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These islands are one of Montréal’s greatest escapes and one of Canada’s premier tourist areas, accessible either by car or train to Brockville. About two hours west of the border of Ontario and Québec, 1000 Islands actually covers 1,865 islands running the 80-km (50-mile) span from Brockville to Kingston, formed by meta-morphic rock at the end of the last Ice Age. St Lawrence Islands National Park is the jewel in the crown. Camp sites are available on 11 of the islands.

European-style dishes fine-tuned by the owner/chef.

Take the No. 11 bus from Mont-Royal Métro station up avenue du Mont-Royal and you will be able to see the Parc Olympique to the east. Disembark at Lac aux Castors and walk around the lakeside trail to see resident ducks and geese. Follow the trail, veering to your left, to chemin Olmsted, which leads you past sculptures of the International Sculpture Symposium. Continue to Maison Smith (see Parc Olympique), and take in the wonderful exhibit presented by Les amis de la montagne (Friends of the Mountain).

Return to chemin Olmsted and follow the trail left to the commemorative Olmsted plaque embedded in rock and then on to the main chalet and Kondiaronk Lookout (see Lookouts). This is the most outstanding viewpoint of the city. Return to the path behind the chalet, turn right and a little further on climb the path on your left to the foot of La Croix (see La Croix), the most recognized symbol of Montréal.

Return to Maison Smith to take the bus back to Mont-Royal Métro station then continue east along avenue du Mont-Royal on foot. This street buzzes with commotion and you can choose from a feast of tantalizing cafés for lunch.

Start your walk on rue St-Pierre at the Musée Marc-Aurèle Fortin to see his masterful paintings of Québec’s countryside. There is an interesting plaque next door providing a history of the neighborhood buildings. Continue down St-Pierre towards the waterfront and cross rue de la Commune to the walking path. Turn right to inspect the locks then enter the pretty Parc des Ecluses. The park’s restaurant terrace is a perfect place for a morning coffee break.

Next, head east along the waterfront where you may find second-hand booksellers, yachts of the rich and famous and portrait artists vying for your attention. Stay beside the water, past the Centre des Sciences de Montréal to Bassin Bonsecours, the waterfall, Quai de l’Horloge .

Go north to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours (400 rue St-Paul Est) where, if you are feeling energetic, you can climb the interior stairs for a wonderful view of the Vieux-Port, then go directly across the street to Auberge du Pierre-Calvet . Take a peek inside at the sumptuous period surroundings.

End your walk by strolling through Marché Bonsecours with its designer boutiques, then continue along rue St-Paul and buy a take-out lunch at Resto Chez l’Epicier to enjoy on Place Jacques-Cartier (see Place Jacques-Cartier & Place de la Dauversière) while people-watching.

Start at St Patrick’s Basilica (corner of rue St-Alexandre and blvd RenéLévesque Ouest) to explore the nave of this wonderful church, then take rue de la Gauchetière east across to ave Viger. Notice the beautiful Chinese lantern streetlights while you continue on to the bargain shops, dim sum restaurants, fresh produce markets and herbal stores. Go down St-Urbain to the Holiday Inn Select Montréal Centre-Ville (99 ave Viger Ouest • Map K2) to the second-floor Jardins Chinois – a superb stop for a quiet drink.

Exit the hotel, turn right back on to rue de la Gauchetière, turn right again, then continue to boulevard St-Laurent, the heart of Chinatown and the main street dividing Montréal into east and west. Make your way to rue St-Denis and turn left. You will now have an opportunity to savor the effervescence of the Quartier-Latin and succumb to the boutiques, restaurants, bistros and cafés. Enter the stunning Bibliothèque Nationale (1700 rue St-Denis ) to see the stained-glass ceilings. Continue north to Carré St-Louis, the center of the quarter with a distinctly French ambiance. Beautiful belle époque homes abound in this area, especially on avenue Laval.

Continue the French theme for lunch on the terrace of Café Cherrier (see Café Cherrier).

The best weinerschnitzel , fondue, goulash and strudel in the city. The Heidi Room can be booked for group celebrations.

Using its height as its moniker, with views over Mont-Royal and the St Lawrence River valley, this three-floor enterprise offers visitors an entertainment package of lounge, dance club and restaurant. In summer they open the spectacular terrace for additional dancing space. Reservations recommended.

A heritage exterior gives way to plush accommodations inside. Friendly staff, proud of their manoir , offer a 24-hour reception, suites with whirlpools, and Internet facilities.