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Reminiscent of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the cathedral was built in the 19th century to service the local Catholic community. It continues to attract visitors and residents, not least because of outstanding architectural features such as the neo-Baroque copper and gold baldachin above the altarpiece. This grand lady remains firmly at the heart of Montréal’s Downtown activity.

The underlying thrust of this compelling center (also known as iSci) is to demystify all aspects of science, from technology and how it influences our daily lives, to exploring the underwater world of the ocean. Entertaining and innovative interactive games make the learning fun. For younger kids there is an indoor playground with a model dragon (see Centre des Sciences de Montréal).

This richly decorated chapel is the greatest achievement of artist Napoleon Bourassa, grandson of Louis-Joseph Papineau, the father of Québec nationalism. Bourassa studied in Paris, Rome and Venice, returning to Montréal with the desire to create fine art as an expression of patriotism and faith. The chapel was erected in 1876 for the Sulpician Order.

Nowhere is the spirit and passion of Québec Province more obvious than in this 200-km (130-mile) coastal district of rolling hills, quaint villages and pastoral scenes. Baie St-Paul, with its heritage houses, is one of the most charming.

The most photographed landmark in the city, this imposing hotel with its green copper roof is an architectural jewel designed by architect Bruce Price as a French-style château. Since it opened in 1893, the hotel has welcomed the rich, the famous and the noble through its doors and into its plush salons. Guided tours are available (see Fairmont Château Frontenac, Québec City).

Canada’s distinguished transcontinental railway system owes a great debt to the many Chinese laborers who made it a reality. After 1880, when the railway was finished, Chinese workers decided to settle in Montréal and gathered together in this enclave to protect themselves against local discrimination. Today the area is also home to many other Southeast Asian communities. A stroll through the lantern-lit streets around boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue de la Gauchetière will impress visitors with bargain boutiques, inexpensive ethnic eateries and cultural hodgepodge.

Choose a film from the National Film Board’s inventory, then watch while a robot goes through its routines to find, select and deliver the video to you without error. Then enjoy the film in a private viewing unit.

A fascinating look at space and the universe in all its diversity. Large scale models of the solar system explain the make-up of every planet, while the rockets exhibition provides an insight into space travel.

This community, 30 minutes’ drive from Montréal, was first settled by the Sulpician Order during the French Regime, and the fresh produce of this region, including the famous Oka cheese, is a carry-over from the agricultural traditions begun by the priests. Parc National d’Oka offers camping, kayaking, hiking and a sandy beach.

Built as a military defence against the British in the 18th century, the striking stone gate (Porte Saint-Jean) is now a tourist draw from which visitors can access and walk for 4 km (3 miles) along the city’s ramparts. The area around the gate, also known as Quartier Montcalm, has an intense concentration of Québécois specialty merchants, as well as designer boutiques, cultural outlets and nightclubs. Bring your appetite too, because this zone is famous for its bistros and restaurants serving fine French cuisine.