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Further Distractions Parc Jean-Drapeau Montreal’s largest park comprises two islands – Ile Ste-Hélène and Ile Notre-Dame – and was the site of the city’s monumental Expo 67 World Fair. Today, the islands are a great spot for exploring on foot, bicycle or rollerblades. Ile Notre-Dame draws motor-sports fans for the Grand Prix every June and is home to the Casino de Montréal (see Nightlife). Half of Ile Ste-Hélène is taken up by the La Ronde amusement park. The other half is home to the Stewart Museum. This is located in Montreal’s only fort and it recalls the region’s martial history with costumed guides and re-enactments. Also here, the geodesic dome that was the American pavilion for Expo 67 contains the Biosphere – a museum devoted to the ecology of the St Lawrence River. Parc Jean-Drapeau Tel: (514) 872 4537 or (800) 797 4537. Website: www.parcjeandrapeau.com Transport: Métro Jean-Drapeau or ferry from Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port. Opening hours: Daily. Admission: Free. La Ronde Tel: (514) 872 4537 or (800) 797 4537. Website: www.laronde.com Opening hours: Sat and Sun 1000-2100 (mid-late May); daily 1000-2100 (early-mid June); daily 1030-2300 (mid-Jun-late Aug); 1030-2300 (Labour Day weekend); Sat and Sun 1000-1900 (early-late Sep); closing times listed are when rides stop – the park itself closes one hour later. Admission: C$16 (general entry); C$30 (including rides); concessions available. Stewart Museum Tel: (514) 861 6701. Website: www.stewart-museum.org Opening hours: Wed-Mon 1000-1700 (early Oct-mid-May); daily 1000-1800 (mid-May-early Oct). Admission: C$7 (concessions available). Biosphère Tel: (514) 283 5000. Website: http://biosphere.ec.gc.ca Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1600 (early Sep-late Jun); daily 1000-1800 (late Jun-early Sep). Admission: C$8.50 (concessions available). Centre Canadien d’Architecture (CCA) The Canadian Centre for Architecture should be seen as much for its own architecture as for the fascinating temporary exhibitions inside. Peter Rose designed the modern building. An austere limestone façade presents a flat plane broken by a vertical line that echoes the mitoyen wall (essentially a party wall) that divides the two halves of the historic Shaughnessy House and has aluminium louvers along the roofline that suggest a parapet. Designed by one WT Thomas, Shaughnessy House is typical of the residences of Montreal’s wealthy elite at the turn of the century, exemplified by the lavish interior details of the reception rooms and conservatory. The area behind the museum is the CCA sculpture garden, designed by Melvin Charney. 1920 rue Baile Tel: (514) 939 7026. Website: www.cca.qc.ca Transport: Métro Guy-Concordia; bus 15 or 150. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1100-1800; Thurs (Oct-May) until 2000; Thurs (Jun-Sep) until 2100. Admission: C$6; free after 1730 Thurs (concessions available). |
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