Montreal: A Big Boom for Boomers!By Robert PainterMy visit to Montreal ended with a boom. Actually, it was a series of booms at one of the most spectacular fireworks displays that I have ever seen. The nation of Switzerland was lighting up the sky and they really got a jump on the competition. For Baby Boomers who don't want to act their age La Ronde is the place to visit in Montreal. In addition to the 40 plus rides and attractions at this delightful amusement park the International Loto Quebec International Fireworks Competition is probably way beyond the typical 4th of July event you've seen back home. The first night's display by Switzerland set a very high standard for the competing countries to top on the following nights throughout the summer.
There were City Gardens for small urban spaces. One of my favorites was the SoGo - an office garden designed for working wirelessly. Another was the Fire and Water Garden, reminiscent of campfires and waterfalls.
And not to be forgotten are the Avant-Garde gardens. And, in the language of the visiting Baby Boomer, some of these were pretty far-out! But this is the one that seemed to getting the most attention. Or, at least, the most immediate reaction.
After a busy day of sightseeing or maybe shopping you may want to go back to your hotel and freshen up for an exciting evening at the Casino de Montreal. Plenty of slot machines and gaming tables, but do your self a favor and check out the dinner show. I don't know what will be playing when you get there but if it is anywhere near the quality of the "Hit the Road Jack, Music of Ray Charles" show that I saw you won't be disappointed. Not only was the dinner excellent, but the show itself was really fun. The Ray Charles impersonator really had his act together. And the Raylets were fine.
And, to make it easy on you Baby Boomers, Montreal has created a great little package deal in its Montreal Museums Pass. It gives you access on three consecutive days to 32 major museums and attractions, including a movie and a tourist card allowing unlimited public transit for those three days. And all for $45 Canadian. And $10 off if you don't need the transit. If you're not a walker like me, you may want to see much of Montreal the easy way. Just hop on a Croisieres AML boat for a short cruise on the Saint Lawrence River. In about an hour and a half you can see much of the skyline and learn much of the story of Montreal as narrated by the onboard guide. If you are a walker, it will give you a chance to slow down, catch your breath and maybe get some great of Montreal. I didn't get to all the museums, I didn't go shopping, I didn't get to the Jazz Festival, I didn't have as much time as I might have liked at the Biodome and the Montreal Botanical Garden and I didn't get enough French cuisine and wine. The only question I have now is: How soon can I get back to Montreal? Au Revoir! When you go: The Montreal Botanical Gardens: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin Casino de Montreal: www.casinos-quebec.com International Flora Montreal: www.floramontreal.ca Boat Rides: http://croisieresaml.com Fireworks: www.laronde.com Quebec Tourism: www.bonjourquebec.com and Story by Robert Painter |
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But maybe we should start at the beginning of the journey. The great thing about Montreal is that there is always something exciting going on no matter what time of year you visit. And this trip was no exception. The International FLORA Montreal 2006 had just opened and the fifty garden designers really put on an impressive show.
The Nature Gardens were resplendent with wildflowers and grasses, Rooftop Gardens for - you guessed it - rooftops. Street-side Gardens for the front yard to be enjoyed by all, homeowners and passers by alike.
If you want to see expansive gardens in a more traditional setting then head off for the Montreal Botanical Garden on Sherbrooke Street. Here you'll find one of the finest gardens in the world divided up into as many as thirty distinct individual gardens interlaced with greenhouses, walking paths, ponds, bridges and everything you could hope for in a beautiful, relaxing setting. The hint here is to relax and enjoy it. Plan a half day here and maybe bring a picnic lunch. Pick up some delectable treats at the Boulangerie Premiere Moisson and maybe some cheese and ice cider at the Fromagerie Atwater.
If you need to walk off some of those calories from the fine French pastries, wines, cheeses, breads, etc. then the next day you may want to head for the Biodome de Montreal. The Biodome is a zoo, an aquarium and a botanical garden all in one. You'll see everything here from tropical forests to penguins and from noisy scarlet macaws to meandering sloths, the slowest terrestrial mammal. You may even spot a lynx or even a capybara. A what? A capybara - the largest rodent in the world!
Before you enter or after you leave the Biodome be sure to ride the elevator to the top of the nearby Observatory of Montreal Tower for one of the best panoramic views of Montreal. You can stay at the top as long as you like, then catch a down elevator when you're ready to leave. The view from the elevator itself is worth the trip.Whatever you do don't miss Old Montreal. This is a wonderful place to walk and is filled with fine old world architecture and buildings that date back to the early origins of Montreal. A perfect example being the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. The parish was established back in 1642 and through a procession of early structures, including the original wooden chapel, the building now standing was constructed between 1824 and 1829.
A special treat is the twenty one mile underground pedestrian network throughout Montreal. You'll especially appreciate it in winter, but it can be very helpful and fun the rest of the year as well. I won't list everything, but it connects to 17 apartment buildings, 6 transportation centers, 13 movie theaters, 53 restaurants, 309 food court type restaurants, 9 hotels, 65 metro stations, 101 office buildings, 3 skating rinks, 938 retailers and much, much more.
I won't even try to tell you about the Montreal Jazz Festival. It's too big and there isn't room here to list all the performers. Check the link at the end of the story and if you can get to Montreal during the Jazzfest you'll have an experience of a lifetime.