J'ai ce travail à faire, Montréal

December 29, 2008 10:48 AM

What are good spots (cafes, libraries, etc.) for laptopping in Montreal?

I'm working remotely in Montreal for a week. Where should I go to spend some time working on my laptop while also seeing a bit of the city?

Basics
Wireless network, electrical outlets, can comfortably stay for a few hours, accessible via public transit

Gravy
Atmosphere, nice music, good food, great coffee

Self-Derailing Bonus Round!
Any must-see stops (hilarious roadside attractions, etc.) on the drive between Montreal and NYC? I'd love to hear about them!

posted by asuprenant to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

I have only bonus for you: You can drive from Montréal to Burlington VT by hopping across the Lake Champlain islands like this, then take the ferry back over to Port Kent and get back on 87. It's pretty!
posted by nicwolff at 11:27 AM on December 29, 2008

Sign up for Île Sans Fil which will give you free access at a number of locations. Lots of laptopping hipsters at Laika, for example.

I love the Grande Bibliothèque but you can't sign onto its network without a membership, and you can't get a membership if you're from out of town.
posted by zadcat at 11:52 AM on December 29, 2008

Laika btw has all your extras. The Arts Café on Fairmount is also nice and friends speak well of Vices & Versa. I see that the Atwater Library is on the list, too.
posted by zadcat at 12:02 PM on December 29, 2008

Basics: An organization called Île Sans Fil (wireless island) provides free hotspots at more than 100 different locations, including a ton of cafes. Check out their list here.

Gravy: I'm particularly fond of two spots in Mile End: Cafe Cagibi (bohemian atmosphere, lots of outlets, good vegetarian food) and Arts Cafe (good atmosphere, ok food).

Bonus: Depending on which route you are taking, you might see if you can find a sugar shack to stop at in Quebec or Vermont.
posted by googly at 12:02 PM on December 29, 2008

Bibliocafe/Salon B is on the ile-sans-fil network and is super nice, comfortable, and mellow. It's on St. Laurent corner Rachel (northeast side). It's a cafe but they also have some sandwiches and drinks.
posted by Salamandrous at 1:05 PM on December 29, 2008

Salamandrous, is that the one connected to the funeral home?
posted by zadcat at 3:13 PM on December 29, 2008

Zadcat, that's the one!
posted by Salamandrous at 7:15 AM on December 30, 2008

The Canadian Centre for Architecture has a free public wifi and beanbag chairs (scroll down to number 2) to boot!
posted by furtive at 8:23 PM on December 30, 2008