In Canada, 18.7% of employees work from home most of the time, and my full-time job falls right into this category, working remotely for a Vancouver-based company. While I absolutely love the flexibility of remote work, I’m always on the lookout for fresh coworking spaces to change up my work environment (and give myself an excuse to get out of PJs and loungewear!). Recently, I had the chance to visit Walter, a co-working space in Old Montreal’s vibrant Old Port district. I dropped by on October 28 and had a fantastic and productive experience. Here’s my full review and guide to Walter co-working space in Old Montreal!
What is Walter?
Walter opened its Montreal location in 2023 as part of the Patriarche Group – Augmented Architecture, joining locations in Quebec City, Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Bourget-du-Lac, and London. Designed to provide a flexible, collaborative, and inspiring atmosphere, Walter caters to freelancers, startups, and larger teams alike, providing co-working spaces to suit different needs.
The Space & Ambiance
Walter in Montreal occupies the entire top floor of a historic building in the Old Port, right in the heart of Old Montreal. Upon arriving on the 5th floor, I was immediately struck by the space’s design and ambiance. With 1,416 square meters, the space features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows that fill the area with natural light.
There are various meeting rooms, open workspaces, private offices, a spacious events room, and comfortable lounge areas, plus a mezzanine dining area and café corner. When I visited, there were Halloween decorations, adding a playful touch to the corporate setting, and the space even had a pleasant, subtle fragrance that made it feel more like a spa sanctuary than a typical co-working spot!
How it Works & Pricing
Walter offers several options to suit different needs. You can book a desk in an open workspace or a private office, reserve a meeting room, or even rent an event space. Day passes are $50 (or $10 per hour), giving you access to an open-plan workspace and amenities like unlimited Wi-Fi, phone booths, kitchen facilities, and common areas.
For those looking for a long-term option, Dedicated Desk memberships are available at $500 per month. This includes a permanent desk in the open-plan space, printing services, package handling, an individual locker, and two hours of meeting room booking each week. There are many other options available, so please check out their website here to find the perfect workspace solution for you!
Meeting rooms start at $45 per hour and come equipped with essentials like a whiteboard, a TV, and videoconferencing tools on request. Full pricing and booking details can be found on Walter’s website.
Amenities
In addition to the primary workspaces and meeting rooms, Walter offers a variety of amenities that truly set it apart:
- On-site Staff: Friendly and helpful, always ready to answer questions.
- Showers: Ideal for those who want to fit in a workout or active commute.
- Lockers and Changing Rooms: Secure storage for personal belongings.
- Phone Booths: Two private phone booths to maintain a quiet open-plan area.
- Kitchenette and Café: Equipped with a fridge, microwave, coffee machine, kettle, and all necessary cutlery.
- Unlimited Tea & Coffee: Free access to Nespresso coffee and herbal teas.
- Printing Station: Printing services included for members.
- Lounge Areas: Cozy breakout spaces with comfortable seating for relaxation.
My Experience at Walter
Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly staff, who gave me a tour of the impressive facilities. The staff was attentive, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment from the start. I chose a desk in the open-plan area, which was spacious and perfectly set up with outlets, ergonomic chairs, and ample workspace. I had everything I needed for a productive day, including the option to use a computer if I didn’t have my own laptop.
The natural lighting was excellent, but there were also adjustable lamps if needed. The open space design allowed me to work without distraction, and the aesthetic of the space—with its stunning historic architecture—really boosted my focus and motivation.
During breaks, I took advantage of the cozy lounge areas, Nespresso coffee, and a range of herbal teas. These little perks made it easy to recharge and added to the comfortable, home-like atmosphere that Walter aims to create. The inspiring change of scenery boosted my productivity, and I’m already counting down the days until I can work there again! Walter has truly set a new standard for what a co-working space can be.
Getting There
Walter is located at 85 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 3V4, right in the heart of Old Montreal. The Place-d’Armes metro station (Orange Line) is a short walk away, and Bus 55 on Saint-Laurent Boulevard or Bus 129 also stop nearby. Several Bixi bike stations are conveniently close if you’re visiting during bike season.
Final Thoughts
Walter co-working space in Old Montreal is a fantastic spot for anyone looking for a flexible and inspiring work environment. I loved the stunning architecture, abundance of natural light, welcoming ambiance, and the cozy and well-thought out amenities. Whether you’re a freelancer, part of a startup, or even a large team, Walter offers spaces and membership options to suit a variety of needs, making it a top choice for productive workdays. Book your space today and discover why this co-working hub is quickly becoming a favorite in Montreal’s Old Port!
Looking for inspo on where to have lunch or dinner during or after your work day at Walter? Check out my post here!
