Montreal is home to many unique cafes. During my first year, a friend and I made it a mission to find the best cafe for studying. We’ve found many, including Hvmans near Concordia and Le Moineau Masque near metro Mont-Royal, however last weekend we found Paquebot Mont-Royal.
When studying, I look for certain requirements in a cafe. Sound, size, and types of food and drink offered are just a few categories that Paquebot scored highly in. For sound, it was relatively quiet, with light music and chatter in the background. I find I study best in this environment. The cafe was spacious, with a myriad of tables and a counter near the front window. They offered a variety of coffees and teas, as well as light snacks such as pastries and sandwiches. Vegan options were available too, however the only downside was that no gluten free food was offered. My tea came up to be around $4.00, which isn’t bad. I’d pay around the same at any cafe.
My friend and I ducked into Paquebot on a frosty Sunday afternoon. We arrived around lunchtime and there were very few people in the cafe, minimizing the distractions around. The cafe itself was nicely decorated with exposed brick and a bright LED boat on the wall, which is Paquebot’s iconic logo. There were several tables scattered around the cafe space, as well as plenty of countertop space by the window.
My friend and I set up our study space by the sunny window towards the front of the cafe. Although it was just a counter, there was plenty of space for our laptops, books, and drinks. I ordered earl grey tea, and it was delectable. My friend bought a latte and an oatmeal cookie and enjoyed both. We studied and chatted for around four hours, and found it was an excellent cafe for both studying and hanging out.
If you’re looking for a cafe with a mellow atmosphere with friendly baristas and delicious drinks, look no further than Paquebot Mont-Royal.