Though founded later than Old Quebec, the historic square in the heart of Vieux-Montreal has its share of vintage buildings and colourful tales. It is now home to musicians, magicians and acrobats that entertain the crowds at every opportunity. Horse drawn caleshes or carriages clip clop along the winding streets. Indulge in authentic French onion soup or the more calorie laden but local favourite poutine (fries with cheese curds smothered in gravy). Spend lazy afternoons or warm summer evenings in open air cafes that provide excellent seats for the art of people watching. Sample authentic Montreal smoked meat on rye with the obligatory dill pickle, or chewy, crunchy bagels fresh from an oven that has been delivering these treats for over a century. Warning: both of these culinary temptations are addicting!
Escape the bitter cold of winter or the humidity of summer in downtown Montreal's unique and fascinating underground city. Beneath the traffic and pedestrian flow of the downtown core this entire second city makes it possible to spend an entire week in downtown Montreal and never see the light of day. The quiet, rubber wheeled Metro (subway) system services seven hotels, 1,600 boutiques, 30 movie theatres, 200 restaurants, three universities, two colleges, two train stations, a skating rink, 40 banks, a bus terminal, an art museum, concert halls, the home ice arena of the Montreal Canadiens (hockey) and a cathedral. Downtown's topside city is also home to a number of boutique hotels as well as luxury hotels.
The residential areas surrounding the site of the 1976 Olympics offer bed and breakfast inns, apartments and condominiums. The Biodome with its natural history exhibit is a big draw. Nearby the Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden) and the Insectarium (all you ever wanted to know about bugs) attract visitors of all ages. Kids especially love to sneak peeks at the creepy crawlies. EasyRez offers information and summer packages on many of Montreal's popular visitor attractions.
Condos and apartments may be found many parts of Montreal and offer a more independent style of travel accommodation than hotels. From cozy studios to those with several bedrooms, condos are ideal for families or small groups traveling together. Fully equipped kitchens give you the option of dining in or out: great for your travel budget. The condos in Montreal have a somewhat different feel than
Mont Tremblant condos. Many condos in Montreal are in Heritage buildings and the combination of modern luxuries with vintage architecture has its own unique charm.
A perfect example of the melding of old architecture with modern luxury is a lovely Queen Anne building circa 1898 that now houses two bedroom apartments within walking distance of McGill University and Mont Royal Park. The warm earth tones and pastels in the decor complement the original brick walls of the Downtown McGill 2 Bedroom Apartments. They offer fully equipped kitchens, private entrances and internet access and are an easy walk to shops, cafes, restaurants and the Metro (subway).
Another vintage gem is a 1900 French Chateau style building at the edge of beautiful Plateau Mont Royal. Eight one bedroom apartments were created within the structure in 2006 and the Downtown Mont Royal One Bedroom Apartments are elegantly appointed with the latest in modern conveniences and security features. Cafes, including one on the ground floor, are popular meeting places for locals and visitors alike.
Another charmer is a spacious four bedroom town home that takes up two floors of a 150 year old brownstone structure. Offering 2,250 square feet of living space the Downtown 4 Bedroom Townhome can comfortably accommodate up to eight people. Filled with artwork, antiques and bold colours this apartment makes a cheery retreat in the midst of the fun and excitement of downtown Montreal. It is steps away from the Bell Centre and only two blocks from the shops, restaurants and cafes of Ste Catherine Street. The closest Metro (subway) stop is a block away.
Amidst the streets of Montreal's Old Port, one can find the most modern of condo offerings. Hidden within a restored 1927 Old Port high rise is an Old Port 2 Bedroom condo featuring contemporary furnishings and must have amenities. A four season roof top swimming pool is framed by glass, allowing panoramic views of the city. Guests share those views on an adjacent outdoor terrace in the warmer months.
Montrealers love to celebrate the snows of winter. On weekends in late January to early February, the entire Ile Ste-Helene is transformed into a winter wonderland. Explore the massive snow castle, take a dog sled or horse drawn sleigh ride, or coast a toboggan down one of the many hills. Try ice skating on the island or at one of the 195 outdoor and 21 indoor rinks throughout the city, including the huge outdoor venue in Vieux-Port.
Montreal offers both cross country and downhill skiing either in city limits or within an hours drive. Cross country ski trails can be found in most city parks, including Mont Royal and the Lachine Canal. Though Parc du Mont Royal has a small downhill ski slope, Mont St-Bruno with a vertical drop of 443 feet, it does feature Quebec's largest ski school, a high speed lift and offers night skiing. Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is about a two hour drive and Ste Sauveur is less than an hour. Combine your Montreal visit with a trip to Quebec City and also explore skiing at Mont Ste Anne. Check with EasyRez for winter packages and accommodations not only in Montreal but in all of these popular winter destinations. The
Tremblant condos are particularly sought after.
Summer brings the chance to golf scenic courses both locally and throughout the Laurentians including Mont Tremblant Resort and Mont Ste Anne. There are lovely
Mont Tremblant condominiums at the edge of some of the world's premier golf courses. There are more than 350 kilometers (217 miles) of cycling trails throughout the city. Visit La Ronde amusement park that is home to the Monstre, one of the tallest wooden roller coasters in the world.
Take a romantic night cruise where the city lights rival the stars for your attention, or a cruise during the summer for the best view of the International Fireworks Competition. Check with EasyRez about these popular venues as well as available summer packages and last minute discounts.