Don’t miss out!
Nestled on an island along the majestic St. Lawrence River lies Montréal – one of the most exciting metropolises on the planet. Crowned in 2011 with the “Best Global Destination” title by NewNowNext.com, ranked as one of the “World’s Best Summer Cities” on Lonely Planet, acclaimed one of The New York Times “Hip Cities That Think About How They Work” and listed as one of Frommer’s “World's 10 Best Cities for Outdoor Dining,” Montréal is without a doubt one of the world’s must-see cities.
The city never ceases to fascinate visitors as they sail into the Port of Montréal, or discover its dazzling shoreline just a 20-minute ride from Montréal-Trudeau Airport. Recognized in 2011 as the Most Efficient Terminal Operator and Best Turnaround Destination by the prestigious magazine Dream World Cruise Destinations — the Port of Montréal’s smooth operations ensure that visitors enjoy an outstanding travel experience.
Step into an urban isle of delight
Once the ship drops anchor, passengers are immediately lured by the thrilling city life and impressive skyline of the Old Port. With its European-style architecture and horse-drawn carriages gently rolling along cobblestone streets, Old Montréal is like a slice of the Old World, snuggled next to a 21st-century city renowned for its cutting-edge flair.
Visitors love to stroll through the winding streets of the historic city and visit some of its main cultural attractions, such as the Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, the Bonsecours Market, the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Montréal Science Centre (located directly on the quays). Numerous art galleries, chic fashion boutiques, internationally acclaimed restaurants and charming cafés offer visitors a chance to take in so much just a stone’s throw from the docks.
Old meets new in a festive atmosphere!
Heading further into the effervescent city centre requires a short walk and is instantly rewarded with shopping, fine dining and the dynamic energy of popular festivals such as the International Jazz Festival, the Just For Laughs comedy festival or the FrancoFolies de Montréal – one of the largest French-language music festivals in the world. Most of these events take place in the Quartier des spectacles, Montréal’s vast cultural epicentre – with over 80 venues and 30 performance halls – offering up spectacular live performances of dance, theatre and music.
Once in the heart of Montréal, visitors revel in the city’s “joie de vivre” by mixing with locals at one of the many restaurants and terraces, enjoying meals prepared by renowned chefs using local ingredients, or sipping a creative cocktail while listening to the locals conversing in French, English, or sometimes both. All this enticing activity is only minutes from the waterfront!
Before the anchors are drawn from the waters, in the summer months – on Tuesdays and Saturdays – spectacular firework competitions illuminate the sky in the Old Port, during L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, mesmerizing both tourists and locals.
Whether visiting for a few hours or a few days, Montréal always leaves a lasting impression.
