Mar 21, 2012
Montréal City
Montréal is a very good spot for the tourism in Québec
Montreal is beautiful at night
History of Montréal City
According to archeological evidence, Montréal was populated at least 2000 years previous to the arrival of the French by native St Lawrence Iroquoians. The inhabitants had already begun to grow maize and lived in various fortified villages on the island. In 1535, the French explorer Samuel de Champlain estimated a population of more than 1000. Only 70 years later, all the natives had vanished, either due to outmigration, epidemics caused by new diseases brought from Europe or battles between tribes.
In 1611, a fur trading post was inaugurated on the island and the region became a base for French exploration in North America. The area continued to be a French colony until it was lost to Britain in 1760, following their defeat in the Seven Years War.
Notre dame basilica
Not until 1832 was Montreál declared a city and Victoria Bridge opened to allow railway access as well as Lachine Canal created as a diversion from the impenetrable Lachine Rapids. In 1844, Montreál was named capital of Canada but lost this title to Ottawa only five years later, a strategic move in response to attack by a Tory mob on the Parliament building.
What to see in Montréal
The city today is a cultural center and features numerous concert halls and theaters and holds regular festivals. The Just for Laughs comedy festival is the largest of its kind. Other events include the International Jazz Festival, the World Film Festival, the Fireworks Festival and Pop Montreál. In addition, Montreál is famous for ice hockey and other sports including football, baseball, soccer, auto-racing and tennis.
A popular tourist site is Parc du Mont-Royal – one of the largest green areas in the city, mainly made up of woodland. It contains a semicircular plaza from which visitors can view Downtown, an artificial lake, short ski slope and sculpture garden. The park hosts a number of sports, touristic and cultural events throughout the year.
Montreal skyline
With 50 National Historic Sites, Montreál has more tourist points than any other Canadian city for which it was named UNESCO City of Design in 2006. Many sites of interest include structures dating from different epochs. Notre-Dame de Montreál Basilica, Bonsecours Market and the 19th century headquarters for all major Canadian banks along Rue Saint Jacques all maintain their original form. There are also various examples of 20th century including the unconventional Olympic Stadium.
Old Montreál contains yet more preserved or restored buildings plus the Old Port riverside. Tourists have the option of viewing this part of the city in horse-drawn calèches.
How to go to Montréal City
Montreal olympic stadium
The international airport in Dorval receives flights from over 100 destinations throughout the world and is headquarters for Air Canada and Air Transat. The third busiest airport in Canada, it also has the most international services in the country. A second airport in Mirabel is primarily for cargo but also offers some passenger flights.
Montreál also has a large network of rail services running from other major Canadian cities such as Quebec and Toronto. The railway also retrieves passengers internationally from as far as New York City.
May 10, 2012 @ 04:45:28
Hi! I came across your post and what really got me interested was the part where you mentioned that the Just For Laughs Festival is held here. I’ve always wanted to experience the festival itself after seeing clips of it on TV. Do you know what time of the year that festival is held? I’d really appreciate it.
May 10, 2012 @ 13:16:02
Hi Joseph
You’ll find more info here :
The Just For Laughs Festival this year will start on July 10th to 29th 2012. You can actually get your tickets starting this Friday. If you need more information you should visit this site: http://www.hahaha.com/en/montreal/overview.
May 10, 2012 @ 05:09:23
I’ll be visiting a friend in Montreal next month. I don’t really know what to prepare. Can I use US dollars in Montreal? Can I use ATMs?
May 10, 2012 @ 13:21:52
Hi Ben
You can use US dollars at most places in Montreal; however, you may not receive the most advantageous exchange rate. US ATM cards work in our bank machines and you typically receive the best exchange rate from your bank. Typical fees do apply, as well check to see if your bank charges “international” banking fees for using your ATM card in Canada.
Many find it advantageous to have some Canadian money for spending. It is not necessary to obtain Canadian dollars at an airport or from your local bank, for there are many small exchange places along main streets, and they charge only a small fee though (usually 2%). Hotels often provide conversion services but at a less advantageous rate. We find the best solution is to use your US ATM card.
May 17, 2012 @ 15:43:32
I have booked a 3-day stay in Montreal for my family on October and I want to bring them to the spots that you mentioned here. We are devout Catholics so we will surely visit Notre-Dame de Montreál Basilica. How much is the admission fee there? I am a bit worried because we’re many. Thanks a lot.
May 18, 2012 @ 17:39:09
Hello Kathryn
Age 18 and over : $5
Ages 7 to 17 : $4
Age 6 and under : Free
Have a nice trip in Montreal
May 19, 2012 @ 05:15:46
I’ll be coming here this July for my personal vacation and to watch the Montreal Jazz Festival too. However, I’d like to get some information about the Parc du Mont-Royal. I’d like to go but I’m not sure how much the rates are for going in. I really want to try out that ski slope. Can you provide some information on that?
May 30, 2012 @ 01:47:33
Hi
There are no entrance fees for getting into Parc du Mont-Royal. The only thing you need to pay are parking fees which are either $2.75 per hour or $8 per day. But that only applies if you’ll be driving there. If you plan to go cross country skiing, you will need to rent some skis in the park if you don’t have your own ski equipment with you.
May 24, 2012 @ 02:29:52
We’re going to Montreal this June for a short family get together. One of my friends recommended going to the La Ronde. Can you give me some information about that?
May 30, 2012 @ 01:40:37
Hi,
La Ronde is one of the most well known amusement parks in Montreal city and is home to one of the largest roller coaster rides in the world. I highly recommend going here if you want to spend some fun quality time with your family. Here’s some information about their ticket prices and scheduling:
SEASON PASSPORT
$49.99 each when you buy four
$69.99 individual
$36.99 for junior (- 54″)
and senior (60 years +)
$5.99 + taxes per order
DAILY TICKETS
$39.99 General admission
$33.99 Junior under 54″ and senior over 60 years old
Free for children of 2 and under
$5.99 + taxes per order
This coming June, La Ronde will be open everyday except of June 4th. Common park hours range from 10:00AM-8:00PM. If you want further information, you can visit this link: http://www.laronde.com