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Browsing Montréal
1000 de la Gauchetière
One of the most striking buildings on the Montreal skyline, this high-rise office building is also well known for the many shops and services housed within its magnificent atrium. Walk through the Atwater Market
Set in an art deco-building and in existence since 1933, this market has both indoor and outdoor sections. Aside from fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, you have your choice of a wide variety of commodities: from specialty shops selling delicious baked goods to butchers and fishmongers. La Fromagerie boasts more than 400 types of cheese from France and Quebec, including a raw goat milk cheddar. The Premiere Moisson bakery is famous for its flaky croissants and game-based pâtés. Even if you have already done your food shopping, it is a great place for people watching.
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Auberge du Pierre-Calvet
No visit to Old Montreal and the Old Port area is complete without poking around this amazing hostellerie near the sailor's church and Bonsecour Market. Four poster beds, heavy window sashes and ornate furnishings bring visitors back to the early 1700s.
Wooden-beam ceilings, family heirlooms and rich French cuisine combine to offer overnight guests and day-trippers a unique look at a bygone era of refined hospitality in classic French surrounds.
There is an inviting central atrium which is a welcomed spot for a drink and some leisure time as a break from walking the cobblestone streets of the surrounding Vieux-Montreal District. The art collection is worth the visit by itself. More »
Bank of Montreal Building
Established in 1817 and set up on St-Jacques Street in 1819, this bank is the oldest in Canada. This location, for years its head office, features an imposing façade designed by British architect John Wells in 1847, and modelled on Romanesque structures. The bank's interior is remarkable for its vaulted-roof lobby and four bas-reliefs. The overall effect is lavish and spectacular. It represents symbols of an age gone by, when successful corporations would signal their prosperity, stability and importance by creating ornate cut stone and sculptures. The lobby is free to explore.
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Bank of Montreal Museum
Located in the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal
Notre-Dame's twin towers have served as an Bell Centre
Located in the southern downtown area of Montreal, this new home for the Belvedere Kondiaronk
Belvedere Kondiaronk is the mountain top lookout located at the chalet atop Mount Royal. It is the first of two very popular lookouts, the other being known as "Lover's Lookout" and located further East on Camilien-Houde Road (Remembrance Road).
Kondiaronk was a great Chief of the Huron First Nations tribe who was present for the signing of what is called "The Great Peace" document between the French settlement on the island of Montreal and the Hurons.
The view from Kondiaronk lookout is superb and provides visitors with an excellent vantage point to see the downtown core, as well as sections of the St-Lawrence River, the South Shore and some of the mountains Southeast of the city, like Mont-Saint-Bruno and Mont-Saint-Grégoire. More »
Bernard Avenue
This bustling street is to Outremont what Biodôme de Montréal
Housed in what was the Olympic velodrome, this science centre and ecological zoo is home to four distinct ecosystems. You will find a lush Tropical Forest, the temperate Laurentian Forest, the St. Lawrence Marine Ecosystem and the Polar worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic. Plenty of interpretative panels and staff are on hand to help you on your self-guided tour. The Environment Place amphitheatre presents films, performances and lectures, all related to conservation and environmental protection.
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Biosphere
This museum and exhibition hall is dedicated to raising environmental and ecological awareness among its visitors. Housed in the world's largest geodesic dome, which is one of few remaining structures from Expo '67, it offers four levels of guided discovery. The bottom level examines water as both "Source of Life" and "Source of Delight;" the Connections Hall showcases multimedia presentations focusing on environmental protection; and the Visions Hall affords an incredible 360 degree view of Montreal.
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Bishop Street
One of the hot spots of Montreal's non-stop nightlife, this happening street runs right next to BNP Tower & The Illuminated Crowd
This striking all glass office tower is perhaps best known for the light-hearted sculpture at its base on Bonsecours Market
Located in the cultural and tourism heart of Brother André's Museum
When Brother André died in 1937 he left behind the fulfillment of his lifelong dream: the construction of a church in honour of St Joseph. Located on the side of Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)
Housed in a much lauded modern building and the 125-year-old Shaughnessy House, this museum offers fascinating glimpses into architecture, urban design and more esoteric fields (a recent exhibit focused on the American Lawn). Permanent collections include the sketches, plans and photographs of famous architects and buildings. The museum frequently plays host to premiere touring exhibits, which have in the past included Mies [van der Rohe] in America, and John Soane (1753-1837).
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Carré St-Louis
The cultural and social heart of the western Casino de Montréal
Located on Ile-Notre-Dame overlooking Old Montreal's Old Port District and the downtown skyline, Casino de Montreal is a well-stocked gamblers haven, with over 3,000 slot machines and 120 gaming tables in a sparkling atmosphere.
Located in one of the former Expo-67 World's Fair pavilions, Casino de Montreal is one of the ten largest casinos in the world. It is also a wonderful spot to enjoy live musical variety shows and a choice of four fine restaurants and four busy bars; the casino is open 24/7.
