Montreal/Tremblant/Laurentians, Canada

What to do in Montreal/Tremblant/Laurentians, Canada

Musee des Beaux-Arts

Of Montreal's many museums, this is the most prominent. The original 1912 neo-classical pavilion and the new annex house a permanent collection of international and Canadian contemporary art, and European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Greater Montreal Tram Tour

This extensive tour of the city features the Places d'Armes, a guided tour of Notre Dame Church and bustling Jacques Cartier Square, all in Old Montreal. Other tour highlights include St Helen's and Notre Dame Island, Mont Royal lookouts, and the Olympic Park.

Biodome de Montreal

Originally built for the 1976 Olympics, the Biodome de Montreal houses four different ecosystems - a Laurentian forest, the St Lawrence ecosystem, a polar environment and a tropical rain forest. Some 4,000 animals and 5,000 trees and plants inhabit the dome. There are also a game room, a shop, and a café.

Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden)

The grounds cover 180 acres and house 26,000 types of plants. Ten conservatory greenhouses provide shelter for tropical and desert plants, and bonsai and penjings. A 6-acre Chinese garden is the largest of its kind outside of Asia, and the 15-acre Japanese garden has an art gallery, a tearoom, and a Zen garden.

Basillique Notre-Dame

The breathtaking and enormous Basillique Notre-Dame was designed in 1829 and holds 4,000 worshippers. The main altar is carved from linden wood and the chapel altar is cast in bronze, with 32 panels representing birth, life and death. The massive bell weighs more than 12 tons.

Parc du Mont-Royal

Rising from the center of the city, this is a favorite spot for joggers, cyclists, hikers and dog-walkers. The park's Beaver Lake lures sunbathers and picnickers in the summertime, and attracts ice-skaters during the winter.

Oratoire St-Joseph

This huge copper dome honors St Joseph, the patron saint of Canada. The huge basilica dominates the north slope of Mont-Royal, and is Italian Renaissance in style. Inside there is a museum and guided tours are regularly scheduled.

Vieux-Port

This once-dreary commercial wharf has been transformed into an attractive 133-acre park and promenade with exhibition halls, bike paths and a flea market. Climb to the top of a 1922 clock tower to see incredible views from the observation decks.

Le Ronde Amusement Park

On Ile Ste-Helene, the park has more than 30 rides, a medieval village, roller coasters, and snack shops. Rides such as Le Boomerang, Le Monstre and Le Cobra make for hair-raising thrills.