Montreal Sightseeing Suggestions

by Janice Hamilton

From the Biodome to the Old Port, there is a lot to see in this wonderful city.

In fact, the choices for sightseeing can be overwhelming, so Montreal PWACers have put together some suggestions of their favorite destinations, plus on-line directions, so you can preview these spots before you leave home.

Some of the best attractions are also the best known. Here are some favorites:

If you are a history buff, you'll enjoy the McCord Museum of Canadian History (www.McCord-Museum.qc.ca) and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History (www.musee-pointe-a-calliere.qc.ca/indexan.html), where you'll visit archaeological remains under the streets of Old Montreal, at the very spot where the city was founded.

If you're a gardener, you won't want to miss the Botanical Gardens (www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm). The Japanese and Chinese gardens, and the Bonsai collection are real treasures.

Nearby, for curious insect-lovers, is the Insectarium (www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/insectarium/eng/html/menu.htm).

Also easily seen on the same trip is the Biodome. Its Web site (www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/ebdm.htm) doesn't do it justice, but it is fun to visit its four ecosystems, and catch a glimpse of the animals in their habitats. Click on the live Webcam and maybe you will see the penguins being fed right now.

The Canadian Center for Architecture (www.cca.qc.ca/contents.html) has a wealth of information for anyone interested in architecture.

Even if you don't have time to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in person, the interactive Web site (www.mmfa.qc.ca/a-sommaire.html) is informative and entertaining.

For something really unique, Jet Boat tours of the Lachine Rapids can't be beat. You can make your reservations online ahead of time at www.jetboatingmontreal.com/english/index.html. It isn't a cheap thrill, but it is actually quite safe, and they suit you up in rubber boots, pants and raincoat so you won't get all wet.

If you want to see the river but aren't feeling that adventurous, try the Amphibus. It will drive you on a tour of Old Montreal, then morph into an amphibious vehicle and head for the water. No Web site, but you can phone 514-849-5181.

If you are considering a bike ride or rollerblading excursion along the Lachine Canal, you can preview your route at http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/canallachine/.

And for those of you who can't sleep or who really want to part with some cash in a hurry, there's always the Casino open 24/7 (www.casinos-quebec.com).

The main page of tourism Montreal's Web site for tourists is www.tourism-montreal.org. It includes descriptions of attractions, including museums and historically significant buildings, as well as links to Webcams around the city. You can link form here to maps and Web sites that will help you get around the city.

www.stcum.qc.ca will give you maps and schedules for local bus and Metro routes.

Old Montreal's official Web site, www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca, has a guided tour of the area, plus a brief overview of the area's rich history, going back to the original native inhabitants.

The Yahoo guide to Montreal (http://travel.yahoo.com/t/North_America/Canada/Quebec/Montreal/) has lots of links to interesting sites in the area.

Read www.montrealgazette.com, the online edition of the Montreal Gazette, if you want to familiarize yourself with local news. Finally, you can check out the local weather forecast at http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/Montreal_CN_c.html.