Many visitors try to time their visit with the captivating fireworks competitions staged throughout July nearby at the La Ronde Six Flags amusement park. More »
Centrale Galerie Powerhouse
At this leading-edge gallery, female artists are encouraged to take advantage of the latest technological materials and techniques, while at the same time not shunning more traditional approaches. In addition to the regular exhibition space, the centre offers a media room where installations and video programs are presented. Some of the gallery's better-known exhibits have included shows by American Lynn Hershman, England's Rosa Lee, and Montreal's Nadine Norman. Since 1994, the gallery has also presented performance artists in its biennial mois de performance.
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Centre d'Art et de Diffusion Clark
Located in the Plateau Mont-Royal area of the city, between St-Laurent and St-Denis Streets, this gallery presents innovative artwork, including oddities, sculptures, found objects and other contemporary forms. It also works with artists to convert living spaces into artistic shapes and forms. It is definitely not your typical, formal gallery; but anyone interested in the use of ordinary objects transformed into geometric art will find the exhibits intriguing.
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Centre d'exposition de l'Université de Montréal
A brand-new exposition hall on the campus of the Centre d'Histoire de Montreal
Housed in a Queen Anne-style firehouse in Centre d'Information Artexte
More a library than a gallery, this downtown institution is dedicated to cataloguing all the modern art being produced in Montreal and across the country. Its collection consists of 5,000 artists' portfolios, periodicals, CD-ROMS and a huge collection of exhibition catalogues and other books. Artexte has published several companions to modern art, and participates in many intriguing side projects: one is attempting to document public art in Quebec since 1964, even those long since washed away.
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Centre de Commerce Mondial de Montréal
Inspired architecture links former Ruelle des Fortifications heritage buildings together under a spectacular glass atrium. Accessed via the Square-Victoria Metro station, this lofty project houses the Inter-Continental Hotel, as well as boutiques, specialty shops, food court, bars, art galleries, and offices.
Facing the new Place-Riopelle, Montreal's World Trade Center is also ideally positioned kitty-korner to the expanded Palais du Congrés convention center in the newly-designated Quartier Internationale. More »
Centre des Sciences de Montréal
This recently opened science and technology centre has quickly become one of the Champ-de-Mars
Located behind Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes
This is one of the shining religious sites one should not miss on any trip to Montreal. Built in 1876, Napoleon Bourassa's artwork is to be found throughout this tiny gem sitting in the middle of the Latin Quarter and the University of Quebec at Montreal.
A mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine styles creates a rich weave from floor to ornate ceiling, allowing visitors to break away from the traffic and hullabaloo of the city.
There is a full list of parish/religious activities taking place at this busy little church and it starts daily at 6:45 in the morning. More »
Château Dufresne
Marius Dufresne and Jules Renard's lavish beaux-arts style building in Château Ramezay Museum
Once the residence of Governor Claude de Ramezay, this museum chronicles the rich history of Montreal from pre-colonial days to the turn of the century. The historic building, which dates from 1705, houses an impressive collection of antiques, photographs, paintings and costumes. Its distinctive and simple architecture includes a sloping roof, dressed stonework and clean lines; it is a throwback to the countryside of Normandy. It has been rebuilt and modified several times since its original construction, but huge fireplaces and various kitchens from colonial times remain intact.
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Chinatown
This thriving, bustling nerve centre of Montreal's Chinese community teems with restaurants, unique craft shops, martial arts emporiums, exotic foods, herb and traditional medicine stores, Asian medical services and acupuncturists. Designed with pedestrian traffic in mind, the narrow streets are constantly packed with visitors and those who work in the area. Dozens of restaurants dole out weekend dim sum brunches and late-night victuals. At the entrance to the district are large arches, replicas of Imperial gates.
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Christ Church Cathedral
Completed in 1859, this beautifully restored neo-Gothic edifice is the home of the Anglican church in Montreal. 'Secular' attractions inside include a painting of the Last Supper rescued from the cathedral's original location and a magnificent organ, which attracts musicians from far and wide.
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Church of Saint Andrew and Saint Paul
Located in the heart of elegant Sherbrooke Street across from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, this Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Harold Featherstonehaugh and built in 1931, is a space of striking volume.
The church itself is approximately 200 feet long, 50 feet wide, and the top of the spire is over 70 feet from floor to peak. The vertical thrust of the pillars and arches, said to represent the trees of sacred groves in which pre-Christian religions frequently worshiped, point to the ascending dimensions of praise and prayer.
Discreetly painted emblems of the universe may be seen on the nave ceiling: sun, moon, stars, earth, water, trees, flowers, birds, fish, and beasts. Church service takes place on Sunday at 11am and everyone is welcome to attend. More »
Cinémathèque Québécoise
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, and not too far from the Canadian National Film Board's Ciné-Robothèque, this is the province of Quebec's national cinema archive and theatre. Museum exhibits include a permanent study of animation, along with any number of rotating displays and touring shows. The cinema itself is state-of-the-art, running its own program of features and documentaries from Quebec, Canada and around the world. The cinemas are also often used in the various film festivals in Montreal.
