Postcard: Montreal
Posted by A.E. Smith on July 10, 2006Just returned from a visit to Canada and beautiful Montreal for the close of the International Jazz Festival there. It was like a little European vacation without the long flight and painful Euro exchange rate. Montreal, the capital of French-speaking Quebec, is clean and cosmopolitan, easily navigable by foot, with great restaurants and museums. It's an easy destination for groups based in the Northeast, but well worth the trip from places farther afield. This is a view of the city from Mont Royal Park; behind me is a large patio and event space.
Keep reading after the jump for more photos.
The Canadian Center for Architecture is running an urban planning exhibit called "Sense of the City" through September 10. In this room visitors can take a "one-minute vacation" by using the headphones to listen to the ambient noise of cities from Chicago to Calcutta. The museum is built around a Victorian-era residence and has several interesting event spaces, including a sculpture garden.
The atmosphere was very festive at the Place-des-Arts Saturday night for this free concert with Brazilian/Cuban jazz duo Bet.E & Carlos. Montreal is known for its festivals; in addition to the jazz festival, this month includes an ongoing fireworks competition along the waterfront and a comedy fest.
The Biosphere on the island of St. Helene (just a quick drive or ferry ride from old Montreal) was constructed for the 1967 World's Fair. The space now contains a science museum. The island also boasts Montreal's casino as well as great views of the city skyline from the water.
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