Since July 2024, a new sign has graced the building at the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Papineau in the Village: la Maison des bières. You won't find hamburgers or chicken nuggets there… remember, the last tenant was a MacDonald. Now you'll find beer, cider, wine, kombucha, and several other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

La Maison des bières has been a fixture on the Plateau Mont-Royal since July 2013. Its owner, Marc Antoine Gagnon, had a keen interest in the brewing world long before that date. After more than three years of market research, a beer sommelier course and a tasting course, he finally went into business.



It took exactly 11 years before he decided to move forward with a second location. Now in business with his partner, Barbara Aburtto Alarcon, who shares his passion for Québec microbreweries and artisanal terroir products, la Maison des bières is now targeting the Village market and surrounding neighbourhoods. With her strong work ethic and experience in retail, she has completely revolutionized the shop's design and marketing.



Met in his new premises on opening day, Marc Antoine Gagnon explained that he had been looking for a location in the area for more than 2.5 years. He is aware of the real estate development under way for several years in the centre-sud: projects like the former Radio-Canada building, the new building next to his store, which will soon house a Maxi supermarket with apartments on the upper floors, and the residential buildings springing up like mushrooms east of the Pont Jacques-Cartier, among others. All of this will bring tens of thousands of new residents with good incomes, so the development potential is clearly there.

He and his partner see things far beyond the current problems that many in the Village are denouncing and criticizing. They have no intention of burying their heads in the sand; quite the opposite. They believe they can bring an interesting new dynamic to this corner of the neighbourhood, attracting a clientele that appreciates the type of products he offers.

 

La Maison des bières offers a vast selection of beers from Québec microbreweries and features products made by local artisans. They carry a selection of more than 1200 different beers from over 120 microbreweries in Québec (and Ontario), in addition to other products. They do not carry commercial products such as those found in grocery and convenience stores. Customers always have access to advisors, available 7 days a week.

A visit to the premises will convince even the most sceptical (and there are several) that such a business is viable in the neighbourhood. You'll also meet the canine mascot of la Maison des bières, a beautiful young American Akita who greets customers calmly and affectionately, despite his imposing size.



La Maison des bières
maisondesbieres.ca
1703, rue Sainte-Catherine est
Montréal (Qc) H2L 2J5
514 419-1591

Plateau Mont-Royal
4485, rue de Lanaudière
Montréal (Qc) H2J 3P3
514 564-3100

Sugar season returns once more, born of the collaboration between Camp de Base Coin-du-Banc and Érablière Côté Sucré to create Québec's only "sugar shack on the sea".

Throughout April, the restaurant at Auberge du Camp de Base Coin-du-Banc, located a few kilometres from the heart of Percé, will don traditional attire and checkered tablecloths to offer a unique sweet experience in a festive, maritime atmosphere.

The Auberge's restaurant becomes a sugar shack, serving a hearty traditional meal accompanied by a tasting of maple taffy on snow. A fitting atmosphere for indulging your sweet tooth as a family. As a bonus: breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

Unlimited servings:

- Pea soup
- Oreille de crisse
- Bread roll
- Cretons
- Apple and maple butter
- Soufflé omelette
- Shredded ham & sausages
- Baked beans
- Pickled beets
- Home fries
- Grandma's pancakes
- Beverage (coffee, tea and milk)
- Maple taffy on snow!

A vegetarian version is also available. Bar service is available on site.
Various maple products will also be available for purchase (syrup, butter, and caramel depending on availability).

The dining room can accommodate 55 people per seating. In April, meals will be served at 10:30 am and 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some Fridays at 1 pm and 4 pm. Groups of 30 or more can also be accommodated on weekdays upon request.

For rates, to book and for more details on the dates, call 418-645-2907 or write to info@campdebasegaspesie.com

It's a unique and memorable spring adventure that the team at Camp de Base du Coin-du-Banc offers to visitors from Gaspésie and beyond.

The Écomusée du fier monde hosts the 21st edition of the annual cultural event D’un œil différent From March 11 to 22, 2026. This new edition, celebrated under the theme "A touch of us!", spotlights more than two decades of creativity, artistic diversity and social inclusion through art.

A fresh perspective on art and inclusion
Since its inception, D’un œil différent has fostered the visibility and promotion of artists living with intellectual disabilities or autism, as well as independent artists, emphasizing the creative act rather than differences. The event offers a space where art
Theme: "A touch of us!"
The 2026 edition celebrates the unique expression of artists whose works tell personal, sensitive and powerful stories. This theme invites the public to recognize that every artistic gesture, every perspective on the world, brings "a touch of us!" to the collective narrative of our shared humanity.

Free entry and activities open to everyone
The exhibition and all mediation activities are free and accessible to all audiences: couples, families, schools, community organizations, art lovers.

The Écomusée du fier monde is located at 2050 rue Atateken, at the corner of rue Ontario in Montréal (Berri-UQAM Metro).
For a detailed schedule of activities offered during the exhibition, please visit www.dunoeildifferent.com