As the first urban centre and the seventh global destination to sign the National Geographic Geotourism Charter, you might say that we take the outdoors seriously.
And herein lies yet another Montréal contrast: our island city is both a bustling urban centre and a fantastic outdoor destination. Surprising? Not really, when you consider our lifestyle and landscape.
Mount Royal really is at the “heart” of it all, given its central location and its potential for a great cardio workout! Designed by Frederick Olmsted (the mastermind behind New York’s Central Park), the mountain is our favourite four-season playground. We walk our dogs, run up, toboggan down, rollerblade, ski or cycle around, bird watch or simply flake out and enjoy the energy of the masses here.
Many commuters take advantage of over 1,000 kilometres of bike paths—some even in the winter—but mostly we use them for pleasure. After all, is there anything better than cruising around the Old Port or the island oasis of Parc Jean-Drapeau only to stop at the Atwater Market for some good eats?
Since we live on an island, it goes without saying that we take to the water for fun. A stone’s throw from the Old Port’s magnificent vistas of the St. Lawrence River, the Lachine Rapids and Canal are ideal for rafting, sailing and jet boating.
If we’re not out in one of the many parks that dot the city from end to end, then we might be taking some time to smell the roses in our 180-hectare Botanical Garden or leisurely watching the world go by on a balcony or terrace.
