Category: Montreal

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History of Montreal

Things to do in Montreal Entertainment District, Quartier des Spectacles

In creating our  Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunts, we dug into the city’s history so as to properly contextualize our tour. It is important for us. At most of the stops on our 5 available tours, we explain the history of a site, monument, or person. This allows us to fully show you their significance.

History of Montreal

Things to do in Montreal Entertainment District, Quartier des SpectaclesJacques Cartier discovered the island of Montreal during his second trip to America, where he happened upon the Iroquoian village of Hochelaga. Samuel de Champlain who explored the St. Lawrence River 70 years later discovered that these Iroquois had left. He established, then abandoned a trading post in 1611 in Old Montreal.

Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve founded Montreal in 1642. Maisonneuve’s name can be found throughout the city. This includes a large park north of the Olympic Stadium in the east, as well as an important east-west artery running through the city center.

Montreal, the center of the hinterland at the time, passed from the French Empire to the British Empire in 1763. The population grew with the immigration of new Scottish and English Bourgeois, as well as British-American loyalists fleeing the American Revolution.

Montreal became important in the late 1800s when rail connections to New York, Toronto, and the Maritime Provinces were established. In 1860, it was the largest British municipality in America until the end of WWII, when Toronto took over.

Indeed, it is the 2nd most populous city in Canada and the 1st in Quebec. It stands on an island in the St. Lawrence River which connects Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean. Montreal is also the largest French-speaking city in the Americas. It is considered the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris.

Did you know that Montreal celebrated its 375th anniversary in 2017?

Scavenger Hunt

Our scavenger hunt is a self-guided walking tour of the see you can do on your smartphone. Over 3 hours, it’ll take you to all the significant sites, teach you some history, and challenge you with puzzles and various questions.

Find out more about our Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunts on their individual information pages:

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Things to do in Montreal’s Entertainment District

Things to do in Montreal Entertainment District, Quartier des Spectacles

Are you looking for things to do in Montreal’s Entertainment District? This Scavenger Hunt takes you on a self-guided walking tour, with challenges through the heart of the city.

See all the sights while having fun and learning some history! You will walk from the Place des Arts to the Black Watch Highland Regiment, Monument National and St-Denis Theatre. All the while, you’ll take numerous side trips to discover more sites while taking on various challenges. Our Montreal’s Entertainment District Tourist Scavenger Hunt was developed and tested in March 2018.

You will start your adventure in front of Place Des Arts. Follow the instructions on your smartphone to solve challenges and get instructions to your next destination. The challenges are varied in difficulty and types to keep you entertained. They’re good for all ages.

You should plan a good 3 hours for this activity, wear comfortable shoes and be certain your phone is fully charged. As well, you’ll need a data plan as WiFi will not be enough. Further, a street map and bottled water could come in handy.

Things to do in Montreal’s Entertainment District? See the sites!

Things to do in Montreal Entertainment District, Quartier des SpectaclesOver your 3-hour adventure through the city, you will see:

  • Place des Arts
  • The contemporary art museum of Montreal
  • Desjardins Complex
  • Nouveau Monde Theatre
  • Club Soda
  • MTelus Theatre
  • UQAM
  • St-Denis Theatre
  • BAnQ great library
  • Montreal Friendship Gate
  • Quebecois Cinematheque
  • Gesù
  • Imperial Cinema
  • And more

Scavenger Hunt

Our scavenger hunt is a self-guided walking tour of the see you can do on your smartphone. Over 3 hours, it’ll take you to all the significant sites, teach you some history, and challenge you with puzzles and various questions. You’ll never walk more than 5 minutes between stops. Take as long, or as little, as you wish as you’re in control of your page on this adventure. Above all, we hope you have fun!

Learn more about Montreal’s Entertainment District Tourist Scavenger Hunt on our description page.

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8 Attractions in Old Montreal to thrill you

8 attractions in Old Montreal

Are you a thrill seeker? Do you like adventure and games? There are many attractions in Old Montreal to cater to the adrenaline seeker and the adventurer in you.

Whether you are planning a visit to Old Montreal or if you live here but have never bothered to visit this historical neighborhood of the city, we’ve got you covered. In our research to develop a Tourist Scavenger Hunt in Old Montreal, we came across much information, some of which can only be gleaned when doing the actual scavenger hunt.

However, we also wanted to share some of that information with you for your visit planning. Here are 8 attractions in Old Montreal you need to see and enjoye.

8 Attractions in Old Montreal

  1. Plage de l'horlogePlage de l’Horloge
    • As you walk to the very tip of Clock Tower Pier, you will find a small sandy beach where you can sit, take in the sun and relax. It wraps around the pier on a lower level which cuts out most city noises. From various spots, you can enjoy a great view of Saint-Helen’s Island on which you can see La Ronde, Montreal’s Six Flags theme park as well as the Stewart Museum which is the long wooden structure before the bridge and the Tour de Lévis – a tower at the highest point of the island. You can also admire the Jacques Cartier bridge and gaze at the boats of all sizes traveling under it.
    • There is a $2 entry fee per person.
  2. Bateau-MoucheBateau-Mouche
    • Montreal’s Bateau-Mouche reminds you of Paris’ Seine river cruises on low glassed-in longboats. Take a 60 or 90-minute cruise to either explore Old Montreal and the city proper from the Saint-Lawrence river or to dine on a riverboat. Cruises start at 12:30 daily until 7 pm from June to mid-October.
    • Pricing varies from $12.50 for children to $25 for adults. Cruises leave from Jacques Cartier Pier.
  3. Saute-Mouton Jet Boating
    • Are you looking for a trill? Do you enjoy getting soaked? Look no further, Saute-Mouton is the attraction you’ve been looking for. Caterpillar engine speedboats take you from the small marina next to Montreal’s Clock Tower pier and SOS Labyrinthe on the Saint-Lawrence to the Lachine Rapids. Then, it proceeds to toss you around in the rapids as if you were a rag doll, a soaking wet rag doll.
    • Tours run from June to early October from 10 am to 6 pm. You should consider reserving in advance as tours are usually full. A ride will cost between $49 for children and $69 for adults.
  4. SOS Labyrinthe
    • This labyrinth constantly changes its 2 km floor plan. You will find it located in the far east of Old Montreal, in the middle of Clock Tower Pier, in a former longshoremen’s warehouse. It is open weekends from 10 am to 8 pm from May until October with some weekdays and extended hours at different days. Check their website for specific dates. Rates start at $12.50 for children to $16.50 for adults but they also have family and group rates.
  5. Grande Roue de MontréalGrande Roue de Montréal
    • The city of Montreal built this giant Ferris wheel, to the right of SOS Labyrinthe, in 2017 to commemorate its 375th anniversary. Because it is located in the middle of the Bonsecours Basin, next to Terrasses Bonsecours, it presents outstanding views of:
      • Old Montreal,
      • the Old Port of Montreal,
      • the mighty Saint-Lawrence river,
      • Notre-Dame and Saint-Helen’s Islands in the middle of the Saint-Lawrence
      • the Jacques Cartier and Victoria bridges.
    • All in all, riding will cost you between $20-25 and you should reserve well in advance as places are limited.
  1. Tyrolienne MTL ZipLine
    • You will find Tyrolienne Mtl Zipline located in the Old Port of Montreal next to SOS Labyrinthe. Shortly, you will be ziplining for 1200 feet to the Bonsecours Basin. This attraction should not take more than 15 minutes.
    • It is open from 11 am to 9 pm. In any event, fees range from $17 for children to $20 for adults and there are weight and age restrictions.
  2. Voiles en Voiles
    • This aerial amusement park sits next to Tyrolienne Mtl Zipline, across from the Bonsecours Basin. Indeed, it is an immersive adventure park where you climb aboard life-size replicas of a royal and a pirate ship, each over 100 feet long.
    • There is a $45 fee to access the park for up to 4 hours. Tha is to say, it is open daily from 9/10am to 8/11pm from mid-June to early September and weekends throughout September and October.
  3. Paddleboats
    • Paddleboats are available for rent from April through to October, from 10 am to 8 pm.  Accordingly, renting a paddleboat is a great way to relax in the Bonsecours Basin in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal. Of course, you will enjoy great views of the Grande Roue de Montréal, people ziplining and Terrasses Bonsecours.
    • Pricing starts at $22 and combos are available to include quadricycles.

We invite you to try our Old Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunt. It is a 2 and a half hour guided walking tour around Old Montreal you do on your mobile phone (how it works).  It only costs $30 for your group. You will enjoy seeing these attractions and much more while completing challenges and learning Montreal’s history.

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7 great places to eat in Old Montreal

7 places to eat in Old Montreal

When you travel, do you make a point to try some of the city’s best, or most local, restaurants? Are you looking for the best places to eat in Old Montreal? Old Montreal is chock full of very old, and some new, restaurants, many of which are among the best the city has to offer.

Whether you are planning a visit to Old Montreal or if you live here but have never bothered to visit this historical neighborhood of the city, we’ve got you covered. In our research to develop a Tourist Scavenger Hunt in Old Montreal, we came across much information, some of which can only be gleaned when doing the actual scavenger hunt.

We also wanted to share some of that information with you for your visit planning. Here are 7 great places to eat in Old Montreal. In fact, some of the places presented here actually enclose several restaurants.

7 great places to eat in old Montreal

  1. Marché des éclusiersMaison des éclusiers
    • Located in the extreme west of Old Montreal, where the Lachine Canal ends in the Old Port of Montreal, the Maison des Éclusiers now houses a food court showcasing the best products Quebec has to offer. In addition, a second story deck offers great views of the Lachine Canal and of the Old Port of Montreal.
    • Maison des Éclusiers translates to Lock Keeper’s House. The lock keeper resided here while managing Lachine Canal’s two final locks.
  2. Food Trucks
    • Food trucks are permanently located outside the Montreal Science Center on King Edward’s pier. Perfect for a quick bite, Montreal’s food trucks are all high-end cuisine, offering a variety of quality fares for foodies. As a matter of fact, you will be hard-pressed to find hot dogs and hamburgers or other common foods offered by street vendors in other cities.
  3. Le Bremner
    • You will find Le Bremner located at 361 Saint-Paul E, across from the Marché Bonsecours. Indeed, Le Bremner is an upscale seafood restaurant from TV food personality, Chuck Hughes.
  4. La Champagnerie
    • You will find La Champagnerie practically adjacent to Le Bremner, also across from the Marché Bonsecours, at 343 Saint-Paul E. La Champagnerie boasts the biggest Champaign list you have likely ever seen!
  5. Bonsecours Market
    • Opened in 1847, the Bonsecours Market houses art galleries, artisan shops, and outdoor cafés. With this in mind, some of the better restaurants here include:
      • Le Cabaret du Roy,
      • Pub BreWeskey, and
      • Sushi Ya.
  6. Place Jacques-Cartier
    • Here you will find street performers and vendors in the summer, as well as great restaurants of many different cuisines and budgets, open year-round. Some of the better restaurants here include:
      • Jardin Nelson,
      • Bistro 179,
      • La Grande Terrasse,
      • John Michael’s Pub,
      • Rodizio Brasil,
      • Gio,
      • Restaurant Jacques Cartier,
      • Restaurant Le Fripon,
      • Maggie Oakes, and
      • La Marée
  7. Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel
    • You will find Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel located in the middle of Rue Saint-Gabriel, at the intersection of Rue Sainte-Thérèse. This is the oldest inn, still in operation, in North America. Montreal issued its very first alcohol license to this establishment. In any event, it’s restaurant offers creative grill, regional and market fares.

With this in mind, we invite you to try our Old Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunt. This two and a half hour guided walking tour will take you around Old Montreal. As a result, we expect you will enjoy seeing these restaurants and much more while completing challenges and learning Montreal’s history through your mobile phone. is done on your mobile phone (how it works).  It only costs $30 for your group.

 

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6 Historical sites in Old Montreal

6 historical sites in Old Montreal

When you travel, do you seek historical sites to visit? Being the very birthplace of the city, there are many varied historical sites in Old Montreal to amaze you.

Whether you are planning a visit to Old Montreal or if you live here but haven’t gotten around to visit this historical neighborhood, we’ve got you covered. In our research to develop a Tourist Scavenger Hunt in Old Montreal, we came across much information, some of which can only be gleaned when doing the actual scavenger hunt.

However, we also wanted to share some of that information with you for your visit planning. Here are 6 historical sites in Old Montreal.

6 Historical sites in Old Montreal

  1. Old Customns HouseAncienne-Douane / Old Customs House
    • The British government built this Customs House in 1836 on what is now Place Royal. In fact, its crest is a stone sculpture of Albion, representing Great-Brittan.
    • Previously, Samuel de Champlain set up the first fur-trading post on the island of Montreal right here in 1605.
  2. April 18 1886 FloodApril 1886 Flood marker
    • On April 17-18, 1886, huge masses thawing spring ice floating down the St. Lawrence river jammed in the narrow shallow waters at the Jacques Cartier Bridge. As the water levels went up, they spilled over the Old Port’s protective wall. Consequently, flooding affected many neighborhoods for a few days.
    • You will find a water height marker located on a building at the intersection of De La Commune and Marguerite d’Youville. The John Young Monument is immediately in front of an entryway and you will find the water marker on the right.
  3. StarsNotre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
    • You will find Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (Our Lady of Good Help) located at 400 Saint-Paul East. The archdiocese built it in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier church built in 1755 which burnt down. It features the remains of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, the first teacher of the colony and founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame.
  4. Bonsecours Market
    • Opened in 1847, the Bonsecours Market accommodated the Canadian Parliament for one session in 1849. It also housed the City Hall of Montreal between 1852 and 1878.
    • It now houses art galleries, artisan shops, and outdoor cafés. This is also what you will find all along Saint-Paul including some of Montreal’s best restaurants.
  5. Basilique Notre-DameNotre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
    • The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal with its 2 bell towers, in Gothic Revival style stands at Place d’Armes, located on Notre-Dame and Saint-Sulpice Streets. Its stained-glass windows do not depict biblical scenes but rather scenes from Montreal’s religious history. Construction completed in 1829.
    • Celine Dion married René Angélil here in 1994.
    • This is also where most Quebec statesmen and celebrities have their funeral service held, as was the case for hockey legend Maurice “The Rocket” Richard in 2000.
  6. Old Firehouse
    • You will find the Centre d’Histoire de Montréal (Montreal’s History Museum), located in an old Firehouse dating from 1903. It is built in a Flemish style.
    • It is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

We invite you to try our Old Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunt. It is a 2 and a half hour guided walking tour around Old Montreal you do on your mobile phone (how it works).  It only costs $30 for your group. You will enjoy seeing these historical sites and much more while completing challenges and learning Montreal’s history.

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11 Monuments to see in Old Montreal

11 monuments to see in Old Montreal

Do you love art? When you travel do you make it a point to see public monuments, sculptures, and statues? There are many monuments to see in Old Montreal.

Whether you are planning a visit to Old Montreal or if you live here but haven’t noticed these monuments to see in Old Montreal, this list is for you. In our research to develop a Tourist Scavenger Hunt in Old Montreal, we came across much information, some of which can only be gleaned when doing the actual scavenger hunt.

However, we also wanted to share some of that information with you for your visit planning. Here are 11 monuments to see in Old Montreal.

