Montreal, Quebec

Bienvenue a Montreal.
Welcome to Montreal, Quebec, the Paris of North America, where French charm meets American hospitality. Montreal is truly one of the most diverse and accessible cities in the world. There is something for everyone, no mater what your tastes or inclinations, a city for every season, every age and every nationality.

One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Canada and North America, Montreal combines urban sophistication with historical ambience. Take in the modern under ground shopping experience in Down town Montreal or amble through the cobbled streets of Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal), you won’t be disappointed with either.

Montreal is a city that can be explored and enjoyed no matter what the season. Whether you want to enjoy the bustle and “Joie la vie” of summer in a city that is renowned for its patio dinning and old world charm in Vieux Montreal or taking a slay ride through the snow covered streets of the Old Port, this is the city for you.
Winter is long here, but that does not mean dull, Winter does not ever mean winding down for Quebecois, who have found many ways to keep the darkest season light and entertaining.

You can ski, Montreal is central to many fabulous ski fields, and offers many opportunities for cross country skiing right on the Island of Montreal itself. You can skate, as many of the lakes and waterways are made available for this popular and romantic past time. Or, if the cold is not your thing, you can shop in the many varied and fabulous shops in downtown Montreal without ever leaving the comfort of the huge and expansive under ground system. Drive your car into an underground park and you need never feel the effects of that wind chill factor! Or you could take in my favourite winter activity, a trip to the Biodome. The Biodome is located in the very distinctive Olympic Stadium and is a delight for young and old alike. Wander through the Amazon rainforest and take the chill off watching exotic birds fly over head and tamarind monkeys swinging about the lush greenery. Then when you have warmed up take in the Saint Laurent Seaway and the Quebec forest sections before getting ready to go back outside with the Arctic/Antarctic section.

Spring is a riot to the senses, were nature does not take its time coming back to life, but literally burst out and makes up for a long cold winter. Not unlike Quebecois themselves! Winter is long, and although we enjoy it, spring renews not just the vegetation but also our zest for being outdoors. There are many beautiful parks in Montreal and spring is a great time to take to your bike or go walking and see the local wildlife.
Spring is also the time for one of those great Quebec traditions - the Sugar cabin. For the uninitiated, and that included me at one time, spring is when the sap starts running in the Maple trees and Quebec is renowned for its maple syrup. When the sap starts running this signals the start of maple season and thousands of locals and tourist alike flock to “cabins” of all shapes and sizes in the woods and sample the seasons offerings. Usually over ham, eggs, sausages, potatoes – well you guessed it, practically everything. Don’t miss it!

Summer is hot and steamy and with any number of world-renowned festivals to take in on the long hot glory days of summer. Including the famous Jazz festival and Just for laughs festival. There is always something happening in Montreal.

Summer is the time to take a day and spend at the awe inspiring Botanical gardens. It will take you a full day to take it all in, with the charming butterfly house, the exquisite Chinese and Japanese gardens, and the intriguing Insectarium, you might just need two days! Keep in mind too that at certain times of the year the Insectarium holds a uniquely fascinating and disgusting event where you can go and try out a variety of “bugs” in various culinary styles. Not for the faint hearted, but believe me there is always a queue to rival any big hockey match! Bon appetit!

Finally autumn is the crowning glory of the Montreal year. Bringing the close of summer with a symphony of colour that will astound your senses and leave you in awe of the palate at the disposal of mother-nature. Courtesy of the abundance of maple trees in the Province of Quebec we are given this astounding display of colour. This is the time to make a pilgrimage up Mont-Royal itself and view the city in all its autumn glory.
Whatever season you choose to come to my town, you won’t be disappointed. In fact you might just be back again the next season to make sure you aren’t missing out. A bientot!

RJ C

Submitted: Saturday 28th February 2004, 7:56 PM

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