The Eco-appartment was perfect. Exactly as listed and exactly what I wanted for my stay. It has every amenity you'd need and is nicely tucked away in the basement of this impressive eco building. Now I want to experience the other listings Emmanuel has set up in the same building! He and I chatted about the neighborhood and property and he had me wanting to move there: to join their chill way of life.

The neighborhood is unreal! Mile End and the adjacent Le Plateau Mont Royal are bursting with life and activity. Loaded with cafes, boutiques, and eats spanning the whole price range and global palate. Bars, pubs, clubs, hip music venues, wine bars, craft beer, brunch, baked goods, everything. A culture and foodie nexus. One can even explore the actual Parc du Mont Royal, for some exercise and the scenery.

Plus the locals are all very welcoming. I entered knowing all of 5 French words but (unlike in Paris) it wasn't a problem. My particular assessment was that Montreal, and this area in particular, was like a Melbourne, AU/San Fransisco mix, wrapped in a Euro skin. Very cool.