Moments in Montreal
Celebrate the city’s summertime highlights.
HIS SUMMER, WHEN MONTREAL
celebrates its 375th anniversary of its founding with free events galore, cruise passengers will find themselves very much part of the action. Cruise ships will dock right in Old Montreal ( Vieux-Port) on the St. Lawrence River in a terminal fresh from a major, $60 million ($78 million CAN) facelift that debuts in May.
The one-story, high-tech cruise facility is within walking distance of many of the city’s top historic attractions and is destined to be an attraction itself, as there will eventually ( by 2019) be public walkways, a park, and a glass observation tower for views of the city and river.
From the cruise terminal you can walk to Old Montreal’s cobblestoned streets, visit museums and art galleries, catch views of glistening modern skyscrapers, eat steak frites and other French cuisine, and peruse a variety of boutiques.
Montreal surprises visitors with its Old World- meets- modern- metropolis ambiance, French influences, lively attitudes, and the fact that this river island is home to nearly 2 million people.
HONE IN ON THESE HIGHLIGHTS
The city is especially being hailed this year as a place to see and be seen. The 375th anniversary celebration began in January and will be on overdrive this summer, when residents and visitors will have access to some 100 celebratory events, most of them free. Festivities will include everything from giant marionettes from France that will roam the streets in May to historic reenactments, weekend festivals, and parties in city neighborhoods.
For those who want to go further afield, the Metro subway system is easy to navigate and links to an “Underground City” of shopping malls, cafés, and theaters (which is where locals hang out in winter). Taxis and rideshare options are readily available.
Cruise passengers will also have a prime view of major attractions such as the interactive illumination of the landmark Jacques Cartier Bridge with 2,800 lights that change color and intensity based on what’s happening in the city, including factors such as weather, traffic, and current events. Ships pass under the bridge as they enter the city on the St. Lawrence River. In addition, from May 17 to September 2, Montreal AVUDO, a spectacular multimedia show, will pay tribute to the St. Lawrence’s role in city history with projections on the water.
The first cruise ships to arrive for the season this year will be Holland America Line’s Veendam and Maasdam in May, both ships sailing to and from Montreal and Boston through October. Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, and Viking Ocean Cruises are among other lines that will come calling this year. Because Montreal is mostly a turnaround port, many cruisers spend a day or two in Montreal pre- or post-cruise. For additional information and a full event calendar, visit www.375mtl.com.