Villeray

The Villeray district (named in honor of Louis Rouer Villeray) is part of the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough and is located in the north-central part of the island of Montreal, just above the Jean-Talon public market. It's not the most imposing, but its simple charm rivals that of its neighbors. As such, Time Out magazine included it in its list of the world's coolest neighborhoods.

Villeray is above all residential streets, bordered to the north by the metropolitan highway, giving quick access to both ends of the island. Originally inhabited by local stone quarry workers, it is now chosen by people from all walks of life. Villeray is also home to the Japanese Cultural Center of Montreal and its annual outdoor market.

Montreal's famous twisted staircases, independent businesses and picturesque parks such as Jarry and its stadium dedicated to tennis and the Rogers Cup, as well as Turin, Prévost and Villeray parks, all contribute to the charm of this village-like neighborhood.

Take a break in one of its cafés, simply to enjoy and observe the tranquility and pleasure of living in this neighborhood. Villeray is easily accessible via major roads such as Saint-Laurent, de Castelnau, St-Denis and Jean-Talon, or via the public transit network and its metro stations (orange and blue lines), not to mention the city's many attractions.

Villeray is considered a jewel of greenery, thanks to the presence of trees throughout the area, creating oases of coolness much appreciated by residents on hot summer days. Mostly tenants, the neighborhood's French-speaking residents share it with a large immigrant population, which accounts for nearly half of the total.

This neighborhood is a perfect example of a successful transition from the hard-working days of the quarry workers to a dynamic, joyful and enviable urban life.