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City Hall
Architect Henri-Maurice Perreault's magnificent 1872 structure is one of the city's most beautiful and famous. View the exterior either from Notre Dame Street or from Club de Golf Métropolitain Anjou
With a wonderful layout and immaculate course maintenance, the only conceivable knock against this popular course is the view. Located in the middle of an industrial park, the most prominent landmark is a flaming smokestack. Still, it's only 15 minutes from downtown and the 6,600-yard par 72 course is a good test. For a quicker round, there is also a challenging and well-maintained par-three course, which is a true rarity. Be sure to ask for directions. Streets in the area are very difficult to navigate.
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Complexe Desjardins
Located across from Concordia University
The result of a 1974 merger between downtown Sir George Williams University and West End Montreal's Loyola College, today's Concordia is a fine example of an urban educational institution. It still retains the two campuses; they are seven kilometres apart and are connected by a free shuttle. The university boasts 21,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students. Four undergraduate faculties offer a total of 180 different subject areas while the School of Graduate Students provides more than 60 programs leading to Master's and Doctoral degrees.
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Cosmodôme Space Science Centre
A perfect place to keep the kids happy for a day, this museum and interactive extravaganza is dedicated to the history and future of space exploration and science. Explore the museum at your leisure or take a guided tour with one of the trained employees. The Cosmodome is well known for its three and six day space camps held in the summer; kids get to ride in space flight simulators and meet actual astronauts and space scientists.
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Cours Mont-Royal
Montreal's most visually appealing downtown shopping centre is also its most upscale. The exterior is an attractive blend of old-fashioned stone skyscraper with modern touches, while the interior is centred around a giant, clasically decorated lobby. Shoppers will find Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY, among many other international designers, along with the more universal appeal of Club Monaco and Juan & Juanita. The Crescent Street
Traditionally the centre of Montreal's anglophone bar and restaurant scene, Crescent Street also attracts the majority of tourists looking for a night out. The best-known stretch begins at Croix du Parc du Mont-Royale
The peak of Montreal's famous Mont-Royal is the legendary Mount Royal Cross. When explorer Jacques Cartier first climbed the 800 foot mountain in 1535, he placed a cross on the summit and there has been one ever since.
Now part of a protected area of more than 340 acres, religious pilgrims, tourists and locals alike drive, walk or board a horse-drawn coach to visit this one hundred-foot, illuminated steel cross.
In 1643, Paul de Chomedy, Sieur de Maisonneuve, was the first person to install a steel version of the crucifix and now it can be seen for many miles outside the city. More »
Denise-Pelletier Theatre
Located in the vibrant east-end neighbourhood of Dorval Golf Club
A municipal course, this newer Graham Cooke design is extremely popular and reasonably priced. Course maintenance and the overall effect have reportedly improved somewhat over the past years, adding to the enjoyment of the two 18-hole layouts. The Oakville course plays 6,700 yards at par 72, while the Gentilly course plays a more merciful 6,200 yards at par 71; each can provide an enjoyable round, especially midweek.
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Fleming Mill
Pick up some local history here in an old mill converted into a museum where you will find a comprehensive re-telling of Montreal's past. From the opening of the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site
The original Huron First Nations village of Hochelaga (meaning "where the rivers meet") was entrenched on the island of Montreal and perfectly perched for commerce with native travelers on any of the three rivers converging in this area.
As a result of introducing North American pelts to the European fashion houses, an explosion of fur trapping began, and Lachine was the hub of trading action for all parties.
Today, this unique stone warehouse, once belonging to the famous Hudson's Bay Company, houses an exhibition of artifacts that enables visitors to relive the Montréal fur epic. More »
Galerie B-312
A contemporary art showcase in the Galerie de Bellefeuille
A local institution in the Westmount area, this prestigious gallery has been at the forefront of Canadian contemporary art and a showcase for both Canadian and international artists since 1980. Showings at the gallery encompass a space of some 5,000 square feet. Among the painters, sculptors and photographers on display are Jim Dine, Stephen Conroy and Nicola Hicks. Recent additions include diverse landscapes from Rafael Sottolichio, Yehouda Chaki, Holly King and Wade Hoefer.
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Galerie Graff
Established in the heart of the Galerie St-Dizier
A Montreal institution, this Galerie Trois Points
One of many located in this area of Galerie Vox
Opened in 1992 in the heart of downtown, this gallery has dedicated itself to presenting contemporary photography. It devotes a large number of exhibits to budding artists just starting to make names for themselves. A recent move to this larger space has allowed the gallery to open up more exhibition room for photographers. Exhibits are chosen by a committee of five from portfolios submitted between March and September of each year.
