Montreal Underground City

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.