SAVOUREZ SAVOUR CHAQUE INSTANT EVERY MOMENT 01 Why Montréal WHY MONTRÉAL PERFECT LOCATION Conveniently located at the crossroads of the Saint Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, Montreal is a major destination for international and river cruises. The Port of Montreal is the #1 port on the Saint Lawrence for turn operations and the second most important port in terms of number of passengers. WHY MONTRÉAL EASY TO ACCESS FLYING Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) ▪ 30+ airlines ▪ 140+ destinations around the World ▪ 200+ direct flights daily ▪ 25 minutes from downtown ▪ Limo/car service; taxi; Uber; car rental; Express Bus DRIVING ▪ Extensive highway network leading to the United States, Ottawa and Toronto ▪ 45 minutes drive from the US border and about 7 hour drive to/from New York City TRAIN ▪ VIARAIL Central Station downtown WHY MONTRÉAL EASY TO WALK The cruise facilities are just steps away from Old Montréal, making it easy for guests to immerse themselves in the city’s history, cutting-edge culture and urban vibe. 5 minutes walk − Old Montréal 10 minutes walk − Old Port of Montréal − Quartier des spectacles 15 minutes walk − Train Central station − Downtown core WHY MONTRÉAL 10 things that make Montréal UNIQUE WHY MONTRÉAL RECREATION WHY MONTRÉAL RECREATION How to explore Montréal? Sky is (almost) the limit! For a panoramic view of the city, climb to the top of Mount Royal. This is the very spot where Jacques Cartier, discoverer of the Saint Lawrence River, planted a wooden cross in 1535. If you are more of an explorer type, rent a bike or an electric scooter and discover the city. There are 620 miles of bike paths that will bring you to trendy Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End, Old Montréal, colourful Little Italy, traditional Chinatown to name a few spots. And if you prefer to walk, indulge yourself with a stroll in Old Montréal or along the Lachine Canal. WHY MONTRÉAL SHOPPING WHY MONTRÉAL SHOPPING Montréal was first in North America to be designated a UNESCO City of Design and third internationally after Buenos Aires and Berlin. From famous upscale brands to trendy local designers, Montréal is a treasure trove of fashion, antiques, home decor, jewelry, trinkets and original gifts. Explore Montréal’s famed Underground City as you shop: this pedestrian network right under the heart of the city links metro stations to shopping plazas for over 32 kilometers (20 miles). WHY MONTRÉAL ART&ENTERTAINMENT WHY MONTRÉAL ART&ENTERTAINMENT Immerse yourself in history and culture, museum and art exhibitions, hands-on science or galactic discoveries – it's all within reach at Montréal's many museums and galleries. Carefully curated temporary and permanent exhibitions make the city's large museums always worth a visit. With over 100 events going on every year, festivals and grand events are a cornerstone of life in Montréal. Jazz, comedy, avant-garde dance, circus, the city's festivals and special events gather locals and visitors alike in the name of celebration. WHY MONTRÉAL GASTRONOMY WHY MONTRÉAL GASTRONOMY In 2007, Montréal joined the ranks of Délice Network, uniting 24 gourmet cities such as Lyon, Barcelona, Canton, Osaka and Turin for international collaboration, and cementing our reputation as a metropolis where people live and eat well. The city is home to 5,800 + restaurants. From foie gras poutine and juicy smoked meat sandwiches, from five-star restaurants to food trucks, from decadent ice cream to melt-in- your-mouth pastries, there are so many ways to give in to taste temptations. WHY MONTRÉAL HOTELS WHY MONTRÉAL HOTELS Whatever your taste, lifestyle or budget, you’ll find the perfect place to call home in Montréal. The city has more than 25,000 rooms, with 16,000 located downtown, and many connected directly to metro stations, shopping centers and the underground pedestrian network. From major American and international chains, luxury to quaint boutique hotels, you are sure to find the perfect home-away-from-home. 02 What to do Some ideas of tours & excursions CLASSIC TOURS CLASSY CITY TOUR Experience Montréal’s best-known sites and enjoy various photo opportunities at landmarks such as Old Montréal, the Olympic Stadium, Jean-Drapeau Park, Mount Royal Park and Saint Joseph’s Oratory. WHAT TO DO CITY OF A HUNDRED STEEPLES Mark Twain described Montréal as “a city where you couldn’t throw a brick without breaking a church window.” Guests will find out why on this special tour designed for religious heritage and architecture enthusiasts, which includes a visit to the Notre- Dame Basilica, Saint Joseph’s Oratory and the cemeteries of Mount Royal. ARCHITECTURE TOUR From gazing at 18th- and 19th-century stone buildings and the jaw-dropping Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montréal to