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Attractions in Montreal
The International Jazz Festival
This is the grandaddy of Montreal's numerous summer festivals. For 12 days each summer, an impressive list of jazz greats like Diana Krall, BB King, Al Jarreau, and newcomers take over every theater, nightclub, pub, and park in the city to perform their magic. There are over 350 free outdoor performances. Free.
Old Montreal
Old World charm oozes in Montreal's historic center where 18th- and 19th-century buildings have become houses, shops, cafes, and boutique hotels. Street performers and artists mix with tourists and residents, creating a thriving outdoor scene. The narrow, cobblestone streets are especially romantic in the winter when blanketed by snow. Held in June and July, the International Fireworks Competition, recently renamed the International des Feux Loto Quebec, features elaborate fireworks displays choreographed to music organized by competing countries. Arguably the best place to view the event is from the Old Port, a pleasant area along the St. Lawrence that houses many of the area's attractions and the Montréal Science Centre. Free.
Jean-Drapeau Park
The Parc des Illes, consisting of Ile Notre Dame and Ile Sainte Helene, was recently renamed Parc de Jean-Drapeau. Site of the 1967 World's Fair and the 1976 Olmpics, these islands are a nexus for outdoor activities and entertainment. The aquatics complex on Ile Sainte Helene features several pools, and Notre Dame has a beach and a watersports center for boat rentals. In the winter, the island hosts the Fete de Neige, a celebration of the cold. Admission to the beach drops from $7.50 to $4.50 CAD (about $6.70 to $4.00 U.S.; see XE.com for current exchange rates) per adult after 4 p.m. Park entrance is free.
Mont Royal
Called "The Mountain" by Montrealers, Mont Royal Park is a haven for urban outdoor enthusiasts. Planned by Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park, the park sits high above downtown, affording fantastic views of the city and St. Lawrence. People cycle and walk the labyrinth of paths in the summer and cross-country ski, sled, and ice skate in the winter. Free.
Lachine Canal
An important 19th-century trade route, the canal was reopened in 2002 as an area for outdoor recreation. Montrealers and tourists alike walk, in-line skate, or bike the 8.7-mile path along the canal. People can also boat, canoe, or kayak in the canal, which leads to Lake St. Louis. The Lachine passes Atwater Market (138 Atwater Avenue), a good place to grab an inexpensive breakfast or lunch to enjoy at the market or one of the picnic areas along the canal. Free, except for pleasure boat entry and locking fees.
Muséums Nature Montréal
The Botanical Gardens is made up of 10 greenhouses and some 30 thematic gardens, while the adjacent Insectarium highlights the science, art, culture, and eating habits of insects with live and mounted specimens; adult admission for both museums costs $12.75 CAD in high season. Nearby, the Biodome ($12.75 CAD for adults) features exhibits on some of the world's ecosystems with living examples of plants and animals. Admission for all four attractions costs $31.50 CAD, which is a 20-percent savings on regular admission. The pass also includes admission into the Montréal Tower Observatory, part of Olympic Park, where you can see for 80 kilometers on a clear day ($14 CAD separately). Other combination passes are available.
Museums
The Montreal Museum Pass ($35 CAD) permits access to up to 32 museums (one visit per site) for a consecutive three-day period. For an extra $10 CAD it includes an STM Tourist Card for unlimited public transportation. There is no charge to see the permanent collections at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which includes contemporary, decorative, and Canadian arts, as well as works from European masters. Admission for special exhibits is $15 CAD for adults, $7.50 CAD for students and seniors, and includes all exhibits.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Admission to this glorious stone church, which was built between 1824 and 1829, is $4 CAD for adults and $2 CAD for students. However, no fee is required to attend mass. Services are conducted Mondays through Fridays at 7:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and four times on Sundays. Weekend masses are accompanied by the organist, and the choir sings at the 11 a.m. Sunday mass.
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