INTRODUCTION:
BIRD'S EYE VIEW
ESCPECIALLY FOR KIDS
CITY SPAN
CURRENCY
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Click On Picture To Access Larger Animated Photo Of Montreal

Introduction:

Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city, yet it doesn’t have the oppressive air of many large urban centers—the people are friendly, and it isn’t unusual to find that you’ve struck up a conversation with a perfect stranger. It’s a bilingual, bicultural society, and although its French influence is the focus of much controversy within Canada, it’s this very multicultural flavor that’s attractive to visitors. And Montreal is physically as well as culturally attractive: Its Old World architecture perfectly complements the French atmosphere. Montreal is a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife, love of sports, world-class museums, orchestras, shopping and year-round festivals—all in all, it’s a great place to visit for business or pleasure.

BIRD'S-EYE VIEW:Back to top:

Montreal is built on a series of islands, connected by some 21 bridges, on the St. Lawrence River. In the center of the main island of Montreal is 764-ft/233-m Mont Royal, which gives the city its name. The center of the city is bordered by four streets: Sherbrooke and Ste. Catherine, which run east to west, and Guy and St. Denis. Within this core area are most of the restaurants, museums and shops. Traveling south of downtown, between Rene Levesque Street and the river, you’ll encounter the small but vibrant Chinatown, then Old Montreal and finally the Old Port at the waterfront. The Plateau Mont Royal encompasses an area east of St. Laurent Boulevard and north of Sherbrooke. In this trendy neighborhood you’ll find charming French and Italian restaurants and incredible fashion—both in boutiques and on the people walking past you. Most of the English-speaking residents live on the west side of the city, beyond the path of the Metro, but the area around Rue Crescent north of Ste. Catherine is a popular hangout for anglophones, brimming with pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. Note: In giving directions in the city center, people use the St. Lawrence Ri ver as a point of orientation. If you’re told your destination is to “the south,” that means it’s going toward the river—which is actually to the east-southeast by the compass.

ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS
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The Granby Zoo, Cirque du Soleil for creative theater events, La Ronde shows and amusements.

CITYSPAN: Back to top:

If you’re a divorced or separated parent entering Canada with children, you must bring proof of legal custody (custody papers from the court). If you are not the sole custodian, a notarized letter of permission from the other parent is required, stating the duration of the trip. Immigration officers may or may not ask you for these documents, but it’s better to be prepared. Also, anyone under age 18 traveling to Canada needs a letter from a parent or guardian granting permission, stating the traveler’s name and the duration of the trip. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.

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The currency is the Canadian dollar. The Can$1 and Can$2 denominations are coins. At press time, the exchange rate was Can$0.93 for one Australian dollar, Can$2.38 for one British pound sterling and Can$1.43 for one U.S. dollar. Note: All prices quoted in this report are in Canadian currency. 1999: 1 Jan, New Year’s Day; 2 Apr, Good Friday; 5 Apr, Easter Monday; 24 May, Victoria Day (Fete de Dollard); 24 Jun, Ste. Jean Baptiste Day (National Day); 1 Jul, Canada Day; 6 Sep, Labor Day; 11 Oct, Thanksgiving; 25 Dec, Christmas. As soon as you arrive, pick up the GST Rebate for Visitors form at the airport, hotels, border crossings or visitors centers. Or, within Canada, call 800-668-4748, or from outside of Canada, call 613-991-3346 for information. Ask for and save original sales receipts—credit-card slips won’t work. You can apply for your tax refund at some duty-free shops and most border crossings, or you can apply for and receive it by mail. Copyright (c) 1998 by Reed Travel Group. All rights reserved.