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When you are on holiday and want to see exceptional attractions in Montreal, there are many to choose from. This cosmopolitan city was founded in 1642, is the province's largest city, the Canada's second largest, was named a UNESCO City of Design, and is the largest primarily French-speaking city in the world after Paris.
Old Montreal
You step back in time as you explore the magnificent well-preserved historic buildings, gift shops and art galleries, eat at wonderful restaurants, take a horse-drawn carriage ride or walk the cobblestone streets.
Old Port of Montreal and Longueuil Ferry
The local inexpensive ferry runs from May to October from Longueuil, where there is free parking. It is a fun way to see the Montreal skyline and have a way to go under the J. Cartier Bridge and across the St. Lawrence, stopping in Ile Ste Helene before tying up right in the heart of Old Montreal.
Montreal Botanical Gardens
This huge botanical garden features more than 20,000 plant species in 31 specially themed gardens including the largest Chinese Garden outside of Asia. Admission includes entrance to the Insectarium and the Greenhouse.
Japanese Garden
This 15-acre section is part of the Botanical Gardens. It includes a Zen Garden, miniature trees, a pond with big fish and wooden bridges, an art gallery,and a spectacular groomed bonsai collection. The tearoom and tea ceremony exhibit the Japanese culture.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
This is one of the most famous museums in Canada and is housed in two buildings, the 1912 original one and the 1991 annex across the street, that are connected by underground galleries. Running here until October 5, 2014, is the “Fabergé - Jeweller to the Tsars - Exhibit”. The museum has selections by Dali and Picasso, Napoleon pieces, a Tiffany lamp, an exhibit of interesting furniture, and more.
Notre-Dame Basilica
This oldest Catholic church in Montreal, built in 1656, has a classic exterior and intricately designed interior with stained glass, a turquoise ceiling, a phenomenal altar, a beautiful chapel and focused lighting that emphasizes the architecture.
Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame
This chronicles the legendary Montreal Canadiens hockey team, known as the HABS, which is one of the oldest NHL teams and won the most Stanley Cups. The 10,000 square feet holds artifacts and memorabilia, old jerseys, photos of every HABS captain, history, interactive content, a train car, a replica of the locker room, and two movies.
Biodome de Montreal
This recreates four of the most beautiful and natural environment ecosystems of the Americas including the Tropical Rainforest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Laurentian Maple Forest, and the Subpolar Regions of the Americas. There are large animal habitat areas, fish tanks, penguins and even a whale skeleton.
Little Italy
This is an authentic-feel Italian neighborhood. Milano's grocery has an amazing choice of pasta, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, cheeses and other fine ethnic products. There is traditional and home-made fare at La Motta Bakery, Three Marias, Cafe Italia and at many great little coffee places. The Jean Talon Market area is home to Italian, French and Middle Eastern stalls.
Laurentian Mountains
In winter, there is skiing, dog sledding and ice skating. Other months of the year, enjoy mountain biking, fantastic hiking trails, whale watching, swimming, boating, fishing and kayaking.
Foto: © rabbit75_fot - Fotolia.com
Editor, 07/10/2014