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Galerie Walter Klinkhoff
One of the best-known fine arts galleries in the city, and located in one of its most prestigious areas, this gallery boasts a wide range of contemporary art. Paintings, pottery, sculpture, etchings and fine prints have all been part of the gallery's displays at one time or another. In fact, some 40 years ago, well-known Canadian artist Emily Carr chose the gallery for the presentation of a collection of ceramic pottery. Today it maintains that reputation by presenting some of the best Canadian and international art, both by established artists and those just making a name for themselves.
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Golden Square Mile
This district was once the wealthiest neighbourhood in Canada. It is estimated that the few hundred families in the district held an astonishing 70 percent of the entire country's wealth! Massive homes such as Ravenscrag—a 60-room mansion on des Pins Avenue West—were typical. You can still catch glimpses of this grandeur, where upscale apartment buildings, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and museums have replaced many former residences, especially north of Sherbrooke.
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Golf UFO
This company is building something of a golf empire in the Montreal area, and offers several golf courses, a driving range and a top-notch retail superstore. The courses, located in Laval, include The Duvernay, an 18-hole par 70 layout at a respectable 6,109 yards. Their three nine-hole courses are floodlit and available for play 24 hours a day! Very reasonable rental packages are perfect for beginners or visitors. A well-equipped driving range is also on-site, while the indoor "UFO Dome" will keep your swing in shape during the winter. Call for greens fees and rates.
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Granby Zoo
Located in the town of Granby, on the edge of the Eastern Townships and about an hour's drive from Montreal, this zoo offers not only the thrilling experience of more than 1,000 animals from 270 species but also fun and games for the entire family. Visitors make a beeline for the AFRIKA Pavilion and its gorillas, the reptile zone, big cats, elephants, giraffes, a small petting farm and the bat cave. The zoo also has a section for endangered or vulnerable species, which includes about 75 in all. The Amazoo Water Park closes for the winter August 28th.
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Grand Séminaire de Montréal
Founded and built by the Fathers of the Saint Sulpician Order, who became the seigneurs over Montreal in 1663, this former seminary is a remarkable historic site located on Sherbrooke Street West between Fort Street and Atwater.
The Sulpician fathers could be seen regularly hauling logs and ice from various locations to their seminary by horse-drawn carts. This was the second seminary built in Montreal by the Sulpicians; the first one can be seen next door to the Basilica Notre-Dame in Old Montreal.
Today, this massive set of fieldstone buildings is a private college run by the order, and tours can be arranged through their entire site. Look for the distinctive stone turrets along Sherbrooke Street near Fort Street. More »
Gray Line of Montreal
This bus service has been showing visitors the sites and highlights of Montreal since it started up in 1910, when horses still pulled the carriages. There are many tours offered, but the best known is the Greater Montreal Guided Tram Tour—a three-hour sightseeing extravaganza that takes you to hundreds of interesting places, complete with commentary from an onboard guide. It leaves from the Guidatour
Educational and thematic tours of Montreal are the specialty of this multi-lingual service operating out of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
This district, now a part of the city of Montreal, was once its own city. It benefited from the construction of monumental Beaux-Arts-style buildings, many of which still exist today. It has recently witnessed a re-birth, thanks in part to the Île Notre-Dame
The Formula One Grand-Prix is the single largest event of the year for the City of Montreal and it takes place at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Ile Notre-Dame near the Montreal Casino.
This is a busy place with many offerings to visitors, including a beach, watersports center with paddle boats, Olympic Basin rowing course, botanical and flower garden display, casino, Biosphere, and pedestrian walkways from Parc de la Cité-du-Havre.
The Molson Indy annual race competition also takes place here in August and ferries from Old Montreal shuttle visitors here to special events and festivals. More »
Insectarium
Founded in 1990 by a passionate entomologist, this interpretative nature centre and museum, the only one of its kind in North America, presents both preserved insect collections and live insects for viewing by the general public. They also have a spectacular live butterfly garden in the summer. For those with an adventurous spirit, try the insect tasting events held twice a year with a local chef preparing recipes that feature insects—this event is quickly becoming a Montreal institution.
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Jet Boating Montreal
Whether rafting, jet boating or speed boating, there's no greater thrill on the water than a trip down the St Lawrence River's majestic and turbulent rapids. For jet-boating and the even faster speed-boating, all you have to do is show up at the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the L'Illusion, Théâtre de Marionnettes
Like a troupe from the past, this magical ensemble offers exceptional shows using mechanical marionettes in a longstanding theatrical tradition. One of the most popular shows is their Christmas tale of Bethlehem, but there are seasonal shows throughout the year, and they are very reasonably priced, so the whole family can attend. Located in the Plateau, the theatre is accessible off either rue Saint-Hubert or rue Saint-Denis.
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La Ronde
Built for Expo '67 on Île Ste-Hélène, La Ronde remains the largest amusement park in Quebec. There are more than 35 rides, and the spectacular Ferris wheel can be seen across the St Lawrence in Montreal proper. La Ronde is also the site for the annual Labyrinthe du Hanger 16
This is an original family entertainment exhibit, which involves physically solving a series of puzzles created through a maze of obstacles, visual gimmickry, and trompe l'oeil tricks, all housed inside of a waterfront hangar in Montreal's Old Port. Entire families can travel though the labyrinth together, or children can do it by themselves--whichever format is chosen, all are sure to have fun. Each year, a new theme is created which makes it an attractive destination each season even for the locals to enjoy. This is a must-see for every family.
