A holiday in Montreal is a real experience, old world charm, French style and a modern mode all of its own. It’s a modern city; the downtown bristles with skyscrapers, but many of them are playful, cheeky, with unexpected shapes and bright, un-corporate colours. The city above ground is mirrored by a world below, where Montreal works and shops in comfort during an unfriendly winter.
Downtown Montreal is a safe city to walk in and shop in. On the streets you’ll find people out strolling late into the night; Montreal is a city that doesn't sleep and if it’s happening, you can be sure it’s happening in Montreal. Check out Notre dame de Montreal, the old port and Mount Royal for fantastic city views.
Montreal is crammed with theatre and stage events that would amaze the toughest critic. Art flourishes in prestigious museums and top-notch local galleries and Montréal hosts dozens of festivals ranging from the traditional to the wildly avant-garde. Music, laughter, food and sport are four more drivers to get Montrealers out and about. It’s a vibrant, happening city and visitors never have a chance to be bored.
You really must check out downtown's famous alter ego: the underground pedestrian network. Under the heart of the city lie 33km of brightly lit, scrupulously clean passageways, linking thousands of boutiques, hotels, restaurants, universities, office buildings and attractions. This is definitely the Montréal of Montrealers. Every day hundreds of thousands traverse the network to work, shop, dine or spend a night—or day—on the town.
Head out to Parc Jean-Drapeau, a unique mix of green space, architecture and history; Montreal’s cherished four-season playground. It encompasses two islands and is Montréal’s most visited park for good reason. Complete with a filtered-water beach, outdoor pools, museums, acres of flower gardens, an amusement park, walking and cycling trails, an outdoor art gallery, avant-garde architecture and a casino, it’s a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and fun-lovers of all ages.
Montreal fun facts
Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris)
Montreal’s favourite dish is poutine: a luscious concoction of meat pie, cheese curd, chips and gravy
Montreal is the sister city of Hiroshima
Honolulu, Hawaii
Friday 3rd September 2010
Travel Counsellor: Brooke Jackson
I recently had the opportunity to go to Honolulu for 6 days. There is so much to see and do so let me share with you what I did.
The first two nights we stayed at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. This is a gorgeous hotel that is within walking distance of the main shopping areas but at the quieter end of Waikiki Beach. The first night there we attended Germaine's Luau. The Luau is approximately a 30 minute drive from the central Waikiki area and a coach will come to pick you up and drop you off if not at your hotel then at least a very short walk away. The best way to describe the Luau is lots of food and lots of fun! It is located on the beach and you definitely do not go hungry. There is also constant entertainment throughout the evening with Polynesian dancing, singing and even audience participation. One hint though - wear footwear you can easily kick off like thongs. As it is on the beach you don't really want to be wearing fancy high heels ladies. I did see more than... view full story
click a circle on the map to view a Travel Counsellor's Diary