Explore the history of North America through one of its oldest
cities – Montréal. Founded in 1642, Montréal is the second
largest French speaking city in the world and has been ranked,
with good reason, as one of the best places on the planet to
live – and, of course, to visit!
Known as the City of Festivals, each year hundreds of thousands
of visitors attend internationally renowned Jazz, comedy,
fireworks, and film festivals. It is impossible to think of
Montréal without conjuring up images of an exciting nightlife:
concert halls, bars, discos, after-hour clubs, restaurants and
the glittering Montréal Casino.
Dining in Montréal is a unique treat. With over 5,000
restaurants, cafés and bistros, representing the cuisine of no
less than 80 different nationalities, it is no wonder the city
is often considered among the world’s top gastronomic capitals.
The Old City is particularly charming. Many of its 17th, 18th
and 19th century buildings have now been turned into fashionable
condos, trendy boutiques, businesses, quaint restaurants, and
museums. Here, you can admire some of the architectural
treasures that recall Montréal's rich religious heritage or
glimpse at centuries of Amerindian culture at the Montréal's
Museum of Archaeology and History. Consider a leisurely tour by
horse drawn carriage or relax under the shade of an umbrella on
an outdoor terrace. You must take a look into the basilica of
the Notre Dame Cathedral; unforgettable.
Host to the 2007 President’s Cup event, golf in the Greater
Montreal area will not disappoint. The European influence of
this great metropolitan city extends to some of its local
courses with authentic Irish architecture boasting windswept
mounding and pot bunkers. All offer challenging tests for all
levels of players and most are within a 30 minute drive.
Consider a mountain resort region golf excursion to the nearby
Eastern Townships or The Laurentians, as a day trip or a
combined golf vacation in Québec; both are within easy 60 to 90
minute drives of downtown.
Other popular Montreal sites and activities include: the 20 mile
underground city connecting business and fashion centers, Parc
Jean Drapeau: site of the 1967 World’s Fair, Grand Prix Formula
1 car racing at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the Quays of the
Old Port, the Biodome, the Botanical Garden, and panoramic
skyline views from both the lookout atop Mount Royal and the
Montréal Tower ( the world’s largest inclined tower); part of
the 1976 Olympic Stadium.
Day and night, year in and year out, after more than 350 years
Montréal continues to cast a spell over everyone who makes her
acquaintance!
