Wile away an afternoon in Old Montreal, with cobblestoned streets, an old port and horse-drawn carriages all adding to the days-gone-by ambiance. While in this beguiling neighborhood, take a gander at the Notre Dame Basilica, a gorgeous cathedral quite similar to the famous cathedral in Paris of the same name.
Another worthwhile site in Old Montreal is the Place Jacques-Cartier, a wide boulevard teeming with bars, restaurants and cafes. The alameda is particularly appealing during the holidays-when its many trees are adorned with lights-and in summer, when artists and musicians enliven the streets.
Enjoy the stunning vistas of the city and surrounding environs from Mount Royal Park, a massive urban park designed around Mount Royal, for which Montreal is named. Two lookout areas can be found here, including one with a large, attractive outdoor plaza overlooking the heart of downtown.
See North America in a day-or even a few hours-at the Biodome, where you can wander through four distinct ecosystems that include the arctic and a rainforest. Live plants and animals native to each environment are on view at this thoroughly delightful and informative destination that has become one of the city's most popular attractions.
Have lunch at one of the appealing cafés on Rue Crescent, an inviting avenue rich with alfresco eateries. The Hard Rock Café here is among the most charming of its kind.
Savor a cultured and colorful night at the Casino de Montreal, one of the most luxurious casinos this side of Monte Carlo. A dress code (i.e. no 'work boots' or 'jogging suits' allowed!) keeps the supposed riff-raff out; four restaurants, an upscale boutique and endless gaming options ranging from blackjack to baccarat to roulette keep the sophisticated clientele happy.
Take a unique shopping spree at Montreal's Underground City. A massive network of sub-street-level stores and shopping complexes, this is truly a great escape on a scorching summer day-or when rain or snow make wandering the city's regular streets unpleasant.
