DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Places of interest

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Parc du Mont-Royal

Mont Royal, after which Montréal is named, defines the city’s personality with its year-round outdoor attractions, multi-ethnic cemetery and lush, rolling breadth overlooking the St Lawrence River. Parc du Mont-Royal has attained the distinction of being the only place in Québec to receive both historic and natural heritage status from the government, which means that it is protected forever as a green space for all to enjoy (see Parc du Mont-Royal).
Parc National du Canada de la Mauricie

One of Canada’s most spectacular areas of rivers, lakes, mountains and wildlife, La Mauricie National Park is only a two-hour drive from downtown Montréal or Québec City. It is accessible all year round, and is a perennial favorite with campers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly popular with anglers, with trout and pike found in abundance in Lac Wapizagonke.
Parc National du Mont-Mégantic

Stargazing is the rule in this huge natural wonderland as the Astrolab observatory beckons astronomers of every level.
Parc National du Mont-Orford

Rising majestically beside the Eastern Townships Autoroute, Mont Orford is the central area for outdoor activities in this sprawling preserve, covering over 57 sq km (22 sq miles) around the mountain.
Parc Olympique

This astonishing attraction offers exhilarating activities for all age groups. From the dizzying heights of the world’s highest leaning tower, the Tour de Montréal atop the Stade Olympique; through the jungle environment of the Biodôme, home to numerous indigenous wild plants and animals; and to the 200 beautiful acres of the Jardin Botanique – you can easily spend a full day or two exploring this area (see Parc Olympique).
Place de l’Hôtel de Ville

In the 18th century this square was the site of the Notre-Dame market and is still a popular gathering place for locals. During the summer it is often jammed with visitors who come to enjoy free music concerts and performances by local actors. The Romanesque architecture, as seen in the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) immediately beside the square, lends the area an imposing air.
Place Jacques-Cartier & Place de la Dauversière

Two famous names in Canadian history have beautiful squares directly across from each other. Place Jacques-Cartier (see Place Jacques-Cartier, Montréal) celebrates the French discoverer of Canada (see Jacques Cartier), while Place de la Dauversière honors Jerome le Royer, Sieur de la Dauversière of La Flèche in Anjou, France. Dauversière was the Royal Tax Collector whose idea it was to build a colony here, eventually called Ville-Marie.
Place Royale

The site of Nouvelle-France’s first settlement, built by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, has been the hub of the city’s cultural activities throughout its history. Shipbuilders, merchants, clergy and everyday citizens once gathered here to conduct commerce, celebrate harvests, marry, drink and bury their dead. Today, festivals such as Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France (see Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France) rekindle the days of the early settlers with theatrical performances incorporating period costumes and traditional music. Don’t miss Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires with its paintings by Van Dyck depicting French victory over the British in 1690.
Planetarium, Montréal

Under the starry skies projected onto the Star Theatre’s domed ceiling, visitors are propelled into the heavens courtesy of high-precision technology. A fascinating journey into time and outer space to understand the planets and the universe.
Quartier Petit-Champlain

Home to artisans in the 17th century and dockworkers in the 19th century, the houses in this area have now been renovated and adapted into a range of eclectic gift shops, turning what is the oldest part of the city into today’s liveliest quarter. Maple butter, French macramé, and sculpted cherrywood cribs are just a few of the many unusual treats you can purchase here. Along the way you can eat and drink in the bars and cafés lining the pedestrianized streets.