WELCOME TO MONTRÉAL

The city of Montréal officially founded on May 18,1642, is on an island that is 57 metres (187 feet) above sea level, at 45°45’ north latitude and 73°45’ west longitude. In 1535, Jacques Cartier was the first European to set foot here. Samuel de Champlain founded the first colony on the island in 1611, which makes Montréal one of the oldest cities in North America, as the buildings of Old Montréal can testify. Our city is the second largest in Canada, and the largest French-speaking city outside of France. Its population is 1.75 million, with a total of 3 million living in the metropolitan region. The official language of the province of Québec is French. In Montréal, most people are fluent in English, especially in the western neighbourhoods. In fact, it’s a polyglot city, with healthy Italian, Greek, and Chinese communities. Montréal’s climate is extremely variable: temperatures can plummet to -33°C (-27°F) in mid-February, and climb to 36°C (97°F) in mid-July. Annual precipitation comprises 78 cm (31 inches) of rain and 242 cm (95 inches) of snow.

MONTRÉALISMS

Highlights

If your last visit to Montréal was more than a few months ago, you’ll discover major changes in the area bordered by City Councillors, Berri, René-Lévesque and Sherbrooke Streets. This downtown sector—now called the Quartier des Spectacles (French for “entertainment district”)—will continue its facelift for a few more years. Within this square kilometre, there are some 130 cultural industry related companies (including 30 performance venues), which employ 8,500 people. This is also the heart of Montréal’s major festivals—an indisputable driving force in the city’s economy—which contribute to Montréal’s reputation around the world. Thesector’s first landmark, Place des festivals was ready in time for the 30th anniversary of the Montréal Jazz Fest, where it was inaugurated with a free Stevie Wonder concert. This is only the first stage of the Special Planning Program to revitalize the entire sector.

• If you walk around the area at night, take time to admire the Quartier des Spectacles lighting plan, which illuminates the Monument-National theatre complex, the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT), Club Soda, Métropolis, la Vitrine (Montréal’s Cultural Window), the National Film Board’s CinéRobothèque and the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde. Over time, other cultural venues will be added to this lighting plan.

A GPS-guided walking circuit

Environment Canada's Biosphère has launched a new permanent outdoor activity: the interactive GeoTour 67* walking circuit, using a GPS (Global Positioning System) navigational device. What makes this educational activity unusual is its use of an innovative interpretive device that merges high technology with geolocation, complete with multimedia content for an interactive discovery experience unique in Canada.

The pre-programmed GPS includes photographs, audio clips, anecdotes and various information relating to 25 points of interest on Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands. When the participant arrives at any of these points, the GPS device automatically begins to display or play related visual or audio content.

GeoTour 67* offers two 4-km circuits based on Expo 67 and the evolution of environmental awareness over the past 40 years, an original way to discover the nature and history of the islands. The circuits were designed to lead visitors to the most scenic parts of the islands. New themes and additional circuits may be added in the future. The handheld GPS devices are available at the Biosphère ticket office (rental fee: $5).

• 160 chemin Tour-de-L’isle, Sainte-Hélène Island. 514 283-5000

Bicyle + Taxi = BIXI

On May 12 of this year, Montréal joined the ranks of other cities such as Paris and Stockholm. You can now rent a bicycle at one of 300 solar-powered docking stations (in the boroughs of Plateau Mont Royal, Rosemont-La Petite Patrie, Ville Marie, Outremont, Villeray-Saint -Michel-Parc Extension and South-West). Some 3,000 BIXI bikes will be available to Montrealers and tourists, and that number should increase in part two of the program. There is also a plan to expand the city’s 550 km of cycling paths. By 2013, cyclists should have an impressive 800 km to bike on.

• Before using a BIXI, you must pay a basic registration fee: $5 for 24 hours, $28 for 30 days and $78 for one year. Usage fees are: free for the first 30 minutes, $1.50 for the second 30 minutes, $3 for the third 30 minutes and so on. Information: www.bixi.ca

A new jazz venue

The Quartier des Spectacles is getting a 31st concert venue: L’Astral, located in the new Jazz Fest House (officially called Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan ) with a capacity of 350 people seated or 600 standing, and state-of-the-art stage technology. Aside from jazz, L’Astral will present blues and world music. The hall was inaugurated in June by the great Montréal pianist Oliver Jones.

“JOIE DE VIVRE”

One of the things that makes Montréal so unique and fascinating to visitors is its status as the largest French-speaking city outside of France, and the centre of French culture in North America. During your visit, you will see signs, hear words, accents and expressions you might not understand. Québécois are known to be very helpful and understanding, so don’t hesitate to speak to them directly, even in a very approximate French. They will be honoured by this effort and more than happy to help you. Here are a few phrases to help you along:

At your hotel, when you are tired and want to check in as quickly as possible so you can go to bed, say, Je suis fatigué.

The bill is l’addition and it can get expensive if you eat beaucoup de homards (a lot of lobster) at the restaurant. (Unless of course there’s a festival du homard taking place). Have you spent too much? Look for rabais (sales) that will help you économiser. But make sure you don’t park your voiture in a stationnement interdit because la police will give you une contravention (and maybe tow you away) and the only acceptable answer is merci beaucoup.

Say you’re lost in the heart of centre-ville: Remember that St-Laurent is the street that divides Montréal between est and ouest. An “O”, after an address, therefore, means West.

You asked quelle heure est-il? That means you forgot to put on your Rolex, and il fait beau aujourd’hui, n’est-ce pas? means you’re talking about the weather with this beautiful stranger...that’s what we call flirter.

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