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Lac aux Castors
The completely renovated man-made lake and public clubhouse is a longstanding Montreal landmark and a popular place atop Mount Royal for family picnics, soccer games, paddling boats, or skiing and skating in the winter.
Geese and ducks hold court in Beaver Lake until late fall, with the usual other wildlife suspects playing bit parts, i.e. squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, hawks, woodpeckers, and even a few foxes.
The Montreal Police Stables are directly across from Beaver Lake, and constables atop their favorite horses are a common sight around the lake. It is a very romantic place for one and all. More »
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
The Lachine Canal was one of the most important waterways in Canadian history. Its construction, between 1825 and 1873, allowed expanded navigation into the St Lawrence River and facilitated Montreal's continued expansion. Nowadays the main attraction is the delightful cycle, walking and inline skating path leading from Lachine right into the Downtown area. An interpretive centre offers a permanent exhibit outlining the phases of the canal's construction and history.
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Latin Quarter
This loosely defined area east of downtown starts at Bleury Street and stretches east to Berri, between Sherbrooke Street to the north and René-Lévesque Boulevard to the south. Laurier Avenue West
One of the trendiest streets in francophone Montreal, stylish Laurier Avenue also marks the dividing line between the Les Laurentides
The highest peak in the Laurentian mountains is the well known Mont-Tremblant, which has become a massive four seasons development. There are many other mountains making up this shield bordered by the Ottawa, Saguenay, and Saint-Lawrence Rivers.
One quick hour north of Montreal, the mountains begin, and with over 6,000 lakes and stream, this area is a magnate for locals and visitors who enjoy the outdoor display, wildlife, and activities.
The most popular "other" locations in the Laurentians close to Montreal are Val-David, Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Val-Morin, Mont-Rolland, and Sainte-Jovite. More »
Little Italy
Located towards the north end of Maison de Mère d'Youville
The Youville Mother House was where St. Marguerite d'Youville performed her saintly work from 1747 until her death in 1771. In 1980, it was deemed the headquarters of the congregation.
It is still inhabited by the nuns. A permanent exhibition, "Marcher dans ses pas...," follows d'Youville's historic and spiritual experience for visitors, displaying objects that belonged to Marguerite d'Youville and the Charon Brothers.
It was originally built in 1693, and outside this house you can still see the ruins of its first walls. More »
Maison Hantée
This restaurant is one-of-a-kind in Montreal: you can eat while being frightened out of your wits during the dinner show! The dishes are strictly Canadian cuisine, with roast beef, chicken and other staples. There is a less-frightening matinée for kids between the ages of 7 and 14: a mysterious magic show filled with poetry, goose bumps and laughs. As you are led to your seat, goblins and ghosts come out of the walls; don't be surprised if your waiter has a 'knife' stuck in his head!
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Maison Saint Gabriel
Maison Saint-Gabriel was bought by the Sisters of Charity (Grey Nuns) and Marguerite Bourgeoys in 1668 to house the Filles du Roy on their arrival from France, and it is the only farmhouse still standing in Montreal.
The house and stately fieldstone barn were designated as historic monuments in 1965. This 300-year-old home-cum-museum is now a splendid voice of living history. Exhibitions in the 19th-century barn are regularly presented, and the entire domain recalls life in New France. More »
Maison Théâtre
Located in the Marché Maisonneuve
Establishing itself long ago as more than just a fresh vegetable and fruit market, this location is a major gathering point for residents and tourists alike from all over the city, province, and nation.
Because of the surrounding working class neighborhood and the proximity to the Olympic Village, this is a wonderful rest stop to nourish the family, buy some healthy snacks, and partake in an old Montreal tradition of people-watching. More »
Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum
Recent archaeological excavations in the cellar of the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
This church, designed by Quebec architect Victor Bourgeau and built between 1870 and 1894, is an exact one-third replica of St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Set among the bleak skyscrapers of downtown, it makes a particularly striking sight. The 13 floodlit statues along its top are of Montreal's own patron saints. In the Mortuary Chapel can be found the final resting places for the city's bishops and archbishops, alongside a recumbent statue of Monseigneur Ignace Bourget, the church's founder.
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McClure Gallery, Visual Arts Centre
One of the more exciting Montreal avant-garde and contemporary arts centres, this gallery in the suburb of Westmount is definitely not afraid to take chances when it comes to presenting today's art in all its sometimes controversial splendour. Be it straightforward painting on canvas, traditional sculpture, ceramics, photography or more daring acrylic work on plywood and mixed media on paper, the gallery has presented it all at one time or another. Call or consult website for current program.
