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Guide to Montreal, Canada
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MontrealThe capital city of the Quebec Province, Montreal is a year-round destination for those attracted to its relaxed atmosphere, modern layout, cultural centers, and historic importance. Interestingly enough, though Montreal seems a mainland location, it is actually situated on an island spanning 40km (25mi) long and 15km (9mi) wide. The landmark that sets the city apart from other Canadian destinations is Mont Royal, a volcanic rock formation at the foot of the Montreals downtown area. One of the citys most inviting traits is its calm intensity. It is, no doubt, a thriving traffic-riddled metropolis, but the people seem much more prone to taking it easy through their daily lives. Couple this with the unique modernity of Montreals underground city and youre bound to have a fantastic city experience.
When to go:
Montreal sits quite high up in the northern hemisphere, where it is relatively chilly most of the year; but because of its make-up, the city essentially becomes a year-round travelers destination. Winter brings snow, and lots of it, so youll run into ideal conditions for sports such as skiing or snowboarding. For respite from the cold, head down into the underground city, where youll find plenty to do among the 2000+ climate-controlled shops and eateries. If youre in the mood for some festivals, or just to bask in the sun, more frequently than not, visit anytime between May and September. Festivals run on an almost-continual basis throughout this season, and though these are the peak tourism months, youll still have a great time.
Getting there and around:
There are two airports serving Montreal: Elliott Trudeau International Airport (domestic and international carriers), and Mirabel Airport (charter flights). Most fliers will obviously be arriving at Elliott Trudeau International, where, because of its efficiency, youll be whisked from terminal to transport service in no time at all.
A distance of 21km (13mi) may seem like quite a way, but if you take our advice and take the metro service into town, youll get there fairly quickly. However, if youre willing to take a slower approach, get a ride on one of Quebecois Bus Companys Aerobus shuttles. Youll pay a reasonable fee at first, but a surprise comes when you arrive at Station Aerobus a smaller shuttle will transport you to anywhere in downtown for free (sometimes acting as your chauffer if youre planning on hitting more than one spot). From then on, its simple and easy to get around Montreal; stick to the subway and bus networks.
Attractions:
Downtown Montreal is home to the underground city, of course, but the real treasures are at street-level. With a backdrop of Mont Royal, taking a stroll through the labyrinth of city streets is quite enjoyable. Be sure to stop at some of the citys art galleries and museums, large and small. The Museum of Fine Arts is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon; its Pavilion Jean-Noel Desmarais is one of the main attractions there. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth a visit, and if youre looking for something unusual as well as something to perk your mood up a bit, there is the Just for Laughs Museum.
If youre looking for hip, young district to take in, the Plateau Mont Royal is the place for you. Its ethnic diversity is one of its main selling points, and the nightclubs, shops and eateries all appeal to the younger generations. The colorful scenery adds even more appeal.
Montreals Old Port (Vieux-Port) is sprawled out over 2.5km of riverside and divided into beautifully-kept sections. The Promenade and Esplanade are wonderful for a stroll, and the Quai de lHorloge is a melting-pot for sailing aficionados. A short ferry ride over to the twin islands of lle Sainte-Helene and lle Notre-Dame will bring you to Parc des lles, where the 1967 worlds fair was held. Lle Notre-Dame is completely artificial.
Vieux Montreal is the 18^th -Century quarter of the city where narrow streets run into grand squares full of vendors, performers, and horse-drawn carriages. In one of the squares, Place dArmes, youll find the Basilica Notre Dame. Its enormous presence is jaw-dropping, and its richly detailed interior is even more so.
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