DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Parc Olympique

Parc Olympique

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One of Montréal’s most remarkable attractions, Parc Olympique is also one of its most controversial. Built for the 1976 Olympic Games, it remained unfinished until the 1980s, despite a cost of $1.4 billion, and the retractable roof over the stadium has never fully worked. Nevertheless, visitors can easily spend a full day or two entertained by the varied exhibitions, sights and activities available within this immense quadrilateral. Ride the funicular to the top of the Tour Montréal for the most enthralling view of the region.

Top 10 Sights

1. Stade Olympique

Designed by the French architect Roger Taillibert and constructed by local engineers for the 1976 Olympics, the stadium seats 65,000 people, has a cable-suspended roof and is covered in a membrane of space-age Kevlar material. Today it is used to stage rock concerts and baseball games.
2. Aréna Maurice-Richard

2. Aréna Maurice-Richard

Named after the Montréal Canadiens hockey legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard, the indoor rink continues to promote the sport. The museum “Univers Maurice-Richard” features the scoring ace’s memorabilia.
3. Biodome

The Biodome houses dazzling ecological attractions, with indigenous plants and animals of the Tropical Forest, Polar World and Laurentian Forest.
4. Insectarium

Quebecer Georges Brossard, known as “the Bug Man,” roams the world collecting exotic insects then displays them in this riveting showcase.
5. Jardin Botanique

Founded in 1931 and covering nearly 200 acres, the lush gardens were created by gifted horticulturist Henry Teuscher (see Jardin Botanique Features).
6. Tour Montréal

For the best view of Montréal ride the extraordinary, 2-minute, 76-seat funicular in the Tour Montréal. An observatory sits atop the world’s highest leaning tower, almost 152 m (500 ft) from ground to summit.
7. Marché Maisonneuve

More than just a taste of fresh market fare, the Marché Maisonneuve also provides a gathering point. Attracting clientele from all over the city and the province, the market is a great spot for people-watching.
8. Musée Château Dufresne

8. Musée Château Dufresne

The Gothic-inspired private residence, was originally designed and constructed by Parisian architect Jules Rénard and Marius Dufresne between 1915 and 1918. It now welcomes a variety of decorative exhibitions.
9. Centre Sportif

This sports complex houses six swimming pools with continuously recirculating water. Other resources include badminton courts, a scuba diving club, volleyball, and more.
10. Village Olympique Condos

An elegant, multi-tiered structure built to house athletes for the 1976 games is now a desirable set of condominiums.

Practical Information

The best place to eat, for both price and atmosphere, is Moe’s Deli on rue Sherbrooke (see Moe’s Deli & Bar). “Montréal in Motion” is a free photography exhibition capturing 100 years of the city’s history, located in the Observatory on top of the Tour Montréal. 4141 rue Pierre-de-Coubertin Métro Pie-IX (514) 252 4737 www.rio.gouv.qc.ca Adm to specific attractions Jardin Botanique 4101 rue Sherbrooke Est (514) 872 1400 Open mid-Jun–mid-Sep: 9am–6pm daily, mid- Sep–mid-Jun: 9am–5pm daily; Closed Mon in Jan–May, Nov, & Dec Dis. access Adm www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin