CHINATOWN
Chinatown?s dates back to the 1860s when Chinese immigrants came to Canada to work in the mines and on the railroads. They settled mainly along de La Gauchetière Street near Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Today the district is less residential than commercial but it has kept its Asian flavour. The Chinese community continues to shop and celebrate its traditional festivals and holidays here. The narrow streets are lined with shops selling exotic foods, traditional crafts, martial arts accessories, herbs and natural medicines, Asian medical services and acupuncture. The large arches at the entrance to the district and the pagodas on the Holiday Inn roof are reminders of traditional Chinese architecture. Sun Yat-Sen Place (corner of Clark and de La Gauchetière Streets) honours the philosopher and political figure recognized as the father of modern China. Notice the Wing building at the corner of de La Gauchetière and Côté Streets. Built in 1826, it is now home to a fortune-cookie manufacturer. The first Chinese laundry was established in 1877 at the corner of Saint-Antoine and Jeanne- Mance Streets, followed by the first grocery, the Sun Ling Lung market at 72A de La Gauchetière Street. The Holy Spirit Chinese Catholic mission building at 205 de La Gauchetière Street West contains a remarkable Oriental painting of the stations of the cross, by a Chinese artist and his son.
QUARTIER INTERNATIONAL
Linking the bustling, modern downtown to the tranquil streets of the old city, the Quartier international is host to some of Montréal?s finest design, architecture and cultural activities. A pedestrian circuit allows visitors to discover the Quartier?s hidden cultural treasures. Facing the Palais des congrès (Convention Centre) is Place Jean-Paul Riopelle, a new public space created in honour of the celebrated artist. In its centre stands La Joute, one of Riopelle?s creations. In accordance with the late artist?s wishes, a ring of fire circles this magnificent sculpture/fountain. Centre d?histoire de Montréal 514 872-3207 / www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/chm The history of Montréal, starting in 1535, comes to life in this charming museum. Sound environments, spectacular old images, visual effects, personal testimonies and intriguing artefacts. Centre des Sciences de Montréal 333, rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal (Québec) H2Y 2E2 / Tel.: 514 496-2281 / 888 558-4423 Fax: 514 496-9008 adionne@vieuxportdemontreal.com www.centredessciencesdemontreal.com The Montréal Science Centre is the only science and technology centre in Québec! Visitors of all age groups can discover and experience the interactive scientific experiences, the great Snowbirds collective video game and the best and most recent large format films at the IMAXR Theatre. Information: 514 496-2281 / 888 558-4423. Château Ramezay Museum 514 861-3708 / www.chateauramezay.qc.ca A Governor?s residence built in the 18th century, this historic building and its collection offer a unique view of the history of Montréal and Québec, from Amerindian prehistory to the beginning of the 20th century. The Museum has a boutique and outdoor café with a view of the magnificent Governor?s Garden. Environment Canada?s Biosphère 514 283-5000 / www.biosphere.ec.gc.ca An architectural masterpiece in Montréal since Expo 67, Environment Canada?s Biosphère is a premier venue for information, education and awareness on the major environmental issues related to water, air, climate change, sustainable development and responsible consumption. As an environment museum, the Biosphère offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, events for the general public and guided activities that are as informative as they are entertaining. Group tours available. La Ronde (Member of the Six Flags Family) 514 397-2000 / www.laronde.com La Ronde offers more than 40 rides and attractions, dazzling shows, as well as entertainment. This large amusement park, located close to downtown, produces and presents the International des Feux Loto-Québec, the annual Montréal International Fireworks Competition. La Ronde also presents its annual Halloween Fright Fest every weekend in October. Maison Saint-Gabriel, Museum and Historic Site 514 935-8136 / www.maisonsaint-gabriel.qc.ca Purchased by Marguerite Bourgeoys in 1668, this magnificent 300-year-old house is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Québec architecture. Converted into a museum in 1966, Maison Saint- Gabriel showcases various aspects of rural life in the 17th century and the extraordinary experience of the King?s Wards through its permanent collection. Visit both the 19th-century stone barn and the garden, which has been recreated in the spirit of New France. Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum and Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel 514 282-8670 / www.marguerite-bourgeoys.com Since 1655, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, the oldest stone chapel of Montréal, has retained its primary purpose, that of a place of pilgrimage. The rooms of the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum display objects and works of art related to the history of the Chapel and the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montréal?s first teacher. Don?t miss visiting the archaeological site where the foundations of Montréal?s first stone church can be found, alongside reminders of the Amerindian way of life. Montréal Biodôme 514 868-3000 / www.museumsnature.ca Since it first opened in 1992, some 13 million visitors have travelled through this ?house of life?, dazzled by the discoveries that await them along a path reflecting a concept unique in the world. Here, plants and animals by the thousands, cliffs and waterways, even the climate itself recreate with stunning realism the four finest ecosystems of the Americas. Montréal Insectarium 514 872-1400 / www.museumsnature.ca This Montréal nature museum invites you to discover the fascinating world of insects which houses a prestigious collection of several thousand living and preserved insects from every corner of the earth. The Montréal Insectarium is considered the largest of its kind in North America. Stewart Museum at the Fort Île Sainte-Hélène P.O. Box 1200, Station ?A?, Montréal (QC) H3C 2Y9 514 861-6701 / www.stewart-museum.org The Stewart Museum welcomes visitors year-round. Pass the stone archway of Montréal?s only fort to enjoy the sights and sounds of another era and a journey through four centuries of history. For more than fifty years, the Museum has featured special exhibitions. The discovery and the settlement of the New World are viewed through fascinating collections of early maps, domestic utensils, archival documents, antique arms and a model of fortified Montréal in 1760. Costumed interpreters and a special programme of thematic activities, adapted to different age groups, make history come alive. During the summer season, reconstituted 18th century French and Scottish regiments perform authentic period drill to the sounds of fifes, drums and bagpipes. The Montréal Garrison fires the 24-pounder Bloomfield cannon at noon. Old-fashioned curling and snowshoeing add adventure to the Museum?s winter landscape. Located in one of Montréal?s most attractive parks, the Stewart Museum offers picnic tables, summertime canteen, gift shop and nearby parking, just minutes from downtown, and neighbours to La Ronde Six Flags amusement park, and the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène. TOHU, la Cité des arts du cirque and Saint-Michel Environmental Complex 514 376-8648 / www.tohu.ca TOHU functions as both a creative and performance centre for the circus arts. Its varied program includes circus shows presented in a specially-designed circular room, exhibitions on the history of circus, events with an environmental theme, community activities and celebrations as well as guided visits. La TOHU is located on an old quarry that served as a landfill site, the Saint-Michel Environmental Complex. On the site, you will learn, among other things, how biogases from garbage are transformed into electricity and how recycled materials are processed. Montréal Québec for Groups and F.I.T. 2009 139
