Montreal can trace its roots back more than 350 years to the first settlers who arrived here from France and established a port and trading post on this island in the St. Lawrence river. The port of Montreal had traditionally been one of the most important in North America, first serving the fur trade, then the grain trade before the St. Lawrence Seaway drastically reduced the role of the port for the traffic making it’s way to the Great Lakes. Not to be discouraged by the shifting economic focus of the times, in 1963 the port and the area immediately surrounding it, which also contains the town hall and several government buildings was declared a historic district. A slow transition from transport hub to tourist destination was begun.
A Glimpse Into The Past
Today the Old Port neighborhood is one of Montreal’s most sought after addresses for young, hip residents and corporations alike. It’s also a great place to spend a weekend, afternoon or evening just strolling along the cobblestone streets and enjoying the atmosphere. A lot of effort has gone into preserving the original facades of the buildings in the area, and the result is a mish mash of different eras in Montreal’s history emerging from the brickwork and architecture. The large piers have been retained, with several of them converted into open pedestrian parks that can take you right out to the edge of the water and rapids that start near the not so distant Jacques Cartier bridge. One pier has been devoted to the Montreal Science Center which hosts a revolving number of traveling exhibits as well as permanent science fun stations for children and adults alike. There is also still pier service for pleasure boats and the jet boats and cruises that make their way up and down the St. Lawrence. Some of them will even take you down the Lachine Rapids where you will emerge soaked but smiling at the other end.
Turning away from the water, there is plenty of action in the courtyards and narrow streets that cut between the old warehouses and buildings. Street performers dazzle crowds with music, magic and performance art and horse-drawn carriages can be hired to take a slow-paced tour through the area. Souvenir shops abound, but aside from the typical trinkets there are also several high end shops. The Old Port is also an excellent location for fine dining, with restaurants such as Gibby’s steakhouse, Chez L’Epicier and Bonaparte being quite popular. Luxury hotel accommodations can be found at Hotel St. Paul and Le Saint-Sulpice.
Montreal’s Foundations
If you want to escape the crowds and get a bit of a break from all of the action, you can always climb to the top of the hill that overlooks the Old Port area. A beautiful fountain surrounded by sculpted cedars sits beside the town hall building, and after you have caught your breathe on one of the stone benches you can walk down to the front grounds of the town hall. Hidden in the grassy knolls are some of the original walls from the forts that were used to protect the city from the constant French / British conflict. Walking along these walls is a great way to reflect on the fact that you are visiting one of the first settlements in North America.
Touristy, But Fun
While a lot of the Old Port might seem to be aimed squarely at a tourists’ wallet, it is a part of the city you should not miss if you are in town for the first time. Whether you decide to sample the queues de castor, take in the twice weekly fireworks competition or just walk peacefully along the water, the Old Port is one of Montreal’s high points.
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