Old Port of Montreal City/Region: Montreal Montreal's Old Port (Vieux Port de Montreal) is actually fairly new, having had a major face-lift to make it the most popular site for visitors to the city, drawing five million of them each year to throng the bustling wharves. There are still plenty of boats in evidence but nowadays they are mainly tour boats, ferries and even amphibious buses, which offer sailings along the St Lawrence or around the port. Ferries cross to the Parc des Iles, site of the Expo 67 world's fair, which lies in the St Lawrence and offers family outdoor
activities like picnic facilities, swimming, skating or skiing in winter. The Old Port itself is a thriving arts and entertainment venue where something is always happening. It also offers a huge open-air skating rink, Imax cinema, and a Science and Technology Center with interactive displays. The port also has a vibey cafe culture. The clock tower offers excellent views across the city and contains an exhibition that traces Montreal's history. Around the port are the city's original 17th-century fortifications. Address: De la Commune Street Phone Number: (514) 496 7678 Website: www.quaysoftheoldport.com Transport: Square-Victoria, Place d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars metro stations are a short walk away
Olympic Park City/Region: Montreal Montreal's futuristic Olympic Park was built for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games and still serves as a showpiece today. Designed by French architect, Roger Tallibert, it is impressive in both size and shape, able to hold up to 80,000 spectators who now gather here for concerts and baseball games. The landmark tower on the main stadium, standing at 575 feet (175m), is the world's tallest inclined tower. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Montreal and its surroundings from the observation floors, accessible by a funicular-type elevator. The Olympic Park complex also features the unique attraction known as the Biodome, a building containing four ecosystems. Pop over to view the wonderful Botanical Gardens opposite the park, which are the second largest in the world. Address: 4141 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue Phone Number: (514) 252 4141 Website: www.rio.gouv.qc.ca Transport: Olympic stadium: Pie-IX metro station. Sports Center and Montréal Tower: Viau metro station Hours: Daily guided tours of the Olympic Park are half-hourly from 10am (low season tours are less frequent starting at 11am); the funicular runs from 9am to 5pm (September to mid-June) and until 7pm from mid-June to September Admission: Guided tours: C$8 (adults), C$6.25 (children 5-17); funicular: C$14 (adults), C$7 (children 5-17)
St Joseph's Oratory City/Region: Montreal St Joseph's Oratory is a landmark in Montreal, its imposing dome on the northwest flank of Mont Royal visible for miles. This Oratory is a famous pilgrimage site, despite only being completed in 1967, attracting over two million visitors and pilgrims each year. It was founded by Brother Andre, a beloved monk who was known as the miracle-worker of Mount Royal because of his healing abilities. Work began on the basilica after his death in 1937. Its dome is the second largest in the world, being 318 feet (97m) high; it is second only to St Peter's in Rome. The Oratory's carillon is made up of 56 bells that were originally cast for the Eiffel Tower in Paris; the Oratory acquired them in 1956. Visitors can climb the 283 steps from street level to the basilica's portico for beautiful vistas over the city. Address: 3800 Queen Mary Road Phone Number: (514) 733 8211 Website: www.saint-joseph.org Transport: Metro to Cote-des-Neige Hours: Daily 7.30am to 9pm
Museum of Fine Arts City/Region: Montreal During the past 140 years the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has assembled one of North America's finest encyclopaedic collections, totaling more than 30,000 objects. The collections include Canadian art, contemporary art, Inuit and Amerindian Art, European Masters, prints and drawings and decorative arts. The museum also regularly features special exhibitions and activity programs for adults, students and children. Address: 1379-1380 Sherbrooke Street West Phone Number: (514) 285 2000 Website: www.mmfa.qc.ca Transport: Bus 24 or metro to Guy-Concordia station Hours: Tuesday 11am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm Admission: Free. Admission is charged for temporary exhibitions: C$15 (adults), C$7.50 (students with student card) Children under 12 are free; half price for adults on Wednesdays from 5pm to 8.30pm. Other concessions available
