Skyline of Montreal in Quebec, Canada [Image by Beenerm from Pixabay]The largest city in the Quebec Province, Montreal nestles on an island in the Saint Lawrence River. The Canadian city was named for Mt. Royal, the triple-peaked hill in its center. Beautiful neighborhoods worth visiting feature cobblestoned streets, while the French colonial Vieux-Montreal hosts the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica and the bohemian Plateau is a worthy visit. However, besides the famous attractions in the city, Montreal features a number of unique and fascinating locations to visit. Read on to find out more.
Biosphere of Montreal – 160, Chemin Tour-de-l’Isle Île, Sainte-Hélène
Biosphere of Montreal [Image by Joe Passe on Flickr]The Biosphere of Montreal was contributed to Montreal’s 1967 World’s Fair Exposition by the US Government. The structure was designed by Buckminster Fuller and was named the Geodesic Dome by the architect and scientist. Meanwhile, the dome stands 20 stories in height and initially contained exhibits relating to the Apollo missions. When the fair was over, the biosphere remained and can be visited today.
Beaudry Metro – 1255-1273 Saint Catherine Street, Montreal
Beaudry Metro Station [Image by Caribb on Flickr]This next attraction is located close to the Montreal Gay and Lesbian Community Center off Beaudry Street in the city. Meanwhile, the street and Beaudry Metro station were named for a businessman in the city, Pierre Beaudry.
Moreover, the colorful Beaudry Metro station is a typical example of the liberal and progressive environment in the city. Meanwhile, the brightly colored pillars pay tribute to and represent the gay district where the metro station is located.
Gibeau Orange Julep – 7700 Décarie Boulevard
Gibeau Orange Julep [Image by Eugene Chan on Flickr]One of Montreal’s most iconic fast food outlets features a giant orange, known as the Gibeau Orange Julep, standing three stories in height. The diner was founded in 1932 by Hermas Gibeau and he named the orange after the famous orange julep drink served at the diner. Moreover, the popular diner serves several Quebecois “casse-croute” treats, including cheeseburgers, French fries, veggie dogs and the location’s signature dish, poutine.
La Sala Rossa – 4848 St-Laurent, Montreal
Inside La Sala Rossa [Image by celinecelines on Flickr]La Sala Rossa (The Red Room) started as a left-wing Jewish gathering spot and has been a landmark in the city for almost 80 years. Fast forward to now, and La Sala Rossa now hosts a hip music scene in the city. While in the past it was the place to go in Montreal for progressive dialogue and activism, it has also been used as a community center. The red room can hold 250 people who can enjoy music and poetry sessions together.
Montreal Holocaust Memorial Center and Museum – 5151 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montreal Holocaust Memorial Center and Museum [Image @museeholocauste/Instagram]Founded in the 1970s, the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Center and Museum is a community-run museum staffed mostly by Holocaust survivors. The venue offers a more intimate experience of the horrific past. Moreover, the center invites visitors to reflect on the destruction caused by prejudice, racism and anti-Semitism. It also features a permanent exhibition, dubbed “Life Before the War and the Holocaust.”
Visit some of these unique and fascinating locations in Montreal on your next vacation in Quebec, Canada. Read more about the city on its official tourism website.
[…] second-largest city. Its modern skyscrapers contrast beautifully with the streets of Old Montreal, where centuries-old buildings, like the Notre Dame Basilica, welcome visitors. Meanwhile, the […]
[…] second-largest city. Its modern skyscrapers contrast beautifully with the streets of Old Montreal, where centuries-old buildings, like the Notre Dame Basilica, welcome visitors. Meanwhile, the […]