Friendly Montreal
Symphony, ballet, opera, drama, art galleries,museums, and summer concerts and festivals are all part of Montreal's and Quebec's diversified cultural tradition. With such an impressive array of cultural facilities and shows to choose from, your main problem may be deciding which one to go to!
In addition to the city's "Just for Laughs" comedy festival, International Jazz Festival, World Film Festival and Les Francofolies French-language festival of song, major events take place as well. Every year Montreal organizes mega-events which attract huge crowds of visitors and local residents alike. The "Wet and Wild" event in spring, and the "Black and Blue" festival in fall regularly draw some 40 000 participants. In the summer of 1997, the annual Divers extravaganza attracted a crowd estimated at close to 500 000! Sports fans will find three major league teams in Montreal: our famous hockey team, the Canadiens; the Montreal Expos baseball club ; and, our own Canadian professional football team, the Alouettes. These teams utilize comfortable, modern facilities and ticket prices are affordable.
Quebecers love to celebrate, and the many special events hold in the city each year are a proof of that. At the end of January, the most famous Winter Carnival in the world is a rendez-vous for locals and international visitors. In March, Quebec City offers its unique celebration Fest*Iver : a celebration of winter activities in the area. Summer comes with its festivals such as International Jazz and Blues Nights, du Maurier Québec Summer Festival, Loto-Québec Fireworks Competition, New France Days, Expo Quebec and in September, la Fête Arc-en-Ciel de Quebec.
A magnet for world travelers and one of the world's most exciting metropolises, few cities can compare with Montreal. Founded early in the 16th century and dubbed "Mount Royal" by French explorer Jacques Cartier, Montreal is modern, cosmopolitan and alive with culture. The city abounds in buildings which reflect a rich architectural heritage, particularly in the fascinating and historic Old Montreal and Old Port areas. The city's Olympic facilities, casino, high-rise central business core, 30 kilometer underground city and four university campuses attest to the economic vitality of Montreal. The combination of these features appeals to visitors worldwide and has helped to make this largely French-speaking metropolis a major player on the international scene. Montreal is located on the island of the same name in the St. Lawrence River. At the crossroads of French, English and a myriad of other cultures, Montreal owes its unique character to history... and Montrealers have made their city a warm, welcoming destination.
An efficient public transit system is available for travel within the city. The metro (subway) stations for the Village are Berri-UQAM, Beaudry and Papineau on the green line. City buses, commuter trains and the metro can be combined for easy access at very reasonable rates (see the Helpful Information section found near the end of this guide). There are four metro lines in the Greater Montreal network (green, orange, yellow and blue), with a total of 70 stations found mainly on the Island of Montreal. Trains run approximately every five to seven minutes, and make reaching the most popular tourist venues easy and convenient. St. Joseph's Oratory, the Botanical Gardens, the Biodom, Old Montreal, The Montreal Casino, theatres, cinemas and concert halls are just minutes from the Village. Free metro maps are available at any metro booth or ticket counter. Metro service operates daily beginning at approximately 5:30 am and continuing until approximately 1:00 am. Be certain to check schedules for exact times.
Most activities in Montréal take place in the Village. The Village covers an area extending from St. Denis Street in the west to Papineau Avenue in the east, and is bordered by Sherbrooke Street to the north and René-Lévesque Boulevard to the south. Nightlife in the Village is vibrant and captivating! Indeed much of the excitement is fueled by the cluster of nightclubs spread out along Ste-Catherine Street East in the quarter between Berri-UQAM and Papineau métro stations. Visitors will also find a large selection of restaurants, cafés, hotels, art galleries, theatres, bars, saunas, retailers and other businesses in this area of Montreal. You'll find everything you need to make your stay in the Village most pleasant.
Casino de Montreal is located on man-made Île Notre-Dame, one of several islands set midstream in the St. Lawrence just opposite downtown.
The island was built to host the 1967 World Exposition, Expo 67, and has since grown into one of Montreal's largest attractions. Close by the Casino are well known La Ronde Amusement Park, the Biosphere, and the David M. Stewart Museum of colonial history. Casino de Montreal can be reached easily by metro (Île Ste-Hélène station on the yellow line from Berri-UQAM station, or city bus no 167), or by Taxi or Limousine via De La Concorde bridge off the Bonaventure Expressway, Autoroute 10. Visitors to the islands will also find the Gilles Villeneuve racetrack, the Floralies gardens, and the famed Hélène de Champlain restaurant. Plan your time well and let Montreal keep you entertained 24 hours a day! |