Parliament Buildings City/Region: Quebec City Just outside the old city walls stands the imposing 19th-century Parliament Building, inspired by the Louvre in Paris and designed by the architect, Eugene Etienne Taché. Although it is the working home of the 125-strong National Assembly, the buildings are open to visitors for guided tours, offered in English or French, which highlight the historic value of the unique building as well as informing visitors about the organization and proceedings of the Québec National Assembly. Address: 1045 Parlementaires Road (visitor's entrance: Door 3 on the corner of Grande-Allée and Honoré-Mercier Avenue) Phone Number: (418) 643 7239 Website: www.assnat.qc.ca Hours: Weekdays 9am to 4.30pm (September to June); from 24 June to Labor Day (September) it is also open weekends 10am to 4.30pm Admission: Free
Place Royale City/Region: Quebec City The site of the historical Place-Royale complex was used in ancient times by Amerindians for trading, until the leader of the first Quebec French settlement, Samuel de Champlain, constructed a formal fortified fur trading post in 1608. The trading post flourished and grew into a thriving town, constructed largely of wood, until in 1682 it was destroyed by fire. Reconstruction was in fire-resistant stone, the buildings that still stand today. Known as the market square, the site once again became a hub of activity, until the end of the 19th century when its importance declined. By 1950 the Place-Royale was a neglected, decaying area. The Government then initiated a restoration program that has turned this historic site, known as the 'birthplace of French America', into one of the city's main attractions. It features a clutch of interesting museums, living history demonstrations and tours of historic buildings. Address: Interpretation Center of Place-Royale, 27 rue Notre-Dame Phone Number: Interpretation Center: (418) 646 3167 Transport: Bus 1 Admission: C$16 (adults), C$6 (children 12-16)
Funicular City/Region: Quebec City A panoramic bird's eye view of historic Québec City can be had from the cabin of the Funicular that travels at an angle of 45° from Louis Jolliet House in the heart of the old city to Dufferin Terrace. The funicular has been an attraction in the city since the original steam driven version was erected in 1879. Address: Quartier Petit-Champlain, Louis-Jolliet House Phone Number: (418) 692 1132 Website: www.funiculaire-quebec.com Hours: 7.30am to 11.30pm (up to midnight during summer June to Labor Day/September) Admission: C$1.75
Fortifications City/Region: Quebec City Guided walking tours of the three-mile (5km) long city wall that surrounds the old city of Québec trace the evolution of the city's defense system across three centuries. The walls are set with interpretation panels. Quebec is the only fortified city in North America and this fact contributed to its being named a World Heritage City. Visitors can also view the Esplanade Powder Magazine. Address: 100 rue Saint-Louis (tours depart from the Frontenac kiosk, Dufferin Terrace) Phone Number: (418) 648 7016 Website: www.pc.gc.ca/fortifications Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm (5 May to 12 October); open with reservations the rest of the year. Guided walking tours depart 2pm daily (June to August and September to 12 October) Admission: C$3.90 (adults), C$1.90 (children 6-16). Guided walk plus access and visit to the Learning Center: C$9.80 (adults), C$4.90 (children 6-16)
Old Port City/Region: Quebec City In the 19th century the port of Québec on the St Lawrence was one of the most important in the world, with thousands of ships and sailors passing through. Today visitors can relive the bustling atmosphere of the crowded wharves once lined with tall ships at the Old Port Interpretation Center. Characters in period costume conduct guided tours through the streets and alleys pointing out the points of historic significance. Address: 100 Quai Saint-André Phone Number: (418) 648 3640 Website: www.pc.gc.ca/vieuxport Hours: Interpretation Center: daily 10am to 5pm (8 May to 3 September) Admission: C$4 (adults), C$2 (children 6-16). Guided walks: C$8 (adults), C$7 (children 6-16)
