Montreal has a variety of charming suburbs that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Here are some of the most popular suburbs around Montreal, each with its unique features:
1. Westmount
- Vibe: Affluent, historic, family-oriented.
- Highlights: Known for its beautiful mansions, parks, and excellent schools, Westmount is a prestigious suburb with a strong sense of community. It's close to downtown Montreal but offers a more tranquil environment with plenty of green spaces like Westmount Park.
- For Whom: Great for families and professionals seeking upscale living.
- Vibe: Urban, diverse, growing.
- Highlights: Laval is a large suburb with its own urban center, offering a range of amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and schools. With growing business districts, it's a thriving community ideal for families and young professionals.
- For Whom: Ideal for those wanting proximity to Montreal but with more space and suburban amenities.
- Vibe: Suburban, scenic, relaxed.
- Highlights: Located in the West Island, Pointe-Claire offers a mix of charming residential areas and waterfront parks along the St. Lawrence River. It's known for its quality schools, sports facilities, and outdoor activities.
- For Whom: Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a quieter lifestyle with access to water sports.
- Vibe: Family-friendly, suburban, peaceful.
- Highlights: Another West Island suburb, Kirkland is known for its strong community feel, excellent schools, and family-oriented activities. It has a variety of parks, sports centers, and shopping options.
- For Whom: Best for families looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Montreal.
- Vibe: Multicultural, modern, developing.
- Highlights: Located on the South Shore, Brossard is a diverse suburb that has experienced significant growth in recent years. It's known for its multicultural neighborhoods, modern housing developments, and the popular Quartier DIX30 shopping and entertainment complex.
- For Whom: Great for young professionals and families looking for modern amenities in a growing area.
- Vibe: Urban, historic, affordable.
- Highlights: Longueuil is a vibrant suburb on the South Shore, with excellent transportation links to Montreal via the metro and bridges. It has a mix of historic homes and modern apartments, as well as plenty of parks and cultural attractions.
- For Whom: Suitable for commuters, families, and professionals who want quick access to Montreal without the city's high housing prices.
- Vibe: Peaceful, close-knit, waterfront.
- Highlights: Dorval is a smaller West Island suburb known for its proximity to the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and its peaceful waterfront lifestyle. It offers a slower pace of life with parks, marinas, and a community feel.
- For Whom: Ideal for retirees, frequent travelers, or those who love a waterfront setting.
- Vibe: Affluent, quiet, suburban.
- Highlights: Beaconsfield is one of the more affluent suburbs in the West Island. It's known for its large homes, quiet streets, and proximity to the water, offering a tranquil and upscale lifestyle.
- For Whom: Best for families and professionals seeking a peaceful, upscale community.
- Vibe: Charming, historic, walkable.
- Highlights: Located on the South Shore, Saint-Lambert offers a village-like atmosphere with a historic downtown, quaint shops, and cafes. It's also well-connected to Montreal via public transit.
- For Whom: Ideal for families, retirees, and those who enjoy a small-town feel with easy access to the city.
- Vibe: Nature-oriented, peaceful, scenic.
- Highlights: Known for its natural beauty, Île-Bizard is an island suburb northwest of Montreal, offering a serene environment with parks, golf courses, and waterfront properties. It's perfect for those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
- For Whom: Great for families and nature lovers looking for a quieter life outside the city.