Montreal
Despite the great number of worthy attractions, we think the best way to discover Montreal is by strolling some of its districts and neighborhoods, stopping at cafes and interesting places when you find them. This approach will give you a real feel for the city and its warm, relaxed atmosphere. And when you do feel compelled to visit the city's major attractions, you won't be far away. You can get to all major sights via the Metro and foot power. The Berri-UQAM (University of Quebec at Montreal) Metro stop may be the city's most important Metro station because three lines intersect there, and the Latin Quarter is nearby.
We suggest starting with the city's first neighborhood, Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal), where history can be seen and felt at every turn. Stop at the tourist office on Notre Dame street (or the main office downtown at Dorchester Square) and pick up a walking guide, which points out the most significant places in this part of town. Among them are the Pointe a Calliere Museum of Archaeology and History, which provides a look at the city's history as it has been unearthed from excavations, and the imposing Notre Dame Basilica, built in 1829. It has an ornate, hand-carved wood interior that was constructed without any nails. The waterfront area known as the Old Port (Vieux Port) is a revitalized area with picnic grounds, walking paths, lots of musicians and performers, an IMAX theater and a new science museum.
Several major attractions and many of the shopping complexes are located in the downtown area. The Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux-Arts) is the city's premier art gallery. The McCord Museum focuses mainly on the social history of Canada, with emphasis on

Montreal and Quebec. Just a few blocks to the east, near Place des Arts, is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Near Dorchester Square, the unofficial center of downtown, is the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, a one-third-scale replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (it's still large).
To the north of downtown is the Olympic Park complex, originally built for the 1976 Summer Games. The major draw is the Biodome, a one-of-a-kind ecological interpretive center. Next to Olympic Park you'll find one of the world's best botanical gardens (Jardin Botanique), with 26,000 species of plants and flowers in 30 beautifully landscaped areas.
Elsewhere in the city, you should consider a stroll through McGill University, one of the country's prettiest and most respected colleges. Finally, you've simply got to take a walk down "the Main," officially known as Boulevard St. Laurent. Leading into the Plateau District, this street reveals a fascinating part of town with diverse cultural groups ranging from hip, young French and English speakers to a Portuguese immigrant community to Hasidic Jews. Bookshops, cafes, restaurants and boutiques are tucked in beside older grocery stores. This is the Montreal many visitors miss, but a half day spent meandering there could be the highlight of your trip. Top off your sightseeing by hiking to the top of the city's beloved "mountain," Mont Royal, near the west side of the Plateau district.