Montreal: The Paris of North America
Ah, Montreal! If you haven’t been there, it’s time to go! With its multitude of galleries, shops and museums vibrant nightlife, fabulous restaurants and European influence, Montreal has lots to offer. Don’t be put off by the harsh winters- much of downtown Montreal is interconnected underground and shops and restaurants are always well heated. Public transit is frequent and reliable. Bring warm clothes for the winter months and if you are travelling in summer, bring light layers to cope with the humidity.
Montreal Art Galleries
Montreal is home to many galleries and museums. There is something for every taste and budget- many are free admission or by donation. Leonard Cohen, one of the most well known Montrealers, is exhibiting portraits of himself, female portraits and everyday objects at the Maison du festival Rio Tinto Alcan until April 18 2010. Admission is free. Go to: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/ for details and directions.
Montreal Museums
The Museum of Architecture was founded in 1979. Founder Phyllis Lambert believes that architecture is a ‘public concern’. Its purpose is to build public awareness and promote research into design. Its unparalleled collection of photographs, archives, and artifacts models plans and prints is the basis for an educational centre as well as a museum. An international study centre was formed in 1997 to advance all areas of architectural practice. Current exhibitions include Parables and Other Allegories: The Work of Melvin Charney 1975-1990 Learning from… Ruscha and Venturi Scott Brown, 1962-1977. Go to http://www.cca.qc.ca/en for details and directions.
Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts is located in the heart of downtown Montreal. The world famous Tiffany collection is on until May 2 2010 and is a must see. The master of glass design and technology, Louis C. Tiffany’s, (1848-1933) works included: lamps, vases, mosaics and jewelry. Also featured in this exhibition is a one of a kind set of Tiffany stained glass windows which are now part of the permanent collection. For more information go to: http://www.mbam.qc.ca/tiffany/en/index.html
Montreal Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden is a great place to be indoors, be warm and let the kids run around. There are guided tours inside and outside covering over 4000 m2, so wear comfortable walking shoes! The Botanical Garden is the host and home to over 12,000 species and varieties from all over the Globe. Until April 25, 2010, the Greenhouse is full of butterflies- go inside and Go Free! For more information: http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm
Montreal Restaurants
Hungry? Montreal is home to some of the best restaurants in North America. Whether its seafood, steak or nouveau cuisine; there is something for every palette. Go to http://restomontreal.ca/index.php?lang=en for a comprehensive list of eateries.
Montreal Shopping
Shopping is plentiful as well- check out St. Denis Street, Outremont and the famous Boulevard St. Laurent for shopping that can’t be found anywhere else in Canada.
There is the Eaton Centre, McGill Mall, Complex les Ailes, and Complex Desjardins- all located downtown and on the metro line. Visit: http://www.out-there.com/qc12sh.htm for directions and hours.
So that is Montreal in a nutshell: winter or summer it will leave you exhilarated and feeling like you just got back from Paris for a fraction of the price!
By Melissa Montgomery