Meet Montreal’s Killer Spaces of 2017

Viens avec nous inside some of the most beautiful offices in Montreal where startups, late-stage firms, digital media companies and creative agencies are flourishing. From the historic district of Old Montreal to the city’s Startup Quarters, Techvibes saw how both artistic flair and minimalist concepts can result in truly innovative and inspiring workplaces.

Breather

Breather’s two-floor Mile End HQ encompasses the aesthetic that’s replicated in the company’s short-term rental spaces. A stunning spiral staircase, living room-style spaces, woven rugs and dozens of throw pillows reflect the office’s homey vibe. While Dispatch Coffee is always brewing in the kitchen, a top-rated café sits just below the space, providing an easy mid-day escape.

SSENSE

Inside a former textile factory, SSENSE houses an expansive workspace, seven studios, and even a fully-equipped gym. The office’s lounge areas are livened by leafy plants, terrazzo tables and soft seating. SSENSE bookends the week with morning bagels from the notorious St-Viateur on Mondays and beers on Fridays. They throw lavish parties too—even some that are hosted on yachts.

District M

Hip yet rustic is the epitome of District M’s office, from a pink neon sign to wood-panelled meeting rooms. Wall-to-wall windows mean no matter where you stand in the seventh-floor office, you’ll have an unobstructed view of Montreal’s skyline. There’s also a selection of sofas and bean bags in the space primed for chilling out—whether that’s playing guitar or playing a Nintendo Switch.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock’s heritage loft embodies fun and functional: desk stations beside breakout spaces, a faux-campfire work area, a sound-proofed music room and even a speakeasy bar. Weekly lunchtime yoga and on-site monthly massages give employees a chance to relax after breaking a sweat during a free squash session or racing up Mount Royal with the running club.

Autodesk

Nestled beside the Lachine Canal, Autodesk Canada’s HQ packs a 19th-century ship building history that’s hard to ignore. Unfinished rolling bridge cranes and original steel columns are centrepieces in the Old Port office. The company also proudly displays Oscar and Emmy trophies—earned with the company’s animation software—in the office’s striking lobby that’s also hosted countless soirées and Hollywood’s best (read: James Cameron).

Ubisoft

Ubisoft’s office is filled with cozy nooks, open sight lines and funky lighting—from hexagon-shaped archways to overhead string lights. Staying fit is taken to another level at Ubisoft, boasting an on-site fitness facility complete with personal trainers, nutritionists, yoga and spin classes and even massage therapy. In the five-storey office, three independently operated cafés and a coffee bar mean no one goes hungry or uncaffeinated.

Shopify

With areas dubbed the Light Room, the Dark Room and the Book Bar, Shopify has spaces ready for meeting, yoga, reading, DJing and open mics. A bustling lunchroom features a daily rotation of buffet-style meals and mainstay favourites for employees to feast on. The office’s main room adapts to Shopify’s needs; whether that is a company town hall or a party, draft beer is always within arms’ reach.

PixMob

Despite serving huge clients over the border—Taylor Swift, the NBA and the NFL’s Super Bowl—PixMob proudly kept their HQ in Montreal. The open concept brick-and-beam space is part office and part lab, serving as the hub for R&D. The kitchen is truly the office’s central hub where employees can snack on fresh produce and Montreal bagels, of course.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed’s office is a mix of modern design and century-old materials. Vaulted ceilings and exposed brick and wood fireplaces are complemented by bold colours, sleek furniture and polished floors. The common space doubles as a zone for work and play, home to both all-staff meetings and after-work clubs. Employees don’t even need to leave the office to enjoy a drink at week’s end; take a seat in Lightspeed’s own cigar lounge—no smoking, though.