Montreal Soccer Team Revives the Dirty O
Not in 25 years has the bad boy of Montreal attractions garnered so much positive attention, thanks to the Montreal soccer team. The Olympic stadium, plagued from the beginning by continuing budget and structural problems has been a thorn in Montreal taxpayers sides for eons.The recent soccer contest between Montreal and the defeated Mexican team attracted over 55,000 fans who didn't seem to mind the leaky roof.Related Reading:
Getting to Olympic Stadium
Montreal Botanical Gardens
More East End Attractions
Spring Break Montreal
Travelers to Montreal beware: March 2nd to March 6th, 2009 is the March break for elementary and secondary school kids in Montreal so attractions can get over run with the young. In other provinces, March or spring break happens in mid month.
It's a good time to visit with kids though as many museums offer special events for youngsters and there are some good winter deals on hotels.
Until March 7th, check out the Montreal Biodome's moonlit evenings for families. Don't miss the blue lit ecosystems and the tarot card readings and aboriginal chanting in a replica sweat lodge. Kids will appreciate the Biodome's penguins who inspired a new kind of bobsled team.
Related Reading:
Plan your Montreal Trip
Montreal For Families
The Montreal Biodome
Getting to the Montreal Biodome and other East End Attractions
Montreal Rooms
Quebec for Foodies
As culinary travel grows in popularity combined with a trend towards recession busting holiday ideas, Quebec immediately springs to mind as the ideal destination.Where else can a North American visitor experience French food and culture with a unique Quebecois spin at a fraction of the price of a trip to Europe? To ensure "genuine Quebec", just look for restaurants, inns and farms sporting the blue and yellow oval sign of quality.
Related Reading:
Quebec Food
Montreal Trip Planner
Quebec City Trip Planner
Image: Certified Quebec
Quebec Separatists Win
A planned re-enactment of the 20-minute pivotal battle in which the English defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City, has been canceled amid strong protests and threats of violence from separatist groups supported by two political parties: the Parti Quebecois and the Bloc Quebecois.
The 250 year anniversary of "The Conquest" will still be marked in Quebec City with a book launching and a parade.
While the separatists have a point, the blow to tourism dollars is significant.
Related Reading:
Safety in Quebec City
Planning Your Trip to Quebec City
French in Montreal
Part of the fun of visiting a new city is to learn and practice a new language. When visiting Montreal, it's important to remember that Quebec is officially unilingual so learning a few French expressions before you come, while not necessary, goes a long way to improve your Montreal experience.
Try learning a few survival phrases by taking a course or studying at home. You can even take French classes in Montreal at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) that range from one to three weeks and can include a jazz and gourmet component. For more info call 1.514.987.3000 extension 5621.
Related Reading:
Survival French Phrases
Study at Home Course Review
Montreal Trip Planner
Take a Stroll on the Wild(er) Side
In Canada's largest cities, the east end is often the grungy side of town. Houses are smaller and poorer with distinct working class roots. But these neighborhoods are often the more interesting and authentic and in this regard, Montreal is no exception.Walking east from St. Denis along Ontario, visitors will find cool bars and restaurants that seem to transcend their surroundings. Fine dining and chic brew pubs including two of my favorites, La Carte Blanche and Le Cheval Blanc await the more adventurous who make their way east past the Latin Quarter and Gay Village. Go ahead, get out of your comfort zone and leave the tourist hordes behind.Related Reading:
La Carte Blanche Restaurant
Montreal's Top Bars
Montreal's Best Ethnic Restaurants
Montreal's East End Attractions
Photo: East End Bar by Sherel Purcell
Last Chance to Catch the 2009 Quebec Winter Carnival
February 15th, the last day for carnival is fast approaching. It's been a great year as for the most part, the weather cooperated with temps just cool enough to keep all the snow sculptures intact and the ice skating smooth.The crowds are friendly and manageable and the line ups for the Ice Palace or to take part in the outdoor activities move quickly, even on weekends. Bonhomme seems to be everywhere this year so photo opps are plentiful too.
Related Reading:
Quebec Winter Carnival 2009 Pictures
How to Do the Quebec Winter Carnival 2009
Quebec Winter Carnival 2009 Specials
Photo: Student Sculpture, Quebec Winter Carnival 2009 by Sherel Purcell
"Polytechnique" Opens in Montreal Amid Controversy
This Friday the controversial film, "Polytechique" opened to a clamour of protest from those who say the film portraying the December, 1989 massacre of 14 young women is overly sensational.
This dark day in Montreal's past conflicts sharply with the fact that Montreal is one of the safest cities in North America for visitors. In recent years organized crime - Montreal's infamous biker wars - have been brought under control by the police force whose methods have been copied by other urban forces. The most dangerous thing in Montreal is crossing the street - seriously!
Related Reading:
Montreal All - Nighter Party
Part of the 10th annual Montreal Highlights Festival running from February 19th until March 1st, the Nuit Blanche All Nighter is a weekend-long arts festival that takes place this year on Saturday, February 28 and continues through Sunday, March 1.More than 165 events (most of them free) can be found in the key areas of the city: Old Montreal, the Old Port, downtown (including the underground city) and the Plateau/Latin Quartier districts.
Related Reading:
Montreal's Nuit Blanche
Montreal in February
February Events in Montreal
Photo: Underground Art at Nuit Blanche courtesy of Montreal Highlights Festival
Drinking in Montreal
A popular activity in the city that works to live and not the other way around as in Toronto and other workaholic North American cities.
Montreal's after work crowd shows up religiously for the traditional cinq a sept (five to seven after work drinks). These 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. drink specials are best in the bars that line St. Denis around Sherbrooke Street whose outdoor terraces/picture windows offer great people watching opportunities.
Related Reading:
Top Montreal Bars
Cheap Drinking
Montreal Music Venues