Walking Tour of Old Town Montreal
Armed with an official map following the trail of 18th Century Montreal, we set off on a wonderful journey of one of Canada's Frenchiest cities. First on our stop was the World Trade Center. This center is actually a group of buildings attached to each other on one huge city block with different facades and architectural styles. Here are some pics:
A view of the World Trade Center from the inside.
Although the World Trade Center mainly houses offices, it too has a commercial space leased to food courts and some retail stores. We were pleasantly surprised to see some exhibits one of which was this piece of the Berlin Wall.
This is the other side of the Berlin Wall on display inside the World Trade Center of Montreal.
While on the trail of 18th Century Montreal, we passed by this boutique hotel. I couldn't resist taking a picture as it looked so beautiful and elegant on the outside. I believe it is called the Love Hotel.
The Chateau Ramezay Museum. This used to be the residence of the Montreal Governor in the olden days.
The Bank of Montreal
The Bank of Montreal had a museum and it was free to the public. We had originally planned on going in and taking a peek, however, it was still closed when we passed by and so we just had to give it a miss.
Montreal's City Hall under renovation. City Hall faces the Place Jacques-Cartier, the main plaza in Old Town replete with cafes, restaurants, souvenir stores, hotels, and tourists.
Montreal is replete with statues and monuments dedicated to its most famous statesmen. The statue of Monsieur Vauquelin located on the side of Montreal's City Hall is one of them.
This is Montreal's first skycraper. 511 Place d'Armes. This building sits right across the Notre Dame Basilica.
In downtown Montreal right before the stores actually opened. What a bummer, I actually wanted to shop!
Goodluck roosters for sale in a souvenir shop in Old Town. Don't they look so Provencal?
Sir George Etienne-Cartier's Residence
Etienne-Cartier was an important 19th century politician and one of the founding fathers of the Canadian confederation.
The historic Pierre du Calvet. This private home dates from the Victorian era and it has been meticulously restored according to the tastes and customs of the montreal bourgeoisie around 1860.
This building is a favorite subject of many Canadian artists and painters from Montreal.
The Guilde Graphique, the upscale gallery and part of the 18th century Old Montreal Trail, sold lithographs and paintings about this historic building.
Marche Bonsecours
The Marche Bonsecours and its dome
The Bonsecours Market building, with its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the Quays of the Old Port, is recognized as one of Canada's ten most beautiful heritage buildings. This superb edifice was inaugurated in 1847 and served as the site of the parliament of United Canada in 1849 and Montreal's City Hall from 1858 to 1878. From then on it has served as the city's main public market.
Today, it houses boutiques featuring Quebec's designers' and artisans' wares. It also has restaurants and reception halls available for public and privates events.
While in Marche Bonsecours, we visited some galleries selling exquisite paintings at very reasonable prices. One previous traveler to Montreal and a TRIPADVISOR reviewer suggested the purchase of paintings in Montreal. He was right. Compared to US prices, quality oil paintings in Montreal can be had for much, much less.
The eastern end of Marche Bonsecours
The Notre Dame de Bon Secour. This beautiful church sits right next to Marche Bonsecours.
A side view of the Notre Dame de Bonsecours
A closer view of the facade of the Notre Dame de Bon Secour
The main entrance to the Notre Dame de Bonsecours
A view of the statue of the Virgin Mary and Child above the main entrance to the Notre Dame de Bonsecours
The steeple of the Notre Dame de Bonsecours
A rear view of the column in Place Jacques Cartier. The statue on top of the column faces the sea.
Rue des Artistes early in the morning. This is where many painters sell their artpieces in Montreal. As can be expected, the subjects of many of the painters' works are the historic and natural sights
of the province of Quebec and Montreal.
Rue des Artistes is very easy to find. It is one of the cross streets of Place Jacques-Cartier.
A street scene in Old Town
I found Old Town Montreal to be very, very touristy. The ground level of many buildings housed many stores selling local souvenirs and postcards like the building below.
Here I am inside a store in Old Town buying postcards for my ever growing collection of photo albums. Taken inside a souvenir store
I kept wondering what building this was. It turns out it is the back of the Place Royal which is the site of the Museum of Archeology.
Me in front of the Pointe a Calliere, Museum of Archaelogy and History
A caleche (or kalesa as we would say in Tagalog) and a bust from Easter Island in front of the Pointe a Calliere, Montreal Museum of Archeology and History
A closer view of the stone bust from Easter Island
The Centre d'histoire de Montreal or Montreal's History Museum undergoing extensive renovation
La Guilde Graphique, an 18th century building which now serves as a gallery of artwork from artists from all over Canada
I love Montreal. I have begun entertaining thoughts of moving to Canada when I retire. It is very beautiful indeed. I want to live here!