DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Places of interest

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Frelighsburg

A peaceful town at the foot of Mount Pinnacle and near the US border, Frelighsburg’s landscape attracts artists and photographers.
Gay Village

Montréal is a gay-friendly city, so much so that one of the most festive parades each year belongs to this expanding community. Located between rue St-Hubert and avenue Papineau, the Village is alive with activity around the clock. Restored homes mix with contemporary condominiums to create a diverse and exciting area attracting visitors from around the globe – Montréal will even be the site of Gay Games VII in 2006.
Grosse Ile and Irish Memorial National Historic Site

These sites commemorate the tragic events experienced by many Irish immigrants who, escaping the potato famine in their native country, were quarantined here on their arrival to Canada but died during the typhoid epidemic of 1847. Take the tourist trolley to the village and hospitals sector, where you can admire numerous historic buildings, and visit the restored 1847 Lazaretto Catholic chapel.
Hôtel de Ville

Montréal’s town hall was a gracious Second Empire-style edifice built between 1872 and 1878 by architect Henri-Maurice Perrault (1828–1903). Damaged by fire in 1922 it was rebuilt a year later in Beaux-Arts style, inaugurated in 1926 and is still used for its original function. It is possible to visit the interior and City Council sessions, open to the public on Monday nights at 7pm. It offers one of the most extravagant sights each evening when its array of lights illuminate the night sky (see Hôtel de Ville, Montréal).
Hudson and Rigaud

A favorite jaunt west from Montréal has traditionally included the communities of Hudson and Rigaud, hugging the mountains along the pastoral Ottawa River. Hudson, with its history of British settlement and fur trading, has a prevalence of historic mansions set on magnificent estates and an abundance of antiques shops, art galleries, and cafés. Its landscape is a popular destination for equestrians, while its riverside setting draws a keen sailing crowd. In contrast, the village of Rigaud is more of a French area, maintaining its Gallic legacy in elegant churches, convents, guesthouses and family-run farms.
Ile d’Orléans

This enchanting island outside Québec City is dotted with quaint farms that produce many of the fruits, vegetables and culinary specialties of the region. Designated a heritage site with over 600 preserved buildings, visiting Ile d’Orléans is a memorable experience (see Ile d’Orléans).
Insectarium, Montréal

This astounding display, unique in North America, celebrates insects of every size and shape. It opened in 1990 thanks to Georges Brossard, who traveled the world to collect the fascinating bugs. Although most of the insects are dead, there are live tarantulas and other creepy crawlies, safely ensconced behind glass (see Insectarium).
Knowlton

Set on the inviting shores of Lac Brome, this 19th-century anglophone village has an idyllic locale, attracting vacationers and weekenders.
La Citadelle

Strategically perched on the precipice of Cap Diamant with a full 360-degree view, this powerful bastion would daunt the bravest of enemies approaching the riverside city. All you need to do is attend one of its summertime cannon-firing demonstrations to appreciate the persuasive power of this mighty fortress (see La Citadelle, Québec City).
La Ronde Six Flags Amusement Park, Montréal

The largest amusement park in Québec was originally opened for Expo ’67. Since Six Flags took over as owner in 2001, however, even more fun can be had as new rides and attractions are added each year. Enthusiasts will love Vertigo, which swings visitors 18 m (60 ft) up in the air through a 360-degree rotation. Tamer rides, such as spinning tea cups and carousels, will appeal to younger children.