Montreal Underground City

The Basics

With some 20 miles (33 kilometers) of tunnels, 190 access points, and thousands of shops, the Underground City can be something of a maze, especially to the uninitiated. To avoid getting lost, consider joining a guided tour. Tours of the complex show off highlights of the underground realm, which features everything from shopping malls to public artworks and even a segment of the Berlin Wall.

Some tours split their time between the Underground City and the ground-level attractions of Downtown Montreal, stopping at landmarks such as Christ Church Cathedral and the monument-dotted Dorchester Square.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Underground City is a must for visitors who want to shop, eat, or simply escape the frigid winter temperatures.

• Find Underground City maps at Montreal metro stations.

• Many of the major complexes, malls, and attractions in the Underground City are wheelchair-accessible with street-level access and elevators, though some of the tunnels and metro stations are not.

How to Get There

Access points to the Underground City can be found throughout Downtown Montreal. Easy-to-find entrances include malls such as the Eaton Centre, Les Cours Mont-Royal, and Complexe Desjardins. The underground complex is also connected to metro stations, including Atwater, Peel, McGill, Place des Arts, Berri UQAM, Bonaventure, Square-Victoria, and Place d’Armes. Entrances to the Underground City are marked RÉSO.

When to Get There

With heating and air-conditioning keeping temperatures in the tunnels pleasant, the best time to visit is during extreme weather—whether that be humid summer days or the freezing chill of winter.

What to See in the Underground City

For shopping, head to the Eaton Centre and Complexe Desjardins, where you’ll find high-street chains, independent stores, cafés, restaurants, and fast-food outlets. For something a little more cultural, browse the exhibits at the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d'Art Contemporain) or head to the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, which hosts numerous conventions and events every year, including Montreal Comiccon. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, ascend to the 607-foot-high (185-meter-high) observation deck at Place Ville Marie.

What is the Montreal Underground City?

The Montreal Underground City, also known as the RÉSO, is a 20-mile (32-kilometer) network of interconnected tunnels dotted with shops and restaurants. The tunnels lead to above-ground attractions, from metro stations to museums and more. The RÉSO offers a convenient way to navigate the city’s downtown core during harsh weather.

How do I access the Montreal Underground City?

Access points to the Montreal Underground City are scattered throughout downtown. Entrances can be found at metro stations, shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, museums, and more. Signage can be a bit haphazard—look for the word “RÉSO,” as signs typically will be only in French. Locals also can help direct you.

What attractions can be found in the Montreal Underground City?

Many of downtown Montreal’s main attractions have basement levels in the Montreal Underground City. You can access the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Complexe Desjardins (a shopping mall), Time Out Market (a food hall), the Place des Arts, and other top sites, along with stand-alone shops, cafés, and theaters.

Are there guided tours available for the Montreal Underground City?

Yes, you can take a guided tour of the Montreal Underground City (aka RÉSO). Tours of this massive tunnel network offer insight into the history, architecture, and hidden nooks of the structure, alongside how best to navigate. Check with local tour operators or visitor centers for tour availability and schedules.

How big is the Montreal Underground City?

Spanning about 20 miles (32 kilometers) of tunnels and corridors, the Montreal Underground City is one of the largest underground complexes in the world. It connects more than 120 exterior access points and encompasses a wide range of commercial spaces. In some places, the underground tunnel reaches four stories tall.

What are the opening hours of the Montreal Underground City?

Certain sections of the Montreal Underground City (RÉSO) are accessible 24-7. However, opening hours of businesses vary—each facility within the underground network keeps its own hours. Generally, shopping centers and commercial establishments like museums have standard operating hours. Check the opening hours of individual venues before planning your visit.

Ways to explore

With dozens of interconnected tunnels and thousands of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, the Underground City can be something of a maze, especially to the uninitiated. To avoid getting lost, consider joining a guided tour. Underground tours show off highlights of the subterranean realm, which features everything from shopping malls to public artworks and even a segment of the Berlin Wall.

Browse the Complexe Desjardins shopping mall and the Eaton Centre, home to the Time Out Market; visit the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art; or connect to above-ground attractions, such as Place Ville Marie, the Christ Church Cathedral, and the monument-dotted Dorchester Square.

Accessibility

Many of the malls and attractions in the Underground City are wheelchair accessible; elevator access is available at 977 and 677 Saint Catherine W. Street.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, camera, reusable shopping bag or tote

What to wear

Layered clothing suitable for both the climate-controlled tunnels and the outside weather

Not allowed

Don’t rely on a GPS to get around underground—pick up a map from the metro stations instead.

Amenities

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, restrooms

Address 

There are more than 120 street-level entrances to the Underground City—marked “RÉSO”—located throughout Downtown Montreal. Easy-to-find access points include malls such as the Eaton Centre, Les Cours Mont-Royal, and Complexe Desjardins.

Driving

The only way to access the Underground City is on foot or by metro.

Public transportation

The underground complex is also connected to metro stations, including Atwater, Peel, McGill, Place des Arts, Berri UQAM, Bonaventure, Square-Victoria, and Place d’Armes.

Best times to visit

With more than 500,000 people passing through Montreal’s Underground City each day, it can get busy! Avoid popular metro stations like Bonaventure, McGill, Square-Victoria–OACI, Place-des-Arts, and Peel during the weekday rush hours between 7–9:30am and 5–6pm.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are often the best time to shop, sightsee, or dine throughout the underground network, while Saturdays are usually the most crowded. Many establishments are closed or operate reduced hours on Sundays.

Best months to visit

The Montreal Underground City is open through all four seasons. Heading underground is the best way to escape the weather at any time of year, but it’s especially appreciated during Montreal’s harsh winter months—temperatures regularly fall below 10°F (-12°C) in January.

Special events

The annual Art Souterrain festival (March/April) brightens up the underground walkways with contemporary artworks and art installations.