Jan

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Montreal Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

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A trip to Montreal

Montreal’s claim to fame extends far beyond its status as one of Canada’s most populous cities. It also has one of the most concentrated francophone populations in the world (second only to Paris). Above all, cosmopolitan Montreal has a unique way of tying up the many cultural influences that have fed its heritage. This taken in tandem with the wealth of winter sports offered in their season makes Montreal a popular getaway destination for vacationers across the world.

Flights to Montreal
Most of Montreal’s visitors arrive via Montreal Trudeau Airport, less than 30kms west of downtown. This modern facility offers passengers the entire gamut of dining, financial and business amenities. Airport shuttles transport passengers to the city centre and many of the five-star hotels can arrange to pick up passengers as well. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Montreal try Thomas Cook.

Car hire is also a viable option in Canada, with ample roads and highways to all major cities. Highway 401 heads to Toronto; highway 417 to Ottawa; and highways 20 and 40 to Quebec. Greyhound buses ply these primary roadways, though discount airlines can often take you just as far for about as much money. Railroads, while they’re not the preferred method of transport, connect many major cities as well.

Montreal


Sightseeing in Montreal
Old Montreal, or Vieux Montréal, is the historic heart of the city where you’ll find the city’s oldest architecture. Some of the older buildings date back three centuries; towering over cobblestone streets that play host to quaint restaurants, pubs and the occasional street performance. Several museums highlight the region’s historic and artistic heritage. In the midst of all this, intermittent parks and green-spaces are relaxing places to take a break from walking tours of the old city.

St Joseph’s Oratory is one of Montreal’s best-known landmarks. Its dome is the second largest of its kind next to St Peter’s at the Vatican City and its 56-bell carillion was originally intended for the Eiffel Tower. Another famous religious shrine is the Notre Dame Basilica which dates back to the early 19th century and represents the neo-Gothic style of architecture.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
There’s a long list of after-hours entertainment in Montreal, divided into the French and English zones. Rue St Laurent is the French quarter, marked by upscale nightclubs and sophisticated restaurants; meanwhile, you’ll hear more English spoken on Crescent street, where the outdoor seating and casual atmosphere is more conducive to long, summer evenings.
All in all, there are at least 5,000 eating establishments that combine to represent tastes from across the world. Needless to say, French cuisine is especially good here; and its influence has had a profound effect on local dishes. Fresh wild game such as venison, caribou, moose and partridge are common in their seasons; and plenty of fresh, local seafood also makes it onto local menus.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
All sorts of daytime activities await Montreal’s visitors. The Parc Olympique is a popular place to visit since its role in the ‘76 Olympic Games. The world’s tallest inclined tower (575 feet) stands here and affords fantastic views of the city. If you’re seeking outdoor activities, it is possible to organise white-water rafting tours on the Rouge River, or head to the St Lawrence where you’ll find an amusement park, a major casino and an artificial beach.


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