Epicurean, lively and trendy !-Laurier West

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 12, 2015) -

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All big cities have somewhat tucked-away neighborhoods whose uniqueness is free to be discovered and enjoyed by savvy tourists. Montreal's Laurier West is one of these urban gems. This beautiful welcoming avenue sits on the foot of Mount Royal, bordering the borough of Outremont all the way to Mile End's bohemian vibe, offering a delectable urban rendezvous.

Whether for curious tourists, treasure-hunting fashionistas or food lovers, Laurier West is a little piece of heaven that spans slightly over a kilometer and offers exclusive brands, hot spots shared among Montrealers in the know, nonpareil dining, charming boutiques, well-known art galleries and original bars.

"Laurier West is an entirely distinctive place in an area long known for its beautiful architecture, elegant surroundings, refined merchants and warm community," comments Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal. "Montreal offers many charming neighborhoods and Laurier West is definitely one of them. Not only is it a pleasure to walk through, Laurier West is also an important economical and social contributor to our city."

Authentic. Unique. Delightful.

Laurier West owes a great deal of its flair and personality to its independent merchants. You won't find any superstores here. Walk into a store and meet the owner, the merchant, the designer or the chef. You will be warmly and proudly welcomed with the absolute best they have to offer.

"The merchants on Laurier West, which spreads over parts of Outremont and Mile End, form a community which showcases originality, variety and expertise," points out Émile Kutlu, President of the Laurier West Merchant Association. "We work together to offer a great diversity which has become the avenue's signature over the past decades."

Up-to-the-minute trends

Niche to well-known labels and fashion designer collections for decades, Laurier West is also home to exclusive finds-be it alluring accessories, superb suits or one-of-a-kind evening dresses. Several hairstylists and renowned beauty professionals are also established on Laurier West. Elegance from Henriette L., must-haves from François Beauregard and Billie, pretty dresses by Isabelle Élie, 5e Avenue's and Michel Brisson's international chicness-fashion comes in one thousand and one shapes on Laurier West.

When night falls, Laurier West is the place to see and be seen, with trendy spots like Kabinet, Datcha and the microbrewery Dieu du Ciel.

A dining oasis

With its reputation dating back several decades, Laurier West is a can't-miss destination for food lovers. As early as 1950, Gérard Van Houtte was at work offering European-imported delicacies. The delicatessen is still open and has been joined by several other reputable addresses such as Laurea (new-wave bistro), Barbounya (Mediterranean bistro-bar), Leméac (chic bistro) and La Chronique (New American cuisine) among others.

Exceptional architectural heritage

Besides its first-class merchants, Laurier West features unique architecture that sets it apart and makes it ever more enjoyable to discover. The Former Stuart Factory (Gascogne Bakery) and the Laurier Apartments (Couche-Tard)-by J.-A. Godin-the beautiful Saint-Viateur Church-built in 1913 by J.-E. Césaire and L.-Z. Gauthier-and the Fire station No 30, which is also the home of the Montreal Auxiliary Firemen and the Fire Museum are but a few of its stunning architectural jewels. Fans of contemporary architecture will appreciate the timeless design of Michel Brisson's men's clothing boutique (Saucier+Perrotte), Billie (MU Architecture) and of course, the reputable Leméac bistro (Luc Laporte).

Places of legend or trendy spots, pinnacles of elegance or flagship dining venues... Such density of must-see destinations undoubtedly puts Laurier West ahead of its class!

An interesting history, a great avenue

Laurier Avenue West was built around 1850 in its present-day layout. Then called Saint-Louis Street, it ran through the town of Saint-Louis-du-Mile-End (founded in 1878), which would later become the village Côte-Saint-Louis and join Montreal in 1909. The magnificent Firehouse 30, at the north-east corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Laurier Avenue, acted as the town hall for this already prosperous young city. After amalgamation, the street name was changed to Laurier, in honour of Sir Wilfrid Laurier-the first French-Canadian prime minister. Its charming boutiques and legendary destinations have called this area home since the 40s.

With its uniqueness and elegance dating back over a century, Laurier West now counts about 60 boutiques, restaurants and merchants, nestled on over a-kilometer stretch. Discover Laurier West merchants at www.laurierouest.com.

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