Montreal Attractions
View of downtown Montréal from the Old Port © Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
Old Port of Montreal
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.
Address: De la Commune Street;
Website: www.quaysoftheoldport.com;
Telephone: (514) 496 7678;
Transport: Square-Victoria, Place d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars metro stations are a short walk away
