Montreal: Visit One of the Most Picturesque Cities in North America

Montreal is a progressive city that is famous for its high standard of fine living, great food, festivals and endless entertainment. The city has been blessed with one of the most amazing food scenes in Canada known in particular for its delicious smoked meats. This modern metropolis is one of Canada;s forerunners of contemporary design and art. Below are some of the amazing places you need to put on your ‘must visit’ list when heading to the city.

1. Montreal Botanical Garden

Montreal Botanical Garden is a 185-acre plant-lover's heaven. Being located just a few minutes from downtown Montreal, these botanical gardens are the core of greenery in the city. You'll find over 22,000 different species in this huge central science complex. It's the perfect place to get away from the busy city and spend a few moments to relax in nature. Within the grounds are a couple of themed greenhouses which are also well worth checking out along with the beautiful Chinese lantern garden.

2. Notre-Dame Basilica

The oldest church in Montreal the Notre-Dame Basilica was first built in the 17th century. The architecture of the church stands out with both the beautiful interior and exterior of its design. Inside you'll find the incredible stained windows that chronicle the history of Montreal, a large 7000-pipe organ, and a gorgeous intricately carved staircase.

3. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux-Arts)

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Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a grand museum that showcases Canadian visual works plus contemporary artworks from all over the world. Since being founded in 1860 by a group of art collectors, the museum has maintained its status as a popular attraction for both tourists and locals in the city. Over 41,000 collections are hosted here which comprises of paintings, graphic arts, photographs, sculptures among other unique exhibits. The museum also has a concert hall annex that can hold over 400 people for events that are regularly held there.

4. Saint Joseph's Oratory

Saint Joseph's Oratory located on Mount-Royal Montreal was founded in 1904 by Saint André. It's the largest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph in the world and is incredibly beautiful to look at. You'll also find a number of special religious celebrations, music concerts and other cultural and spiritual events that are often held there.

5. Montreal Olympic Stadium

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This multi-purpose stadium hosted the 1976 summer Olympics. One of its remarkable features is the leaning tower that is actually the tallest and most leaning of its kind in the world. The stadium was designed by French architect Roger Taillibert. This stadium is known to not only host sports events but also trade shows, exhibitions and other special events. Make sure to head up to the observation platform in the leaning tower with its beautiful views over the surrounding area.

6. Montreal Insectarium

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This insectarium is a branch of the Montreal Space for Life, a large natural science museum complex that's well worth checking out. Over a quarter of a million live and mounted specimens of bugs can be found here. There are also bees existing in their natural hives habitats around an area known as the ‘buzz ground’ together with free-flying butterflies. For those feeling adventurous there's also a snack place where you can actually sample various edible bugs along with their favorite snacks.

7. Old Port of Montreal

The perfect spot to head to in the evening, this port is always bustling with various entertainment spots and eateries which make for great stops for a drink or some good food. There are plenty of sitting spaces on the benches provided, great for catching the sunset and people watching. You can also take a boat ride from here down the St Lawrence River which is particularly beautiful during the evening.

8. Montreal Biosphère

The Montreal biosphere was built to accommodate the U.S pavilion which was used in the World Expo from 1967. It is among the first and greatest geodesic domes designed by R.Buckminster Fuller. The biosphere uses interactive presentations to advocate the importance of water resources and conservation. There are a number of interactive displays, videos, games a nature lab, together with a nature tour you can take part in.

9. Montreal Science Centre

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Located in the old port of Montreal, this science center serves as the hub for technology and science within the city. You'll find a number of interactive activities for the along with an Imax exhibit and presentation. The center always has various exhibits involving physics, biology among other aspects of science taking place here making unique every time you visit.

10. Casino de Montreal

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This modern-looking casino complex is situated at an ideal riverfront location housing various restaurants and bars that make it perfect for spending an exhilarating evening there. All the entertainment and live shows in this huge casino makes it a must-see for both gamblers and non-gamblers.

Conclusion

From the frequent festivals , mouth-watering cuisine, thrilling ice sports and exquisite designs, Montreal is a unique city that keeps tourists coming back again and again. The city offers a little of something for everyone with enough things to do that easily fill up a holiday touring its beautiful streets.