DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City

Situated on the mighty St Lawrence River, the sights of these two cities captivate visitors with their history, culture and festivity. Not only were they both major players in the foundation of Canada but their portside locations have kept them at the heart of international commerce, resulting in a harmonious blend of heritage architecture and exciting modern venues that charm all those who come to Canada’s “belle province.”

Avenue du Mont-Royal

This street has vitality and panache, reflected in its bevy of eclectic eateries, curiosity shops and cafés but mostly in the laid-back attitude of its residents. Bargain shops nestle beside haute couture boutiques, while markets sell everything from hip fashion to ethnic cuisine.
Avenue du Parc

Starting at rue Sherbrooke heading north, this riotous thoroughfare slices through the principal neighborhoods of McGill Ghetto, Parc Mont-Royal, Le Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End and Park Extension. It is possible to spend a whole day on this street alone, starting with breakfast at Chez Cora’s, enjoying the mountain’s Tam-Tam drum festival (Sundays only), sampling an authentic Greek, Lebanese or Italian lunch, shopping for bargains or custom-made leather coats, stopping for a swim at the YMCA, enjoying a drink while listening to live African music, then ending the day with a show at the Rialto Theatre.
Bank of Montréal Museum

The oldest bank in Canada (1817) houses an interesting currency museum within an ornate interior.
Bar de l’Auteuil

Live music concerts ranging from alternative rock to Celtic to jazz and blues can be enjoyed every evening at this cavernous bar. Catering to an energetic crowd, it’s a great place for travelers to meet new friends.
Bar Jello

A sensational martini bar with lava lamps and a rotation of live music acts covering jazz, blues, soul, reggae and world music to set your feet in motion on the dance floor.
Bar Saint-Sulpice

A well known bar popular with university students as the perfect place to party. Contemporary music inside and a massive outdoor garden make for an ideal night out.
Basilique Notre-Dame

When the largest bell in North America begins to thunder over Place d’Armes, legions of pigeons create a spectacle reminiscent of St Peter’s Square in Rome. Meanwhile throngs of pilgrims and visitors flock daily to this compelling architectural masterpiece (see Basilique Notre-Dame).
Basilique Notre-Dame

North America’s largest church when constructed in 1829 is still the Gothic Revival gem of VieuxMontréal (see Basilique Notre-Dame).
Basilique Notre-Dame, Montréal

Once the largest church in North America, the imposing Gothic towers of the cathedral loom over Place d’Armes. Inside, a decorative nave is composed of stained-glass windows, hand-carved wooden statues, ornate goldleaf trimmings and paintings (see Basilique Notre-Dame).
Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

This mammoth cathedral site is busy throughout the year with religious pilgrims, following the legacy of answered prayers touted by those who have visited this beautiful shrine (see Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré).