MontrealTraveller.info

Montreal City Guide

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:06:03 +0000

Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is geographically as close to the European coast as to Vancouver, and in look and feel it combines some of the finest aspects of the two continents. Its North American skyline of glass and concrete rises above churches and monuments in a melange of European styles as varied as Montréal’s social mix.

This is also the second-largest French-speaking metropolis after Paris, but only two-thirds of the city’s three and a half million people are of French extraction, the other third being a cosmopolitan mishmash of les autres - including British, Eastern Europeans, Chinese, Italians, Greeks, Jews, South Americans and West Indians. The result is a truly multidimensional city, with a global variety of eateries, bars and clubs, matched by a calendar of festivals that makes this the most vibrant place in Canada.

Montréal has always played a major role in advancing Québec separatism as it’s here that the two main linguistic groups come into greatest contact with one another. The tension between English and French culminated in the terrorist campaign that the Front de Libération du Québec focused on the city in the late 1960s, and the consequent political changes affected Montréal more than anywhere else in the province. In the wake of the “francization” of Québec, English-Canadians hit Hwy 401 in droves, tipping the nation’s economic supremacy from Montréal to Toronto.

Though written off by Canada’s English-speaking majority, the city did not sink into oblivion. Instead, the city has undergone a resurgence, becoming the driving force behind the high-tech industry that’s transforming Canada’s economy.

W Montreal

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:35:49 +0000

Housed in the city’s historic Banque du Canada building, this modern hotel is close to picturesque Old Montreal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the city’s world-class downtown area. When you make your way into the Living Room, your senses will be enticed by lighting, signatures scents, art and music, transforming the moment. The experience continues throughout while you enjoy the world-class restaurants, bars, Bliss Spas, W Happenings and more.

Rooms: 152. Hotel Chain: W Hotels.

Le Centre Sheraton

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:34:07 +0000

Located just minutes from the lively business district of Montreal, the hotel is close to exceptional shopping, fine dining and the entertainment district.

Friendly smiles and a warm welcome await you at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel. The spacious guest rooms are designed with your well-being in mind. Sink into the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, with its custom designed plush top mattress, cozy fleece blanket, plump duvet, and five cushy pillows.

After a full day spent with family, friends, or colleagues, make time for relaxation. Work up a sweat in the hotel’s complimentary fitness center, swim a few laps in the heated indoor pool, or just sink into the whirlpool to ease away the tensions of the day. Let Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel take the hassle out of your travel.

Hotel Maritime Plaza

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:32:51 +0000

The rooms at the Hotel Maritime Plaza have been meticulously decorated to fill you with a sense of well-being and relaxing comfort.

Carefully designed to suit all types of travelers, each room offers traditional furniture and superior quality personal amenities. The executive floors feature goose down duvet and pillows, adding a unique touch of elegance and warmth that will help you be carried away in delicious dreams.

Rooms: 214.

Best Western Europa Downtown

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:31:49 +0000

Hotel Europa is where the action is. Located just a stone’s throw away from the business, shopping and entertainment hub of Montreal, it offers easy access to what interests you most. Close at hand is the uptown Business District, Ste. Catherine Street’s renowned shopping zone and a wide variety of entertainment venues.Transact business during the day, shop till you drop, catch a game at the Bell Centre or just party the night away at one of many night spots!

Rooms: 177. Hotel Chain: Best Western.

Le Nouvel Hotel & Spa

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:30:33 +0000

Le Nouvel Hotel Montreal and Spa, is located in the heart of Downtown Montreal. Within easy walking distance of the Bell Centre, Crescent Street, Museum of Fine Arts, public transportation and a few minutes from the Casino and major other attractions, Le Nouvel Hôtel & Spa-Montreal will make your stay memorable!

Rooms: 131.

Ogilvy

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:20:33 +0000

This grand dame of St-Catherine Street stores has undergone many changes since it first opened more than 130 years ago. What was once the store of choice for genteel Montrealers is now a series of upscale boutiques, ranging from the Pavillon Christofle crystalware shop to Gifts and Gear for gardeners. During the Christmas holiday season, the store revives its famous antique Enchanted Village from the 1940s. It is not uncommon for dozens of shoppers to stop and watch the mechanical animals bobbing up and down in the display window.

Fairmount Bagel

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:11:36 +0000

Bagels, for the uninitiated, are round pieces of dough boiled and then fire-baked; the Montreal bagel differs from the New York variety in its smaller size. They are fantastic toasted, with cream cheese or spreads, and for sandwiches; most buy them by the dozen. Only years of practice will allow the connoisseur to distinguish between these bagels and those from St-Viateur, which lies one street to the north. Their various merits and flaws are the subject of endless local debate.

St-Viateur Bagel

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:09:09 +0000

St-Viateur is in constant competition with Fairmount Bagel, located just one block north, and it is very hard to tell the two apart. Locals are fiercely loyal, however, and will have patronized one or the other for generations. The traditional sesame-seed variety is now supplemented by poppy seed, whole wheat and many other flavours. This 24-hour bakery is located in the interesting Mile-End district, once home to the majority of Montreal’s Jewish community. Cash only. Other locations at 158 St-Viateur St W (+1 514 270 2972) and 1127 Mont-Royal Ave E (+1 514 528 6361).

Cours Mont-Royal

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:05:05 +0000

Montreal’s most visually appealing downtown shopping center is also its most upscale. The exterior is an attractive blend of old-fashioned stone skyscraper with modern touches, while the interior is centered around a giant decorated lobby. Shoppers will find Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY, among many other international designers, along with the more universal appeal of Club Monaco and Juan & Juanita. The SAQ Signature focuses on high-end wine from around the world, while numerous cafes and restaurants provide respite from a day’s shopping.