It comprises two main neighbourhoods, Côte-des-Neiges and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, both former towns that were annexed by the city of Montreal in 1910.

The colonization of the territory of the borough of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, located on the western and northern flanks of Mount Royal, began in the era of New France.

The area urbanized following the arrival of its first public and religious institutions in the late nineteenth century.

The establishment of Loyola College (today Concordia University) contributed to the growth of the area.

The construction of the expressway, which cuts through both Côte-des-Neiges and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, resulted in the displacement of 285 families from their homes.

Located to the north and west of Mount Royal, it was part of the City of Montreal prior to the 2002 municipal mergers.

The Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery is in the south east corner of the borough.

Following the 7 November 2021 Montreal municipal election, the current borough council consists of the following councillors: The borough is divided among the following federal ridings: It is divided among the following provincial electoral districts: Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is served by two lines and ten stations of the Montreal Metro.

The borough is currently served by two stations on four lines on the Réseau de transport métropolitain's commuter rail network.