On first look, you might think the Canadian island city of Montréal
is too far from the sea to be a real cruise destination, but with its
neighbour of Québec, the two fair cities linked to the Atlantic
Ocean by the Saint Lawrence Seaway, offer cruisers a wonderful
insight into both modern and historic Canada.
Officially founded in 1642 but with archaeological records dating
back to the time of Christ, there is plenty of history in Montréal and
you can explore it in any of the superb museums within easy stroll
of the cruise terminal. The Centre d’histoire de Montréal in place
D’Youville will introduce you to the rich and eventful history of
Montréal society, while just down the way at Pointe-à-Callière, the
Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History digs deeper,
literally, into the past with an archaeological dig beneath the
museum itself.
Art and design lovers will have plenty to swoon over at any of the
galleries like the Museum of Fine Arts, arguably the most
prestigious museum in the city. I took one of the free guided tours
with volunteer guide, Patrick, and was glad I did. Not normally a fan
of the sometimes pompous art tours, Patrick helped me understand
the subtleties of Canadian fine art without feeling like a dill.
Also along the wharf is an array of activities ranging from harbour
cruises, bicycle hire, horse-drawn carriages and more museums,
especially the Centre des sciences de Montréal, where both
permanent and temporary exhibits are on offer and handy
alternative for inclement weather, although during my stay it was
hard to imagine with such glorious weather during my short stay.
If you’re going to take a tour, there’s lots of interesting stuff
beyond the port precinct including foodie tours that visit the
bustling local market and famous bakeries, patisseries and outlets
like Fairmount Bagel and Chez Schwartz’s smoked meats.
Colourful fruits, berries and vegetables make the stalls a
photographic delight.
Montréal is often referred to as “Canada’s Cultural Capital” and is
anything but your average urban metropolis. It thrives on
quirkiness, creativity and innovation while retaining a deep respect
for the past exemplified by the common use of old French as dayto-
day language.
Montréal’s cruise season is May to October and is dominated by
the HAL vessel, MAASDAM, but also sees popular late (Fall) season
visits in 2013 by Silver Whisper, Seven Seas Navigator, Oceania
Regatta, Seabourn Sojourn, AIDAbella and Crystal Symphony. Small
ship operator, Blount, also plies the minor waterways with their
100-pax vessels Grand Caribe and Grand Mariner.
For those starting or finishing a cruise in Montreal, it is my strong
recommendation to allow a few days in the city for extra
sightseeing and cultural enrichment. Stay at one of the swank new
design hotels like LHotel or Chez Swann. You’ll be glad you did.
Montreal quickies: Montréal has roughly the same population as
Brisbane and is Canada’s second largest after Toronto * Montréal’s
subway was opened in 1966, has 68 stations and uses the same
mechanicals as Paris * Much of downtown Montréal is
underground with 12ha and 32km of tunnels and walkways in the
RÉSO * Montréal was the site of the 1967 World Expo and 1976
Olympic Games * Montréal’s international airport (YUL) handles 13
million pax annually *.
More info: www.tourisme-montreal.org.
