10 Sightseeing Spots 10 Minutes from E-QIP

E-QIP has been at its downtown location for just over a year now, and we still feel lucky every single day to be in the heart of such a vibrant, exciting city. The school occupies three floors in the Jean Coutu building at the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Metcalfe—about as central as it gets—surrounded by a mix of public parks and interesting buildings both old and new, with art and culture to be seen at every turn. Whether you’re looking for a hangout spot for your lunchtime break or an after-school activity, here are 10 sightseeing destinations less than 10 minutes from E-QIP!

1. St-Catherine Street West

Distance from E-QIP: 0 km
Starting as close to home as possible, E-QIP’s new home is located right on centre-ville's main drag, St-Catherine, which is lined with countless shopping centres, restaurants, and attractions. Follow the street east for the culture-filled Quartier des Spectacles neighbourhood.

2. Montreal Fine Arts Museum

1380 Sherbrooke Road West H3G 1J5
Distance from E-QIP: 0.7 km
Art lovers and casual fans alike love this Montreal landmark, the the biggest art museum in the city and the most visited in Canada. Come for the big-name touring exhibitions, stay for the light-filled halls and extensive permanent collection.

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3. Dorchester Square 

2903 Rue Peel H3B 4J5 3 minutes from E-QIP
Distance from E-QIP: 0.25 km
A picturesque park with well-manicured lawns, plus two recently-added footpaths and a Victorian fountain, Dorchester Square is a thoroughfare for pedestrian traffic and a go-to spot for eating lunch outdoors. You’ll also find historic monuments dedicated to significant people and events in Canada.

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4. The Underground City

Distance from E-QIP: 0.02 km (Carrefour Industrielle Alliance entrance)
A sprawling network of underground tunnels connecting shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, a stadium and other important downtown buildings. Although typically trumpeted as an escape from the winter cold, Montreal's Underground City (the largest in the world, at 32 km long!) can be a fun (and unique) place to explore in and of itself. 

5. Musée Redpath

859 Sherbrooke Street West H3A 0C4
Distance from E-QIP: 0.6 km 
If Indiana Jones opened a museum, it might look something like Musée Redpath. More quaint and cozy than its modern art counterparts, here you’ll find three stories of natural history objects, from rocks and minerals to skeletons to Egyptian artifacts. Best of all: entry is by voluntary donation!

6. Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

1085 Rue de la Cathédrale H3B 2V3
Distance from E-QIP: 0.4 km 
While most visitors flock to Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, Marie-Reine-du-Monde is equally worth a visit (and it’s free!). Despite it’s more stoic exterior, it’s interior is a beautifully decorated and makes it an awe inspiring and peaceful refuge amidst the bustle of downtown Montreal.

https://www.instagram.com/montreal/p/Bhe4GJMBVZq/

7. Sun Life Building 

1155 Metcalfe Road H3B 2V6
Distance from E-QIP: 0.17 km
The largest building in the British Empire at the time it was built in 1931, it remains one of the most visited examples of 20th architecture in the city. Take in the building’s majestic exterior and pop inside to transport yourself back in time.

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8. The Bell Centre

1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal H4B 5G0
Distance from E-QIP: 0.65 km 
The home of the Montreal Canadiens and the host to hundreds of concerts and sporting events each year, the Centre also offers a behind-the-scenes tour that takes you through the history of the team, including special visits to the legendary dressing room, a view from the head coach’s podium, and the press conference room.

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9. St. George’s Anglican Church

1001 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal H3B 3B3
Distance from E-QIP: 0.45 km
A small church with a big heart, located right in the middle of the downtown commercial core. Visitors flock to the church for its beautiful woodwork and stained glass, which is especially stunning when the sun comes out (a frequent occurrence between June and September!).

10. Atrium Le 1000

1000 Rue de la Gauchetière West H3B 4W5
Distance from E-QIP: 0.55 km
Did you miss your chance to go skating this winter? In Montreal, it's never too late to go skating thanks to Atrium le 1000, which houses a year-round, indoor rink. Hit the ice and take in some stunning architecture (even in August!).