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McCord Museum
Housed in what was once McGill University's student union building, this museum was born in 1921—the vision of passionate collector David Ross McCord. Today it houses almost 900,000 objects consisting of ethnological and archaeological materials, costumes and textiles, photographs, paintings, prints, drawings and decorative arts, all related to Canadian social and cultural history. The museum offers interactive animation exhibitions, guided tours and publications. Stop into the boutique for native Canadian arts and crafts, fine china, pottery, jewelery, posters, exhibition catalogues and greetings cards.
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McGill College Avenue
This wide, grand downtown street runs from McGill University
Founded in 1821 with a bequest from Montreal fur trader and merchant James McGill, this world-renowned English-language university is located on 80 acres of land in downtown Montreal. The downtown campus consists of a fusion of modern architecture with turn-of-the-century landmark buildings. It is also a pleasant expanse of green in the otherwise urban landscape, with playing fields, large trees and benches where both visitors and students can sit to soak in the sun and the ambience of higher learning.
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Metropolis
One of Montreal's most popular entertainment venues, the Metropolis features entertainers from all ends of the musical spectrum. Formerly a disco, the Metropolis was renovated by Equipe Spectra to house a diverse blend of talents. See local artists such as Jean Le Loup and Bran Van 3000 or international acts like Marilyn Manson and James Brown in this well known music hall that seats over 2,000. In addition to musical acts, the Metropolis has also been used for events ranging from corporate launches to televisions recordings.
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Mile-End
The traditional home to Montreal's middle-class Jewish community, Mile End is an unofficial designation that usually refers to the area around Parc Avenue in the 5000-address range. Ethnically, the area is now as diverse as the rest of the city, and architecturally it can be seen as a less gentrified extension of the Montreal Botanical Garden
This east-end park is one of the truly relaxing pieces of green space that make Montréal such a wonderful place to live. No matter what the season, visitors to the Montréal Botanical Garden are sure to be captivated by the colors and fragrances from around the world as they wander from the delightful Chinese Garden to the heart of the Sonoran desert, from the peaceful oasis of the Japanese Garden to the classically designed French garden or the woodlands of the Laurentians. With its collection of 22,000 plant species and cultivars, 10 exhibition greenhouses, some thirty thematic gardens, large arboretum, and teams of researchers and activities staff, the Montréal Botanical Garden ranks as one of the world's largest and most spectacular botanical gardens.
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Monument National
This beautiful old theatre was rescued from the brink of destruction by the Mount Royal Cemetery
One of the world's most beautiful cemeteries and an integral component of Mount Royal Park
Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame, designed this park in 1876. It is easy to forget that you are in the middle of a huge metropolis when walking or cross-country skiing on the park's many well-signposted trails: chief downtown access points are from Parc Jeanne-Mance (Parc Ave northwest of Ave des Pins), and at Ave des Pins and Drummond St, just west of Royal Victoria Hospital. Beaver Lake features skating, tobogganing, and even a small ski hill and chairlift, while Mount Royal Cemetery is one of the continent's largest.
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Musée d'Art Contemporain
Located at Musée de la Ville de Lachine
This museum is both a look at Lachine's fascinating history and a contemporary art gallery. The Maison LeBer-LeMoyne permanent exhibit focuses on the history of the building itself, which dates from 1669. Temporary exhibits, held in the Pavillon Benoît-Verdickt and the Pavillon de l'Entrepôt (2901 St-Joseph Boulevard, near 28th), run the gamut of modern art, while the Outdoor Sculpture Museum in René-Lévesque Park is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
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Musée des Beaux Arts
Since its founding 130 years ago, this museum has put together one of the best collections of fine art in North America, with more than 25,000 objects in all. The museum moved into its present location just before World War I. The Jean-Noel Desmarais building holds most of the temporary exhibits while the permanent collection lies in the Benaiah Gibb building across the street. The museum also stages special programs such as Wednesday evening lectures, noontime and evening concerts, and films.
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Musée des Hospitalières de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
Montreal's medical history comes alive in this small mid-town museum, facing Musée Marc-Aurèle Fortin
Located in the heart of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery
Located on the north side of the mountain and just across from the Protestant Old Montreal
The historic city centre is rich in museums, shops, restaurants and grey stone architecture spread out along narrow, cobblestone streets. It is also home to the Olympic Stadium - Montreal
Roger Taillibert's magnificent building takes a beating in the court of public opinion, but it remains Montreal's most stunning architectural achievement. The enormous bowl features a perpetually disintegrating roof that was originally meant to be retractable, while the inclined tower affords an incredible view over the city.
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Parc Angrignon
Located in the western suburb of Ville St-Pierre, this 265-acre park offers year-round open-air activities for the entire family. Summer means the Angrignon Farm, open daily from 10am-5pm, picnics, music festivals, sports tournaments, baseball and softball, cycling or just sitting under one of the shady trees and admiring the view. Winter brings its own outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing on three separate trails, tobogganing, snowshoeing and skating. As well, there is a winter carnival to help drive away those February blues.
