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Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and is known for its many art galleries, cultural diversity, commerce, and architecture. It is a city that is full of activities all year round.

Rich in history, Montreal is a showcase of European charm and elegance. Cobblestone streets, French gardens, and grand markets display the best of French Canada, past and present. Discover what this happy, welcoming city has to offer:

MONTREAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, Montreal’s Botanical Garden has thirty different thematic gardens, ten greenhouses, and over 22,000 types of plant cultivars and species. The Insectarium features an impressive exhibition of over 150,000 bugs, insects, butterflies, and spiders from around the world.

MILE END

Mile End is one of the city’s more artistic and multicultural neighborhoods. As you walk through the 10 blocks of Mile End, you will discover that it is a melting pot for musicians, artists, culinary and drink creations, and unique shopping experiences.

  • Rialto Theatre – Constructed in the 1920’s as a neighborhood movie theatre, the Rialto Theatre was inspired by the Paris Opera House, and its exterior features Beaux-Arts style. The interior was decorated by Maltese Canadian interior designer Emmanuel Biffra using a rich, neo-baroque style. The theatre is not open for public tours; however, meeting planners will be delighted to learn that this historic venue is available for corporate meetings and events.
  • Ping Pong Club – If creative cocktails, sports grill food options, and a fun atmosphere is what you’re looking for, the Ping Pong Club is the right place. Table tennis along with other games and a variety of drink options make this a local favorite. Be sure to request a slush version of your favorite cocktail or try their mac and cheese balls!
  • Dieu du Ciel – Named the best brasserie in Canada for 10 years by RateBeer.com, this craft brewery is necessary for anyone looking for exceptional beer, smoked malt, or barley wine.
  • Take a Bike Tour – Explore Montreal through Mile End and other neighborhoods riding quaint streets and through lovely parks all while seeing the city as a local. You’ll learn about the history, culture, and lifestyle, see murals as well as gain first-hand interaction with the city and its community.

THE QUAYS OF OLD PORT (Quais du Vieux-Port)

Known as Old Port of Montreal before it was rebranded as the Quays of Old Port in 2005, Old Port is located on the St. Lawrence River and at the eastern end of the Lachine Canal. This one-and-a-half-mile stretch of the riverfront is an ideal destination during warmer months. There are countless activities, events, and tours to satisfy nearly anyone!

  • Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge) – Built in the 1920’s in memory of the lost navy crews of World War I, this clock tower is in Old Montreal but marks the entrance to Old Port. Fun fact: Mechanisms inside the clock were made in England and are replicas of London’s Big Ben! From the top of the tower, you will see some beautiful views of the city.
  • Cruise the St. Lawrence River – From mid-May to mid-October, boating on the river will be memorable. Some options even include gourmet dining and indoor climate control perfect for meetings, training, or conferences.
    • Discover marine life during an environmentally-friendly, 60-minute tour on an electric boat, such as the Le Petit Navire.
    • Chase the wind with rodeo-style speed boats that are ideal for thrill seekers.
    • Get wet and wild with an exhilarating jet boating ride through the rapids.
    • Board a 105-foot Bateau-Mouche, flat-bottom, excursion boat to admire the breathtaking urban views of Montreal.
    • Charter a yacht for ultimate luxury, comfort, and privacy.
  • La Grande Roue de Montréal – At a height of over 200 feet, the La Grande Roue de Montréal is the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada. This isn’t your ordinary fair ride.  It consists of 42 climate-controlled cabins with tempered glass windows for panoramic views all year long.
  • Voiles en Voiles`- This pirate-themed amusement park is ideal for team-building activities. It features aerial obstacle courses, zip lines, climbing walls, foam archery tag, escape rooms, and more.
  • Tyrolenne MTL Zipline – For a real adrenaline rush, try Canada’s biggest urban zipline. This thrilling ride also provides an impressive view over Bonsecours in Old Port. Meeting planners should note special pricing for groups larger than 20 people may be available with reservations.
  • Casino Montreal (Casino de Montreal) – This five-story entertainment complex is not only ranked among the world’s largest gaming establishments but is one of Montreal’s star attractions. Table games such as poker, blackjack, or roulette as well as 3,000 slot machines are part of the Casino. If you’re looking for more interactive activities, full immersive gaming is available with 80 terminals at the Zone.  In the Cabaret, there is a wide variety of quality entertainment ranging from music to comedy and featuring well-known talent.

