Though not
bordering the United States, Montreal is one of the primary entrances from the
United States to Canada. Montreal is the cultural capital of Quebec. It
is also the main point of entry to Quebec. Montreal is the 2nd largest city in
Canada and the 3rd largest French speaking area in the world. Montreal is
comprised of 12 Districts.
Montreal on
Foot
Visitors to
Montreal will want to visit the Chinatown District where
you'll find one of the largest Asian communities in Canada that is well known
for its restaurants and gift shops. You will also want to visit Old Montreal
and the Old Port which is easiest to explore on foot. This area offers street
artists, musicians, private art galleries and many fine restaurants.
Cathedrals
& Museums
There are
several beautiful cathedrals in Montreal. They include Christ Church
Cathedral, Maru
Queen of the World Cathedral and Basilique Notre-Dame to name a few.
Museum lovers will not want to miss Musee des Beaux-Arts/Montreal Museum of
Fine Arts which offers many free permanent exhibits and several special
exhibitions.
Sports
Sites
Sports lovers
will enjoy getting a view of Olympic Stadium an amazing building that has the
world's tallest leaning structure it's been replaced numerous times
and
remains a controversial topic locally. You may also want to visit Parc Jean-Drapeuau the
outdoor concert venue and former home to World's Fair (1967).
Shopping
Shoppers will
love the Underground
City which offers a network of underground malls and passageways
enabling comfortable shopping regardless of the outdoor weather. This area
connects major shopping malls, food courts, cinemas, a variety of services and
boutiques.
Outdoors
For ski and
skating buffs (and visitors in the winter months) you'll love the availability
of many ski areas (some with and without rental availability) including Parc du
Mont-Royal, ru De La Gauchetiere and Lafontaine Park to name a few. Those with
children will most certainly want to visit LaRonde (Six Flags) offering
a variety of rides from kiddies' rides to ultra-thrill rides.
Those who want
to get a bit of gambling in will enjoy Casino Montreal which features over 3000
slot machines, countless gaming tables, a keno lounge, as well as great food
and shows.
Dining
You will find
that Montreal offers a great deal of variety when you are looking for somewhere
to eat. Whatever pleases your palate - Montreal is a culinary mecca and offers
a wide variety of options from fast food to fine dining. Local specialties
include smoked meat, bagels, and split pat soup. You must try the poutine'
while you're there which is a mix French fries, gravy and white cheddar cheese
a dish unique to the area. Many restaurants do not have wine licenses so you
may consider calling ahead as many of them do allow you to bring your own with
you.
Night Life
Montreal
offers a variety of night clubs, bars, pubs, lounges, after hour's clubs,
supper clubs and even strip clubs. Regardless of what you are interested in
doing after hours you will find something that will suit the most discerning
traveler. In addition to the variety of facilities, you will find all genres of
music, dancing, food, and drink no matter where you go in Montreal.