11 monuments to see in Old Montreal

  1. John Young Monument
    • You will find the John Young Monument at the corner of De La Commune and Marguerite d’Youville. This is in the western part of Old Montreal. John Young was the first Chairman of the Port Commission responsible for enlarging and developing the port. As a result, this statue of John Young faces the Old Port.
  2. SilophoneSilophone
    • The Silophone is a stone resonance structure. When in function, you stand within the 4 columns facing Silo #5 across the water and speak in your normal voice. You should hear your voice echoed back through the side speakers.
  3. Quai de l'horloge Montreal Clock Tower
    • Workers completed the Clock Tower in 1921. In fact, it is a memorial to Canadian sailors who died in WWI. This monument is accessible to the public and you can climb its 192-step staircase for an impressive 360-degree view of Old Montreal. Moreover, the Clock Tower is free and is open year-round from 11 am to 7 pm.
  4. St. Lawrence River Plaque2 Ships en-route to Chicago Sculpture
    • On the back side of Montreal’s Clock Tower is a carving of the first two sailboats to take the Saint-Lawrence River to reach Chicago, in Illinois. To get to Chicago from Montreal, they passed through several channels and many locks. Indeed, they had to navigate across lakes Ontario, Erie, Saint-Clair, Huron and Michigan.
  5. Nelson’s Column
    • Montrealers dedicated this column to the memory of Admiral Horatio Nelson. The column was unveiled in 1809, following his death, at the Battle of Trafalgar. You cannot miss it when you are at Place Jacques Cartier.
  6. Marguerite BourgeoysPlace Marguerite-Bourgeoys
    • This little park in front of the city’s financial services building is dedicated to Marguerite Bourgeoys. In particular, it presents sculptures of children jumping on stones in the water behind Marguerite Bougeoys. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700) joined Jeanne Mance (1606-1673) and Paul de Maisonneuve (1612-1676) here in Ville-Marie. Ville-Marie is the old name of Montreal. As a matter of fact, Pope Jean-Paul II canonized Marguerite Bourgeoys on 31 October 1982 and officially raised her to sainthood.
  7. Montreal’s Chinese Friendship Gate
    • On Saint-Laurent Boulevard at Viger Ave. is Montreal’s Chinese friendship gate signaling your entrance into Chinatown. Montreal’s Chinatown is not very large but very distinctively different from everything around it.
  8. Maisonneuve Monument
    • Sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert unveiled the Maisonneuve Monument in 1895 in celebration Montreal’s 250th anniversary. It not only commemorates Maisonneuve, but also Charles Le Moyne, Lambert Closse, Jeanne Mance and the Iroquois. Charles Le Moyne was a military leader. Lambert Closse was the first intermediate governor of Montreal. Jeanne Mance is the founder of the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal hospital, the first hospital in Montreal. The Iroquois are the principal natives who were here originally.
  9. Love Sign
    • Twin to Philadelphia’s original Love Sign, Montreal’s stand in front of LHotel Montreal. This is a boutique hotel which boasts much modern and pop-art within its colorful lobby.
  10. SculpureVoluptuous Man on Horse
    • This sculpture created in 1974 can also be found in front of LHotel Montreal. You will find it to the right of Montreal’s Love Sign. Fernando Botero, a figurative artist, and sculptor from Medellin Colombia, sculpted this work of art.
  11. Place de la Grande-PaixObelisk monument to pioneers
    • You will find the Place de la Grande-Paix de Montréal on Place d’Youville on the western end of Old Montreal. In fact, it is behind the Musée Pointe-à-Caillère. It was erected so as to honor the peace treaty that was signed here in 1801 by Sieu de Callière representing New-France with 39 Native nations.
    • The Obelisk here is a monument to Montreal’s pioneers. The city installed it here in 1893 it’s 250th anniversary. One of its four plaques details the names of Montreal’s first colonists.

We invite you to try our Old Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunt. It is a 2 and a half hour guided walking tour around Old Montreal you do on your mobile phone (how it works).  It only costs $30 for your group and you will enjoy seeing these monuments, sculptures and statues and much more while completing challenges and learning Montreal’s history.