studying the sleek and modern towers of downtown, guests will have plenty to feast their eyes on. Architectural innovations like Montréal’s Quartier international, Quartier des spectacles and Underground Pedestrian Network are also part of the package. THEMATIC WORSHOPS POMPON – RECYCLED FUR The internationally recognized Harricana label from designer Mariouche Gagné is comprised exclusively of clothing and objects made in Québec from recycled fur and silk. It’s a great way to carry on tradition in a contemporary and WHAT TO DO eco-friendly way. The Harricana workshop- boutique is certainly one of the most stylish places in town. Learn to craft a fur pompom with the Harricana experts and bring it back home! BLOW YOUR OWN GLASS At Espace VERRE, you are not only introducing guests to a fine art, you’re helping them support Montréal’s vibrant art scene. Housed in a former fire station in southwest Montréal, Espace VERRE provides clients with an introduction to glass-blowing, plus they can watch artisans in action and pick up valuable tips—not to mention beautiful take-home glass items from the gallery! CULINARY TOURS CULINARY TOURS BY NEIGHBOURHOOD One of the best ways to discover a city is through its culinary culture. Several companies offer food tours of Montréal, including the city’s markets or historical neighborhoods. These tours are a perfect way to spend a few hours walking or biking around, tasting some delicious treats and learning about Montréal’s history. WHAT TO DO VISIT TO THE FARMER’S MARKET WITH A CHEF Chef d’un soir takes place in the kitchen, with small groups of no more than two people being paired with a brigade of food professionals. They have privileged personal access to the restaurant’s chefs and team members, and play an active role in meal preparation and presentation. This can be followed by a delicious meal complete with wine pairings. For a full experience, guests may accompany the chef to the market to select fresh ingredients for the meal. TAKE-HOME PASTRY TIPS How do you make the perfect meringue, creamy full-bodied custard, or flaky pâte feuilletée—all these sweet secrets will be revealed during a pastry class at Christian Faure’s pastry school. The school is steps from the Montréal Cruise Terminal and a short walk from most Old Montréal hotels. EXCLUSIVE VISITS PRIVATE MUSEUM TOUR Montréal has a wealth of discovery-worthy museums, and who better than a certified guide to lead your guests through these art-laden wonders? Private museum tours are an excellent way to give your clients a visit catered to their WHAT TO DO personal tastes, plus these knowledgeable guides can provide great context, anecdotes and other fascinating snippets and surprises on both the artists and the artwork. INITIATION TO JEWELLERY Birks is Canada’s premier luxury brand and most respected designer and manufacturer of fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling silverware and gifts, all presented in the store’s legendary “Blue Box” packaging. Experience a behind-the-scene visit where you will learn more about fine jewelry. VIP TREATS Ruby Brown Create your own perfume by selecting each ingredient in a unique workshop at the Ritz Carlton in Montreal. Enjoy champagne served in the famous Cour des Palmiers at Montreal’s only Dom Pérignon bar and savour an exquisite meal at maison BOULUD WHAT TO DO NATHON KONG Get yourself a Nathon Kong bespoke suit. You’ll be invited to the designer’s private showroom for a high-precision 3D scan body measurement and get to choose from a privately imported selection of fabrics from Italian fashion houses. Most unique; pick an art piece made by a local artist and have it printed on the lining of your suit. DUVERNOIS Join a tour of the distillery where PUR Vodka, the world’s most awarded Canadian vodka and ROMEO Gin are produced. Discover the Duvernois distillery museum and enjoy a meeting with reputed businessman and owner Nicolas Duvernois. VIP TREATS URBAN GARDENS Enjoy a brunch concocted by a great chef in the middle of the gardens on the largest green roof garden in Canada. The activity includes a meal that highlights the harvest of the moment with a vegetarian option and a guided tour of the rooftop garden with an urban farmer. WHAT TO DO BEHIND THE SCENE Did you know that the Cirque du Soleil workshop can make up to 20,000 costumes a year for its various productions presented on stages around the world? Discover the most beautiful costumes during an exclusive guided tour and a colorful meal at Cirque du Soleil. THRILLS Take off on a float plane from Montreal’s Old Port and choose from a selection of destinations: Fly over the city of Montreal and admire the unique landscape and majesty of the Saint-Lawrence river or fly over to the Laurentians and land at Sacacomie lake to relax in beautiful Sacacomie spa.