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Parc Avenue
Beginning at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Sometimes known as Parc des Iles, these two man-made islands in the St Lawrence River were created for Expo '67. They feature hiking, biking and roller blade paths (on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, site of the Parc Lafontaine
Located at the eastern edge of the Parc Maisonneuve
Located close to Parc Safari
About a half-hour south of the city, just north of the US border, you will find, of all things, a park full of giraffes, elephants, leopards and other African transplants. Take your own car through the park or save your chrome and aerial from mischievous primates by riding in one of the park's buses. If the cheetahs leave the kids wanting more, take advantage of the elephant rides, a water park, mini golf and interactive games. This is a great family excursion.
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Place d'Armes
Located between St-Jacques and Notre-Dame Streets, this square dates from the late 17th century. Surrounding it are many of the original buildings from subsequent historical eras, including Place d'Youville
This site has both historical and archaeological significance, as it was built over the St-Pierre riverbed, near Montreal's original fortifications. An obelisk reminds visitors of the pioneers who came here to start new lives. Nearby can be found a whole slew of historical buildings, including part of the old Grey Nuns Hospital dating to 1693, the Beaux-Arts style Grand Trunk building, and the Place des Arts
This huge complex is the centre of Montreal's large-scale culture. The buildings themselves are a striking landmark in the Place du Canada
Also known as Dorchester Square (and even longer ago as Dominion Square), this historic park is only barely removed from the seething mass of humanity that surrounds it. Dominated to the east by the magnificent Place Jacques Cartier
Apart from being one of the most historically significant places in Montreal, this square is also one of the city's most popular and lively. Watched over by Nelson's Column and lined with flowers and gardens, this is where artists, lovers, the hip and the semi-hip meet. It is also the port of entry for most visitors to Place Royale
One of the most important sites for archaeological digs in Place Ville-Marie
When this complex was constructed in the late 1950s, it marked not only a revolution in modern building methods (portable cranes rose with the structure), but also the beginning of modern architecture in the city. Seen from the air, the central building resembles a cross, in honour of the Virgin Mary. The building features commercial offices, banks, shops and restaurants, including the Planétarium de Montréal
For more than 30 years, this planetarium has brought Montrealers spectacular views of space, the solar system, stars, black holes and galaxies, all thanks to a powerful Zeiss projector. There are also multimedia shows on meteorites, space travel and the beginning of the universe. These spectacular demonstrations please both the amateur and the more serious student of astronomy. The well-stocked boutique offers hundreds of books, objects and other souvenirs pertaining to the world of astronomy and space exploration.
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Plateau Mont-Royal
Though predominantly French-speaking, this district of 90,000 residents and 7.6 square kilometres of space also boasts a large multi-ethnic population. Once fairly run down, it is now one of the most desired addresses in Canada, thanks to a vibrant commerce, plenty of green spaces (including Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Built on the site where Montreal's founders first landed, this history and archaeology museum opened exactly 350 years after the event, in 1992. It stands on the remains of original historical buildings, and parts of the old fortification walls are on display. It features a multimedia show and an underground archaeological tour, along with various temporary exhibits. Highlights include the triangular Éperon Building, the former Customs House, and Pole-des-Rapides
This extensive local biking network offers over 100 kilometers of picturesque bicycle paths that cut across the most developed sector of the metropolitan area. Cyclists can visit a rich array of parks and bird sanctuaries that feature a treasure trove of fauna and flora, historical sites, and sporting and cultural activities, all a mere 10 minutes from downtown.
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Prince Arthur Street
In summer, the portion of this southern-Récréathèque
An all-inclusive family entertainment centre, this site gathers all the fun under one roof. Featured are a rollerblading rink, bowling, Bananazoo (an amusement park for young children), Wackyputt miniature golf, billiards, arcades, tennis and a laser game. You can try your luck at climbing Mount Himalaya, take a go-kart ride, or see if you can beat the best at the latest video games. More traditional games include racquetball, tennis, bingo, inline skating, bowling, and table tennis.
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Redpath Museum
Facing the Arts Building on the Rue St. Paul
This is one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in Montreal and the location for the Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame De-Bonsecours Chapel. Antique dealers and craftsmen line this street, while the nearby Old Port offers a well-preserved maritime history of Québec City.
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Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts
This legendary Montreal institution offers events and activities year-round for the entire family, including theatre, fine arts and exhibits associated with the School of Fine Arts. Exhibitors at the Liane and Danny Taran Gallery have included Pieter Laurens Mol, Susan Rothenberg and John Scott. The gallery hosts many traveling exhibits. Since first opening in 1967, the centre has built an enviable reputation for its multi-disciplinary approach to both performing and visual arts. Admission to the gallery is free.
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Saint Denis Street
Starting around Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mont-Royal
This is recognized as one of the great spiritual centres of the world and attracts more than two million visitors a year. Many are simply curious, but some pilgrims climb the steps of the Oratory on their knees, hoping that God will answer their prayers. The Oratory's magnificent copper dome, which can be seen for miles around, is second in size only to St Peter's. Inside, it contains a basilica, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrement, Brother André's tomb and two museums in his honour.
