Old world charm meets modern innovation

Montréal is a vibrant medley of European ambiance and North American style. Situated on an island in the middle of the majestic St. Lawrence River, the city offers a beautiful blend of postmodern skyscrapers, historic buildings, tree-lined boulevards and cobblestone streets.  Click here for more information, www.tourisme-montreal.org.

While in Montréal, visit these areas of interest:

Old Montréal

Located between the St. Lawrence River and the city centre, Old Montréal and the Old Port represent a historic tour of a great North American metropolis. So much of Montréal’s unique past is still visible today—from the place where the city was founded in 1642 to physical evidence of all periods, such as the French colony’s winding paths, remarkable 18th- and 19th-century architecture and the first Canadian skyscrapers. Architectural lighting has made the Old Port and Old Montréal more romantic and charming then ever, highlighting museums, boutiques, sidewalk cafés and public places that are alive with activities all year long.

Museums and churches

Montréal is well-known for its cultural cachet—eclectic museums and magnificent churches permeate the cityscape. The city hosts exhibits in everything from classical history to modern art, religion, sculpture, and architecture in its diverse museums including the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the renowned Canadian Centre for Architecture and the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal.

Touring Montréal’s churches? Don’t miss Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture built in 1829, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory located atop Mount Royal—one of the world’s most visited shrines, its dome reaches 97 metres.

Neighborhoods

Chinatown is located downtown and dates back to the 1860s when Chinese immigrants came to Canada to work in the mines and on the railroads. They settled mainly along de La Gauchetière Street near Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Today, the district is less residential than commercial but it has kept its Asian flavor. The Chinese community continues to shop and celebrate its traditional festivals and holidays here.

Little Italy, home to Montréal’s Italian Canadian community, is vibrant and contains more than a few cultural treasures. Churches, shops, trattorias and cafés are regularly frequented by Montrealers of all backgrounds. Here you can see the typical Montréal residential architecture of the early 20th century with the exterior, wrought iron, winding staircases and backyard vegetable gardens, often shaded by grape vines.

Plateau Mont-Royal, in the heart of Montréal, is often compared to hip neighborhoods in other great cities. Lively bars, restaurants and cafés define this area’s unique landscape where young urban professionals live and Montrealers love to be seen. One-of-a-kind boutiques, fashion designers, well-known theatres and a friendly atmosphere are all waiting for visitors, minutes away from downtown. 

Mount Royal is the name Jacques Cartier chose for the island mountain when he first climbed it in 1535. Today it is a magnificent park as well as a popular spot for nature observation. Nature and retreat go hand in hand: two illustrious cemeteries and the famous Saint Joseph’s Oratory flank the mountain. Two university campuses, one English, one French, are nestled on the mountainside.

Explore Québec City and Ottawa

Québec City is just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Montréal. Located on a spectacular bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the streets and buildings of Cap Diamant, Québec City’s historic quarter, and Place Royale recount the history of New France.

Ottawa, the nation’s capital, is only two hours from Montréal and home to the Canadian Parliament and federal institutions. The city will astound you with its imposing government buildings towering above the Ottawa River—especially the magnificent Library of Parliament and its superb Gothic Revival architecture.

With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss this meeting. We look forward to welcoming you to Montréal where you’ll join your colleagues and AABB in October for a uniquely global experience!

Content provided by Tourisme Montréal.


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