Underground City (RESO) | Montreal

Montreal's Underground City, known as RÉSO (short for Réseau express métropolitain), is one of the largest and most intricate underground complexes in the world. The underground network spans about 32 kilometers (20 miles) and connects more than 1,600 businesses, including shops, restaurants, offices, hotels, and cultural venues, along with direct access to the Montreal Metro and several other transportation hubs. Here's a detailed look at the Underground City and its significance:

History and Development

The development of Montreal's Underground City began in 1962 with the construction of the Place Ville-Marie office tower. This structure was the catalyst for the creation of a network of underground passages connecting it to nearby buildings and the central train station. The idea of a network of interconnected underground spaces became especially important during the lead-up to Expo 67, Montreal's World’s Fair. The development was also tied to the growth of the Montreal Metro system, which was under construction during the 1960s.

As the city grew, the underground network expanded. Today, RÉSO connects numerous key parts of Montreal’s downtown core, with tunnels linking office towers, shopping malls, and cultural centers. Over the years, the network has evolved into a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, especially useful during Montreal's harsh winters.

Key Features

Connectivity

The Underground City links a vast number of facilities, making it an essential part of daily life for both residents and visitors. Some of the notable connections include:

Seven Metro stations: The underground city is directly connected to the Montreal Metro, facilitating easy access to public transportation.

Two train stations: RÉSO also links to major commuter train stations such as Gare Centrale and Lucien Lallier station.

Regional bus terminal: A key transport hub for those traveling by bus.

Shopping malls: It connects to several of Montreal’s major shopping centers, such as Le Centre Eaton de Montréal and Complexe Desjardins, allowing easy access to stores and restaurants in climate-controlled comfort.

This extensive connectivity means that people can travel long distances across the city without ever needing to go above ground.

Climate Control

One of the primary reasons for building such an expansive underground network is Montreal’s severe winters. The Underground City offers a climate-controlled environment that remains comfortable year-round, helping people avoid the freezing cold and snow. In the summer, it provides relief from the intense heat and humidity that can affect the city. The temperature within the tunnels is generally kept between 18°C and 22°C (64°F to 72°F), providing a stable and pleasant environment even when the weather outside is extreme.

Cultural and Commercial Significance

Beyond its functional role, RÉSO is a hub of culture and commerce. The underground network houses:

Cultural institutions: Visitors can find museums like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and theaters like Place des Arts, which are part of the RÉSO complex.

Public art installations: Montreal has made a point to integrate art into its Underground City. For example, the Berlin Wall segment is a significant public art piece, as well as stained-glass windows depicting Montreal’s cultural history.

Dining and shopping: The Underground City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, giving people a unique shopping experience where they can eat, shop, and socialize without leaving the underground passages.

Convenience for Residents and Visitors

For Montrealers, RÉSO provides a way to avoid the sometimes brutal elements of winter. During the colder months, it's common for people to rely on the underground system to commute, shop, and even run errands. The ease of connecting from one building to another via underground pathways means that residents rarely need to deal with the snow and cold. This has led to the underground city being considered an integral part of life in Montreal.

For visitors, RÉSO offers a unique and sheltered way to explore Montreal. It provides a distinctive view of the city’s layout and offers an opportunity to experience its diverse cultural offerings without braving the elements. With more than 120 restaurants, multiple cinemas, art galleries, and boutiques, RÉSO is as much about leisure and entertainment as it is about practicality.

Landmarks and Notable Spaces

Several important Montreal landmarks are part of RÉSO:

The Bell Centre: Home to the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, the Bell Centre is one of the largest arenas in Canada and is connected to RÉSO.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: This prestigious institution is directly linked to the Underground City, making it easy for art lovers to visit without venturing outside.

Palais des congrès de Montréal: The city’s convention center, which is also connected to the underground network, hosting major events, conferences, and trade shows.

Visitor Experience

Walking through RÉSO can feel like stepping into an entirely different world. The tunnels are lined with shops and eateries, with an almost labyrinthine network of corridors. Some passages are wide and open, while others are narrower, creating a sense of intimacy and discovery. In addition to the public art installations, visitors can enjoy the smooth, clean, and modern aesthetic of the underground spaces, which often feature skylights and glass walls allowing for natural light to filter down into the area.

One unique feature of the underground experience is its accessibility. RÉSO is designed to accommodate a wide range of people, including those with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can navigate the system easily.

Future Prospects

RÉSO continues to evolve, with plans for future expansions and improvements. The network is expected to grow as new buildings and complexes are added to Montreal's downtown, further integrating the underground system with the city's above-ground infrastructure. There is also talk of improving connections to Montreal’s transit network, creating even more seamless links to areas beyond the downtown core.

In summary, Montreal’s Underground City, or RÉSO, is not just a network of tunnels—it is a vital part of the city's life, culture, and economy. Serving as a transportation hub, shopping complex, and cultural space all rolled into one, RÉSO exemplifies how urban planning can address practical needs while fostering a vibrant, connected community.