Car Hire Montreal

Mini guide to Montreal

With its distinctly French character, cosmopolitan atmosphere and historic attractions, Montréal is one of Canada’s showpiece cities.

The downtown center is mostly modern, and the Rue Ste Catherine holds centre stage as the shopping and people magnet of the city. Nearby is the Chinatown district, and several commendable museums are found here, including Musée d'Art Contemporian and Musée des Beaux Arts. The unmissable Cathédrale Basilique Marie Reine du Monde also stands out among the skyscrapers.

The Quartier Latin is the Paris-style student district along lower Rue St Denis, with the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) at its heart. Trendy bars, open-air cafés, bistros and clubs are clustered here, and the Village, is lively and distinctly gay.

Vieux Montréal (Old Montréal), centred around the two-hundred year old Place Jacques Cartier (market square), is delightful and perfect for exploring by foot. Check out the Hôtel de Ville, Promenade de Vieux Port (Old Port) along the waterfront and the narrow, cobblestone streets around Rue St Paul. Elsewhere among the charm and character of Old Montréal is the Place d'Armes, the other major square in the area, featuring the magnificent Basilica Notre Dame, and the Chapelle du Sacré Couer.

To really appreciate the atmosphere and entertainment of Montréal, head for Blvd St Laurent and Rue St Denis. Carrée St Louis is also interesting, though a little sleazy. Little Italy is another good spot for dining.

For day-time fun, especially if you have a family, the Parc des Îles (situated on two island on the St Lawrence river) has plenty to offer. Originating from the 1967 World Fair, the amusement park complex includes Casino de Montréal, a Grand Prix racetrack, Biosphère, artificial beach and plenty of parklands with walking and biking tracks.

The major suburbs in Montreal are: Brossard, Boucherville, Brossard, La Prairie, Laval, Longueuil, Ormeaux, Rosemere and Terrebonne.