MONTREAL
Area: Quebec
Country: Canada
Location:
In E Canada, in the S of the country's largest province, Quebec; 160 miles SW of Quebec City. Old Montreal and port 15 miles NE of Dorval International airport.
Telephone code from UK:
1 514
Website:
http://www.tourism-montreal.org
Position:
Occupying a sizeable island bounded on the S and E by the St Lawrence River (which runs through Lake Saint Louis) and bounded on the N and W by the smaller Prairie River. Though mainly flat, 764-foot Mount Royal rises in the city's centre.
Description:
Noted for its preponderance of grand 18th- and 19th-century architecture, stately residences, fine museums and a historic port, Montreal has an old-world charm unusual for a New World city. Montreal city, which measures 68 square miles, has several distinct areas, each with its own individual atmosphere. Old Montreal, with its neo-Gothic masterpiece Notre Dame Basilica, narrow streets and wide riverside boulevards, remains the principal tourist area. Modern downtown has the usual high rises, wide streets arranged in a grid pattern and traffic, although the 200 acres of Mount Royal Park provide peace and tranquillity among the hubbub. Other distinctive districts include the Latin Quarter, Chinatown, The Village and Little Italy, reflecting the city's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Despite these many influences, Montreal retains a strong French character, and remains the second largest French-speaking city in the world. The city is also the current venue of Formula One's annual Canadian Grand Prix.
Suitability:
A year-round destination for middle to upmarket international tourists of all ages, convention visitors, exhibitors and history buffs (though one must wrap up warm in the winter!). Much corporate and business activity, particularly in downtown, where most of the larger hotels have business facilities. Most visitors from USA, other parts of Canada and W Europe. Gets hectic during the summer jazz and film festivals and the annual motor-racing Grand Prix.
Accommodation:
Everything from cheap and cheerful B&Bs, mundane but comfortable motor inns and middlemarket chain properties to a handful of genuine luxury hotels (the latter found mainly in prime downtown locations, with some in Old Montreal). Most mainstream hotels offer a wide range of facilities that generally include their own leisure centres, garages and/or parking. Visitors with vehicles should be prepared for hefty overnight parking charges.
Shopping:
A shoppers' paradise, with everything from sophisticated designer boutiques to souvenirs. Tax-free shopping for visitors. Pockets of interesting boutiques and art galleries along parts of Sherbrooke Street and the streets of Old Montreal vie with the main large concentration of familiar high-street retailers and major department stores along busy St Catherine Street. Many areas are linked by extensive underground passages, subterranean arcades and malls connected by metro and mainline trains, so one can shop in the warmth during winter months.
Beach:
Limited bathing area on W shore of Parc des Iles, with water sports during summer.
Entertainments:
Daytime: plenty to do for all ages, especially lovers of history and culture. The old town and port areas are popular, as are ferry rides across the St Lawrence to Parc des Iles gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, La Ronde amusement park and Biodome ecological centre. Numerous museums (including art, history, and science) and art galleries. Daylight shows and exhibitions at Place des Arts, the performing arts centre. Sporting events, such as the annual Formula One Grand Prix; Olympic Stadium. Horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Montreal. Cycling, golf, tennis, etc. Nightlife: vibrant multicultural scene, with something for all tastes and pockets. Many old-town bars and hotel venues that stay open until early hours. Nightclubs and discos. Umpteen international events are held during the warmer months, including the famous jazz and film festivals. Theatre and fine arts, cinema. Highly popular casino, which operates 24 hours, on Ile Notre Dame.
Eating:
Large number and assortment. Strong French influence ensures city's reputation as a gastronomic destination. Plethora of ethnic cuisines, including Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Russian, Indian and European. Vegetarian options. Parisian-style cafes, chic bistros and elegant restaurants. Familiar fast food, pizza and burger chains; hot-dog stands. Hotels offer buffet menus and fine a-la-carte restaurants. Many chain coffee shops and stands. American-style service, efficiency and prices invite favourable comparisons with European counterparts. Large, well-stocked supermarkets, bread shops and delicatessens for self-caterers.
Public-transport:
City bus service. Airport line minibuses take recent arrivals to most major downtown hotels, and back again to main terminal. Comprehensive, efficient, clean and safe underground system (the Metro) is the most convenient mode of transport, and forms part of an impressive underground network of climate-controlled shopping complexes. Plentiful metered taxis and limousines.
Local-excursions:
Ferry trips to the islands of Parc des Iles and Ile Notre Dame for major attractions. Full day: the historic city of Quebec, within 3 to 4 hours by train or car or 45 minutes by plane. Saint Saviour Valley (45-minute drive) has a water park (summer) and skiing/snowboarding (winter). Ottawa. Alpine and Nordic skiing and climbing opportunities in the Laurentian Mountains, an hour's drive N. Various city tours.