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Montreal Dorval Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Montreal Dorval
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Montreal Dorval Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Montreal Dorval - The world's largest inland port, Montreal was
founded as a missionary village in 1642, 100 years after Jacques
Cartier discovered the area. The French stayed in control of the
growing settlement until 1760 when the British stepped in, sparking
a now centuries-old French resentment of the British interference.
Despite some undeniable English architectural and cultural
influences, Montreal is today one of the world's largest
French-speaking cities, set on an overwhelmingly English-speaking
continent, and a metropolis of international repute, framed between
Mont Royal and the St Lawrence River.
The city
is in the south of Canada's Quebec province, only 37 miles (60km)
from the United States border, and is an important hub of North
American trade. It is a spacious, beautiful city characterised by a
series of underground shopping and recreation complexes, linked by
walkways and the metro. This subterranean city contains more than
18.5 miles (30km) of office and apartment complexes, major stores,
hotels, restaurants, metro stations, parking garages, movie
theatres, concert halls and more, all snugly accessible during the
snowy winters. Its population is a multicultural
mix, which has fostered a vibrant cultural life, cemented by its
French and British roots. There are several theatres offering
year-round plays, ballet and music, art galleries and museums. Like
most Canadian cities, Montreal has interspersed urban development
with green areas. In this case pride of place is taken by the
spacious Parc du Mont-Royal, designed by Frederic Olmsted, the
American landscape artist who also designed Central Park in New
York. The city also has 30 museums and numerous other attractions
of interest to visitors all year round.
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Montreal Dorval
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Old Port
De la Commune Street
www.quaysoftheoldport.com |
What is it? Montreal's Old Port (Vieux Port de Montreal)
is actually fairly new, having had a major face-lift to make it the
most popular site for visitors to the city - drawing five million
of them each year to throng the bustling wharves. There are still
plenty of boats in evidence but nowadays they are mainly tour
boats, ferries and even amphibious buses, which offer sailings
along the St Lawrence or around the port. Ferries cross to the Parc
des Iles, site of the Expo 67 world's fair, which lies in the St
Lawrence and offers family outdoor activities like picnic
facilities, swimming, skating or skiing in winter. The Old Port
itself is a thriving arts and entertainment venue where something
is always happening. It also offers a huge open-air skating rink,
Imax cinema, and a Science and Technology Center with interactive
displays. The port also has a vibey cafe culture. The clock tower
offers excellent views across the city and contains an exhibition
that traces Montreal's history. Around the port are the city's
original 17th-century fortifications.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(514) 496 7678 |
2. Olympic Park
4141 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue
www.rio.gouv.qc.ca |
What is it? Montreal's futuristic Olympic Park was built
for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games and still serves as a showpiece
today. Designed by French architect, Roger Tallibert, it is
impressive in both size and shape, able to hold up to 80,000
spectators who now gather here for concerts and baseball games. The
landmark tower on the main stadium, standing at 575ft (175m), is
the world's tallest inclined tower. Visitors can enjoy a
spectacular view of Montreal and its surroundings from the
observation floors, accessible by a funicular-type elevator. The
Olympic Park complex also features the unique attraction known as
the Biodome, a building containing four ecosystems. Opposite the
park pop over to view the wonderful Botanical Gardens, which are
the second largest in the world.
Hours of Operation: Daily guided tours of the Olympic Park are
half-hourly from 10am (low season tours are less frequent starting
at 11am); the funicular runs from 9am to 5pm (Labor Day (September)
to mid-June) and until 7pm from mid-June to
September
Phone:(514) 252 4141 |
3. St Joseph's Oratory
3800 Queen Mary Street
www.saint-joseph.org |
What is it? St Joseph's Oratory is a landmark in
Montreal, its imposing dome on the northwest flank of Mont Royal
visible for miles. This Oratory is a famous pilgrimage site,
despite only being completed in 1967, attracting over two million
visitors and pilgrims each year. It was founded by Brother Andre, a
beloved monk who was known as the miracle-worker of Mount Royal
because of his healing abilities. Work began on the basilica after
his death in 1937. Its dome is the second largest in the world,
being 318ft (97m) high; it is second only to St Peter's in Rome.
The Oratory's carillon is made up of 56 bells that were originally
cast for the Eiffel Tower in Paris; the Oratory acquired them in
1956. Visitors can climb the 283 steps from street level to the
basilica's portico for beautiful vistas over the
city.
Hours of Operation: Daily 7.30am to 9pm
Phone:(514) 733 8211 |
Montreal Dorval
holidays - Top Events
1. International Jazz Festival
From 2007-06-28
To 2007-07-08
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What is it? Montreal's annual jazz festival is one of the
best in the world, just celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Superstars of jazz, like Oscar Peterson, feature on the programme,
which offers more than 400 concerts over about 10 days each
summer.
Where is it? Various |
2. Montreal High Lights Festival
From 2007-02-22
To 2007-03-04
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What is it? Montreal's lively 11-day mid-winter festival
is designed to bring some light and warmth into local lives. It is
billed as 'three festivals in one', having a gastronomic, musical
and artistic component. There are more than 100 concerts scheduled,
more than 200 culinary and wine events, and various shows and
exhibitions, many of them free of charge.
Where is it? Various |
3. Pyromusical Competition
From 2007-06-20
To 2007-06-28
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What is it? Montreal's annual international fireworks
competition is the largest event of its kind in the world, and
spectacular to behold. Each year about eight teams from various
countries compete for putting on the most impressive pyromusical
display for a minimum of 30 minutes. This extremely popular event
is allegedly watched by nearly two and a half million people who
have a good view from various spots in the Montreal city
limits.
Where is it? Paid seats at La Ronde. Other good viewing points are
Jacques Cartier bridge (closed to traffic for the duration), along
the banks of the St Lawrence and in Vieux Montreal |
4. International Celtic-Acadian-Louisiana Festival
From 2007-07-15
To 2007-07-19
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What is it? The Celtic music festival features Celtic and
Acadian musicians and comprises music shows, music workshops, dance
shows, dance workshops, food tasting, storytelling and many other
activities. Since 2003, the Festival has been a meeting place for
music and for those who love music.
Where is it? Vaudreuil-Dorion |
5. Canadian F1 Grand Prix
From 2007-06-10
To 2007-06-10
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What is it? For more than a quarter of a century the
world's top motor racing drivers have been meeting at the demanding
Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit to battle out an important race in the
Formula One World Championship. This year's race will be as
exciting as ever.
Where is it? Gilles Villeneuve Circuit |
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