former factory has been converted into a contemporary art centre with two exhibition spaces dedicated to modern works and local artists, all within a setting reminiscent of the neighbourhood’s industrial past.
Just a short walk away, Arsenal Contemporary Art extends the foray into Montréal’s artistic scene. Housed in a former 19th-century shipyard, the Arsenal is now one of Montréal’s major visual art hubs. Like Fonderie Darling, it perfectly illustrates the transformation of the Southwest into a creative district where heritage and contemporary art intertwine.
The route concludes at Atwater Market, one of Montréal’s best-known public markets, located in the heart of Saint-Henri . Recognizable by its Art Deco architecture, the market brings together a wide range of local producers and merchants. From bakeries and cheesemongers to fish shops and chocolatiers, it’s the perfect place to end your cultural exploration of the Lachine Canal while enjoying local flavours.
Each stop offers a gateway into the city’s history, artistic creativity and the communities that shape these neighbourhoods
Corridor Culturel - Parcours extérieur
Build your own Montréal cultural adventure
Looking to create your own cultural itinerary in Montréal? The Cultural Corridor lets you design a personalized route among 15 iconic cultural destinations, based on your interests and curiosities.
For history lovers
Pointe-à-Callière: over 1,000 years of history in the heart of Old Montréal
McCord Stewart Museum: a social and decolonial perspective on Montréal’s history
Sacred Fire Productions Cultural Space: a venue dedicated to showcasing Indigenous artists
For fans of contemporary and visual art
Arsenal Contemporary Art: international exhibitions in a former Southwest borough shipyard
Fonderie Darling: visual art in a striking industrial setting
PHI: a hub for art, technology, and immersive experiences
Georges-Vanier Cultural Centre: cultural events for both amateurs and professionals
To experience Montréal’s vibrant atmosphere
Atwater Market: a flagship food destination in the Southwest borough
MR-63: former metro cars transformed into a cultural pavilion
Beanfield Theatre: a landmark performance venue along the Lachine Canal
New City Gas: a former coal plant turned into a must-visit nightlife spot
To explore Montréal’s alternative culture
Blouin-Division Gallery: a private gallery dedicated to Canadian contemporary art
Dare-Dare: an artist-run centre focused on public-space art
École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS): a university at the heart of innovation and technology transfer
Cultural Corridor - Event on a terrace
More than just a Montréal route
The Cultural Corridor reveals many sides of Montréal’s cultural life. Each stop offers a unique gateway into the city’s history, artistic creativity and the communities that shape these iconic neighbourhoods. By building your own itinerary based on your interests, you can explore the city at your own pace and fully experience the cultural richness of the metropolis.
Original article in French by Valérie Dorion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Valérie Dorion
In love with words and Montreal, Valérie writes for various media and companies and creates colorful, original, but always relevant content. A true foodie and traveler, she likes to be on the lookout for anything new in terms of gastronomy and activities. On a daily basis, you'll probably find her on her laptop at the latest local coffee shop, writing or looking for the latest hot spots.