Fun Things to Do in Montreal and Where to Stay

Montreal is an artistic and romantic city where folks seem to celebrate all the great things in life with extra verve.

It's also a major hub and destination for Air Canada, with flights to Montreal's Trudeau International Airport from all over the United States and from around the world.

Here are five cool things to see and do, as recommended by someone who goes at least once or twice a year.

Notre Dame Aura Show

This is one of the most amazing light shows you'll ever see.

Staged by a Montreal/California company called Moment Factory, which has put on stunning art displays around the world (including Los Angeles International Airport), it's a light show inside historic Notre Dame Basilica in old Montreal.

The entire church is used as a kind of movie screen, with images and sounds of cracking thunder and pouring rain all around you as the ceilings and walls light up in fantastic arrays of color. Wonderfully imaginative.

Iconic Food Spots

Montreal is famous for its bagels, which are denser and more firm than those you'll find in New York or other cities. One of the secrets is they're boiled in honey water before they're baked, giving them a slightly sweet taste most folks adore. St. Viateur and Fairmount Bagels are only a short distance apart in the Mile End district and taste fairly similar to me, but you'll find most Montrealers have a definite preference.

Not far away is the famous Schwartz's Deli, where they serve up sweet Montreal smoked meat on rye bread with pickles and mustard. Celine Dion owns the place these days. Just as much fun and right around the corner is Wilensky's Light Lunch, a former haunt of Montreal author Mordecai Richler (The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and other great works).

The specialty is fried beef bologna and salami on a bun. It comes automatically with mustard. Don't even think of asking for mayo or ketchup, and do not ask for them to cut your sandwich. The mere idea is preposterous.

The Waterfront and City Parks

In summer, fall and spring, Montreal's waterfront is definitely one of the most happening areas of the city. You can rent bikes or take long walks along the wide St. Lawrence River. There's also a zip line over the water and a new, giant Ferris Wheel, as well as a children's playground.

The city's most famous park is Mont Royal, which covers the top of the mountain that gives the city its name. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the genius behind Central Park in New York City. The views of the city from the top are tremendous, with the mountains of Vermont often visible on a clear day.

Museums Galore

The Pointe-a-Calliere museum is in Old Montreal and tells the story of the city, which began in and around the site of the museum in the 1600s. You'll find ruins of old foundations and other archaeological treasures, as well as displays on modern life in the city.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the largest in the city and features thought-provoking, wonderful art of all kinds. There are five buildings in all, plus a sculpture garden. Other options include the Montreal Science Centre and the Montreal Holocaust Museum.

City Markets

You'd expect a city that takes its food seriously to have great markets. And it does. Atwater Market is a personal fave, both for its food selection (awesome breads and croissants, fabulous cheeses and other great treats) and its location; right alongside the Lachine Canal. It's an easy bike ride from downtown on one of the bike-sharing cycles you can rent.

The surrounding area has become quite hip and popular, with fantastic cafes and restaurants all around. Jean Talon Market, located in the city's Little Italy district, is a large affair with local cheeses, meats and flowers. In summer, the Quebec strawberries glisten with deep-red goodness.

Where to Stay

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth has been a remarkable makeover. Try the John Lennon-Yoko Ono Suite, where they staged their famous bed-in for peace. The Renaissance Montreal is right downtown and features cool, artsy design elements and a rooftop bar. In old Montreal, Hotel Nelligan is a trendy, wonderful property. The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in central Montreal is great for families.

Air Canada flies to Montreal from cities all over North America, including New York, Miami and San Francisco.

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