Top Landmarks in Montreal
June 25th, 2008
cc: photo credit: René Ehrhardt
The city of Montreal Quebec, Canada has had human inhabitants for approximately 8,000 years, the first ones were the Algonquin, Huron and Iroquois tribes. In the 1500’s the European explorers reached the area and tried to set up fur trading posts. Even though the initial fur trade was not successful, the fur trade industry would become very important to Montreal and would help the city grow and prosper. By 1832 Montreal was officially declared a city and continued to gain popularity and was eventually held the title of the capital of the United Province of Canada from 1844 to 1849. By this point Montreal was a firmly established port city, important for much trade in the region and with other countries.
One of the main reasons that Montreal became so successful and important was the addition of the Lachine Canal which created a direct point of entry to the Atlantic Ocean. It has also been used to supply hydraulic power and as a hub for the manufacturing industry. Currently, the Lachine Canal is undergoing a new transformation and becoming a popular recreation area. You can check out the sites of this historic landmark by taking a boat cruise, going for a walk or bike ride, or just having a picnic and simply soaking up the sites.
Before Montreal was even named Montreal it was called Ville-Marie and housed a very small chapel run by the Jesuits. Later the Sulpician Fathers would adopt the tiny chapel and begin an ambitious construction project on a much larger Baroque style church. This church still proved to be too small and a new building in the then popular Gothic Revival style was which would eventually be known to the world as the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. But this monumental structure was not complete yet, a new chapel would be added in 1889 and a fire destroyed much of the original structure in 1978. A rather modest fee will get you access to the Basilica and brief guided tour, after which you can continue to explore at your leisure as long as there isn’t a service in progress.
Saint Josephs Oratory of Mount Royal
Another religious landmark in Montreal is the Saint Josephs Oratory of Mount Royal. Brother Andre was born Alfred Besette in 1845 and by his 25th birthday had joined the Holy Cross Order. One of Brother Andre’s duties was to administer to sick students at the College Notre-Dame in Montreal, it was while performing these tasks that he earned a reputation for miraculous healings through his prayers to Saint Joseph. By 1904 he was drawing such a crowd that he worked to raise $200 and build a 15 x 18 foot building. In 1955, after Brother Andre’s death, a proper shrine to Saint Joseph was constructed and the Saint Josephs Oratory still draws quite a crowd. The Italian Renaissance style is used by a bit overblown by the large building. In fact the dome is the second largest in the world with only St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome besting it. In addition to the beautiful architecture and museum quality art pieces throughout you can also get a glimpse of Brother Andre’s embalmed heart in a museum dedicated to his life’s work.
Old Montreal or Vieux Montreal is the oldest area in the city with some of its buildings dating back to the 1600s. If you’re visiting Notre-Dame Basilica then you’re already in Old Montreal and seeing one of the highlights. Adjacent to the Notre-Dame Basilica is the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, the oldest existing building in Montreal. In the area you’ll also find the City Hall, Bonsecours Market, financial institutions, and some preserved mansions. In the southwest side of Old Montreal you’ll find some archeological remains of Montreal’s first town. One of the best parts of this area is that the historic feel is still there, not only are many buildings restored and maintained, but the cobbled streets have also been restored and horse drawn caleches clatter down the street regularly.
If you’re a sports fan then the Olympic Park is a landmark you shouldn’t miss. Built for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, the park has transformed and now hosts concerts and Montreal Expo’s baseball games. One thing that hasn’t transformed in the Olympic Park is the main stadium tower, which at 575 feet is the tallest inclined tower in the world. Take the time to ride the funicular to the observation decks and catch the incredible view of the city. The Olympic Park also has the largest Biodome in the world, which is a must see attraction. The building has five different ecosystems; the Tropical Forest, Laurentian Forest, Saint-Lawrence Marine Ecosystem, Artic and Antarctic.
If you’re headed to Montreal and are looking for a cultural experience, the Place des Arts is a great stop as it is the major performing arts center in Montreal. Place des Arts is home to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens and the Opera de Montreal. The Place des Arts contains five different theaters in a variety of sizes, each hosting a unique production so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy or that would open your mind to new experiences. In addition to the theaters the Musee d’art contemporain de Montreal joined the fray in 1992.
For even a little more theater, consider visiting the Montreal Theatre St. Denis, a smaller scale theatre set in the Latin Quarter. This area is mainly frequented by students as the Universite de Montreal is located in this section of Montreal. This means that the theater experience might be a bit more contemporary and will probably be a little less expensive for those tourists on a bit of a budget.
In addition to its incredible history, Montreal is full of historical landmarks that should be perused if you’re taking a vacation to this popular city. Use the preceding guide to make sure you hit the highlights. However, the first landmark to hit is Hotels Cheap to find the best hotel deals in Montreal.
Categories: Sightseeing
