Montreal: A City of History and Culture

Old and new blend seamlessly to define this dynamic city, which is hip and contemporary, yet still quaintly charming and ripe with heritage. With a variety of intriguing museums and several artistically based festivals that take place throughout the year, Montreal has something to offer everyone. So, put on your walking shoes and tour the historical museums or participate in the exciting events during your Montreal vacation.

Museums

Montreal has a plethora of fascinating museums and historical attractions to choose from during your vacation. Be sure to explore the many exhibits housed within the Centre d'histoire de Montreal, the Biodome de Montreal, and even the Basilique Notre-Dame.

The Centre d'histoire de Montreal (History Center of Montreal) is the perfect place to begin your Montreal adventure, as you can learn so much about the city's background here. Committed to preserving Montreal's heritage, this museum features exhibits about the city's architecture, history, and culture by means of murals, displays, and technology. The facility hosts permanent exhibits that highlight artists or leaders who have been residents of the city over the last century, as well as temporary exhibits that provide specific details about life in Montreal.

If you're in the mood for a more artistic attraction, check out the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art), which is Canada's only major museum of contemporary art. It features exhibitions of post-1940s art from Quebec (along with those from all around the world), as well as an extensive contemporary art library. This complex has also hosted more than 600 exhibitions, and attracts over 1.6 million visitors yearly. It's a great venue for you to visit during your stay, especially if you want to get a good feel for the city's local arts district.

For a look into the city's unique architecture, check out the Centre of Canadian Architecture, which is housed in an award-winning building that displays the true distinctiveness found in Montreal's architecture. Along with taking pride in featuring the exceptional architecture, urban planning, and landscape design in Montreal, this impressive museum also maintains a library and gardens, as well as its own collection of prints and drawings, numbering more than 65,000. Additionally, the facility has incorporated the historic Shaughnessy House into its construction; this circa-1874 home has been converted into reception rooms and administrative offices. It's a very interesting place to visit and learn more about the construction of Montreal.

Step back in time and walk through the neo-Gothic Basilique Notre-Dame, which was built in the scale and manner of Europe's great churches in 1829. It's said that the protestant architect James O'Donnell, who designed the basilica, was so taken with the project that he converted to Catholicism. Fine woodwork, rose ceiling windows, blue vaulted ceilings and a massive church bell make this a breathtaking place to visit. A small, on-site museum displays various religious artifacts, paintings and vestments.

To have a one-of-a-kind museum experience, visit Montréal's Biodôme, which is the only one of its type in the world. Featuring four distinct ecosystems recreated in the former Olympic Games Velodrome, this fascinating museum has fashioned these ecosystems to represent the four most beautiful habitats found in North, Central and South America. Children will love exploring all of these environments and seeing the mini-habitats, where the mammals, birds and plant life thrive.

Festivals

Known as the "City of Festivals," Montreal boasts a variety of entertaining festivals and events throughout the year. Favorites such as the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Le Festival Montreal en Lumiere, and Festival International du Film sur L'Art draw thousands of people to the city annually. No matter what time of year you're traveling, you're sure to find something going on here in Montreal.

If you're traveling around the beginning of the year, particularly in February, be sure to check out Le Festival Montréal en Lumière (Montreal High Lights Festival). Among several scheduled activities, there are wine and food tastings, art exhibits, concerts, and theatre performances. During the Hydro-Quebec Celebration of Light, you can sit around a sparkling bonfire sipping hot cocoa and watch the sky light up in a dazzling fireworks display. It's a fabulous activity for the whole family, and it keeps the city bustling and cheerful during what can often seem like a dreary time of year. Just so you know, many of these events and activities are free to the public, but most of the performances are ticketed.

Festival International du Film sur L'Art (International Festival of Films on Art) takes place just as spring is beginning to emerge. What started in 1981 with 50 works from 12 countries has now become a 10-day event that screens more than 270 films from 25 different countries. You can see all types of films covering virtually every kind of artistic pursuit, as both short and feature length films portray painting, dance, sculpture, architecture, theatre, photography, literature, music, mime, circus arts, tattooing, and even comics. No matter where you're coming from, it's worth the commute to Montreal.

During the summer (July), you must visit The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal (Montreal International Jazz Festival). Held in the Sainte-Catherine area of downtown, this two-week jazz extravaganza presents free outdoor stage events and impromptu street jams. Tickets for indoor jazz performances are available, as well. This festival is great for families and features all kinds of musical styles, including zydeco, blues, gospel and "new jazz."

Noël dans le Parc (Christmas in the Park) takes place during the holiday season, with festive concerts, elaborate light displays, and lively street performers. Held in two different locations (Lahaie Park and Faubourgs Park), this event is a delightful weekend experience.

As you can see, the bustling metro of Montreal is a charming city that holds fast to its heritage while also embracing contemporary arts and culture. With an impressive array of museums and historical centres as well as exciting, artistic year-round festivals, this city is a fabulous place to visit and to tour.