Griffintown: The Heartbeat of Montreal's Industrial Past and Creative Present

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-leh]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [pahr-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah lehd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh may-duh-san]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhew-stuh]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shang (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Griffintown's history began in the early 19th century as an industrial hub, primarily populated by Irish immigrants. These workers played a significant role in the construction of the Lachine Canal, which opened in 1825, facilitating trade and transport. The neighborhood became a vibrant center for labor and industry, with numerous factories and warehouses emerging to support the booming economy.

By the late 19th century, Griffintown was renowned for its breweries, including the famous Dow Brewery founded in 1820. The area's proximity to the canal allowed for efficient distribution of beer, making it a critical player in Montreal's brewing industry. This era saw the establishment of a strong community identity linked to the beer trade, which thrived until the mid-20th century.

The mid-20th century marked a decline for Griffintown as industries moved out of the area and many residents left for the suburbs. By the 1970s, the neighborhood faced significant neglect and decay. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s brought urban renewal efforts, transforming Griffintown into a trendy area known for its art galleries, restaurants, and residential developments.

In recent years, Griffintown has experienced a cultural renaissance, with a focus on preserving its historical architecture while accommodating modern developments. The influx of young professionals and artists has led to a gentrification process, reshaping the neighborhood's demographics and cultural landscape. This transformation has sparked discussions about heritage preservation and the balance between old and new in Montreal.

Today, Griffintown is a vibrant neighborhood that reflects Montreal's diverse culture and history. The area hosts various cultural events, including art festivals and markets, which celebrate both its industrial past and contemporary creativity. The juxtaposition of historic buildings alongside modern architecture illustrates the neighborhood's evolution, making it a unique destination for both locals and tourists.

Griffintown is easily accessible from various parts of Montreal. If you're coming from downtown, you can take the Metro (Orange Line) to Bonaventure Station and then walk approximately 10 minutes to Griffintown. Alternatively, buses 61 and 107 connect from the Atwater Metro Station. For those arriving from the airport, the 747 Express Bus can take you to downtown Montreal, where you can transfer to the Metro or a local bus.

Griffintown is a walkable neighbourhood, with many attractions within easy reach. Public transport options include the STM buses and Metro, which are efficient for longer distances. Biking is popular, and several bike-sharing services, like BIXI, are available. Additionally, ride-sharing services and taxis are convenient for late-night outings or when traveling with luggage.

Griffintown is generally a safe area for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated spots, especially near the Lachine Canal. While the area has seen revitalization, some parts can feel deserted after dark. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-urgent issues, you can contact local police at (514) 393-1133. Familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals, such as the McGill University Health Centre. Always have travel insurance that covers emergencies while abroad.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; the area is best explored on foot. Don’t wear overly flashy jewelry that might attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs if visiting churches; women should cover shoulders. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers; don’t use your phone loudly. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour'; don’t assume everyone speaks English. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cafes and breweries; don’t bring outside food or drink into restaurants.

To experience Griffintown like a local, visit the Atwater Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Enjoy a stroll along the Lachine Canal, which is perfect for biking and walking. Check out local art galleries and pop-up shops for unique finds. Engage with locals at neighbourhood events or festivals, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on hidden gems.