Bell Centre

There is always something going on at Bell Centre, whether sporting events or concerts; this same 21,000-seat venue hosts the Cirque du Soleil. Alternatively, you can take one of the guided tours that will take you all the way to the locker rooms. Taking pictures is allowed and encouraged.

• Web:

  www.centrebell.ca

• E-mail:

  tours@bellcentre.ca

• Address:

  1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal

• Phone:

  +1 514 925 5688

Bota Bota

Bota Bota is a floating spa location on St. Lawrence River. Prepare for a unique (albeit a little pricey) experience in several saunas, hot tubs, and outdoor pools — maybe even for a dip in the freezing river. The “spa sur l’eau” (spa on the water) also hosts DJs, movies and live music events from time to time.

• Web:

  www.botabota.ca

• Address:

  Old Port of Montreal, Montreal

• Phone:

  +1 514 284 0333

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 10am–10pm, Fri–Sun 9am–10pm

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

The noteworthy Formula One Canadian Grand Prix is held on this impressive circuit, located on Notre-Dame island. Stand on the tarmac and experience the feeling of engines roaring past as racers battle each other for pole position. To experience the entire track, it is possible to use your own vehicle or even roller blade or bike along it.

• Web:

  www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/circuit-gilles-villeneuve-montreal

• E-mail:

  info@octanemanagement.ca

• Address:

  Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal

• Phone:

  +1 514 350 0000

La Ronde

La Ronde is a huge amusement and entertainment park located on Saint Helen Island. With around 40 attractions (ranging from roller coasters to water games), it is a great activity for families in the summer (keep in mind it closes during winter and usually reopens in May).

• Web:

  www.laronde.com

• E-mail:

  infolaronde@sixflags.com

• Address:

  22 Chemin Macdonald, Montreal

• Phone:

  +1 514 397 2000

• Opening hours:

  Open seasonally

• Subway:

  Metro Jean-Drapeau and Papineau. Bus 167 and 169.

Laurentian Mountains

Leave the urban sprawl behind and admire Canadian natural beauty. Hop on the bus and travel through the beautiful landscapes all the way to the Laurentian Mountains. Get your camera ready to capture the steep mountain sides, adorned with bright red trees in autumn or flourishing greens in spring. Dotted with pretty little towns and impressive rock formations, the Laurentian Mountains are a great day trip.

• Address:

  Laurentian Mountains, Lac-Jacques-Cartier

• More info:

  Time your trip! Mornings offer beautiful dew and foggy moments and evenings offer the dark red setting sun.

Montreal Biosphere

This museum benefits from a great location in a green environment on St Helen Island. The Biosphere Museum is dedicated to preserving the environment and sustainability. Natural environments are recreated indoors. It is a great activity for families, and the sphere is very photogenic from the outside.

• Web:

  www.espacepourlavie.ca/en/biosphere

• Address:

  160 Chemin du Tour de l'isle, Montreal

• Phone:

  +1 514 283 5000

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun from 9am. Closing times change seasonally. Mon closed