Montreal's Stewart Museum is an excellent choice for visitors as it manages to re-create historical activities with a focus on outdoor fun.
The Stewart Museum's primary goal is to educate the public on the history of New France, which it does in a highly entertaining style. Kids (and adults too) will never feel that they are really in an outdoor school!
2008 marks the 50th anniversary of Montreal's Stewart Museum. Along with the visitor participation activities, the museum relies on its collections to document life in New France. The museum focuses on the time in Quebec history from the discovery of the New World to the Patriot Rebellions of 1837.
The Stewart Museum emphasizes past daily social life and recreation over military history, making the muesum more accessible to all. Costumed guides, acting as interpreters, add to the fun.
Montreal's Stewart Museum is located in the collection of buildings that make up the arsenal on St. Helen’s Island. These buildings have been here since 1820, when British troops transformed Montreal's now popular recreational island into a military fort.
Today, the fort's large powder magazine is used for more peaceful purposes such as meetings and wedding receptions.
By Metro: Take the yellow line #4 to Jean-Drapeau Station. Follow the signs to the Stewart Museum. It's a 10-minute walk.
By car (not advisable): Take the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to the "Parc Jean-Drapeau" exit. Once on St. Helen's Island, follow the signs.
Insider Tips:
In summer, it's a breezy trip by ferry that runs to and from the Jacques-Cartier quay in the Old Port near Old Montreal and stops near the museum.
Admission is free on Saturdays from now until April 26, 2008, and at all times for kids under six.
Stewart Museum
20 chemin du Tour de l’Isle
The Fort, St. Helen's Island
Montreal, QC Canada