OLD MONTREAL (Vieux-Montréal)

No visit to Montreal is complete without a walk-through this charming and well-preserved historical neighborhood. Founded by Samuel de Champlain as a trading post, the buildings date back to the early 17th century. While the architecture is striking, it’s the culture that will entice you.  Around the neighborhood you’ll want to explore these favorite sites:

  • Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) – Once the largest public marketplace in Montreal, the Bonsecours Market is an iconic building stretching over a city block. Peaking at the center of the building is a beautiful, glistening silver dome. It is filled with a rich history including accommodating the Parliament of United Canada in the middle of the 19th-century. Today the Bonsecours Market houses approximately fifteen boutiques. During the summer months, three restaurants featuring local products and terrace dining are open.
  • Château Ramezay Museum and Gardens (Musée du Château Ramezay)- This historic monument preserves the legacy of the local Indigenous people and European settlers unique to Montreal’s early history. It is a vibrant link to the past, exploring the pre-history of Montreal and its founding. The chateau and garden allow visitors to travel to 18th-century France. Guests can see the carved mahogany paneling and crystal chandeliers original to the chateau as well as experience the elegance of a colorful French garden as it would have been circa 1730.
  • Place Jacques-Cartier – Named in honor of French explorer, Jacques Cartier, this unique historic square is the heart of Old Montreal. In the spring and summer months, Place Jacques-Cartier comes to life with street entertainers, artisans, and eateries that fill the square. It’s a favorite hot spot among tourists especially those who want to enjoy a piece of Europe without traveling beyond North America.
  • Notre-Dame Basilica – Considered the jewel of Quebec and inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the Notre-Dame Basilica features Neo-Gothic architecture and design. The impressive details include a vaulted ceiling, 24-karat gold gilding, stunning blues, stained glass windows representing the history of Montreal, a pipe organ with over 7,000 pipes, and many intricate wood carvings.

SQUARE SAINT-LOUIS (Carré Saint-Louis)

One of the most photographed places in Montreal is not too far from the Notre-Dame Basilica. Square Saint-Louis is a must-see neighborhood with colorful, Victorian architectural houses. Don’t be fooled that these distinguished homes are all residences.  Some are businesses where boutique shops, bakeries, sweet treats, and restaurants await discovery. You’ll also enjoy the rich history of uncovering the famous residents and visitors who encountered this welcoming neighborhood.

RÉSO – A CITY WITHIN A CITY

The 20+ mile underground city in Montreal has gone by many names prior to its rebranding in 2004. The Underground City. La Ville Souteraine. Ville Intérieure. Underground Pedestrian Network. This gigantic network of complexes and tunnels both above and below ground contains boutiques and restaurants, plus movie theaters, art centers, metro stations, museums, sports complexes, hotels and apartments, universities, and more.

DOWNTOWN MONTREAL

Downtown Montreal is the business district and the hub of urban life, entertainment, shopping, culture and food/drink.  The spectacular city skyline is best at sunrise, sunset or in the evening when the city is awake with activity. Some of the finest the downtown and surrounding area has to offer can be found here:

  • Maison symphonique de Montréal – Montreal’s new concert hall is an artistic landmark and acoustic marvel. Designing a symphony hall was challenging enough but incorporating French aesthetics and a massive concert pipe organ make any visit truly a sensory experience. The concert organ consists of 100+ registers, 80+ stops, 115+ ranks, and nearly 6,500 pipes.
  • Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) – The Museum of Contemporary Art of Montreal opened in 1965 and provided Quebec with a place to exhibit, promote and preserve contemporary art, artists and activities. Their in-house collection contains nearly 8,000 works from artists around the world.  Additionally, performances and presentations including music, video, and film are frequently featured.
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) – With an impressive collection, it’s no surprise that the MMFA is one of the best museums in North America.  The MMFA is the oldest art museum in Canada and has over five interconnecting pavilions, 80 exhibition galleries, a concert hall, a movie theatre, an in-house publishing department and bookstore, a sculpture garden, and more.  The collection comprises over 45,000 works of art including paintings, sculptures, graphic works, photographs, objects, and multimedia installations.

Montreal is a city steeped in history that showcases European charm and elegance. It is an exhibition of the best of French Canada, past and present. With so many things to see and do in this happy and welcoming city, your guests will want to return again and again.

Planning a group travel incentive program or a corporate meeting in Montreal, Canada? Contact Gavel International to learn more about how our programs can maximize your budget.

This article was last updated on April 5, 2023

Jim Bozzelli
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