I’ve got three days, two kids and a whole lot of energy to burn in Montréal. Let’s roll.
Time travel back or forward? Eat poutine or maple fudge? These were just some of our choices for our weekend en famille in Montréal. We happily discovered that Montréal is a safe, kid-friendly city. Whether you have an Indiana Jones, a Picasso or an Einstein, the question isn’t what you are going to do—it’s what you AREN’T going to do! Montréal’s compact size and convenience can’t be beat: with indoor and outdoor attractions connected by an extensive métro and bus system, you can hop worry-free around town.
History, Science or Art? Montréal museums offer incredible children’s programs. We first visited New France in Old Montréal’s Pointe-à-Callière Museum. A short jaunt and a few street performers later, we shot forward to the future in the state-of-the-art Montréal Science Centre.
Day two was dedicated to nature, walking amongst the butterflies at the Botanical Garden, hanging with monkeys, otters and penguins in the Biodôme, and finally sorting out bugs at the Insectarium.
Day three saw us hiking up Mount Royal before heading downtown to Jazz Fest. Our youngest had a blast, grooving to the music while perched high above the crowd on Daddy’s shoulders. Montréal festivals are now my all-time fave family outing: safe and convenient with something FUN for everyone.
Regrets? Only that we didn’t have time to hit La Ronde amusement park or cycle around the Old Port.
Some recommendations:
La Ronde (Member of the Six Flags Family): La Ronde features over 40 rides and attractions, as well as numerous shows and activities. The amusement park invites thrill-seekers to try its new half-suspended rollercoaster: Ednör, l’attaque. Towering at 108 feet, the ride includes five inversions and zooms along at close to 55 miles/h. More than half of its twisting 760 yards course is over water. Also, Terminator X or the “ultimate laser battle”, inspired by the blockbuster movies of the same name, features interactive combat between two teams.
Butterflies Go Free: Are you obsessed with spotting Québec’s largest insect – the crecopia moth – whose wingspan can reach 16 cm, but just can’t find it in the wild? Or do you simply enjoy watching a butterfly flutter by? Then look no farther than the Montréal Botanical Garden. From February until April, some 15 000 butterflies and moths will soar freely throughout the Main Exhibition Greenhouse during the annual exhibit, Butterflies Go Free. These colourful treasures have delighted and amazed over one million visitors to date.
Chez Cora on Stanley Street has the reputation for incredible and abundant breakfasts served warm with hospitality. It’s a great way to start your day!
Looking for a little history? Take Sherbrooke Street until you reach the McCord Museum of Canadian History whose some 1,375,000 artefacts, images and manuscripts bear witness to the cultural and historical development of Montréal, Québec, and Canada.
Your mission: to annihilate the enemy with the help of your trusty laser pistol in a labyrinth of hallways stretched over five floors. Laser Quest on Sainte-Catherine Street West will suit you up for a laser battle you won’t soon forget!
If your kids are like mine, they love a buffet, so plan a stop at Le Commensal for a deliciously healthy meal. The restaurant offers a marvellous vantage of the downtown in all its glory, as well as a buffet featuring an wide selection of delectable dishes.
If you love breakfast as much as we do, you will love breakfast at Boccacinos where you'll find plates piled high with fresh fruit, steaming waffles, melt-in-your-mouth bagels and delicate Victorian crêpes served with English cream.For those braver than I who dare to take the kids to a fine arts museum, put The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts on your list. You can’t miss the stone façade of the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, one of the first museums in North America to amass an encyclopedic collection worthy of the name. With over 33 000 objects including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, prints and drawings, photographs and decorative art objects from Antiquity to today, you will be fascinated by the diverse collections ranging from Ancient Cultures, European Art, Canadian Art, Inuit and Amerindian Art, Contemporary Art and Decorative Arts.
Rain or shine, sweltering heat or frigid cold, the Atrium le 1000 is a huge indoor skating rink open to year-round.
Between April 28 and September 18, check out an exhibit called Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology presented by Lucas Films and the National Geographic Society in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first film's release at the the Montréal Science Centre. The exhibit will feature a collection of props, models, drawings, and concept and set designs for Indiana Jones, plus a wealth of historical and cultural facts.
A Few Hotel Suggestions:
L’Appartement-Hôtel
Located on prestigious Sherbrooke Street, a short walk from McGill University and steps away from the Quartier des Spectacles and Place des Arts, L'Appartement Hôtel offers 126 studios and suites including fully-equipped kitchenettes, free high-speed Internet access and continental breakfast as well as all the conveniences of home. Our rooftop indoor swimming pool and sundeck offer spectacular views of Mont-Royal and downtown.
Montréal Marriott Château Champlain
Downtown Montréal, linked to the Underground City, métro, Bell Centre and central station. All rooms provide captivating views of Montréal through their half-moon windows. Guests can enjoy the health and fitness centre, indoor pool, hot tub and steam rooms.
Holiday Inn Select Montréal Downtown
Rooms and suites with large desk, telephones, dual phone line with voice mail, free wireless high-speed Internet, iron and ironing board, dataport and coffee maker. "Executive Edition" floor. Restaurant, bar and room service facing to the Palais des congrès (Convention Centre). Full service Spa.
Delta Montréal
The Delta Montreal, a 4-star hotel located in the financial and entertainment district, offers travelers convenience and comfort. Most of its guestrooms and suites have a private balcony with a breathtaking view. This full-service hotel offers everything from valet parking, bellman services, extensive fitness facilities, food and beverage facilities and much more.
Special spring Montreal family getaways are happening now through May and include special hotel rates and lots of extras! Click here for details.Thanks to Tourisme Montreeal for helping with lots of great info.