Musée de la Civilization City/Region: Quebec City Billed as 'the museum of human adventure' this very popular contemporary institution in the heart of the Québec historic district is characterized by its innovative and daring outlook. Using interactive technology its thematic exhibits cover all aspects of the human experience, from fundamental issues to major social problems of our times and various aspects of daily life. Address: 85 Rue Dalhousie Phone Number: (418) 643 2158 Website: www.mcq.org Transport: Bus 1 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; in summer daily 9am to 7pm (24 June to 1 September) and 10am to 5pm (2 September to 13 October) Admission: C$10 (adults), C$4 (children 12-16), children under 12 free. Free admission on Tuesdays (1 November to 31 May) and 10am to 12pm Saturdays in January and February
Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham) City/Region: Quebec City Once the setting for bloody battles between the British and French, the Plains of Abraham today serves as Quebec City's 'green lung', a playground and peaceful arboreal retreat, and venue for a variety of fairs and events. The park is to Québec what Central Park is to New York, covering 108 hectares and planted with 6,000 trees. It also features monuments and interpretive centers. In winter locals and visitors alike, as well as several ski-trails enjoy a giant skating rink. Summertime is ideal for strolling the fragrant gardens, jogging or rollerblading, and picnicking. Address: Discovery Pavilion: 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue Phone Number: Discovery Pavilion: (418) 648 4071 Website: www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca Hours: Daily 8.30am to 5.30pm (24 June to 4 September); Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm (5 September to 23 June)
Montmorency Falls Park City/Region: Quebec City Just to the east of Québec City lies the spectacular Montmorency Falls, plunging 272 feet (83m), one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. Besides a beautiful setting, the park also boasts historic buildings and a variety of fun activities. A cable car runs up to the historic Manoir Montmorency manor house, dating from 1781, where there is a restaurant, view terrace, interpretation center, reception rooms and boutiques. A suspension bridge hangs directly across the falls, providing a breathtaking view, and a second bridge gives access to the east side of the falls where there are numerous viewpoints and trails. Address: Avenue Royale, Beauport Phone Number: (418) 663 3330 Website: www.sepaq.com/chutemontmorency Hours: Open daily all year Admission: Free entry to the park. Cable car: C$8.25 return (adults), C$4 return (children)
L'Île d'Orléans City/Region: Quebec City The little island in the St Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Québec City, is an historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called the island 'windigo', meaning 'bewitched corner', before French colonists arrived in 1535 and named it for the Duke of Orleans. The island is the ancestral home of more than 300 Quebecois families and still has more than 7,000 inhabitants. A perimeter road called The Royal Way, which extends across the Taschereau Bridge to the mainland, connects all the six villages on the island. Visitors enjoy cycling or driving around the island to marvel at panoramic views of the river and explore sites like the oldest church in 'new France'. Phone Number: (418) 828 9411 Website: www.iledorleans.com
Montreal Botanical Garden City/Region: Montreal In close proximity to the Olympic Park and the Biodome, the Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the largest of its kind, home to over 22,000 plant species and roughly 30 exquisitely mapped out gardens, making it well worth a visit any time of year. Begun in 1931 in the midst of a financial crisis in the city, the Garden provided work for thousands of unemployed Montrealers and has since developed into a popular tourist attraction, with its astounding array of plants and trees, as well as the fascinating Insectarium that casts new light on much-maligned creepy crawlies. An array of interesting sights and sounds await the visitor, including the Tree House (highlighting the important role of trees in our lives), a First Nations Garden (illustrating the interaction of Inuit and Amerindians with nature), a Chinese Garden, the Quebec Butterfly House, a Medicinal Plant Garden and so much more. Address: 4101 Sherbrooke East Street Phone Number: (514) 872 1400 Website: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin Transport: Metro to Pie-IX station Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm (7 January to 14 May); 9am to 6pm (15 May to 4 September); 9am to 9pm (5 September to 31 October) Admission: 1 November to 14 May: C$13.50 (adults); C$6.75 (youth 5-17 years). 15 May to 31 October: C$16 (adults); C$8 (youth 5-17 years). Includes entrance to Garden and Insectarium. Concessions available