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Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Affectionately known as "The Main," this ever-changing boulevard once represented the dividing line between Anglophone (west) and francophone (east) Montreal. Streets number east or west from St-Laurent, and it is at various points the main drag in Saint-Sulpice Seminary
The oldest existing building in the city of Montreal, erected between 1684 and 1687, this seminary stands as a testament to the Sulpician nuns, under whose stewardship the fledgling province of Quebec developed. Designed by François Dollier de Casson, salient features include the fieldstone walls, lush gardens and the oldest church clock on the continent, itself a striking piece of work. The building is a sober piece of work, more an artifact of colonial pragmatism than a religious monument.
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Sherbrooke Street
Running from the far east end of the city to the far west, this broad street is one of the most stylish and elegant in Montreal, with much of the architecture still preserved both in private homes and in the various businesses and institutions along the way. Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada
This beautifully restored home honours the memory of George-Étienne Cartier, a prominent Montreal lawyer, father of Confederation and former Canadian Prime Minister. It is inhabited by a cast of tour guides dressed in period costume who are all versed in the history of the house and the era. All manner of educational activities should keep the kids busy: these include 'The Etiquette Game,' which teaches children about 19th century society; and 'What's Up, Mr Cartier?', which focuses on the man and the house.
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Smith House
Built for an American businessman in 1858, this farmhouse has become the Friends of Mount Royal's base to educate locals and visitors about the mountain. Stop here before you explore the mountain: there are maps, permanent exhibits, and a variety of other information that will help inform your time on Mount Royal.
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Square Dorchester
City tradition holds that the Square Dorchester is the heart of Montreal. This is a centrally convenient spot for visitors to begin exploring the downtown area, especially since it features a helpful visitor information center (Center Infotouriste) in the Dominion Square Building on the north side of the square.
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Square Victoria
This classic square features an 1872 bronze statue of the Queen-Empress, and its chief attractions are the two-block stretch of trees and fountains fronting the new Hotel W, the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization Headquarters and the early 1900s buildings framing the square. Other popular gems of the square are the Montreal World Trade Centre and the authentic Art Nouveau Parisian Metro entrance.
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St. George's Anglican Church
Built in 1872, this church features one of the largest double-hammer beam roofs in the world. It also boasts a graceful combination of English and French Gothic styles as well as a beautiful array of stained-glass windows. Located across the street from NHL hockey arena Centre Bell, the church offers a place where players can stop in for a moment of pre-game prayer or meditation.
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St. Patrick's Basilica
The finest example of Gothic Revival architecture in Montreal, St. Patrick's is pre-eminent among Catholic churches in the city. Built in 1847, it features impressive 6-foot carvings of angels in the sacristy and 170 panels depicting both well-known and obscure saints.
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Ste-Catherine Street
This incredibly diverse street could be considered the city's chief east-west artery. At its western extreme lies the posh boutiques and restaurants of Stewart Museum
This museum, established in 1955, today occupies the entire stone arsenal building at the Fort on Sun Life Building
This hulking, beautiful building is certainly the most impressive office building in Montreal, and probably in all of Canada. The magnificent white stone structure stands on the east side of Underground City
The world's largest underground pedestrian network shelters Montrealers from both the scorching heat of summer and the frigid winter winds. More than 30 kilometres of passageways link the stations of Montreal's Metro and contain (at last count) 1,600 boutiques, 200 restaurants, 34 cinemas and 1,600 apartments. Some 500,000 people use it every day. Although the area stays open as long as the Metro stations themselves, the best time to visit is between 9am-11am and 2pm-4pm, when it is least crowded. Contact the public transit authority for transportation information.
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Upstairs Jazz Club
Upstairs offers a memorable ambiance. It's one of those places whose charms are impossible to resist. Conveniently located, this first-rate jazz club appeals to a broad clientèle, from chess-playing university students to hardcore jazz aficionados.
Don't be deceived by its low-key decor and atmosphere. Upstairs is an historic venue, a place where club owner Joel Giberovich likes to take chances on local talent while featuring major international jazz and cabaret acts.
The club specializes in a full bar and an elaborate and classy menu. More »
West Island
Since Montreal is an island city, and contained largely in a centralized geographical area in and around Mount Royal and the Old Port of Montreal, outlying areas of the island are often forgotten when guests visit.
Heading west along the Saint-Lawrence River, along what locals call "the lakeshore," and after passing through the LaSalle and Lachine communities, tourists may discover the sites in other areas of the Island of Montreal, including Dorval, Pointe-Claire, Baie d'Urfe, Sainte-Anne de Bellvue, and Senneville, among others.
The journey along the lakeshore is a site unto itself, passing though neighborhoods and through waterside parkways in an idyllic touring route, which continues completely around the island. More »
