44 | CAPTIVATING CANADA


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Make the most of Montreal, a Canadian city reknowned for its vibrant cultural tapestry and rich history, boasts several captivating sights that showcase its unique charm...


January 2024 MAKE THE


MONTREAL is a city representative of an energetic blend of both European sophistication and contemporary where


creativity


coolness, thrives.


Those seeking to explore new horizons can indulge in inventive gastronomy, and immerse themselves in the iconic music scene, a music scene which has resulted in famous faces such as Leonard Cohen to Arcade Fire.


Montreal has an eye for fashion alongside a refined allure which makes the city a trendsetting


metropolis. Whether


you’re captivated by the autumnal hues of crimson and golden yellow or charmed by the summer spectacle of street art during public mural celebrations, Montreal exudes an artistic vibrancy from the crest of Mount Royal to the shores of the St. Lawrence River.


Montreal is a


collection of distinctive neighbourhoods,


each


with its own character. To truly experience this cosmopolitan city, commence your journey in the picturesque Old Montreal. Explore cobblestone streets where European elegance seamlessly mingles with avant-garde creativity. Lose yourself in a tapestry of architecture, art, and culture. Cycle through winding streets, pausing at modern fashion boutiques and venerable landmarks. Old Montreal eloquently intertwines the past and present. Travellers


are


encouraged to embark on your exploration in the east end. An area where the grandeur of City Hall’s Second Empire- style architecture is a commanding presence. Not far from Montreal City Hall lies Chateau Ramezay, a historic site providing a glimpse into the life of 18th-century Montreal nobility. Nearby, Nelson’s


Column offers a


view of the St. Lawrence River, commemorating British Navy General Admiral Horatio Nelson. Take a leisurely walk down Place Jacques-Cartier, energetic


an public


square teeming with restaurants, shops,


live music,


and street artists. The silver-domed Marché Bonsecours, Notre-Dame-de-Bon- Secours Chapel,


and


the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum offer further insights


into Montreal’s rich history. Venture south to the St. Lawrence shoreline to understand Montreal’s enduring connection to water. Explore the Old Port,


wander


along the boardwalk to Clock Tower Beach and Terrasses Bonsecours – popular haunts in warmer


Witness the transformation of the harbour


into a lively breathtaking


venue for Igloofest, an outdoor electronic music festival during winter. Continuing west, discover the Montreal Science Centre and IMAX theatre, or indulge in a massage at the unique Bota Bota spa, housed in a ferryboat turned temple of transcendence. Use your camera’s zoom lens to capture views of Habitat 67’s cubed homes and the iconic grain Silo #5, reminders of the city’s industrial past. Montreal’ s waterfront thrives with activity, boasting cruise ships and pleasure crafts against a postcard-perfect city skyline along the pier. A highlight of Old Montreal is the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Basilica. Located at Place d’Armes, the


basilica’s soaring gold-painted ceilings,


intricate wood carvings, and massive pipe organ make it a crown jewel in Montreal’s religious heritage.


Continue west to the Pointe-à-Callière Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, built on the exact birthplace of the city. It serves as a historical panorama, showcasing Montreal’s history from the 14th century through archaeological relics and exhibits. For additional historical depth, visit the Centre d’Histoire de Montréal, a museum located in an early 1900s firehouse near the site of Canada’s first parliament building. Old Montreal embraces the contemporary with institutions like the PHI Centre and the DHC/ART Foundation,


showcasing


cutting-edge contemporary art. For a detour, head west to the Darling Foundry visual art centre, known for its thought-provoking and alternative exhibitions.


Looking for more spontaneous exploration? walk along Saint-Paul Street, a picturesque thoroughfare brimming with centuries-old buildings,


avant-garde art galleries, and


designer boutiques. It epitomises Montreal’s essence – a city that cherishes its past while embracing the future.


weather.


Explore Montreal Like A Local Montreal invites you to forgo the typical tourist experience and immerse yourself in local life for a week. Cafes, bars, and restaurants are integral to the daily rhythm of a Montreal resident. The city’s laid-back lifestyle, infused with music, parties, and a love for the outdoors, makes it an ideal destination for simply unwinding and enjoying the moment.


For a relaxing getaway from crowds, discover authentic Montreal living through these experiences. Mount Royal, though modest in size for a mountain, boasts ample green space and is cherished as locals’ backyard. Experience the “tam tams,” an informal gathering of drummers and dancers at the foot of Mount Royal every Sunday, weather permitting. Further up the hill, witness locals engaging in medieval battle scenes with foam weapons. Climb to the mountain’s summit to join picnickers soaking in the sun and scenery around Beaver Lake. As temperatures rise, locals gravitate to open spaces. On the southeast side, enjoy moments of relaxation on the banks of the Lachine Canal or participate in activities like jogging, biking, and roller skating along its scenic path. Explore the sculpture garden of the Musée plein air de Lachine, an open-air


museum featuring intriguing artwork. Cool off by donning a swimsuit and diving


into one of the city’s public pools; the Aquatic Complex at Parc Jean Drapeau is a local favourite. In summer, meander through the trendy Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods. Explore their back alleys, known as “ruelles,” adorned with street art, hidden green spaces, and local gatherings.


Montreal boasts numerous indie cafes serving espressos, cappuccinos, or lattes, with locals savouring hot cups of coffee in


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