The Montreal Style
BIENVENUE À MONTRÉAL
Montreal is an island, and one of the world's great cities. Ringed by the majestic Saint Lawrence River and nestled in the shadow of Mount Royal, it offers all the attractions of other great cities around the world. From the top of the “mountain,” you can admire the city's tremendous diversity of architectural styles, the winding swath cut by the river, and on a clear day, the profile of the Monteregie mountains. Mount Royal Park, which covers 494 acres, is crisscrossed by footpaths and provided with lookouts from which you can admire the magnificent surroundings. A preserve of greenery vibrant with life, the Mountain is truly the lungs of Montreal.
A French-speaking city in the heart of America, Montreal is a cosmopolitan centre, and the economic engine of the province of Quebec. Three and a half million residents enjoy the delights of living in Montreal, where 85 different ethic groups live side-by-side. Montrealers, most of whom speak French and English, are known for their eagerness to communicate, limitless energy and down-to-earth outlook. Montreal is a great place to live, a city that combines originality and security.
TREAT YOURSELF TO MONTRÉAL'S INSPIRING URBAN EXPERIENCE!
«UNESCO City of Design»
What to see
In Montreal, buildings from New France live in harmony with ultramodern skyscrapers. Take a walk and discover architecture from centuries past in Old Montreal, the upbeat international tourist district, Chinatown, or residential neighbourhoods with their typical outdoor stairs. In 2006, Montréal was the first North-American city to join the "UNESCO City of Design" Network. Day and night, Montreal moves to a different beat! You can admire its great diversity from the top of the Olympic Stadium, adjacent to the magnificent Biodome and Botanical Garden, both recognized for their daring originality. Take a break in a friendly café or on a sunny terrace, and you're off again!
What to do
Montreal's inviting museums, art galleries and fashion boutiques have plenty in store for you. The McCord Museum, in particular, is dedicated to Canadian culture. Or you can discover the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, a monumental gem of Neo-Gothic architecture. Come cocktail hour, hotel bars, quaint cafés and chic lounges compete for your patronage. You can taste palate-pleasing cocktails or a smooth Quebec beer, but mainly just relax. And why not wind up the day with a cruise on the Bateau Mouche? You'll be blown away by Montreal by night.
The sporting type? Montreal boasts 600 km of bicycle paths. And to get around like a "real" Montréaler, ride on one of the 5,000 BIXI's, Montréal's public bike system, distributed in around 400 stations.
Residents also adore inline skating, available for location, and the more daring have even taken on the river rapids by raft. An unforgettable experience! For the more sensual pleasures, Montreal features many spas where you can receive relaxing body care that will leave you speechless.
Time to be carried away by Montreal's famous cuisine. The city's restaurants are world renowned, because Montrealers are truly passionate about their cuisine! From hole-in-the wall bistros to luxury restaurants, each one offers up tasty fare spiced with that special creative touch. Its chefs are never too shy to blithely combine exotic and regional dishes, all of which will bring your tastebuds alive.
To cap off your evening of discovery in style, why not drop by the Casino de Montréal or take a spin on the disco floor.
What to bring home
Like to shop? You won't be disappointed, because Montreal is brimming with tempting shops. From prestigious chains to trendy Quebec designer shops, you're sure to find what you're looking for. There are haute couture brands and original creations to suite every taste... and budget! Antique hounds will also be delighted to discover the shops on Notre Dame and Amherst, veritable Ali Baba's caves where 70s design mingles with furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. 4.26 min. video about WEC Montréal 2010
More information
tourisme-montreal.org
Official portal, Ville de Montréal
CARBON NEUTRAL EVENT
